Page 21 of Wind and Water
His hair is pulled back, but one section always makes its way free, and it’s damned sexy. He stares at me for a long moment. “You’ve already shown you can reach through time.”
“I did what?”
He’s making things up.
“In the doctor’s waiting room. You pulled Birdie out of time so that she could leave with you. That should not have been possible. Only the oracle and dragons can meddle with time.” His voice is low and intense, like he’s imparting something sage.
“Interesting.” Momma points to him. “You said you can’t alter time and worry that you’re running out of time. If time is a foe and Wren’s magic is somehow twisted up with time…” She gets a faraway look and stares out the window.
“What does it mean, Momma?”
Drawing a long breath, she sighs. “I don’t know, but there’s something there. We just need more pieces to the puzzle before we can put it all together.”
Eyes wide, Liam looks to me for an explanation.
I shrug and open my book in search of any clue. Still, my mind wanders to the magic Liam says I possess.
It’s after six by the time we take the bus over the Skye Bridge. There’s still plenty of sunlight, and the beauty of the place can hardly be described. It’s like a fairyland, and considering where we’re going, it’s kind of ironic.
“This place…” As soon as we’re off the bus, I turn and take in the views. We’re in a busy parking area and surrounded by stunning vistas. Craggy peaks, rolling hills, and the ocean. I can’t take in enough of this beauty.
A man gets out of his car. Tall, with a large belly and kind eyes, he grins at me. “You should see the fairy pools. I just came from there, and it’s magical.”
Liam says, “We need to find a place called the Star.”
The man whips out a tour book from his back pocket and flips to a page, pointing. “The Old Man of Storr.”
Nodding, Liam takes the guidebook. “That’s it. How do we get there?”
Happy to have our full attention, the man puffs up. “I’m driving up there tomorrow. You can ride with me.” He points to his little electric cart. “I rented it. Hate to be hemmed in by tour timetables.”
Liam nods as if he has any idea what the man’s talking about. “I’m Liam Riordan.” He holds out his hand.
The man grins. “Wally Snow. It’s been my dream to come to Scotland, but my wife hates to fly. She left me at Christmas, so I booked this trip as soon as the ink was dry on the divorce papers. Traveling on my own isn’t ideal, but I’ve met so many interesting people.”
Momma grins. “You sound like you’re from our side of the pond. I’m Birdie Martin. Sorry for your troubles, but we sure appreciate the offer of a ride.”
Shaking hands vigorously, Wally laughs. “That’s a Texas accent if I’ve ever heard one. I’m from Oklahoma. I’ve lived thereall my life, and now I sell insurance to all the people I went to school with. This trip is a whole new world.”
A short laugh escapes me as the irony hits.
“My daughter, Wren.”
I shake Wally’s hand.
“Wren and Birdie Martin. Are all the women in your family avian?” He smiles proudly.
Momma goes into a long story about how it’s a family tradition, and Wally listens, happy for the company.
“Excuse me, Birdie.” Liam pulls Wally aside.
My skin prickles as if a cool breeze blew through from Liam's direction.
In low tones, Liam speaks to Wally for several moments.
Wally blinks. “I can take you now.”
Before I know what’s happening, we’re all four in the cart, motoring down a very winding road. Most of the traffic is coming the other way since it’s getting near dinnertime. Momma makes them stop at a lodge on the way, and she runs in to get us some sandwiches.
