Free A Journey Out of Time by S MacLeod Page B

around him. A thin braid running down each side of his face & waves of dark hair flowing behind them.
    "Well?" he asked.
    "Well what?"
    "Am I acceptable then?"
    Oh, Aye! Sonya smiled. "Aye, My Lord, most acceptable." Duncan chuckled & took her arm, wrapping it around his.
    "And ye are most acceptable, lass. I like your choice in dress."
    She smiled. "Thank you. You don't think the outfit is too much?" Sonya looked down at her clothes. She doubted anyone else would have chosen to wear the MacPherson kilt & MacLeod kilt together. It was amazing what some safety pins & brooches could do! Sonya took the two kilts, twisted them on one side, which made her white chemise show on the side.
    "Nay, I think it looks perfect."
    Sonya beamed. As they began to walk she frowned a moment, but he saw it.
    "What is it lass?"
    "It is just unusual, the tartans."
    "The Scots doona wear the tartan where ye are from?" He sounded most aggrieved.
    "Oh, no, they do, but they did not have clan plaids in this time. How unusual that the plaid you have would be the same tartan that I am familiar with."
    "Aye, most uncanny."
    She smiled, but it faded as she heard the celebratory noises as they descended the last of the stone steps. Imagine, her going to a celebration because she was a MacPherson! Not only that, but somehow related to a king! Her mother would have loved this. She smiled at the thought. I wish you were here mum . The laughing & music got louder & louder. As they stepped into the room, a silence suddenly fell as the King stood. Angus greeted them & Sonya looked to Duncan who was smiling at her. Angus kissed her on each cheek & held her hand as he turned towards the crowded room. Although she knew Duncan was watching, that didn't help the nerves at all, but catching Anne's eye & assuring nod, did.
    In a loud voice Angus announced, "This is Sonya who is welcome in our Clan as a MacPherson. She is welcome to my kingdom as a Scotsman & a Highlander. She is also of the MacLeod," he added winking at her.
    She was shaking so badly, she was sure he felt it because he squeezed her hand. She smiled proudly. Who else could have put it so well, but a statesman & king? And how honored could you be than to have it announced by the king that you are part of his clan & country. Sonya felt a pride she had never felt before.
    "As you can see by her dress, she represents two of our clans. This shows that not only are we made up of several clans, but we are also of one clan."
    Sonya looked at Angus proudly. Her mum would have loved this man. He winked at her & she smiled. The room broke out in cheers & clapping as the King led her to the high table. Anne was seated next to Angus with Duncan to her other side. Sonya was to sit on the other side of the king. Imagine that! Duncan watched her as she sat down. She wondered if he knew how badly she was still shaking. She wonder what they use as Valium here; Whiskey? Probably. Could I order some of that? Me, who had rarely had a drink other than my grandfather's Schnapps!
    The dinner was great & Sonya ate way too much. She felt like Angus suspected she was starving. He kept shoving this & that at her. She tried everything including the famous haggis. Although she would get the taste of liver now & then, she liked the rest just fine. And there was nothing she loved more than watching the dancing around the swords. It was wonderful & who doesn't love bagpipes? She always had. Perhaps those were just more reasons why she was destined to be here. After dinner Angus encouraged her to dance, but she refused as politely as she could. Were you supposed to refuse a king? Ah, well, this was Sonya. Duncan just chuckled.
    "I promise to learn & will dance the next time."
    "Aye. I will hold ye to that." He glanced at the pendant she wore & said, "That stone looks familiar." He turned towards Duncan, his eyes dancing. "Wasn't that the stone yer father gave to yer mother?"
    Sonya felt her breath catch & she looked at Duncan who took a