Page 79 of Treachery in the Highlands
And Fulvio's body crumbles to ash, scattering on the wind.
The blue glow fades, and I slump to my knees, exhausted.
Rachel kneels beside me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders."It's over,mo leannan.You did it, Joey.You saved us all."
I look up at her, my vision blurry with sweat."We did it.Together.Every single person here today played a role."
"You are too humble, Joey.I still remember your arrogance when we first met, and I love that part of you too."
Rachel raises my hand high above us."All hail the hero who vanquished Fulvio!"
The circle of Scots erupts in cheers, their voices echoing across the glen.Kieran strides over, his huge body casting a shadow over us.He extends a hand, pulling me to my feet with surprising gentleness.
"Well fought, laddie," Kieran declares, clapping me on the back hard enough to make me stagger."You've proven yourself to be a true Highland warrior on this day."
Rachel's great-aunts trot over to us, beaming as if they know an amazing secret.Efrica speaks for the trio."Dinnae ye realize what has transpired?Everyone who participated in this battle has become a part of history.On down the ages, from this moment onward, this day shall be known as the 'Witches' Confrontation' and 'twill be forever remembered."
"Thanks to our MacTaggart witches," Kieran says with a smile."Rachel, Efrica, Lachina, and Morna.Your names might vanish from remembrance, but your valiant efforts on this day will never be forgotten."
Hamish thrusts his sword above his head."All hail the valiant witches of Dùndubhan!"
A chorus of voices repeats the statement, expressing their appreciation for these amazing ladies.
Kieran claps a hand on my shoulder."You are the hero of this day, Joey Finnegan, the man whose mysterious appearance at Dùndubhan heralded a true hero's arrival."
I pull off a weak smile."Thanks, but I couldn't have done any of this without Rachel's magic.Or your claymore."
Big Daddy squeezes my shoulder."Macan, I think it's time we forged a claymore specially for you."
I grin.
Chapter Thirty
Rachel
The clan gathering turned into something none of us could ever have imagined.I'm not talking about the Witches' Confrontation or the supernatural battle.No, I am referring to what transpired after that.The clans came together like never before, hashing out old grievances, discovering new friendships, and fundamentally altering the dynamics among the clans.
Aye, everything has changed.And it's wonderful.
Nine days after the Witches' Confrontation, Guarin Abadie comes to visit us again, and I look forward to hearing his tales of the other continent---Europe---and his travels through England as well as Scotland.The women in the family all agree with me that both countries reside on the same continent.However, the men---Joey included---disagree.
"Don't you girls have maps?"Joey asks with no small measure of sarcasm."Britain is an island.Europe is a continent.Everybody knows that---except for Scottish women."
His smirk assures me he's being silly with his comment about Scottish women.He is entirely serious about the continent versus island debate, however.I roll my eyes at Joey's teasing, but I can't quash the smile that tugs at my lips.
"Aye, Joey, and I suppose you've sailed 'round the whole of Britain to prove it?"I retort, matching his sarcasm.
Guarin chuckles, his eyes twinkling with mirth."Ah,mes amis, perhaps we should consult the spirits on this matter.They might have a unique perspective,non?"
"Don't you dare summon any spirits, Guarin," I warn, only half-joking.After the chaos of the Witches' Confrontation, I've had quite enough of supernatural meddling for a long while.Still, I haven't given up on my magics, and I never will.
Joey raises an eyebrow."Wait, can Guarin actually do that?"
Before I have time to answer, a gust of wind sweeps through the room, rustling papers and causing the candles to flicker.I freeze, my eyes darting to Guarin.His expression has shifted from jovial to serious in an instant.
"I did not do that," he affirms."I would have no idea how to create such a disturbance."
Joey's hand instinctively moves to his side, where I know he keeps a small dagger hidden ever since the calamity during the clan gathering.His New York street smarts have adapted well to our Highland ways."Rachel, what's happening?"
