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lex stopped abruptly, listening closely. Was that a scream? Sounded like it was coming from either this floor or the one below, he couldn't tell which. And then there was another sound. A growl? Did they have guard dogs as well? Maybe. Hope not.
Alex thought for a moment. Jack was downstairs in the cell, which meant he had to get to the guardroom. Once there he would have to convince the guard to give him the keys, which probably meant there would be bloodshed. So be it.
He was one floor above where the guardroom and Jack were located, so he had to carefully make his way to the end of the hallway without being seen, then take the stone stairs down.
If the other prisoners saw him, he didn't think they would reveal his presence, so he began silently moving along. He moved past several cells before anyone seemed to notice. But then he heard a crackling voice calling.
"Psst! Hey! Who are ye? How'd ye get out of yer cell?" The prisoner in the cell on his right was an older gentleman who had been there so long he couldn't even remember what year it was.
"Shh! Keep quiet now. If I can get the keys I'll let ye out, too. Don't give me away."
Alex feared the old man might not understand what he was saying, but he kept moving forward. Then he heard a sound that had him wondering if this had been a good idea after all.
Grrrr! Grrrr!
The hoarse, throaty sound had Alex's skin prickling. If the guards had let the dogs out on him he was done for. He'd seen what a pack of angry dogs could do to a man, and he hadn't forgotten the sight. He had his dirk ready and looked from one side of the hall to the other. Nothing.
Then even more unsettling sounds filled the air—another angry growl followed by another scream. And this time the growl and the scream ended as quickly as they began.
Glory, how many dogs did they let loose?
A very small torch placed high on the wall lighted the hallway, but as he entered the stone stairwell it was totally dark. He approached the bottom stair and quickly found himself being slammed up against the wall, his breath completely knocked out of him. He doubled over, then, finally catching his breath, tried to stand. A whimper caught his attention just before a large wet tongue found his face.
"Jesus Christ! Stop you mangy dog!"
He struck out with his dirk, but missed his target. Then, as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he was astounded.
"Willie! What are ye doing here? Ye scared the daylights out of me!" He took the wolf by the jowls and looked at him.
"If yer here, then ye've either tracked us on yer own or Caitlin's close by. Good God, I hope she's not here."
His heart was already racing from having been flattened by Willie, but now he could feel his pulse pounding in his head as well.
"Where is she Willie? Find Caitlin."
Willie immediately bounded back up the stairs. Suddenly the blast of a whistle tore through the air and the incessant blare had Alex covering his ears trying to escape the sound. It never stopped and no doubt was heard throughout the prison.
Then the guards know there's been a breakout, which means every entrance will be closely guarded and I still have to get Jack out. How am I going to do that? I must get those keys!
He began to make his way up the stairs and as he did so he caught a whiff of lavender. That could only mean one thing.
"Caitlin! Are ye here, mo chridhe?"
He almost wished she wouldn't be. At least she had been safe at the lodge. Now he had her to worry about also.
About half way up, he found himself flattened against the wall again, but this time his arms encountered softness and lavender—Caitlin.
"Oh, lass! What are ye doing here? Ye should be at the lodge where I left ye."
"Alex, you're alive. I knew you were. Thanks be to the Creator." She held on to him for dear life and thought she would never let him go again.
"Aye, we're both alive. But Jack's still in a cell at the end of the hall on this floor. I've got to get the keys somehow and get him out of there. The guards must have discovered I'm on the loose, so this could be very difficult."
He quickly raised his head when he saw someone rushing through the door, heading down the stairs in their direction.
His dirk was drawn and before the man could say a word, Alex had him down on his knees with his arms held behind him.
"Hold there, fellow. What's yer hurry?"
In the darkness he couldn't see facial features very well, but he knew the voice.
"Uh, Da, it's me, Robbie."
"What? Robbie? How in heaven's name did ye get here? I almost killed ye, lad!"
"It's a very involved story, Da. But Caitlin and I took the keys from the guard and were looking for you and Jack."
"What? You have the keys? How? Never mind. Let's hurry then and get to Jack before this whole place is overrun by Redcoats."
Down the hall the three of them fled, with Willie leading the way. He knew where Jack was and reached him several seconds before the others did.
"Willie!" Jack kneeled down and reached through the bars to ruffle Willie's fur.
"Glad to see ye fella. But, how'd ye get here?"
He stood as the others arrived, out of breath from their dash. As Alex was fiddling with the keys, two guards appeared a couple of cells down from them.
"Hold there! Stop I tell you!" The men began to run toward the group.
Alex turned to Caitlin, quickly reaching for her hand. The look on her face was one he'd seen before, like the calm before a storm.
Dear heaven, be with us all.
Intuition told him to be still and let this moment be hers. The healer was in charge now. He watched as she dropped the pistol and turned to face the guards.
Caitlin was acutely aware, every nerve in her body was on fire, but her mind was still and calm; it was as if the events all about her were taking place in slow motion.
Focus, Caitlin, focus your mind. Your powers are at your fingertips. The Creator gifted you with them to be used when necessary. Don't question, just direct your energies to your hands and release the power at the right moment.
This was a moment of decision for the healer. Finally she was in control of these powers, and had no qualms about using them now.
Instantly, a searing, sizzling bolt of jagged lightning flashed from her fingertips and raced across the room. In a matter of seconds, the two guards were on the floor, writhing as their clothing began to burn their bodies.
"Aieeeee! Help me! Stop it! No! No!"
One of the guards lay still, never moving a muscle. He watched his hands as his fingers melted together and then were just nubs of charred skin and bone. The other one watched in disbelief as his boots turned to liquid and he felt the fire as it raced up his leg. Eventually they both were quiet—deathly quiet.
Caitlin had once again found her power when she most needed it, and this time it didn't frighten her. This time she controlled it.
Robbie's face was as stunned as the guards' had been. He'd never witnessed Caitlin's powers, even though he had heard Jack talking about how she had saved him at Cameron Castle. Surely there was some explanation for this. He'd need to ask Ian more about this event. He recalled Ian had told him if he was ever in real trouble to call on Caitlin. Now he understood why.
Alex nodded, he too realizing she could now control her powers. He tried several keys, finally found one that worked and Jack was out of the cell.
"Come on, let's get out of here."
As they started back to the stairwell, he stopped long enough to throw the keys to the prisoner in the next cell.
"Here, let yerself out and help the others. And don't forget the lady in the last cell! We've got to get out of here. Good luck to ye."
Alex started toward the stairway again when Robbie called out to him.
"No, Da. This way. There's an escape tunnel out this side door."
Everyone followed Robbie as he took them out the door, down a short path, then back inside the prison. This time he had them going down a steep flight of stairs that seemed endless.
"Are ye sure ye know where yer going, lad?" Jack asked. He'd never run so fast in his life.
"Yes, I've been here before. I know where we're going."
For another twenty minutes they ran from one tunnel to another before they finally came to a door at the end of one of them.
"This will bring us up onto Cowgate Street. Paul will be there waiting for us. Then we'll backtrack to my home on the High Street."
~ ~ ~
Kicking his horse in the sides harshly, the young guard rode like a madman to Major Ashford's residence at the end of the High Street.
He was actually a soldier, but had been assigned to the prison when the British took it over. The local guards had all been replaced by young recruits such as him, and they all knew to follow the major's orders to the letter or suffer the consequences. He didn't relish the tongue-lashing he knew would be coming from the major, but the sooner he told him the news the better.
By the time he'd found a superior officer at the Tolbooth to give him instructions, the whistle had sounded. They all knew that meant an escape was underway.
"Go, Johnson. Looks like it's the two Highland fellows, the big red-haired one and his brother. Scully saw them headed down to the tunnel with a couple of others, maybe young lads. Oh, and Scully swears they were being led down the hall by a wolf!"
"I saw that wolf myself. I watched him tear Donald's throat out. He's a huge devil, and vicious!"
By the time he arrived, the celebration at the major's place was well underway. Apparently Major Ashford had been selected for another promotion and was to be sent to his new post in London shortly, so a celebration was in order. The guard was personally glad the man would be leaving. He was a thorn in everyone's side and tried to run the prison like a military establishment.
After tying his horse around back where the other horses were tethered, he walked to the front door and knocked.
He saluted the officer answering the door.
"Lt. Johnson to see Major Ashford."
"Wait here. I'll see if he's available." It seemed forever before the major presented himself at the door.
"Yes, Johnson? What brings you here?"
"Uh ..."
"Come on, man. I don't have all day."
"Yessir. There's been an escape at the Tolbooth, sir."
"What? That's impossible—no one can get out of there. There are soldiers guarding every entrance and exit."
"Yessir. I know. But it appears two prisoners have escaped."
"Two?"
"Yessir. The Highlanders that were brought in last week, the two who caused such a ruckus when they arrived. The big one smashed Gordy's front teeth in the fracas and he's got a broken collarbone as well. He's still mighty angry about that, sir."
"We have many Highlanders in the Old Tolbooth, Lt. Johnson."
"Yessir. These two were the ones you identified from that lodge far up in the Highlands. MacKinnon's the name, sir."
"The MacKinnons? Damn their heathen souls! Then get a move on, man! Start a search of the entire city. They can't have gotten far yet. Which door did they leave from?"
"Uh, I don't believe they used a door, sir. They were seen headed down into the tunnels beneath the prison. From there I don't know where they'll go, sir." He stopped short of reporting the incident with the large wolf. The major probably wouldn't believe him anyway.
Ashford threw his head back and let out a laugh that had the soldier wondering if he were mentally deranged.
"Ah, ha, ha, hee hee!"
"Sir?"
"Idiots! There are only two exits from the tunnels. Those were left open in case of flooding from the firth. All the others were sealed off centuries ago. They're trapped for sure now. All we have to do is wait patiently for the tunnel rats to crawl out of their hiding place. They will either exit at the large stone near St. Giles or at the old kirk at the end of Cowsgate. We'll put men at each exit."
Laughing aloud once again, he went back inside and resumed his drinking and celebrating with his men. A short while later he made an announcement.
"Attention, men. I'm going to have to leave you now, but you may continue with our celebration. Two Jacobites have escaped from the Tolbooth and I must be there when they're apprehended."
Looking around the room, he called out to one of the officers.
"You there, Harrington, come with me. The two of us should be able to handle the escapees. They're Scots, so they're not very bright to begin with." Laughing again, he grabbed his tricorne and walked out the door.
"I can't wait to see MacKinnon's face when he realizes he's been caught again, and by his 'farm hand' no less. I wouldn't miss this for the world!"
~ ~ ~
After forty minutes had passed and Robbie had not returned to the cobblestone exit, Paul followed Robbie's orders and made his way through the city over to Cowgate Street.
The kirk at the end of the street was small and had been built sometime in the 1400s. The original builder had the foresight to include a priest's hole in the floor, which led to the tunnel where Robbie was bringing his entourage. The tunnel, therefore, could be reached from inside the kirk or from an opening outside near a large oak tree a few meters behind the kirk. The opening was covered by a sewer cap and grass, and most folks never even knew it existed. Of course Robbie and Paul had found both openings.
As he sat down on the curb with his back to the kirk, Paul chewed on his fingernails, a habit he had developed long ago, sometime in early childhood. He no longer feared for his life as he had in those days, but the habit was still with him. In those days he never knew if his drunken father might batter him about just for being there. But those days were over. Today he pretty much took care of himself, with the help of Mick, the pub owner who gave him a cot to sleep on. Sometimes he even saw his mother, though she spent most of her time with one drunken mate or another.
Some time ago he and Robbie had run into each other along the water's edge down near the firth. Robbie was trying to float a very crudely made wooden boat, with not much luck. The small boat refused to stay upright and Robbie found that frustrating.
Paul watched as Robbie worked at making the sail tighter, thinking perhaps that would help. Paul could make anything out of wood. In fact, he had made several small wooden boats for himself. One of them even had a sail that he'd made from one of his mother's tattered petticoats.
Once Paul had shown Robbie how to balance the boat, the two of them spent a lot of time together. Robbie would go to the library and come up with a new design for them to try, and Paul would steal a few pieces of wood from one of the merchants. Robbie never questioned his friend about where the wood came from, but had an inkling he'd stolen it.
After that they went about the city, each showing the other things they had missed. They created a map of the entire underground tunnels of Edinburgh and now they both knew it from memory. So, just now, he didn't worry about Robbie. He'd get everyone here safely. Paul would just wait patiently then see what else he could do to help his friend.
He'd heard the blare of the whistle when it had started blasting out. He wasn't surprised as he knew there were several guards on duty, and lately he'd seen more and more prisoners being marched through the city. Apparently two of them had been Robbie's da and his uncle.
He decided to lie back on the grass and rest a bit 'til Robbie and his crew got to the kirk. When he leaned back, however, something cold and hard stuck him in the back.
"Get up you little sewer rat! What did you think? We know all about you and your friends. They'll be running through the tunnels about now and coming out here then I suppose?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You don't huh? Then we'll just hang around a few minutes and see if they show up."
The young soldier was excited to be in on this capture, as he'd heard some of his fellow soldiers had received rewards from Major Ashford. He was determined to round up every Jacobite in his territory and nothing would stop him.
The major was particularly interested in these two Jacobites. He'd spent a couple of weeks working for these Highlanders at their lodge during the lambing season. He'd heard they may have been supporters, but he wanted to be sure before he brought them in. Plus, by working at the lodge for a short while he learned the names of quite a few other Jacobites in the area as well. Bringing in a goodly number of prisoners would go a long way toward his making rank and perhaps being sent to London as a special envoy, which was the position he most desired.
While working at the lodge he had seen how the MacKinnons lived—their fine lodge and their close-knit family. Compared to his own lonely military existence, it was quite appealing.
But he'd take them down a few notches and send the two leaders, Alex and Jack, off to be slaves. Then he'd go back and convince that lady with the long, dark hair that she would live with him now. She was a lady, he could tell that. He couldn't understand how she ever could have seen anything in that huge heathen she called her husband.
Ashford had made overtures to her while he was there, but she'd rebuffed him soundly, which had come as somewhat of a surprise to him. He was considered quite handsome and a real catch for some lucky woman. But somehow he hadn't managed to find a woman who would spend much time with him after their initial meeting.
The other woman, the one with the fiery hair and a big wolf who followed her around, there was something about her that bothered him. When she looked at him it was as if she could read his mind. No, he'd not take her. Best to leave her behind to care for that brood of children he saw running about the lodge.
But all that would change with the two Highlanders gone to the islands. He'd have that dark-haired woman if he had to resort to capturing her as he had these two. Then, too, that lodge would serve nicely as a regimental station for them in the future. Yes, he'd enjoy finishing off these ruffians.
Major Ashford and a contingent of soldiers arrived and Lt. Harrington had spotted the young lad laying back in the grass. He quickly made a show of sticking him with his bayonet.
"Light those torches, Harrington. All of them. I want Alex MacKinnon to know who captured him. He treated me like a useless, hired hand and never had time to listen to any suggestions I might have about sheep farming. The man actually had the audacity to send me packing— me! An arrogant Scot if ever there was one. He might be powerful in the Highlands, but down here he's just another prisoner and a Jacobite who needs to be taught a lesson. Slavery probably won't suit him very well." He grinned just thinking about it.
The young lieutenant lighted all the torches and had Paul sit in the middle of them where he could watch his every move.
"Sit there and don't move. I'd like nothing better than to ram my bayonet into your side."
Paul was street smart enough to realize he was outnumbered and they had weapons. So he did as he was told and sat quietly, waiting for Robbie to rap on the sewer opening where they would exit.
"Capt. Livingston, take these other soldiers back to the Tolbooth now. I can handle this end. Two escapees are no match for an armed major and a lieutenant with a bayonet. Go on. No telling how many others escaped because of these two. Round them all up again and come report to me afterward."
"Yessir." He saluted his commanding officer and left immediately.
Paul's mind was flitting from one thought to another. How could he warn Robbie? No way. So he'd just bide his time and hope something would come to mind when his friend appeared.
It was only a short time later the sound of metal striking metal caught Ashford's attention.
"Well then. Looks like they made it this far. I'd say that speaks well of young Robbie's capabilities. Could be he might make a good soldier. Too bad he won't be able to join my troop. I had high hopes for that young man. He's quite an intelligent boy."
"You don't know anything about Robbie. He'd never tell someone like you anything!"
Ashford paced slowly, his hands held behind his back, enjoying playing the role of all-knowing one.
"Oh really? But you see, we're neighbors. His mother was a dear friend and I've known him for some years now. It was certainly a surprise when I saw him as he arrived at the MacKinnon lodge, and it was necessary then for me to move on. Besides, I already had all the information I needed. But, he truly is a gifted young man. I'll miss his company.
"Remove the sewer cover, lieutenant. Then stand back and let the rats come to the surface."
As soon as the cover was removed, Robbie's head shot up and he was out in seconds.
"Come on, Caitlin, give me your hand."
Caitlin appeared, then Alex and Jack hurried through as well.
"Paul? Where are you?"
Robbie looked around, confused as to why so many torches would be lighted here at this end of the street. "I don't know what's happened to him, Da. He said he'd be here."
The young lieutenant walked out of the shadows and pushed Paul to his knees in front of him. His bayonet was buried several inches into Paul's back, but the young lad never made a sound.
"Oh, he's here. See?"
"Paul! What's going on?"
Alex and Jack immediately stood back-to-back in a stance they'd used many times before.
"Caitlin, get down, stay down."
The authority in Alex's voice left no room for questions, and for once in her life Caitlin did as she was told, and quickly. She then lifted her nose, much as Willie did when he was checking his surroundings.
"Boder. Alex, Boder's here! I can smell him! That odor from his cheroot, that odor of rotten meat and oily, stinking rags with some kind of herb mixed in."
"What? Why would Boder be here?"
"Alex, he's here I tell you. I know he is!"
The next moment Major Ashford, resplendent in his full dress uniform, came forward from behind the kirk and bowed deeply to Caitlin.
"At your service, Mrs. MacKinnon."
"Boder? What's this about? Why are you wearing that uniform?" Alex called out.
"That's Major Ashford, Da. Who's this Boder person?" Robbie looked from Alex to Caitlin and back to the major, confusion registering on his face.
"What's this about, MacKinnon? Why it's about me, Major Lloyd Ashford, taking you two Jacobites back where you belong—the Tolbooth."
"Not in this lifetime, you Redcoat bastard!"
Jack was ready to pounce on him then and there, but Alex put out an arm to hold him back.
"My lieutenant has a pistol and a bayonet at the young boy's back. Do you want to see him die? Plus, I'm brandishing my own pistol and am quite a marksman, if I say so myself. I don't think you want to test me on that point, surely.
"I believe the lieutenant and I can take care of two unarmed, escaped, Highland fools, don't you? Now, just march yourselves inside the kirk and be seated on the front pew. We'll have a short service of sorts, and then you'll put on the leg irons I've provided for each of you. That should keep you in place until my men get back. "Harrington, let that street rat go. I've no quarrel with him. It's these Highlanders I'm interested in."
Ashford watched as Paul scooted off and kept running into the darkness behind the kirk.
"He's so scared he won't stop running until he finds whatever hovel he hides in. Just another little street beggar."
He turned his attention back to his captives.
"Inside with you, now. MacKinnon, you first, then your brother."
Alex and Jack moved forward slowly, with Caitlin holding onto Alex's shirttail. The major stopped Robbie as he walked near.
"Robbie, you disappoint me greatly, young man. Do you think your mother would approve of your companions? Of course, apparently she had very close relations with one of them some years ago. I find that most disturbing. I had thought she was a perfect lady. Indeed, I had hoped she might even find time for me eventually. But she's gone now, so I must look elsewhere."
He then walked closer to Jack.
"Speaking of ladies, the two that grace your lodge are truly lovely, but I believe my favorite is the one with that flowing mane of dark hair. I believe she's your wife, big man? She'll be the perfect escort for me when I take up my post in London."
That comment had Jack jerking the major's collar, lifting him off the floor and squeezing him by the throat.
"If ye touch Millie I'll tear ye limbs from yer body! You pile of sheep shite!"
He had the major firmly by the throat, and before Alex could stop him, he slammed his very large fist into the major's stomach causing him to double over in agony.
Young Lt. Harrington was at a loss as to what he should do, but he managed to point his pistol at Jack.
"Get back, you two! Get back! Sit down on that pew, now!"
Alex spoke under his breath to his brother.
"Hold on, Jack. We'll find the right time. Keep your temper under wraps. He'll make another mistake. Right now that pistol's pointed at yer head and that young soldier might just be green enough to pull the trigger."
As they took a seat on the front pew, Caitlin murmured quietly to Alex.
"Alex, where's Willie? Did we lose him in the tunnel?"
"I rather doubt Willie could be lost anywhere. If I know him, he's following your scent and will eventually find you. Don't worry yerself about him, lass. Just keep quiet and we'll make a move soon. Watch for a signal from Jack or me. Ye'll know when it comes."
Outside, behind the kirk, Paul lay on the ground and began to slowly inch his body along through the damp grass. He'd never think of leaving Robbie and the others without at least trying to save them. But what was he to do? He racked his brain, but nothing was coming to mind. He was almost to the edge of the tall grass when he heard a deep growling sound coming from the open sewer.
"Willie! Is that you? Over here! Robbie says to trust you, but I have to say you scare the knickers off me. Come here, now. Maybe the two of us can come up with some way to help them."
Willie jumped out of the opening, rubbed his nose against Paul's hand, then darted off toward the kirk. He knew exactly where Caitlin was and he'd get to her or die trying.
"Wait! Don't rush in! They'll shoot you for sure!"
But Willie's ears were closed to anything but the sounds inside the kirk, and he was moving at a pace Paul couldn't begin to keep up with.
After a few very uncomfortable minutes, Ashford had managed to stand upright and was sensible enough to take a few deep breaths before trying to walk. Then he slowly made his way to the front of the nave and stood facing Alex.
"MacKinnon, I often told you that you didn't have good command of those in your employment. Looks like your brother needs a few lessons in following orders, too. If he'd listened to you there would be no need for this little exercise we must perform now."
He took another step, which brought him in front of Jack. "You really do need to bridle that temper of yours. It doesn't serve you well, as you will see shortly."
He walked away, then paced the floor for a moment, mumbling to himself, apparently lost in thought.
As if speaking to some unseen person, he nodded his head. "Yes, this is a good plan. It will make a lasting impression on these two men. They are certainly both brave and would have made good fighters for my regiment. Yes."
He walked back to the pew and ambled over to stand in front of Caitlin.
"This attire, these trousers you're wearing, make for quite an alluring look I must say, Mrs. MacKinnon. You do wear the outfit well." He ran his hand slowly down her arm as if to make his point. "Now stand and look at me."
When Caitlin remained seated and looked the other direction, totally ignoring his order, he jerked at her tam and her curls came tumbling down her back. Then he yanked her up by her tunic, causing her to gasp. Slowly he lifted his hand to his lips, removed the ever-present cheroot with its glowing end and pressed it to her neck, just long enough to leave a burn mark to show he meant business.
"Aieeeee!"
Caitlin reacted as anyone would—she screamed out in pain.
Alex came flying off the pew, placing himself between Ashford and Caitlin.
"You British bastard! Stop it! Take yer rage out on me, not her—a woman! Yer nothing but a bloody British coward, Boder!"
Now it was Jack's turn to hold Alex back.
Ashford pointed his pistol at Alex, then reached for Caitlin's chin and pulled her forward. With one hand he ripped her tunic, exposing her thin camisole. This time he held the glowing cheroot close to her face.
"I'll do whatever I—"
Ashford's words were lost when a blinding flash of lightning streaked from Caitlin's fingertips, lit up the entire kirk and found its primary target—Ashford. Ashford's terror-filled face revealed that he knew there was no hope of escape. Immediately the stench of burned flesh lay heavily in the kirk.
Lt. Harrington had been repulsed by the major's actions. He never liked his commander, but surely he thought him to be an officer and a gentleman.
As the major ripped the lady's tunic he looked away, which meant he took his eyes off the captives for a moment. Just one. It was long enough for Jack to knock Harrington’s pistol out of his hand and have him on the floor, struggling to no avail. Jack clocked him on the chin and he was out like an oil lamp without any oil.
Alex was at Caitlin's side, grabbing at Ashford's pistol. But there was no need. Everything that needed to be done had already been done.
Ashford grabbed at his legs, which were literally on fire and burning beyond belief. He felt the bottoms of his feet searing as if he were walking through campfire coals.
"My feet! Help me! Please!"
He fell to his knees, then was assaulted again. But this time the assault wasn't from lightning, and it was so quick he never saw it coming. All he saw was a blur of dark fur and huge, gnarling, gnashing canines reaching for his throat.
Willie had perfected this move—one giant leap from the floor, then his large canines embedded themselves in the throat and his large body brought the victim down to the floor where he would finish his kill.
"No! I can't breathe! Get the beast off me! Please help me!" His pleas went unanswered as he struggled with his feet of fire and his rapidly depleting supply of oxygen.
Robbie felt planted to the pew. He'd observed Caitlin's power twice in one day now and it was something to behold.
"Come on, Robbie. Let's get out of here before his men get back. Hurry!"
Robbie stood and followed as Alex, Jack and Caitlin made a beeline for the open door. He took one last look at Major Ashford and Lieutenant Harrington, and stopped abruptly.
"The lieutenant, he's not dead! He's not dead!"
"Never mind him, Robbie. Let's get out of here, now!"
But Robbie saw Lieutenant Harrington reaching for his pistol, which lay just a short distance from his hand.
"No, I won't let you hurt anyone else!"
Then, seemingly without thought, he reached down inside his boot and drew out his dirk, the smaller one Da had given him. He held the dirk in his left hand, and in one smoothly executed move let it fly through the air. He watched as the dirk sailed quickly, without wavering, and heard the sickening thud as it went through the lieutenant's hand, pinning it soundly to the floor.
Alex stood at the rear of the kirk, his mouth open in amazement.
"Robbie! I'd say ye hit yer target, lad. Come on now!"
He grabbed the boy by the shoulders and practically dragged him out of the kirk, trying to put some space between them and anyone who might be after them.
~ ~ ~
Paul led the group as they made their way back to Robbie's home. He was so excited he could hardly keep still. This Robbie was not the same friend he had known for years.
"Robbie, where'd you learn to throw a dirk like that?"
"Uh, my da and grandda have been working with me. But I've got a ways to go yet. Takes some practice to be as good as Da and his brothers."
Alex grinned at his son.
"Looks to me like ye've got it down pretty well, lad. And I saw ye threw it left-handed. Now when did ye start that?"
"Grandda made that suggestion. Guess it might have been a good one."
Alex nodded.
"Yeah, well, Da's a fair hand at most anything he tries. But I imagine ye've found that out already."
The back door opened before they even knocked.
"Robbie? Are you hurt boy? Let me look at you. Come in here."
"I'm alright, Mattie. We're all fine. Right now we need to feed my da and Jack. They're starved after being in the Old Tolbooth for a week."
He made short work of introducing everyone to Mattie as she brought out a Shepard's pie and some freshly baked bread. Tea was served in mugs and everyone hurriedly scoffed down enough food to help them endure the long night ahead of them. She even laid out some bits of beef tips for Willie.
"Mattie, Major Ashford's men may come here looking for us. You say you haven't seen me since I left a few months ago. The major's unable to tell them anything now, so they'll believe whatever you tell them. I don't think you need to worry about him bothering you. He's moved on to his next duty station."
"Oh? Then good for him. Never was very fond of him myself. He was just too nosy. Your mother tolerated him as best she could, but he was never her cup of tea I tell you."
"We've got to have horses, Robbie. Any idea where we can find some?" Alex looked at his son, this young lad who had just helped save their lives.
Paul was standing next to Mattie, who had insisted he stay and eat too.
"I can probably come up with a couple if you give me a few minutes."
"Oh no you won't, young thief!"
Mattie gave him a quick slap on the back of his head.
"No need, Mr. MacKinnon. I took the liberty of visiting the major's corral while the soldiers were celebrating. Most of them are full as a goat and won't realize until tomorrow they may be walking instead of riding."
"Mattie? You stole horses? Mother would never believe you'd steal!"
"And she'd never believe you’d run through tunnels full of rats either, my boy. I've filled a tub as you asked, Robbie, but I think it might be better for you all to get out of here. But, you're right, these two do smell to high heaven!"
They all laughed and she led them out behind the house where she had tied two horses next to where Robbie and Caitlin had left Soldier and Goliath.
"Guess I'll let you have Goliath, Jack. He's quite a horse, and he kept me from falling off more times than one."
"Yeah, he's quite a fellow, he is." Jack stroked Goliath's face and for a moment thought only of getting back to Millie and little Midge.
Alex took the larger of the two horses Mattie had stolen. "I'll take this sorrel. Looks like he's fit enough for a trip to the Highlands. Robbie, that leaves the chestnut with the white blaze for you."
"I think I'll manage to stay on this one. He doesn't look too frisky."
"Oh, I think you can manage to stay on any horse now, Robbie," Caitlin chimed in.
"Your days of saying you can't ride or throw a dirk are over, my lad."
Alex took Mattie's hand briefly. "Mattie, yer a lifesaver. We're in yer debt. Mayhap we'll have a chance to repay it one day."
"You just take care of my boy. He's a fine one, sir. Don't keep him away too long, though. I need to see him once in a while."
"Aye. That can be arranged."
Robbie hugged his old nursemaid, and only now did he realize he had never even considered staying in Edinburgh. He was headed back to the Highlands again, and this time he wasn't traveling alone hoping to find his kin. This time he was with his kin and he was as much a part of this family as any of them.
As they quietly rode off—a small, aromatic group with a wolf leading them—they could hear Mattie, her voice carrying on the soft breeze that had come up.
"Now, you'll just rest here tonight, young laddie. There's a tub of hot water in Robbie's old room. A good scrubbing wouldn't hurt you none either. And then ..."