Free Kahleena MacCarthy ~ To Meet a Highlander by Zarik Page A

was pure. Well, if you didn’t include all the bloodshed.
                  It even smelled fresh.
                  As they went along, she rode with Drostan, who seemed none too pleased with sharing his horse with her. They rode behind Zarik, which gave her the opportunity to check him out. He was tall. She had thought Galen tall, but this Highlander was at least six foot seven. He was thicker and more confident. His long blond hair was down to almost his waist and he had two small braids. One on each side of his face, with the back flying free. Zarik’s blue eyes were magnificent. Clear, yet sparkly. Brilliant. Piercing when he looked at you.
                  Perhaps trying to win him over wouldn’t be such a hardship on her part after all. Too bad she couldn’t thank the old woman for her meddling.
                  When they arrived, Torradan let out a call to the gate watcher. Was that what they were called? Tsarina smiled to herself at her thoughts. She would get to write history while living in the midst of her research. Maybe there was a way she could get it to someone in the future. Too bad she didn't bring extra pens and notebooks. There's no way she'd likely be able to get any of the research supplies she was used to around here.
                  On the way to the large gates, there were numerous small homes placed here and there for miles. Upon entering the gates, there were towers and the main castle. Other buildings and storage places. The castle itself was at least six stories. It looked to be very well build, although rather dark in appearance. It was obvious that those living there and those caring for it, took pride in having a clean place. So much for all things historic being dirty.
                  People ran up to them to greet the warriors on another victory. She listened as some older man spoke with Zarik and patted his back as he got off his horse. As they noticed her, they all gave her odd looks. Her clothes, she guessed.
                  “That’s Zarik’s father, Niall. The auld man with him is Argus.” Torradan explained as though he could read her thoughts. “Argus has long predicted yer arrival to Niall, who puts complete faith in the old Druid. Zarik wasn’t convinced. He doesnae believe in magic. He’ll think of another way to explain yer odd clothing.”
                  “What about you. Did you think Argus would be correct?”
                  “It didn’t matter; it wasn’t supposed to have any bearing on me at all. If ye showed up,” Drostan shrugged. “ye were to be Zarik’s. However, now I find ye with me while Zarik tries to ignore you.”
                  Argus turned and smiled as he looked up at Tsarina on the horse. Faster than she thought he’d be able to walk, he was at their side.
                  “I’ve waited many years for ye, lass. I'm glad ye've finally came. Thank ye. It no could have been an easy task.” He looked toward Zarik. “And it will get even more difficult know. Why are ye riding with Drostan?” Argus took her hand and placed a kiss on it, while shooting a displeased look at Zarik.
                  “It’s just where I ended up. So, you know how I got here?” Tsarina watched the old man nod. “And you know why I’m supposed to be here?” She saw the smile flash across his face and as he nodded again. “Can you help me get back?” That was it. His smile was gone.
                  “Lass, ye cannae go back. Ye belong here. Zarik needs ye. I need ye. We, the clan,  need ye.” The elderly man eyed Drostan. “Why did ye not insist she ride with her betrothed?”
                  Drostan shrugged and rolled his eyes. Argus knew that when Zarik made up his mind, it’s just the way it was. No matter what anyone else thought or said. Arguing was pointless. It would only end with Zarik