Plight of the Highlander (The MacLomain Series: Next Generation Book 5) Read Free

assassins.
    Most of them.
    One man was heading into the cave.
    “Now. Quickly,” Torra said. “Kill him then we need to get to Valan.”
    Grant took the lead, his dagger through the side of the warrior’s neck a breath before he realized they were there.
    “Hurry,” Torra urged.
    All followed her into the cave. Colin flinched at Valan’s still body. The MacLomain had dealt him a good one. Fatal to be sure.
    “Colin, please keep an eye to the forest while we do this,” Torra said.
    Weapon ready, he heeded her request. It seemed, however, that all were in pursuit of their renegade assassin. Meanwhile, Torra touched Valan’s head. As she did so, she touched Sheila, who in turn touched Valan while she put her ring to Grant’s mark. The others all did the same until white fog started to swirl around them.
    The magic of the dragon.
    Alarmed, Colin watched as it engulfed Torra, pouring from her mouth and eyes as it wrapped around the Hamilton. First the fallen assassin’s hand twitched, then a leg. With a deep gulp of air, he sat up abruptly.
    All stumbled back as he blinked and gasped, “Bloody MacLomain!”
    No sooner had Valan said such when his eyes locked on Grant and widened before swinging slowly to Colin. Only four damning words came from his lips before Torra’s magic swamped all and they traveled through time once more.
    “Death to you both.”

Chapter Two
     
    The Broun Castle
    East Lothian
    875
     
    “If any of ye makes a move I’ll see yer cock cut off.”
    “‘Tis good then that I dinnae have a cock,” Torra said, eyes on Iosbail MacLomain or as she was known in this time, Iosbail Broun. “We mean no harm. I am kin from your future.” Now to appeal directly to the wizard. “Look into my mind to see the truth of it. We are here so that you might stay one step ahead of your brother, Adlin MacLomain.”
    This, it seemed, was exactly the right thing to say.
    Iosbail’s eyes glowed softly as she looked at Torra. Within moments, she tossed back her head and released a full, throaty laugh. Meanwhile, Torra prepared for the worst but hoped for the best.
    As she suspected might happen, the minute Valan adjusted to his surroundings he lunged first at Colin and seethed at Grant. “Bloody bastards.”
    “Och, nay.” Iosbail shook her head and flung out her hands. Under the weight of her magic, Valan plunked back down on his arse.
    “Where’s Cadence?” Malcolm growled at the same time Leslie said, “Where the hell is Bradon?”
    “Back at the Hamilton castle with the MacLomains,” Torra said gently. She looked at Malcolm. “Cadence and your wee bairn will be safer there and your chieftain needs her ability to speak with Adlin beyond the grave.” Then she looked at Leslie. “Bradon needs to be with his brother to lend support as they prepare to attack.”
    The only couple who had stayed together here was Grant and Sheila. She owed both a debt of gratitude and wouldn’t see the two separated having so soon come together. Besides, Grant needed to be around his brother Malcolm and Sheila would do better having Leslie near, even if the two were quick to bicker. Not to mention, it was important that Iosbail and Leslie meet in this time period.
    “I seriously don’t like this,” Leslie said.
    “Nor I,” Malcolm grumbled, expression dark.
    When Iosbail quirked a brow at Torra, she was quick to introduce all who were with her.
    Including Colin and Valan.
    Torra had yet to make eye contact with either. The gods knew it would be a volatile thing bringing them back together, but she had no choice. Mayhap while here at the Broun castle they would all be able to step back from their intertwined pasts and find forgiveness.
    It didn’t help any that she’d loved Valan before she met Colin.
    Iosbail made a study of everyone before her firm voice rang out. “All are welcome in my castle if ‘tis peace you mean to keep.” Her eyes went from Grant to Colin then to Valan. “Otherwise, ‘twill be by my