Epilogue
Three months had passed since all the excitement at the castle, and things were getting better and returning to some sense of normalcy. At least that is what Danielle was told. She could not believe that this sense of normalcy meant she had acclimated very well to living in a different time.
She could no longer imagine what her life would be like in modern times in San Francisco. If she had the opportunity to return, she wouldn't take it. She was quite happy in her new life, and she was deeply, madly in love. Not only had she found someone unlike anyone she had met, but she had also gained a sense of peace, something she had looked for in her own time and could not find.
She thought that her career as a young, ruthless lawyer making partner at such a young age would be satisfying enough, but she learned very quickly that she was wrong. After using logic and organization for so long, she found that allowing herself to give in to wild abandon and embracing a simple way of life was what she had needed the entire time.
She walked the castle grounds, looking up at the massive building. It was magical, and she thought that if she looked hard enough, she could almost see the magic like an aura surrounding it.
The salty air brushed through her hair. Seagulls flew overhead, making loud calls. Villagers did their work, carrying baskets of fish here and there.
Then, she noticed something. It was the stone wall she had sat on while on vacation, when Marcus approached her. This time, it was complete and looked like it had recently been built. She sat on it, thinking about when she’d sat there before on vacation. It was a very surreal moment that made her heart beat very fast.
Three months had passed since the uproar about the thieving, and Danny and Graeme’s stay in the dungeon.
Much had changed in that time. Those who had harassed the brothers no longer did and had even acquired a grudging respect for them and for Danielle and Graeme. Some had even apologized for their behavior, and for accusing them of being the thieves, especially after they’d rescued the orphans and found the tunnel to the wellhead.
With their wedding approaching, and Danielle having a close friendship with Maria and Eva, the Laird had granted Graeme an apology for his stay in the dungeon by promoting him. He was no longer a lowly mercenary doing menial tasks like guarding the magic door in the castle. He was now a full Guard in charge of training the new men.
Who better to train than a man who could take down three Guards in the courtyard with just his fists? He had demonstrated that when his brother was attacked. Who better to train them than a warrior with a fierce reputation before he even arrived at the castle? He was a good marksman with a bow and skilled with his sword.
Danny was able to continue his training without harassment, and a lead Guard position awaited him as an apology from the Laird for being falsely accused and put in the dungeon. He had a bright future ahead.
Maddie, Maeve, Colin, and the other children had been fostered by the clan, and Mary was delighted to have even more children to play with. They were learning trades to earn their keep in the castle when they weren't in the nursery learning to read and write. They were, of course, still given time to be children and play. They were no longer malnourished and seemed to be quite happy. Colin had even begun to speak again after being silent for so long.
Eva spent a lot of time with them, as a sort of part-time foster mother. She was always around them anyway, since Mary enjoyed playing with them on the castle grounds.
“I see you have your hands full,” Danielle said to Eva, who was playing tag with the children.
“Yes, but I love it."
“I know the feeling." Danielle agreed.
“And now? Will you learn the native tongue and do the translating as you wanted?” Eva asked.
“Yes, I think I will. After the wedding of course.” Danielle winked.
“I can’t wait. The whole castle is buzzing about it,” Eva said.
“Are you happy, my Lady?” Maddie said, running over to them.
“Good afternoon, Maddie. Yes, I'm very happy. But are you ?” Danielle asked.
“I am happy. My friends have food to eat. We're learning to read and write and trades to earn our keep around here, and then we play,” Maddie said.
“Yes, you are. I'm happy for you. Play is very important. I want you to enjoy being a child and playing as much as possible. It is time to let go. We're here to take care of all of you,” Danielle said.
Maddie looked at Eva.
“It’s true, Maddie. You can be a child again. Even if it is hard at first, you have done your job being the grownup when no one else would. Let us take care of you now,” Eva said.
Maddie hugged Eva tightly and then dashed away as quick as she had come.
Eva’s eyes watered.
“I see how much you care for them,” Danielle said.
“I do. As if they were my own. I watch them daily and will give them any guidance they need. It’s what I’m meant to do, I think,” Eva said, her hand going to her barely visible baby bump. "And when this one comes, they'll have all these siblings to help look after them." She grinned.
Danielle gave Eva a hug, and together, they watched the children play. Danielle wondered if she and Graeme would be blessed with children. The thought made her giddy.
Then, a day came that Danielle never thought would happen in her time. She was getting married.
The castle celebrated the nuptials with a ceremony outside and a grand feast in the dining hall with lots of dancing.
“I would like to make a toast,” the Laird said as he sat at the high table.
A hush fell over the crowd.
“To Danielle MacMillan, wife of Graeme, for setting this man right!” the Laird said.
The crowd cheered.
“And to Graeme, for training my Guards to become the fiercest warriors any clan has ever faced!”
“Hoorah!” they shouted.
“And to you both: May you be as happy as I have been with my lovely wife. These women bring us joy. To Graeme and Danielle!”
“To Graeme and Danielle!” all shouted in unison.
Graeme and Danielle raised their cups to the room and drank. Then they kissed deeply, causing the crowd to shout even more.
Later that night after a splendid feast and good amounts of dancing, the now-married couple went upstairs. They had been given larger living quarters that contained two bedrooms and a sitting room on the same floor as Eva and Finlay.
Graeme carried Danielle over the threshold and set her on the bed.
“I love you, Wife.”
“And I, you, Husband,” she said.
“Danielle MacMillan,” he said.
“I like the sound of that.”
“I don’t know where I would be without you, lass,” he said.
“Yes, you owe me much. You can start by making love to me until the sun rises,” she teased.
“Hmm, that is a great debt to pay. I guess if I have no choice…” he teased back.
He kissed her soundly.
Danielle received his kiss, feeling the centuries slipping away. This was her home. This was her beginning, her past, and her future.