Page 34 of Awakened By Time
Chapter 12
There wasno guarantee that Nevil Munro wouldn’t follow them, so they traveled quickly across the highlands, careful to keep their eyes and ears open for approaching riders.
“Duff will see to it that they don’t follow us,” Dougall assured them.
“Aye, but we shouldnae let our guard down. Munro willnae be happy that we’ve taken Brenna back right from under his nose,” Logan said.
Brenna had been unusually quiet as they rode. Zeke was concerned about her. “Are you alright, Brenna?” he asked.
“Aye.” She turned her head to look at him. “What of ye? How is yer head?”
“I won’t lie. It’s still pounding, but at least it’s stopped bleeding.”
“When we get to Breaghacraig, their healer will see to it,” Brenna said.
Dougall must have overheard their conversation. “We’ve a doctor visiting the castle. Dr. Ferguson. He’s from yer time.”
Zeke noted the moment that Dougall realized what he’d just said and quickly tried to divert Brenna’s attention. “I’m fine. Really. No need for anyone to take a look at it.”
“What do ye mean when ye say yer time?” Brenna asked, obviously not to be distracted.
“Did I say that?” Dougall asked, doing a very good job of looking confused.
“Aye. Ye did.” Brenna cocked an eyebrow at her brother.
“’Twas not what I meant.” He shifted uneasily in his saddle.
“What did ye mean?”
Zeke held back his laughter. Brenna was not going to let this go.
“I meant to say he’s from the same place as Zeke.”
Brenna seemed satisfied with that answer, but Zeke knew it would only be a matter of time before they had to tell her everything. Once they did, he was sure she’d distance herself from him.
Despite their concernabout Nevil Munro, they made it back to Breaghacraig without incident. Dougall and Logan reported in at the castle while Zeke and Brenna made sure the horses were given food and a stall in the stable.
They then waited in the courtyard for Dougall and Logan to return.
“You finally made it,” Zeke said to her. He was still in awe of these amazing castles he was seeing. This one might be the grandest of them all. It was, by far, much larger than Castle Treun with more outbuildings lining the walls of the courtyard. The people of Breaghacraig went about their business, not giving the couple standing in the center of the yard more than a cursory glance.
“I’m happy to be here,” Brenna said, her face lighting up into a glorious smile.
Zeke was happy for her. He wasn’t sure how much better life would be here, but at least she would have Dougall and Helene to care for her. The thought that he would be seeing Helene soon struck him like a bolt of lightning and it must have showed.
“Is all well with ye, Zeke?” Brenna reached out and took his hand in hers.
He gently squeezed her hand to let her know he was alright. “I’m fine. Please, don’t worry about me.”
Her eyes searched his. What was she looking for?
“Without ye I wouldnae be here today. I’d be married to that awful man.” He could see her shudder at the thought.
“I’m happy I could be of service.” And he was. He wanted her to be happy and to know the love she hadn’t felt at Castle Treun.
“So, ye’ll be on yer way then? Back to San Francisco.”
He saw the sadness in her eyes and he was surprised to find he felt sad as well. “Not right away.” He wanted to reassure her, but why. They both knew all along that their handfasting was only for show.