“Aye. Ye have me word.”
“Good.”
The snow began swirling again and Edna’s face disappeared.
“I must go,” Dougall said, beginning to walk away.
“Wait. You’ve just arrived. Stay the night and set off tomorrow morning,” Cailin suggested.
“I cannae wait a moment longer to have Helene in me arms again, if ’tis true that she’ll have me.”
“Awww…” Jenna said. “Good luck, Dougall. Safe travels and we’ll see you soon.” She gave him a quick hug and peck on the cheek.
The warmth Dougall felt in his heart for the MacKenzies was so great it could not be expressed in words. Returning with Helene would show them that their faith in him had not been misplaced. He said his goodbyes and turned to go.
Laird Robert MacKenzie had been lurking in the doorway and as Dougall made his way out, he stopped him. “Dougall, ye’ve been with us a long time now. Ye’re one of me most valued men. In thanks fer yer service to the MacKenzie Clan, I’ve set aside a piece of land fer ye. I didnae believe ye’d need it, but now that I ken yer nae interested in being Laird MacRae… well, ’twill be a good place fer ye to settle down with Helene. When ye get back, we’ll all help ye build yer love a place where she’ll be Lady MacRae.”
Dougall was without words. He was engulfed in emotion. Robert clasped his arm and pulled him in for a hug. “Yer a good man, Dougall. I pray Helene returns with ye this time.”
“As do I. Thank ye, sir. ’Tis appreciated more than I can express properly.”
“Go on then.” Robert walked with Dougall to the door.
“Goodbye, sir. I’ll nae be gone long.”
Dougall couldn’t bearto take Broch away again, so he left him to rest while he took Helene’s palfrey and another horse for himself. He rode throughout the day and into the night, stopping only long enough to rest the horses and to get a few hours of sleep. Before sunrise the next morning he set off again. Both his mind and heart were set on one thing only and that was seeing Helene again.
Arriving at the bridge, he left the horses to graze and hoped he wouldn’t be gone too long. He hoped to be there and back in no time at all. He made his way to the bridge, doing his best to calm his racing heart.
“Edna, ’tis Dougall. I’m here.” He leaned on the bridge, looking out over the water, which was sparkling from the sunshine filtered through the trees.
“Aye, Dougall. Are ye ready?”
“I am.”
“Wait fer Helene when ye get there. Dinnae leave the spot where ye land.”
“Aye.”
The fog moved around him as it had the other times. He relaxed and, closing his eyes, envisioned Helene. He could feel movement as he travelled and he was filled with anticipation at the thought of seeing her again.
Seatedon the sofa looking into the fireplace, Helene had hardly ventured away from it since speaking with Edna. She didn’t want to miss her opportunity to go home.
The warmth of the fire and the cozy comfort of the sofa had lulled her into a sleepy state. She caught herself nodding off just as a sound came from the fireplace.
“Edna? Is that ye?”
“Aye. Helene, ’tis time. Are ye ready?”
“Aye.” Helene jumped up from the sofa. “What should I do?”
“Gather yer things and head to the spot where ye were when ye arrived. Ye ken where it is?”
“Aye.” Helene had wandered to the spot many times, hoping that the fog would carry her back home, but had always left disappointed when it didn’t.
“What about Zeke and Sara? I should tell them I’m going.”
“There’s no time fer that. I’ll tell them. Dinnae worry yerself over it. They will be fine.”
