Page 2 of Hearts Bound By Time

The children ran up to see what was happening and Beira happily handed each of them their special treat, which they accepted with much gratitude. “I’ll be on my way. I have one more stop to make today.”

Gazing back, Beira saw that the family stood by and watched her go, first at a normal clip and then swiftly disappearing from their sight.

Once again she employed her magick to move her conveyance quickly and effortlessly, this time to English lands where she was to see Sir Richard Jefford and his lovely wife, Angelina. A special invitation had been sent for Sir Richard’s mother, whom Edna was aware wanted to experience the adventure of time travel. If she accepted the invitation to join the others at the bridge on the twenty-second of December, her wish would soon be granted.

Approaching Sir Richard’s home, Beira noted riders in the distance. In the blink of an eye she was upon them and slowed so as not to frighten them. The man rode a large black stallion and the two women rode smaller grey palfreys. They came to a halt as she approached and waited for her sleigh to come up alongside.

“Good day to you,” the man said. “May I be of assistance.”

“I’m here to see Sir Richard Jefford. Do ye ken where I may find him?” Beira tipped her head, examining the man.

“You can find him here. I’m Sir Richard,” he responded.

Beira’s happiness shined on her face. “I have something fer ye and fer yer mother.” Beira reached into her satchel to extract two invitations, which she handed to Sir Richard. He in turn handed one to the older woman riding with him. Beira assumed this to be his mother.

“What is it?” the younger woman asked.

“It’s an invitation to spend Christmas at The Thistle and Hive in Glendaloch.” Richard held the invitation in his hand and continued reading.

“An invitation to the future?” the older woman asked.

“Yes, mother. An invitation to the future. Would you like to go?”

“Oh, I would. More than anything.”

“Then we shall.” Richard gazed at Beira, who nodded her understanding.

“I will let Edna know to expect ye. ’Tis important that ye be at the bridge on the day and at the time Edna has requested.”

“Would you care to join us for our evening meal?” Richard’s mother asked. “We’re heading back that way now.”

“I’m afraid I must be on my way. I’ve much to do. There’s never a moment of rest for the Queen of Winter, ye ken.” With a wave of her hand, Beira set off in her sleigh. Gazing up at the sky she noted its whiteness and, with some softly whispered words, snowflakes gently began to fall all around her. Pleased with herself, she headed for home and the sweetness it would bring her, as soon as she delivered the exciting news to her friend.

Chapter 2

The Arrival

To say she was excited, would be putting it mildly. Edna Campbell, the witch who guarded the bridge through time, was doing something she’d never done before. She was welcoming several of her time travel veterans and their families to join her at The Thistle and Hive Inn for the Christmas holiday. She couldn’t think of anything that would make her happier than to share this experience with this particular group of travelers.

Edna had requested that they be at the bridge by sunrise and as the first glimmers of sunlight were making their appearance in the sky, her guests were all waiting there as requested, with the exception of Sir Richard and his group. She would wait for them to appear before conjuring the fog that would bring them all the way from the sixteenth century to the twenty-first. She could see the others talking and laughing while they waited. Some of them had never made the journey before and she could sense their nervousness. She could see them all, but they had no idea she watched them.

“Is anyone else joining us?” Ashley asked.

The others shrugged their shoulders at this question. The children were getting fidgety. It had been a long trip for them and they were excited to cross the bridge. Cailin held tightly to baby Emma, who was swaddled in furs and the warmth of her father’s arms. She was such a tiny little thing and she appeared to be even tinier being held in the arms of this braw highlander. Edna chuckled to herself. She could hardly wait to hold the babe in her arms and to hug all the other little ones, but especially her own two grandsons, Ranald and Rowan.

At the sound of approaching horses, all heads turned to see who was arriving. Edna breathed a sigh of relief as Sir Richard, Angelina and Richard’s mother, Lady Catherine, approached the others. Angelina had her new son, Henry, swaddled in a cloth sling that his mother had obviously fashioned for him. Happy shouts greeted Richard and were returned in kind.

“Richard! Yer joining us!” Robert rode to his side and shook his hand.

“Angelina, you have a baby!” Ashley exclaimed, almost coming out of her seat to get a peek.

“I do. His name is Henry and he’s the handsomest little lad you’ll ever see.” Angelina replied. “When we get to the inn you’ll see for yourself.”

“How old is he?” Ashley asked.

“Three months. Is Cailin holding your little bundle of joy?”

“Aye. I am. Our little Emma.” Cailin replied.