Page 75 of Edge of Yesterday

Chapter Fourteen

“Father Andrew?” Cailean blurted. It seemed impossible that the historians had gotten the history so wrong. “An alternate universe,” he murmured, then realized his mistake. Lennox and Julianna stared as if he’d sprouted horns.

“Universe?” They exchanged glances.

“It is almost as if we grew up in different places,” he said. “Perhaps even different worlds—another time.”

Julianna gave a gentle smile. “It is sad your clan has lied to you, but is it that surprising? After all, it is difficult to admit to such a heinous crime.”

He smiled. “You’re right, my lady.” But he didn’t believe anyone had lied. An alternate universe could account for the differing histories. That meant he hadn’t changed anything in his world. Maybe it also meant he was supposed to change the things he’d altered in this world. How did the theorists deal with all these possibilities? The possibilities and questions were driving him mad.

“I have a question,” Lennox said.

Cailean laughed mirthlessly. “Only one?”

“Dinnae toy with me,” Lennox snapped. “Ye are one of the finest swordsmen I’ve ever seen. And that blade of yours, I have never seen better.”

“Even by your Martin?” Cailean asked.

Lennox’s gaze sharpened.

Bloody hell, these medieval men didn’t know how to take a joke. Why should they? It seemed half the population wanted to kill them.

“Why have I never heard of you?” Lennox demanded.

“Do you know every good swordsman in Scotland?” Cailean asked.

Lennox shook his head. “But I know every great swordsman. A man of your skill cannae remain unnoticed. Whether it be on the tourney circuit, or just the fact that other men will challenge you. Which brings me to my second question. You never killed before today. How is it possible that a man of your skill has never killed?”

“I am a man of peace,” Cailean said.

“Peace?” Lennox grunted. “A man of peace will no’ live long.”

“As you saw today, I…changed.”

“And we are eternally grateful,” Julianna said. “Lennox, what sin has Cailean committed? He saved me—three times.”

“I played no role in seeing you safely home, Sister?”

Amusement flickered in her eyes, but was replaced with a serious expression. “Aye, you did. I was just pointing out Cailean’s part. His only transgression is being different.”

“And I am a Ross,” Cailean added.

“There is that,” Lennox said, and Cailean knew he needed to get home.

~*~

Julianna walked with Lennox in the tunnel back to Raghnall.

“He isnae to be trusted, Julianna.” Lennox shot her a look. “He’s lost his wits.”

She released a breath. “He is different, but he is not mad.”

“He does no’ foam at the mouth, but that does not mean he is right in the mind.”

“Why?” she asked. “Because he sees things others cannot? You know what is said about Malvina.”

“She is a harmless old woman.”