Chapter 8

As the supper feast came to an end, Jen found herself enchanted by the ethereal beauty of the fort at night. Moonlight cascaded through stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the stone floors. The flickering candlelight created an intimate ambiance, accentuating the romantic allure of the ancient fortress. As Cam walked beside her, the castle seemed to come alive.

Cam"s eyes held what she thought was admiration and amusement as he turned to her. "Lass, I must admit, I was impressed by the way you spoke to the men tonight. You command respect with your words, and they seem to listen."

Jen let out a soft chuckle, a slight blush tinting her cheeks. "Well, perhaps the ale had something to do with it. I might have found my courage in the bottom of the mug."

Cam laughed heartily, his voice resonating through the quiet halls. "Aye, 'tis often said that ale brings out the truth in a person. But you, lass, were bold and honest, even without the liquid courage. I admire that."

Their footsteps slowed as they reached the door to Jennifer"s chamber. A moment of silence lingered between them, charged with a chemistry that she couldn"t deny, and she hoped he felt it, too. The fort seemed to hold its breath, as if aware of the unspoken connection blossoming between them in that tender moment.

Cam"s voice, filled with longing and restraint, broke the silence. "Goodnight, Jennifer. Rest well."

Jennifer"s heart skipped a beat, a fleeting desire stirring within her. "Goodnight, Cam. Thank you for everything."

With a final lingering gaze, Cam turned away, leaving Jennifer standing at the threshold of her chamber. As the door closed, she let out a quiet sigh, her thoughts swirling in a whirlwind of emotions.

Soon after she entered her chambers, Sally knocked on the door, her presence a comforting reassurance as she came in with a new pitcher of water that she set on the table. She helped Jennifer out of her cumbersome dress, carefully setting it aside. She returned to the pitcher, picked it up, and poured half into a wash basin.

"Here you go, Miss," Sally said, her voice kind and soothing. "A bit of fresh water to cleanse away the weariness of the day."

Jen nodded gratefully, dipping her hands into the cool water and splashing it onto her face. As she refreshed herself, she couldn"t help but reflect on the events of the evening—the camaraderie, the laughter, and the undeniable connection she felt with Cam.

Sally"s voice interrupted her reverie, bringing her back to the present. "You did well tonight, Miss. The whole castle is speaking of it. The guardsmen respect you, and I can see a spark between you and the chief. Perhaps destiny has brought you here to us."

Jennifer"s lips curled into a small smile as she met Sally"s gaze. "Perhaps you"re right, Sally. Only time will tell. But for now, I will embrace the journey, whatever it may bring."

With a renewed sense of purpose and a heart filled with anticipation, Jen settled into her chamber, ready to embrace the mysteries of the fort, the strength of its inhabitants, and the burgeoning connection with Cam that seemed to defy the boundaries of time.

After hanging Jen"s dress in the wardrobe, and handing a nightgown to her, Sally left the chamber. Jen changed out of the underdress then hung it up and lay on the bed.

As she lay in her small room at the keep, as she"d heard several of the guardsmen call it, her mind buzzed with a swirl of conflicting thoughts. Cam"s mention of "fae magic" and the wise woman"s supposed ability to send her back to her time left her torn between skepticism and a flicker of hope. She couldn"t deny that the mysterious woman held the key to her return home, even if it meant traversing the realms of the unknown.

Her thoughts drifted back to her own time and place, a distant world where her career awaited her. While part of her longed for the familiarity of her previous life, she couldn"t ignore the way her heart quickened in Cam"s presence.

The noble warrior had captured her attention from the moment they"d met, his rugged charm and unwavering loyalty drew her in a way no man ever had. She found herself wondering what it would be like to stay by his side, to live here with him amid the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

As tempting as that notion was, Jen knew she had a purpose here—one that extended beyond her desires. Training Cam"s men in the art of unarmed combat became her focus, a way to keep herself sharp and centered amid the uncertainties that surrounded her.

The next morning, as the sun began its ascent over the majestic peaks of the Highlands, Jen awoke to find that her sweatpants and shirt had been washed, dried, and laid on a chair in the room. She was glad for it because she would not be able to train in a dress. Though she wondered if it would be wise to go out in that attire. Perhaps Sally would have a tunic and some pants she could borrow. She"d have to ask.

Jennifer wiped sleep from her eyes, a sense of anticipation mingling with a touch of disbelief. She half expected to find herself back in modern times, but the reality of her surroundings affirmed that she was still in the enigmatic world of the seventeenth-century Scottish Highlands.

Feeling refreshed and invigorated, she rose from her slumber and glanced around the chamber. She noticed a meal laid out on her table and felt the warmth of the fire dancing merrily in the hearth. Determination sparked within her, urging her to seize the day and embark on an adventure of exploration. With a quick resolve, she decided to venture out and uncover the secrets held within the ancient walls. After eating the hardy breakfast, of course.

Once she"d devoured the delicious meal, Jennifer opened the wardrobe and was surprised to see a few dresses hanging where there had been only one the evening before. Sally must have been busy while she slept, Jennifer thought, shocked that she"d slept through someone moving about the room without her knowledge. But then she supposed as a chambermaid, Sally was probably skilled at doing things as silently as possible.

She picked a suitable gown that would allow her to blend in with the Highland surroundings. Her hands landed on a brown serviceable dress, woven with intricate sewing, but plainer than the dress she wore the previous evening. She didn"t need the underdress, so she donned the garment, embracing the spirit of the era.

Now dressed in the Scottish fashion as best she could, Jennifer made her way through the castle corridors, her heart thrumming with excitement. The vibrant courtyard beckoned her, alive with the energy of the bustling inhabitants.

Stepping into the courtyard, Jennifer was immersed in a scene that teemed with life. Livestock roamed freely, grazing upon the emerald grass. Skilled blacksmiths hammered away at red-hot metal, their rhythmic clanging echoing through the air. Servants bustled about, going about their duties with precision and grace.

The courtyard pulsated with vibrant activity as if it held the heartbeat of the fortress. Jennifer"s eyes widened, taking in the tapestry of colors, sounds, and scents that enveloped her.

The open fort gate beckoned Jen, and she ventured beyond the courtyard"s boundaries, heading down the slope of the hill—a much faster route than going by the road—and stepping into the small grouping of homes nestled in the embrace of the Scottish landscape.

Thatched roof cottages dotted the bottom of the hill, their smoke-tinged chimneys rising into the sky. The people went about their morning work, tending to their fields and engaging in the rhythm of daily life. Jen observed with awe and curiosity, captivated by the simplicity and authenticity of the Highland existence.

Jen felt the layers of time peeling away with each step she took, allowing her to absorb the essence of the land. The scents of freshly baked bread and the earthy aroma of the soil mingled in the air. The laughter and chatter of the people filled her ears, carrying with them a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

As Jen wandered down the dirt street past the cottages and stables, she marveled at the people and their connection to the land. It was a world foreign and familiar, a peek into a bygone era that had become her reality. At that moment, among the thatched roof cottages and the bustling morning activities, Jen felt an undeniable connection to this extraordinary place that felt like it could become her home away from home.

Jen returned to the castle after exploring. She"d run into Cam, and he"d asked her to meet him in the courtyard to begin the training. She"d agreed but wanted to change her clothes first. She quickly found Sally and after making her request for something more masculine to wear, she donned a pair of brown breeches and a white tunic shirt. She headed to the courtyard and joined Cam and a group of guardsmen at the training grounds.

The air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of dew-laden grass and the promise of a new day. The men who hadn"t seen her fight the thieves out on the road stared at her clothing like their eyes would fall from their heads. Jennifer didn"t care. She was comfortable in the pants and shirt, and she didn"t care if they thought they weren't proper. She was going to be fighting, and she couldn't do that in a dress.

Cam"s piercing blue eyes met Jennifer"s, determination and admiration shining within them. "My men are eager to learn from you, lass. I wish to unlock the secrets of the unarmed combat you used upon those thieves."

Jen nodded, her gaze steady. "I will give them my best, Cam."

The training grounds came alive with the sound of footsteps and the rustling of leaves as the guardsmen gathered around Jen.

"What I am going to show you is called mixed martial arts. MMA for short. It is a blend of techniques from many Asian countries, mixed with those of English and European origin," Jen explained as she looked over the men and then back to Cam. "Will you partner with me?" she asked. "I promise not to hurt you, but I need a partner to demonstrate the moves."

"Of course, lass," Cam agreed, moving to stand next to her again.

She spent the morning and afternoon demonstrating techniques; the fluid movements of jujitsu, judo, and Muay Thai that harnessed strength and agility. Her words echoed through the air, guiding them on a path of self-defense and discipline. It was just a beginning, but the men seemed interested and put forth a lot of effort to master the few skills she taught them that morning.

Hour after hour, Jennifer honed their skills, her voice a constant presence of encouragement and guidance. The men seemed to listen; determination etched upon their faces as they hungrily absorbed the lessons.

As Jen observed their progress, she couldn"t help but feel a sense of pride. Many of the men grew more confident, their movements flowing with newfound grace. She saw in most of their eyes the determination to learn to be skilled defenders of their clan. There were a few dissenters among them who refused to put forth much effort, which was unfortunate, but she hoped they"d eventually come around.

Amid the training, Jen"s thoughts returned to the wise woman that Cam had told her about, the elusive figure who held the key to her return home. She wondered about the woman"s knowledge and her connection to the realms of magic and time. Would she possess the power to send her back, or was it nothing more than a fantastical tale?

Doubts gnawed at Jen, but she dismissed them with a fierce resolve. She had come too far to falter, and let uncertainty deter her from the path that lay ahead. The answers she sought resided within the enigmatic presence of the wise woman, and she was determined to uncover them.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow across the landscape, Jen retreated inside once again. Thoughts of the wise woman and the possibility of returning home swirled in her mind, but she couldn"t deny the undercurrent of attraction she felt toward Cam.

After a full day of rigorous training, Jen returned to her chamber, her muscles weary and in need of rejuvenation. To her delight, a steaming bath awaited her, the scent of fragrant herbs wafting through the air. "Oh, Sally, you are a lifesaver," she murmured as she watched the maids pour in the last buckets of water and scurry out the door.

Sally laughed. "I saw you out in the courtyard, Miss. I thought you might appreciate a warm bath after such activity." She smiled. "I"ll just leave you to it." She followed the others out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Jennifer stripped out of her clothes and immersed herself in the warm water, letting the tension melt away.

As she emerged from the bath an hour later, refreshed, and invigorated, Sally entered the chamber, a brightly colored dress draped over her arm. The dress was a marvel, crafted from rich, emerald-green velvet, its bodice covered in delicate golden embroidery and tiny, dark-blue sapphires and blood-red rubies woven into the design. The flowing skirts cascaded elegantly to the floor.

Sally"s eyes sparkled with excitement as she held up the dress. "Miss, this is a special dress, fit for a woman of your status. The colors are those of the MacDonald clan."

Jen"s gaze lingered on the dress, its allure captivating her. "It"s exquisite, Sally. A work of art. I"m honored to wear it."

As Jennifer donned the dress, Sally"s voice filled the room. "The entire castle is buzzing with tales of your fighting skills. The guardsmen had never seen a woman fight the way you do. You"ve earned the respect and admiration of many of the guards, Miss. You"ve made a place for yourself here."

A smile tugged at Jen"s lips. "That warms my heart, Sally. I never imagined my skills would have such an impact here. I"m grateful to be accepted by everyone."

Sally led her through the fort"s corridors once again, this time as they made their way to the grand dining hall. As they entered, Jen sought out Cam, and her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. The guardsmen in the hall turned their heads. She could see many held a newfound respect for her as they caught sight of her. She was happy to see the admiration in their eyes.

They gathered around the room at various long, sturdy tables laden with platters of hearty food and mugs of frothy ale. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air as Jen joined Cam at the head table. He pulled a chair out for her next to him. As she observed the men, their rugged faces bearing the marks of battles fought and won, she felt a deep sense of camaraderie among them all.

They ate and drank, and Jen savored the simple pleasures of a warm meal and good company. Her heart swelled with a sense of belonging, grateful to have found a place among these brave men and women. With each shared story and shared ale, the bonds of loyalty and shared purpose between them grew.

Jen realized that she had become more than a stranger to them. She had become a part of the fort"s history, entwined in the fabric of their lives, and she vowed to honor that connection, embracing her role as a teacher, a friend, and a force to be reckoned with.