Page 4 of Treachery in the Highlands
Màthairgrins, clearly pleased with my reaction, and regales me with more mishaps in the Big Apple.When she's done, she shrugs."What can I say?I lived life on the edge...of complete disaster, usually."
I know she has embellished her tales, but I've loved her stories ever since I was old enough to understand them.
As our laughter fades, I turn back to the loch.A familiar ache settles in my chest, and my voice grows softer."It sounds wonderful.All of it.Even the disasters."
My mother rests her hand on my shoulder, and the warm, comforting feeling soothes me."Hey now, sweetie, don't go getting that faraway look again.Your adventures are waiting for you too, sweetie.They just might not come packaged quite how you expect."
I try to take her words to heart and not let my dreams get the better of me.Yet as I gaze out at the familiar landscape, I can't help but wonder.Will my own story ever be as thrilling as the ones my family tell?
I'm about to respond to whatMàthairsaid when heavy footsteps clap behind us, coming closer.I turn, my heart skipping a beat as I see my father, Kieran, striding down the walkway.His imposing figure is silhouetted against the setting sun, but as he draws closer, I notice the hint of a smile softening his usually stern features.
"There ye are, lasses," he rumbles, his deep voice carrying a mixture of affection and authority."I've news for ye both."
I straighten instinctively, my curiosity piqued."What is it,Athairich?"
Aye, I often use the Gaelic terms for mother and father.I'm quite proud of my Highland heritage.
My father clasps his hands behind his back, his golden eyes gleaming, and smiles."The clan gathering's been set for the next full moon.We've much to prepare."
My breath catches.The clan gathering?We haven't been invited to that event in all my life.It's been years since the last one, and I know what it's like only because my great-aunts shared their tales with me.The gathering is a whirlwind of tartans, music, and age-old traditions.I feel a surge of excitement, quickly followed by a twinge of...something else.Disappointment?Dread?
A thrill rushes through me at the thought of seeing and speaking to other MacTaggarts, not to mention other clans.But my excitement dies quickly.The last full moon won't arise for nearly a month.We must wait that long for the gathering.
"Why would they invite us?"Màthairsays.
"Aye, that's the question, isn't it?"Athairich's brow furrows as he strokes his beard.It's only a slight beard since Alyssa Vescovi refuses to kiss her husband unless he trimmed his facial hair."The Buchanans have extended the invitation, though I cannae say why after all these years."
I exchange a glance with my mother, seeing my own mix of eagerness and wariness reflected in her eyes.The clan gathering is an opportunity, certainly, but one that could bring danger as well as new ventures.
"Will we attend?"I ask, trying to hide the eagerness in my voice.
My father's gaze narrows on mine, but then his expression softens."Aye, lass, we must.It would be an insult if we skipped the event, and in these times, we can ill afford to make enemies."
My mind is already racing with possibilities.The gathering means a chance to meet people from beyond our castle walls, to hear stories of the wider world.But it also means I'll need to be on my guard, to keep my nascent powers hidden.We MacTaggarts are witches, after all---save forMàthair.
"We'll need to prepare," my mother says, her tone thoughtful."Rachel, you'll need a new dress.And we should review proper etiquette for---"
"Aye, and ye'll need to mind yer tongue, lass," my father interjects, his gaze stern but not unkind."No talk of yer mother's world or any...unusual abilities.We cannae risk drawing attention."
I feel a pang of disappointment but solemnly nod my agreement."I understand,Athairich.I'll be the very picture of a proper Highland lass."
Father smiles tenderly."I know ye will,mo nighean.Ye always make us proud."
As he turns to leave, Mother gives my hand a reassuring squeeze."Don't worry, sweetie-pie.There will still be plenty of excitement, even if we have to keep some things under wraps."
The clan gathering may not be New York City, but it's a step into a wider world.And who knows what adventures---or dangers---might await me there?
Over the next few days, Dùndubhan buzzes with activity.MàthairandAthairichalong with myself and my three elderly aunts, all scurry about in a whirlwind of activity.My father airs out his great kilt, and Mother irons out the kilt and his best shirt for him.Màthairfusses over my new gown, making sure every seam is perfect.And I...well, I try my best to stay out of trouble.
But on the third morning, as the sun peeks over the misty hills, I find myself drawn to the shores of Loch Fairbairn.I sneak away before the others have woken so I can enjoy a bit of solitude.The water laps gently at the pebbled beach, its surface a mirror of the pink-tinged sky above.I glance over my shoulder, making sure I'm alone, before closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.Focusing my mind, I extend my hand toward the loch.At first, nothing happens.Then, ever so slightly, a tendril of water rises from the surface, twisting and curling in the air like a translucent serpent.
"Come hither," I whisper, willing the water to obey.The tendril grows thicker, rising higher.I smile as I guide it through the air, making it dance and swirl around me.
But then the magical serpent dissipates and splashes back down into the water.Bod an Donais, why have my powers still not reached the level of Efrica, Morna, and Lachina?
When I return to the castle, my father gives me his patented stern look, his arms crossed over his cheat."How many times I've asked ye not to go beyond Dùndubhan land?It's unwise."
I shrug."But I needpriobairneach."
