Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
F rom the moment Annabelle took Dub Sith’s hand, the world had gone black and the next thing she knew she was no longer on her feet. Instead she was lying prone in some tall grass with the sun shining brightly over her. Had the man she’d recklessly trusted drugged her somehow? –She sat up and realized she was nestled in a field of vibrant green grass, greener than she’d ever seen in person. Funnily it reminded her of the pictures she’d seen of Ireland and Scotland…
It dawned on her that Dub Sith had a Scottish brogue. Was it possible he’d deposited her in Scotland? She recalled he’d said he’d bring her to another time and place… Was the place Scotland? she wondered... As she sat there pondering exactly where she was, she heard some bleating growing closer and suddenly several inquisitive sheep ambled closer to her, casting curious glances her way.
Then, from further away Annabelle heard barking and a couple of seconds later and long-haired Collie bound toward her. Its coat was a mix of black, brown, and tan to almost white and reminded her of a dog she’d seen as a kid about a shaggy dog. It circled around her, it’s tail wagging and it’s tongue hanging out as it moved into a playful stance in front of her, going low in the front with its hind end in the air, its tail still wagging. Annabelle couldn't help but laugh at the cheerful welcome. "Oh, hello there," she said. "Who are you?"
“Effie! Bring the wee girls back ta the herd,” a voice called out.
Annabelle glanced at the dog and smiled. “Is that your name? Are you Effie? Am I keeping you from doing your job?”
Effie barked playfully and nuzzled her.
Annabelle laughed as she stroked the dog’s long fur. She noticed it was pretty thick, but seemed to be well-groomed. “You’re a real sweetheart, aren’t you,” she said.
“Aye, she is.”
Annabelle looked up to see a man with a walking stick, dressed in a tunic style shirt and tan pants with boots. He had a plaid cloak around his shoulders and a blue cap on his head. “Oh, hello.” Annabelle stood and dusted off her pants. “Um, can you tell me where and when I am?” she asked.
The man stared at her and shook his head. “You’re one o’ them, then. Damn Faerie. I’ll take you ta those that help you.”
Annabelle blinked. Faerie? Did he mean Dub Sith? The man she’d met in the grocery store parking lot was one of the Fae? “Sorry, but who are you?”
“Balloch MacDonald. Come with me, lass,” he replied, and started walking. “Effie, this way!” he called to the dog.
Annabelle followed him through the field of lush grass. “Where are we going?” she asked, but Balloch simply grunted and kept moving. “Talkative, aren’t you?” she said under her breath as she followed along. She watched Effie circle the sheep and push them along beside them.
Eventually they reached an area with some building that looked like stone and thatch roofed cottages, and various people in kilts and serviceable dresses were working. Watching them, she noticed there was nothing modern about what they were doing. There were no cars, no electricity… nothing but horses, and livestock, and old fashioned tools. Either she was in some obscure village, or Dub Sith really had brought her into the past.
Thinking this was where Balloch was going to stop, she paused, but he continued on, heading for the large hill. That was when she noticed it. At the top of the hill stood a massive stone wall with wood towers and an iron and wooden gate. Coming out from behind the wall was a large building that looked like it might be a castle of some sort.
She and Balloch were still on the dirt road that looked like it wound its way up the hill to the gates. That had to be where he was taking her. She looked around at the hill which had the same tall grasses and heather as the field she’d arrived in. Taking a deep breath she noticed how clean the air seemed as compared to San Francisco. There was no car exhaust, not industrial smells… it was just pure fresh air.
Eventually, she and Balloch arrived at the imposing gates, which stood tall and sturdy, guarding the entrance to the courtyard of the castle.
“Balloch, what brings you to the fort on such a sunny day?” a voice called from the above tower. “Tis nae time to sheer the sheep again, tis it?”
“Nae, found this lass in the field, thought she belonged to you.”
Annabelle looked up at the man in the tower who turned his gaze to her. “Hello. I’m Annabelle Fox, I’m not sure why Balloch brought me here, he just told me to follow him.”
“Ah, I see. You be another o’ them. Come in. We’ll fetch someone to welcome you,” the man in the tower called down.
A moment later the gates opened, and Balloch said, “There you are, lass, you’ll do fine now, donnae be gettin’ into any more trouble.” With that, Balloch turned and called Effie to follow.
“Come through, lass,” a man in a blue and green plaid kilt said from the other side of the gate. “I am Shaw MacDonald. Welcome to Fort Donald.”
“Thank you,” Annabelle replied, her eyes wide as she took in the beauty of the place.
Suddenly, the massive doors of the castle opened and another man in a kilt strode down the steps. He was tall and broad with a head full of thick red curls that seemed to have a life of their own. As he got closer, she noticed he had the most beautiful blue-gray eyes she’d ever seen. As he reached her, the curious look on his face brightened and he broke into a grin that made his eyes crinkle and he chuckled.
“Welcome ta Fort Donald, I’m Jamie MacDonald. I’m going ta bet you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment?”
"Um… yes…” Annabelle stumbled through her greeting feeling like she’d just been hit with a two-by-four. She continued, “I'm Detective… I mean… I'm Annabelle Fox," she corrected herself. Annabelle, captivated not only by his appearance but also by his friendly demeanor, accepted his offered hand. “I’ve figured out that I’ve been brought to Scotland, but the question is when am I?”
Jamie’s grin widened. "Follow me, lass," Jamie said, “I’ll take you ta talk to my brother, Cam. He’s the chief of our clan. That tis Clan Donald and this as I said, tis Fort Donald.”
“Alright,” she agreed.
Jamie turned and started toward the steps he’d come down a few moments before. Annabelle looked around and took in the bustling courtyard. There was an area that looked like stables with horses, another that held a few other animals, a man working with iron she figured was a blacksmith, and then there were the men who were all dressed as Jamie and Shaw were. They all wore matching kilts of blue and green plaid, white tunics with what looked like a heavy scarf of the same plaid that crossed their chests and tucked into the belts with their swords. She’d seen pictures of Scottish men and knew it was traditional wear, but didn’t know what that cross shoulder plaid piece was called. All she knew was every one of them looked straight out of that TV show, Outlander, but without the jacket. She wondered if they weren’t wearing them because it was fairly warm out at the moment, or if that was just something the costume designers had added for the show.
“This way, lass,” Jamie said at the door as he held it open for her to step through.
Annabelle stepped into the interior of the castle and her breath was stolen. The floor was stone, as were the walls, but on the walls were numerous tapestries that were so vibrant in color it was a bit shocking. She’d seen tapestries before, but they were all weathered and old. These looked almost new. There was still light coming in through the windows, but she could see mounted torches on the wall which she assumed would be lit when it got darker. She did notice there were some already lit on the walls further up the staircase. “This place is incredible. I can’t believe I’m actually here,” she murmured.
“You donnae seem to be in shock being here,” Jamie said, giving her a smile that stole her breath away.
Annabelle shook her head and smiled back. “I’m not. Not exactly. I’m half-afraid I’m dreaming, but I’m not shocked.”
“Odd thing you are, lass.” He laughed heartily. “The others were all in denial.”
“Others?” Annabelle repeated. “What others?”