Page 26 of Highland Ghost

Chapter Ten

“Ian, this is insane.” Finn paced back and forth in front of the bonfire burning brightly in the castle’s courtyard. “It’s almost midnight. Let me at least tell the others what might happen.”

“Nay. There is no need to worry the rest of our clan. There is nothin’ they can do to change the outcome. Let them enjoy the festivities of All Hallows’ Eve.”

“Nay, I canna. I willna just stand by and watch ye die.”

“It’s no’ yer choice, Finn. Besides, there is naught ye can do to change the outcome.”

“Just marry one of the single lassies of our clan. That will stop the curse.”

“Nay. I willna put anyone in that position. This is my problem to deal with. And when I die, it’ll be the end of the family curse. I do no’ have a first-born son to be cursed afterwards. This is for the best of all.”

“But Ian –”

“There is nothin’ further to say, Finn.”

“Mayhap ye willna die. Perhaps the curse isna real.”

“Tell that to my dead grandparents and parents.”

“Coincidence, I’m sure.”

“Well, I suppose we’ll ken for sure after tonight. If I live, then ye were right. Now, did ye summon the priest? I want my burial right away when I drop dead. I need to confess my sins quickly. It’s almost midnight.”

“Father Banner is here, but I must say, he’s confused. I will also admit, I had to tell him I summoned him for a weddin’, since it sounded stupid for me to say ye’re goin’ to die tonight when ye are alive and feelin’ fine.”

“I dinna care what ye told him. Bring him forth so I can confess my sins before I die.”

“All right, Ian. But I really wish ye’d –”

“Go!” Ian wished the circumstances were different and that the priest was there to marry him instead of giving him last rites. But none of that mattered anymore. After tonight, Ian would be gone, but so would the curse.

After confessing his sins, Ian walked over to the bonfire, wanting to be by his clansmembers and his friends and Finn one last time before he left this world forever. It was close to midnight now, and he only hoped his death would be fast.

“Where is that bagpipe music comin’ from?” asked someone, making Ian realize that Bernard had returned. Then a woman screamed and grabbed her child, pointing up at the sky. Ian looked up to see the ghost of Sylvia floating over their heads. The crowd panicked and ran in all directions.

“If ye want me then take me, and stop this damned curse once and for all,” shouted Ian, looking up to the sky and holding out his arms.

“Nay! Ian, I am here,” he heard someone shout. He looked over his shoulder to see Caitlin riding into the courtyard atop a horse with Nash.

“Caitlin? Why are ye here?” Ian asked in confusion.

“I love ye, Ian MacBain!” Caitlin jumped off the horse and ran to him, throwing herself into his arms. Nash was right behind her with his sword drawn.

“I’ve never killed a ghost before, but I’m about to try,” said Nash, looking up at the apparition in awe.

“Ian, I read yer letter,” explained Caitlin. “I dinna want ye to die. I want to marry ye, right here and right now. Please.”

“Ian, this is great! And I’ve got the priest,” yelled Finn, pulling the frightened holy man over to them.

“What’s this all about?” asked Father Banner, clutching his prayer book and looking up at the sky as Sylvia’s apparition, as well as Bernard’s, now hovered above their heads.

“Caitlin, I canna let ye do this,” protested Ian. “Ye are at risk and might somehow die, too.”

“No’ if we have true love.” Caitlin looked up in the sky. “I’m sure Sylvia and Bernard will feel our love for each other and the curse will be broken forever.”

“I do love ye, Caitlin but –”