Chapter 6

Cam"s strong hand on her back guided Jennifer through the dimly lit halls of the ancient castle. The walls, weathered by time and the stories they held, whispered secrets of bygone eras. Cam"s steps echoed softly on the worn stone floors as Jen took in the splendor of her surroundings. Torches flickered along the corridor, casting dancing shadows that seemed to mirror the mysteries that surrounded her.

As they walked, Cam broke the silence. "This way, lass. I shall place you in a room close to my chambers. "Tis for your safety, and I wish to keep a watchful eye over you."

Jennifer nodded, grateful for his protectiveness. "Thank you, Cam. I appreciate your concern. I can"t help but feel confused about how I came to be here, on the Isle of Islay. My memories are fragmented, like shards of a shattered mirror, for lack of a better way of describing it. I can"t remember at all how I arrived here or why."

Cam"s gaze softened, and his eyes filled with empathy. "Aye, 'tis a mystery indeed. 'Tis as if fate herself brought you to our shores. But fear not, lass, for I vow to help you uncover the truth. In the meantime, rest assured that you are safe within these castle walls."

"Thank you," she replied as they came upon a group of servants, where Cam paused.

"Give me one moment, lass," he murmured and then approached the group. He spoke softly to one of the women who nodded and scurried off ahead of them. He returned to her side and smiled. "I just asked that the room I have in mind is prepared properly for you, and a meal brought for you to enjoy."

Jennifer wondered what he meant by "prepared" for her but didn"t want to ask. Instead, she merely said, "I appreciate that."

They continued their slow journey, turning down another corridor adorned with tapestries depicting the ancient legends of Scotland. Jennifer couldn"t help but feel a connection to this place as if her presence was intertwined with the castle"s storied past. Her heart longed to unravel the enigma that enveloped her and discover the missing pieces of her tale.

Finally, they reached a heavy wooden door, ornately carved with symbols of heritage and strength. Cam pushed it open, revealing a cozy chamber bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. A crackling fire danced in the hearth, casting a comforting ambiance over the room. The servant who had prepared the room bobbed a curtsy, picked up the extra linens, and swept out of the room.

Cam gestured toward the inviting space. "This shall be your sanctuary, lass. A place to find respite and perhaps the answers you seek. A meal shall be brought to you shortly. I hope you rest well. We shall delve deeper into the mysteries that have brought you to us soon."

Jennifer stepped into the room, feeling a sense of solace wash over her. "Thank you, Cam. Your kindness and support mean more than words can express. I really hope that we will be able to figure it out so I can get back to my own time." She smiled.

As Cam closed the door, Jennifer couldn"t help but wonder what lay hidden within the recesses of her memory, and what adventures awaited her in the days to come. With a determined spirit and a flicker of hope, she vowed to embrace the unknown and face the challenges that lay ahead.

Jennifer stepped further into her chamber, taking in the cozy, and inviting atmosphere. The room exuded a rustic charm, with wooden furniture that bore the marks of time. A sturdy table and chairs stood near the window, offering a serene view of Loch Ballygrant. The stone walls, adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of Scottish folklore, held the stories of generations past. A large canopy bed beckoned her with its soft linens and plush pillows, promising a restful sleep. The hearth crackled with warmth, casting a gentle glow that bathed the room in comfort.

As Jennifer marveled at her surroundings, a gentle knock echoed through the chamber. Startled, she turned toward the door, her heart skipping a beat. With a nervous breath, she called, "Enter."

The door creaked open, revealing a young woman in a green and blue tartan dress with a white apron. She carried a tray laden with steaming dishes of hearty fare—it looked like some kind of meat, veggies, and mashed potatoes, with a chunk of bread with a pad of butter. A mug of something frothy accompanied the feast.

The young woman"s eyes twinkled with warmth as she approached Jennifer. "Miss, I be Sally. I"ve been asked to help you while you"re here. I"ve brought you a bit of sustenance. Something to nourish your body and soul. There"s haggis, neeps and tatties, and some fresh bread just out of the oven."

Jennifer"s mouth watered at the sight and aroma of the delicious meal. "Thank you, Sally. I"m Jennifer, or Jen. I"m very happy to meet you. This looks absolutely amazing."

Sally placed the tray on the table, her eyes filled with curiosity. "You must have many questions, I reckon. Cam said you be lost on the moors and all. But fear not, Miss. The answers you seek shall come in time. For now, let me take care of you. Now, what you be needin' from me?" she asked.

Jennifer nodded, appreciating Sally"s comforting presence. "That would be wonderful, Sally. I would appreciate a hot bath and some fresh clothes. I feel as though I"ve walked pretty far and need to wash away the weariness. Also, some shoes would be great," she said looking at her dirty bare feet.

Sally smiled warmly. "Aye, Miss. I shall bring you some steaming water for a bath, infused with the fragrant herbs. I"m sure I can acquire you a dress that will make you feel like a bonnie lass and shoes as well."

As Sally made her way toward the door, Jennifer called out to her. "Sally, before you go, may I ask you one thing?"

Sally turned, her eyes filled with kindness. "Of course, Miss. What is it?"

Jennifer hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Has anyone else shown up here not knowing how they came to be here? I can"t remember... well, anything about how I got here."

Sally"s expression softened with understanding. "No, not that I be akin of. The mysteries of life are often shrouded, Miss. But rest assured, the truth shall reveal itself when the time is right. You just need to have a little faith. And if you be needin" anythin", just shout for me."

With those reassuring words, Sally left Jen to her thoughts and the sumptuous feast before her. Her mind swirled with questions; her heart eager to unlock the secrets that lay hidden within the fortress walls. But for now, she would indulge in the nourishment provided and find solace in the warm waters of her bath, which Sally and some other servants brought in for her shortly after she finished her meal. The water in the large tub that had been brought to her room was the perfect soothing temperature.

Sally returned to Jen"s room ten minutes after she"d finished with her bath. Jen was seated in front of the fire, wrapped in the rough fabric Sally had given her to dry off with. She was carrying something silky when she entered and once the door closed, she held it up, and Jen noticed it was a nightgown.

"You"ll be wantin" tae change inta this night shift, Miss, so you can rest," Sally offered, her voice lilting with a gentle Scottish cadence. "It"s made o" the finest silk, fit fer a bonny lass like yerself. The chief himself insisted," she said.

"He did? Interesting…" Jen accepted the nightgown with gratitude, the fabric slipping through her fingers like a whispered promise. She marveled at the intricate lace and delicate embroidery on it, a testament to the craftsmanship of the skilled seamstress who"d sewn it. It was a garment that spoke of elegance and grace, and she felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of wearing it in Cam"s presence.

Sally, ever attentive, cleared the table of the remnants of dinner, handing them off to someone in the hallway. She returned a moment later with a bottle of what looked to be whisky and a crystal glass. She set them on the table and then returned to the hallway door, took something from another servant, and brought it in as well. It was a fresh pitcher of water, and its coolness beckoned Jen to quench her thirst. She couldn"t recall the last time she"d even had any water.

"I"ll be right in the hall, Miss, so as you can change into the night shift." Sally hurried back to the hallway, pulling the door closed.

Jen quickly tossed off the towel and slipped into the gown. It felt soft against her skin, and she enjoyed it. She"d never worn anything so fancy to bed. As she settled into the comfort of her chamber, Sally returned with a quick tap on the door to be sure she was decent. "Tell me, Sally," she implored once Sally was back in the room, her voice laced with genuine curiosity, "What does it mean that Cam is the chief?"

Sally looked at her with curiosity. "Oh, well, Miss. Cam should be the laird, but the Campbells have taken over the land management, so now he is only known as the chief of our clan. The rest of the clan looks to him for leadership."

"I see. Why did he give the land to the Campbells?"

Sally shook her head. "He didn"t, Miss. 'Twas before, when things were bad here betwixt the MacDonalds and the Campbells, not that 'tis much better now, but the Campbells be a ruthless clan, and they did us much harm. They also took the land at the behest of the king. So now instead of being laird as his father was, he is only known as the chief."

Jen had no idea who the king was, but she felt a sense of anger fill her at the MacDonalds being bullied out of their land. Still, she didn"t understand this world well enough yet to understand what happened, so she asked another question. "What kind of leader is Cam?" she asked. From her experience of him thus far, he"d been kind, but she wondered what his people thought of him. "Is he cruel or kind?"

Sally"s gaze softened and a smile lit her face. "Cam is a man o" great strength and conviction, Miss," she began, her tone tinged with respect. "He is fierce and unyielding when faced with enemies who threaten his kith and kin. He carries within him a kindness reserved for his people, and for those who dwell within the circle of his protection."

"His people? You mean his relatives?"

"No, Miss, not just them. All the people who dwell upon what was MacDonald lands."

"I see."

Sally"s voice held a sense of awe as she continued. "He be a just leader, Miss, guidin" our clan with wisdom and compassion. His hand may be firm but 'tis always fair. You"ll find yourself safe under his watchful eye, and his loyalty will be a shield that guards you from harm."

Jen listened intently, the words of her new Scottish friend painting a vivid picture of the man. A sense of reassurance settled over her heart, for in Cam, she saw a leader who embodied the very essence of the Scottish Highlands that she"d often read about—strength tempered by kindness, and the unwavering spirit of a warrior guided by honor.

As Sally prepared to depart, her eyes filled with warmth and concern. "Is there aught else you be needin", Miss?" she inquired.

Jen shook her head, a grateful smile gracing her lips. "No, you have provided for me more than I could have asked for. I can't thank you enough, Sally."

Sally"s eyes gleamed with sincerity. "You need not thank me, Miss. 'Tis my duty and pleasure to care for you. You are a guest of our clan, and we look after our own."

With a final nod of appreciation, Jen watched as Sally left the room, the door closing softly behind her. Alone once more, she found herself lost in a moment of contemplation. Her mind turned to Cam, the enigmatic chief who extended the invitation for her to stay at the fort. Sally"s words had eased her worries, but a lingering uncertainty tugged at her heart.

Thoughts swirled in her mind, leaving her unsure of what lay ahead. She pondered the depths of Cam"s character, grappling with the possibility that his kindness could be but a fa?ade, concealing a more sinister nature. A sense of caution tempered her excitement, a reminder that trust must be earned, even in a world so different from her own.

Jen took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. She knew she must tread carefully here. Medieval Scotland was far from the modern world, but she had faith that she could survive this.