Highland Magic

For a moment the man’s gaze met hers, bored into her heart, questioned. Blood curdling war cries rode the wings of death through the timeless night. Claymores clashed. Dark eyes the color of midnight flashed a challenge. The holy man’s opponents hesitated, then lunged once more.

Moonbeams reflected light from the gold chain he wore around his neck. Brown robes fell from massive shoulders. Three more enemies appeared from the trees. The priest fell to the ground, wounded by the broadside of his enemy’s weapon. Motionless, he lay on her flower-strewn meadow, blood staining the grass and wildflowers, marring the colorful, summer landscape.

Keely Gray woke, heart pounding a rapid staccato. She pressed against her throbbing temples with sweat-slick palms, hoping to ease the horrific pain that always accompanied the dreams. Death--the scent of blood, fear and treachery still hung heavy in the darkened hut. The prickling sensation radiating from her spine to encompass her body was too familiar.

She listened and heard nothing

A dark void impaled her. The usual night sounds stilled. She heard no hoot of owl, no chirp of crickets, no croak of frogs, nor could she hear the mournful sighing of the wind through the branches of the old oak trees.

Silence emptied her heart as well as her soul, leaving only an ever-present loneliness.

Keely wanted nothing more than to cuddle deep into her bed and pull the covers over her head. Despite the unspeakable agony deep in the pit of her stomach, she rose from her pallet. Her limbs trembling, she slipped a shapeless tunic over her head and soft-soled shoes onto her feet. As she swept past the front door, she grabbed her woolen cloak.

Light from a full moon illuminated the path. She could see, but she could also be seen, the moonlight both a curse and a blessing. Approaching the meadow she’d watched in her dreams, she slowed her pace and waited. Her fingers wound tightly around the amber pendant she always wore, her only keepsake from her mother.

The sounds and scents hovering on the wind would tell her if danger still lurked. Caution guided her. A vigilance she’d learned long ago held her motionless.

A familiar dragging sound reassured her she wasn’t alone. "Whipple?" she whispered.

A self-appointed guardian angel appeared as if from nowhere then nodded, though there was a wary cast to his faded blue eyes. "Aye, lass, I’m here. I heard ye leave your hut. I would not leave you alone to face whatever dangerous mission awaited."

Keely waited for Whipple to close the distance between them before she spoke. "I would argue with you about your appearance here at this great hour, but I ken it would do no good. You should not be here. Your heart--"

Whipple spat. "My heart is fine."

She determinedly stepped forward, approaching the meadow of her dream, knowing she wouldn’t like what she found.

"Have it your way, then." Given a choice, Keely wouldn’t have come to this meadow. But she had to know the truth--had she seen the future or something happening at that very moment?

Whipple didn’t reply. On his clubfoot, he followed her, his trailing leg sliding behind him with a soft swish. The hard thud of his crooked oak cane followed at a slightly skewed interval.

Together they crested the hill. Below her, she saw her dream. A priest lay on the ground, his head twisted at an odd angle. For a moment her heart stopped. She bit down on her lower lip while she studied the man.

Reviewed by Barb

Keely has lived her life on the outskirts of the village for nearly all her life. The villagers and the rest of the Highlands call her the witch woman behind her back. Whoever requests help of her receives it, as it is part of who she is. Her healing is a gift that she will not deny to any others. She knows she will always be alone. Her dreams of the future both hinder and help her. Unfortunately, the Scottish King is attempting to bring Keely to trial as a witch. Now she has the added burden of being wary of soldiers and others that wish her harm.

Ian McPherson was injured in battle. Keely healed him and is now attempting to help him regain his memory.

Even knowing that he cannot remember the past, Ian knows he was not sent to do Keely harm. But what was he sent for? In his soul he knows that he is a protector and a decent man.

They feel the pull of destiny towards each other. Both are honorable. Life has brought them together and they must find their way towards the future. Or are they already too late?

Highland Magic is a tale of two stubborn souls that find themselves in a time of danger. They work towards finding solutions to life’s problems separately but end up in the same spot at the end. I enjoyed this book as it kept my attention with the physical interplay between Keely and Ian while giving an insight into both of their thoughts at key moments in the story. A well written, satisfying historical novel.

Highland Magic is book two of the Highland Trilogy series by Christine Young but can be read on its own.

© All Rights Reserved 2005 - www.JoyfullyReviewed.com
Web Development by WebsByChristine

"Ms. Young has definitely done it again with her second book of the Highland Trilogy. Her first book, Highland Honor, introduced us to the powerful MacPherson clan. This book continues the non-stop drama which leaves you on the edge of your seat as you follow Keely and Ian along on their adventures. Filled with romantic anticipation, this love story will leave you entertained.

Reviewed by Vianna Renaud of TCM Reviews

"Ms. Young is a fantastic writer who has created an enchanting story of love amidst turmoil. The characters are strong, but believable; making mistakes along the wasy. Senuous yet tasteful love scenes will leave you breathless. Readers young and old will highly enjoy this classic tale of danger and romance."

Reviewed by Bonnie-Lass for Coffee Time romance, 3CUPS