In anticipation of the big, exciting, long-awaited launch party this Saturday, (I’m only speaking for myself here) I’m posting the prologue from my book, Return In Time. I hope you enjoy this tasty morsel and come back for the whole darn feast.  Check out the News page for details regarding the  big party. Hope to see you there.

Prologue:

Scorrybreac Castle, Isle of Skye, 1292

Moments before the first rays of the rising sun broke over the land the Master Druid of Scorrybreac climbed the long winding stairs of his tower to reach the highest point of the castle. Here, he would carry out his ceremonial request to the guardian spirits of the Isle of Skye, the ones who watched over and protected the lands of the MacNicol clan. As the movement of the earth took the Isle of Skye into the breaking dawn of the summer solstice, the longest day of sunlight, the Master Druid was prepared to make his plea. Like generations of druids before him, he believed the spirits of Skye would honor his request.

Souyer had gathered heather from the earth, shells from the sea, and feathers from the air; symbolic offerings required for this powerful moment of magic. In preparation for the ceremony he had fasted and bathed, and had donned his best druid robes. A circle of protection had been cast, the space had been blessed. Now was the time.

As darkness prepared to give way to the light of day, Souyer looked out over the rugged beauty of the land spread out below. He stood on the tallest tower of the fortress facing the rising sun. To his right he could see the island’s craggy green hills formed centuries ago by the upheaval of the earth. To his left spread the vast expanse of the ocean that reached as far as his old eyes could see. In this sacred time and place the veil of separation would split for a brief moment, and in that precious moment of time, Souyer was prepared to present his annual appeal to the fairies.

In a loud and commanding voice, Souyer recited his well-memorized demand. “Oh great and good fairies, guardian spirits of earth and Skye, in the tradition of our holy and sacred bonds, present to me, here and now, knowledge from the future for the greater good of the MacNicol clan.” He stated his request clearly. He said it once, and only once, allowing the words to linger in the new summer air.

Souyer stood there a while longer watching the sun rise higher in the sky. For days there had been a thick blanket of fog hiding the rays of the sun, which was typical for the north Scottish island, but today the summer solstice sun rose bright into a cloudless blue sky. He felt it was a good omen.

Satisfied with all he had done, he retraced his steps down the long winding staircase and returned to the comfort of his bed chamber. He placed another small log on the low-burning fire and climbed back into the comfort of his bed for a few more hours of rest.

Moezell, one of the strongest fairies in all of Skye, stood watch over the druid, smiling. She had the power to grant the druid’s request and she also had the ability to create mischief and havoc, if she so desired. And such was the case in the early morning hours of that summer solstice on the Isle of Skye.

Lady Lydia, matriarch of the MacNicol clan, fiddled with the needlework piece she held in her hands. She was growing impatient, waiting to hear news from her young cousin. “Finally,” she murmured, looking up as Moezell appeared in the room, “It’s about time.”

“I believe I have found the perfect fit for your needs. She has all your requirements and more,” Moezell greeted her cousin.

“Wonderful. Where can we find her?” Lydia set down her needlework, and focused her gaze on Moezell. She gave a serene smile and her full attention to the fairy standing before her, trying to mask her resentment that she was only half-fey, and therefore forced to rely on her cousin’s assistance.

“It is more like when,” Moezell said. Her lips curved slightly. “She resides several hundred years in the future, in a far-away land called California. However, she will be on the Isle of Skye during the summer solstice.”

“Perfect. We’ll use the power of the solstice to bring her here.” Ideas whirled in Lady Lydia’s head. She would see her eldest son well wed as she so desired. An alliance would be sealed between the MacNicols and the McDonalds. After three years of waiting all would be set to right.

“Did you no hear me? I said she’s from the future?” Moezell’s smile spread into an elfish grin.

“Hah! Who cares when she lives, as if that’s a problem?” Lady Lydia scoffed. “What matters is she will be on our isle and thus, within our reach.”