Page 22 of Hearts Bound By Time

“We’ll wrap her up in her blankets and I’ll carry her. She’ll be fine. Dinnae ye wish to see the horses? We can bring them carrots and apples from the kitchen.” Robert waited for his sister’s answer. He knew that if she didn’t agree to go with him, that none of them would be going anywhere.”

Fiona glanced across the room at Teddy. “Shoulnae we tell Teddy we’re going?”

“Nae. He’s so verra tired. He needs his rest.” He was sure Teddy wouldn’t allow them to go anywhere and he had decided that he must see Tonn.

“Can we take Chester with us then?” Fiona placed her wee hand on Chester’s back and he turned to face her, planting a huge lick on her face. Fiona giggled and scrunching her face, backed away.

“Aye. Chester can come with us.”

“Alright.”

“We must be verra quiet though. We dinnae wish to awaken Teddy.” Wee Robert held a finger to his lips as he gathered the other children together. Rowan and Ranald were always ready for an adventure, so it was all he could do to keep them from shrieking with joy and running out the door.

He carefully wrapped baby Emma in the blankets she was laying on and after they all had their cloaks secured, he picked her up and led the way through the doors to the kitchen. The staff at the inn were all at home with their own families, so no one was about. They took a basket from the counter and filled it with carrots and apples.

“Fiona, ye carry it, I’ve got Emma.” Robert headed for the back door and the other children fell in line behind him. Fiona grabbed the basket and took up the rear. They quietly let themselves out and just as quietly closed the door behind them. “This way.” Wee Robert led the way through the garden and down a pathway that went behind the buildings on the main street. They hadn’t gone very far when they came across a red wagon. Robert placed Emma in the wagon, making sure she was safe. “Isobel, ye get in there with Emma. Yer too little to walk all the way.” He helped her in and got her situated so that Emma’s head was resting in her lap. He readjusted the blankets and then he grasped the handle of the wagon and pulled it behind himself as they trekked toward Mrs. MacDougall’s stable.

It was only mid-day, but the sun was nowhere in sight. The sky was completely white with the promise of snow, which had Wee Robert walking a bit faster to get to the stables before it began. They were only about halfway there when the first flakes landed on them, at first softly, but soon the flakes became bigger and the snow fell faster.

“Robbie, we should go back,” Fiona’s tiny voice spoke from behind him.

“We’re almost there, Fiona. Dinnae fash.” He plodded along with purpose. He would see that they all arrived at the stable. It was only a short distance now. They had left the buildings of Glendaloch behind and they were now trudging along a path that was quickly being hidden by snow. He could barely see in front of his face, but he was sure they were headed in the right direction.

***

Teddy awoke with a start. The room was silent and when he opened his eyes he had a moment of panic when he realized the children were gone. They must be in their rooms. He relaxed. He’d head up the stairs to check on them. Panic soon returned when he realized they weren’t there. Edna would be very angry with him. He’d been given the responsibility of babysitting the children while their parents were out and he’d failed miserably. He ran back downstairs and into the kitchen. No one was about. Where could they be? Taking a deep breath and trying his best to calm his frazzled nerves, Teddy took a moment to think. If they were not inside then obviously they had gone out, but where. A quick glance out the window and his stomach dropped. There was a full scale blizzard taking place outside. He had to find them as soon as possible and hopefully before anyone was aware they were missing.

He grabbed his coat, a hat, put his boots on, and flew out the backdoor. He headed off through the garden and out the back gate. Left or right, which way should he turn. His eyes scanned both pathways. Fear gripped him as he thought he might not find them in time to save them from freezing to death. A small glimpse of orange was visible partially buried in the snow off to his left. Teddy hurried to the spot and bending to pick it up, he saw it was a carrot. Where were they going with a carrot? At least now he knew which direction they’d headed off in. Unfortunately, the snow, which was falling faster and faster had covered any tracks they may have left. Putting two and two together, Teddy surmised that they must be headed to Mrs. MacDougall’s stables, possibly to feed the horses. He set off in that direction hoping the children made it before the snow became so thick that they lost their way. Blinded by the snow blowing in his face, Teddy ducked his head and pulled his jacket closer to stay warm. The wind was howling now in great gusts. He had to find them and get them back to the inn before any harm befell them and before their parents knew they were missing.

***

“How much farther do we have to go, Robbie?” Fiona’s teeth chattered as she spoke.

“We’re almost there.” Wee Robert hoped he sounded convincing, because he wasn’t so sure they were even headed in the right direction now. He had created a small tent over the top of baby Emma with an extra plaid he’d grabbed on the way out the inn door. Good thing he had, because otherwise she’d be covered in snow by now.

“Ye dinnae even know where we’re going,” Ranald shouted. “I’m going back to the inn.” He turned and began stomping away.

“Ranald, wait. Ye’ll get lost.” Wee Robert was in charge. He was the oldest. The others had to listen to him. The others all stopped and watched as Ranald left.

“I’m going with him,” Rowan said. “Ranald wait for me.” He ran to catch up with his brother.

“Robbie, I’m cold. Can we go back too?” Fiona asked.

“We’re almost there. It will take too long to walk back.” He continued walking and pulling the wagon.

“But what of our cousins?” Fiona hesitated where she stood.

“I cannae stop them if they wish to go back, but we must hurry. Baby Emma must be getting cold.” He hurried onward and his brother and sisters followed quietly behind. He gazed up to the heavens and said a silent prayer that they arrive at the stables safely, but he was beginning to have his doubts. They continued trudging through the snow, which was piling higher and higher by the minute. He checked back to see that everyone was still following along behind him and was relieved to see that other than the twins, his brother and sisters were still with him.

Rounding the next bend, his prayers were answered. The stable was right in front of them, decorated with lights and a large wreath over the doors. The snow had slowed them down and made their journey much longer than it should have. The weight of responsibility lifted slightly from his shoulders as they reached the closed stable doors. “Fiona, help me get these doors open.” He lifted the cross bar that kept the doors secure and then as Fiona kicked at the pile of snow impeding their progress, Wee Robert pulled with all his might and finally the doors opened. He rushed everyone inside and was greeted by light and warmth.

“Who’s there?” came a female voice from the rear of the stable. She spoke with the same accent as his Aunt Ashley and Aunt Jenna.

“’Tis I, Wee Robert and me brother and sisters. Oh, and me cousin baby Emma.” He strained his eyes to see who it might be who was speaking to him, but there was no one there and they said nothing in response. “Fiona, we must close the doors.”

They grasped the handles and shut the doors as best they could, then they headed towards the rear of the stable where Tonn’s head peeked over the stable door. “Tonn, there ye be.” Robbie went to his pony and blew gently into his nostrils. Tonn nickered to him and he reached into the basket of goodies and brought out a carrot, which he held out to his friend. Tonn happily gobbled it up, chewing quickly and making an orange foamy mess all around his mouth. The children all giggled at this.

Fiona looked under the blanket covering Emma, who had slept quite soundly while they walked. She now opened her eyes and taking one look at Fiona, began to cry loudly.