I love MJNet Posted: 31 May 2005 01:07 pm
Colliding Worlds - reposted and Includes update 12th JUNE!



Disclaimer: Usual thing, Shed own Helen and Nikki, I can just have fun with them…….. However, some of these characters are mine, and some of these events and other historical figures are very real (even some of the quotes used are, although not all) and inspired from our recent trip to Scotland. You can follow many of the roads later mentioned, and visit the fantastic ruins of Ruthven Barracks – although I have changed some of the history for this story.

Chapter 1 – Colliding Worlds.

As the writer sat at his desk he looked up and out of the small narrow window opening. The warmth of the full summer sun was welcoming after what had seemed like an eternal winter. Even spring had seemed nothing more than an extension of the winter season, seeming as cold and as hard as the month’s prior. Then suddenly, almost as if a switch had been flicked, it changed. Summer had arrived with equal ferocity. It had caused the snow in the mountains to thaw rapidly, which in turn had caused a very brief problem with flooding locally, but now the sun could be enjoyed in its entirety.

The writer knew time was getting on, so bowed his head and the slight scratching from his pen was the only sound broken periodically by the haunting call from the curlews that nested nearby.

"I proceeded on my Journey, and have Travelled through the greatest and most uncivilised Parts of the Highlands of Scotland; And humbly beg leave to lay before Your Majesty the following Report, which I have collected as well from my own Observations, with all Faithfulness and Impartiality."

There was a slight pause as the nib of the pen was raised off the page before it was brought back down again and the writing continued.


Nikki woke with a slight start and frowned. Normally she couldn’t even begin to remember her dreams, and yet this one had been so vivid it had actually woken her up.
In the low orange glow of the street lamps outside, she glanced across at Helen who seemed to be sleeping soundly.
Which is what I should be doing! Nikki thought with a slight sigh. She closed her eyes, and despite the unusual circumstances that woke her, she was soon back to sleep, all thoughts of her dream forgotten about.

“There notions of virtue and vice are very different from the more civilised part of mankind, they think it is a most sublime virtue to pay a servile and abject obedience to the commands of their chieftains, althou’ in opposition to the sovereign and the laws of the kingdom….”

The nib was again lifted from the paper, and the writer took care in making sure it was how he wanted it to read before caring on.

"The Arms they make use of in War, are, a Musket, a Broad Sword and Target, a Pistol and a Durk or Dagger, hanging by their side, with a Powder Horn and Pouch for their Ammunition.
"They form themselves into Bodies of unequal Numbers according to the strength of their Clan or Tribe; When in sight of the Enemy they endevour to possess themselves of the highest Ground, believing they descend on them with greater force."
"On sudden Alarms, or when any Chieftain is in distress, they give Notice to their Clans or those in Alliance with them, by sending a Man with what they call the Fiery Cross, which is a Stick in the form of a Cross, burnt at the End, who sends it forward to the next Tribe or Clan."

Helen woke up and could have sworn she smelt something for a fleeting second. It almost reminded her of gunpowder when fireworks had been set off. Feeling slightly alarmed, she carefully got out of bed to make sure the house was okay and that there wasn’t a fire or something going on. She pulled a gown on and walked carefully through the house as the first tentacles of morning light filtered through. Satisfied that there wasn’t anything amiss, and that the smell had gone, she headed back towards the bedroom, where she fell back to sleep again.

"That a Regiment of Dragoons be ordered to Quarter in the Low Country between Perth and Inverness (when Forrage can be provided for their Support) which will not only hinder the Highlanders descending into that Country from the apprehensions they are under of engaging with Horse, but may be a means to prevent the Landing of small Bodies of Troops that may be sent from Foreign parts to invade that part of the Kingdom, or encourage the Highlanders to Rebellion."

“The black watch regiment is what I wish it to be called. They are to be the local internal force to police the areas I feel are cause for concern, and the force is one I shall raise personally, thereby knowing that those who have been chosen are honest and reliable to our cause. I would also state that local dialect is important to be spoken by some members to ensure that the laws are accurately given out.”

The smell of the horses could be sensed even before they had arrived at the entrance to the newly built stable block. The wind direction meant that the midden specifically situated for the manure from the stables was wafting over its own unique scent. In fact, although the sun was shining, and there were very few clouds in the sky, the wind was really buffeting the men as they walked, filling out their tunics, which meant it was a struggle to sometimes keep their feet, but they managed to get across the short distance from the back gate to the front of the stables. Once at the one of two entrances to the stables, they were shielded from the wind by the building and it was a relief.

“We have to include some portals through here.” The man issued instructions, and they were being noted down as he spoke. “Even though these are the stables, they are at risk as well.” He paused as he looked around at the design. Currently the stables weren’t quite full, with only 14 of its 28 stalls occupied.
“When do the other horses arrive with the Dragoons?”
“Sometime over the next week.” Came the quick response.
“Very well.”
A collective sigh of relief went around the assembled men grateful that a tirade hadn’t been started by the lack of horses there.

“Get back here now.” The man shouted with such authority that the person, despite being so scared had begun to bolt not only stood his ground but also scurried back to his position.
“If any man moves from his position again without permission, I will see to it personally that is the last thing they ever do. Is this understood?” Was the roar.
“Yes sire.” Came the quick and unanimous reply.
“Very well.” He looked around at the men and felt a slight surge of pride is seeing them assembled properly as a unit for the first time since he had reported back. “Let us begin to tame these heathens.”

Nikki woke again, and this time found she was sitting upright in bed. She glanced across and saw that Helen was already up and about. Taking a deep breath, she could feel the sweat on her forehead beginning to dry.
“What the hell is going on?” Nikki murmured as the images from her dream carried on playing through her mind. It had almost felt as if she had been there, it had felt so dramatic. It was the first time Nikki could ever remember being uneasy about one her dreams, and it worried her slightly. Worst of all, she couldn’t fathom out why it had happened.

Last edited by I love MJNet on 13 Jun 2005 10:53 am; edited 2 times in total Zen moment



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 587





I love MJNet Posted: 12 Jun 2005 09:36 pm
Another update

Chapter 2.

Scotland 1724

A light breeze tickled her cheeks as she took in the scent of hundreds of wildflowers that surrounded her like a sea. The blue-sky overhead was immense; it made her think of her brother’s dreams of a new world across the ocean.

She had never seen the ocean, but she knew it was huge, as big as the sky even. Her little brother Benjamin hadn’t seen the ocean either, but he had heard the stories of freedom and land across that wide blue water.

Fallon had no desire to go across those waters. She was content here in her father’s small thatched roof cottage. It was small and a little crowded, but it was warm and friendly and that was all that mattered.

From where she sat she could see the cottage’s tiny little roof and Benjamin herding the sheep into their barn. She should have been helping him, not daydreaming on the hill. She raced down the muddy footpath, dark brown braid swinging with every step. She wished now she had used a handkerchief to help stop it from falling over her face.

She arrived home, and could tell immediately that her peace was going to be shattered. Men mingled outside with her father, all looking worried and talking urgently amongst themselves. Fallon had already heard, when eavesdropping on previous conversations that the English were coming, and coming with force.

He was freezing cold and soaking wet. The sun had risen, but is impossible to see through this icy mist surrounding them, clinging to him like a cloak in a thunderstorm.

The men had been awake for hours, and ate little, the rations depleted severely since leaving some weeks ago. At least there was plenty of water to be found in this god-forsaken land, here fighting for the English King against the Celtic scum in Scotland.

Many didn’t know where they were, and even if they had been told the names of the towns they passed on the long march, they would have meant nothing to them. Once they had travelled through Carlisle, knowledge of the land ahead became non-existent for all but the most educated of the group.

He watched as they were standing in some swamp of a field with what had become their friends and comrades during the march up, waiting for the word to attack. There was a stream nearby, and woodland surrounding one end of the field. He could imagine that everyone is as nervous as he was, but although they were due to fight today, he knew it couldn't be until the mist rose. He could hear the small murmur of general chatter running through the ranks as they waited for the opportunity to attack.

It suddenly occurred to him that he hadn’t even heard a bird singing, and reckoned the carrion-eaters were slowly taking up positions ready to observe their feast being laid out in front of them. A terrible thought, but one he knew was inevitable, no matter how well planned and trained this force might have been. For a split second, he felt some remorse that lives were to be lost, but quickly squashed down those feelings.

Many of those who had broad swords as their chosen weapon were taking the opportunity to give the edges one final sharpen, knowing the slightest bluntness in the blade could mean the difference between life and death. Some used the sword by preference, others because although having enough strength to use the bow and arrow, lacked the accuracy it required when being used.

He nodded to his commanders who were standing in rows ahead of the ranks. Spotting his movement, they began to organise the men into their final fighting positions. Rows of men with pikes headed the men, offering the first protection from a cavalry charge. Among the men with the large broad swords, stand others who are wielding smaller swords, more able to move easily in the confined space, or chase after anyone fleeing.

Behind the swordsmen, archers are waiting. Bows being set, making sure string tensions are just right for each archer. Their purpose to simply unleash a deadly volley of arrows into the midst of the oncoming enemy. Behind them, he stood with some more commanders who helped run the whole operation. Right at the back, there are reserves, hidden away. Even further beyond, miles away, is the camp, where some will eat their next meal, many hours from now.

The mist was thinning now, and above the trees to the east, near the stream, the pale sun is becoming visible.

A hush descended and he strained his eyes and ears to get the first sign of an attack starting from the Scots. They were, as reported, on the higher ground, so they were expecting a charge from their cavalry first. After all, these people were untrained in their attacks and so predictable it almost could be laughable. Could have been. He knew it was dangerous, no matter how weak the opposition seemed to underestimate anyone.

They didn’t have to wait too long. Soon there was a noise emanating from the mountain pass above them. It might have been mistaken as thunder rumbling, but it soon became apparent that it was something more. It didn’t stop, and soon it gets louder and louder, when he could spot something beginning to approach them.

Many tens, hundreds of horses, all running towards them as fast as they can, urged on by their riders. No armour seemed to be worn. No glinting from the iron was seen in the weak suns rays. Then soon, the first that approached had ragged clothes and bare skin, some of it painted blue or green. In its own way it was as terrifying as any armour could be. They were truly heathens not worthy to live in this kingdom. He snorted slightly with derision as he watched the first wave meeting his men.

Some riders fell; some horses remained upright and were taken further into the mass of bodies only to have their riders struck down by swords. Some didn’t even manage to get to the first of the ranks as the arrow volleys did their job.
The stampede was intensifying, so he looked across at a general and gave the signal. Suddenly, the dragoons on their horses appeared from behind the main units, and took on the attackers with equal force.

Some horses falter as they approach the line of pikes, instinctively avoiding becoming impaled. Some riders are thrown and dealt with by the troops. He watched as some men then dragged a rider up the slight incline to where he was situated. He smiled as he saw who they were bringing to him. They had done their job well, and he felt even more pleased to think they had managed to pick him out, even in the heat of the slaughter.

“Kneel before me.” He commanded once the captive had been brought before him.
“I’d reather die ‘en kneel to ya.” Came the fierce and defiant reply.
“I think you might be persuaded to change your mind.” He nodded to his sergeant who was standing alongside the captive. Kicking his legs sharply behind the knees, he had no alternative but to topple forward onto the ground. As soon as he was there, hands pushed down onto his shoulders so that he couldn’t struggle back up again.
“I’ll have ya one day.”
“Perhaps, but for the moment, I have the day.”

Helen woke up, and again could hardly believe just how real her dream was. She swore she could almost smell the atmosphere and rankness of the battlefield as it had happened. In fact, she felt slightly nauseas from the whole thing. Trying to regain her composure, she closed her eyes, and telling herself that it was nothing more than a dream; she fell back into a fitful sleep. Zen moment



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 587



_________________
Karma or action is powerless to destroy ignorance. Self can be known only through knowledge.


I love MJNet Posted: 13 Jun 2005 10:38 am
3

Chapter 3.

The night was dark. Not quite the complete pitch black a moonless night could give, but nevertheless, it was dark. It was certainly far too dark for those who didn’t know the area to venture away from the confines of their temporary camp. The battle had raged most of the day and it wasn’t until the very last rays of light began to fail that the end of the resistance was dealt with. Bodies were left where they had fallen except for the English who deserved a proper Christian burial.
The pen was brought out and his report was written in haste so it could be dispatched at first light back down to London.

“Of the 500 men who began today we find our causalities have been remarkably few. A testament to the courage and skill this troop of men has shown. Training was harsh and fierce for many, especially those who had never picked up a weapon in anger before. Never though was it going to be as harsh as the reality of today’s events or as true as the battles which will no doubt be fought along this land.”
“We are also to be thankful that the Lord was merciful on us this day. This Tribe, or Clan as they are known in these pars, were fierce and determined. I have pleasure to report that their leader was today captured by our men and is currently being held at my pleasure at the barracks. I shall take my leave once I have completed this report for your pleasure.”

Nikki stopped in mid flow pulling a weed out of the overgrown flowerbed she was attending to. She frowned slightly and shook her head slightly as the images she swore she had just experienced ebbed away almost as quickly as the thought that she had them enter.
“Just a flashback of that damn dream.” Nikki muttered, and although not totally convinced with her own argument, she carried on gardening.

Fallon crept slowly forward in the small cramped space of her sleeping quarters that she shared with Benjamin. She had heard someone enter the Bothy*, the small stone structure she called home. She strained her ears and listened to what was happening, even though time was getting on and it was now late.
Her curiosity was peeked. It hadn’t sounded like her father coming home. Then her curiosity was heightened when she could certainly hear what sounded like sobbing from her mother. Checking to make sure Benjamin was still sound asleep, she edged as close as she could to the pulled down rough woollen curtain that separated their sleeping quarters from the main room.
From there she was now able to hear Alistair, her fathers second talking in soft tones to her mother. Fallon’s heartbeat quickened.

“But wot of ta bairns**?” Kyla said as she regained her composure quickly knowing it was her duty as his wife and their childrens mother to show strength.
“Tha will be fine.” Alistair assured Kyla. “We ‘r working on this as we speak.”

“Did you say something?” Helen turned around to face Nikki. Both were standing in front of packing crates and were slowly removing the contents in each into the sitting room of their new home.
“No.” Nikki shook her head as she struggled with some bubble wrap around one of their more fragile wooden ornaments that they had got while on holiday the year before in Sri Lanka.
“Oh.” Helen scowled slightly. “Okay.”
Helen went back to the task of unpacking her crate, certain that she had heard something.

The guard didn’t even know what had hit him. The barracks were well below strength, many of the men still making their way back from the battlefield. He crumpled sideways and was caught with ease into the burly arms of the man who had struck with such deadly ease with his dagger. He then pulled the shaft of the dagger back out, and with almost exaggerated care, wiped off the blood onto the think woollen tunic the guard wore. Then he inched along the wall, the entrance to the small stone cell on the lowest of the 3 levels facing him. He was now only a matter of feet away, and his only worry was getting past the light torch outside the door without detection. Glancing up to the westerly parapet he saw the small signal, almost imperceptible, and quickly closed the gap on the prison cell entrance. The key he had taken from the now dead guard was run swiftly through some sheep’s wool to place some lanolin on it to aid its movement in the lock, which is was then placed. Turning carefully, but at the same time urgently, knowing he didn’t have long before another guard would be along, he opened the heavy wooden door.
The prisoner looked up and smiled seeing the figure outlined in the doorway. Wordlessly he stood up from the straw filled cot he had been sitting on, and placing a hand on his saviours shoulder in silent thanks left the cell and didn’t hesitate in escaping the confines of the barracks.

Fallon woke up to see the face of her father looking down at her, tinged with a mixture of joy and sadness. Fallon couldn’t contain her joy at seeing him and flung her arms around his neck and clung on.
“There there bairn**” he soothed her quickly.
“I thought…” Fallon wept as she talked, “you wa’ nah coming home.”
“I hav’ to go awa’.” He father quickly said, distressed to see Fallon so obviously upset.
As he spoke, her grip around him tightened.
“I’m askin’ ya to look after ya bairn brother and ma while I’m gone.”
Fallon’s tears dried and she looked at him intently, sensing the responsibility he was placing on her.
“I’ll try.” She promised, her own heart heavy.

Helen woke up and realised she had fallen asleep in the armchair. Rubbing her eyes, she then stretched and got up to see if she could find out where Nikki was.
She quickly found her in the garden, kneeling down as she planted some flowers into the newly weeded, composted boarder.
“You’re awake then.” Nikki looked over her shoulder with a smile as she heard Helen approaching her.
“Yeah. I didn’t realise I was so tired.” Helen crouched down alongside Nikki.
“We’ve both been pretty tired since the move.” Nikki said as she finished tamping down around the last of the plants she was putting in. She stood up, and grabbed the water hose, which she put on and began to water well around the freshly bedded plants.
Helen stood up as well and watched Nikki working with a smile.
“Worth the tiredness though.” Helen said as she looked across at the rest of the garden.

It was about half an acre; with a large stonewall surrounding all sides, giving them total privacy from the neighbouring houses. The house itself was Edwardian, with large sash bay windows in every room, high ceilings, and large spacious rooms throughout. The three bedrooms were all double in size, and downstairs there was enough space for the sitting room, a dining room, a small box room which they had already decided was ideal as a study, the kitchen and another smaller room which they planned to use to keep all their books in. It had taken over 12 months of searching to find the dream home they wanted, but once they had found it, every single second spent searching had been worth the wait. They had exchanged contracts as quickly as possible, and begun their new life in Scotland eagerly.

Nikki put the hose down having finished the watering and wrapped an arm around Helen’s waist pulling her in closer.
“It has been worth every single second of tiredness, but I still want you to take it easy.”
“Nikki, I’m not going to break in half.” Helen said, touched by Nikki’s obvious concern. Unconsciously, her hand drifted down her abdomen and rested just above her waistband. “And neither is the baby.” She added with a smile as she then kissed Nikki tenderly.


· *Bothy = Small Shepards hut or cottage
· ** Bairn = child. Zen moment



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 587



_________________
Karma or action is powerless to destroy ignorance. Self can be known only through knowledge.


I love MJNet Posted: 13 Jun 2005 10:38 am
4

Chapter 4.

Standing back there was a groan from the timber as it took the strain that was being sited on it. It seems almost for a spilt second as though it isn’t up to the task of holding the weight being placed on it, when it does finally settle and hold solid. Almost as scripted at that moment the weak sun finally broke through the low cloud base that had settled around since the previous day, except for in the lee of the mountains, where there are some breaks which have occurred, giving the landscape an eerie mixture of the misty low cloud base and bright direct sunshine in isolated places.
At the cloud base, it is a fine drizzle, taking its time to penetrate tunics, but once it does its grip is total, leaving them wet and heavy to wear, meaning work was uncomfortable in the conditions. Fingers were wrinkled from the constant exposure to water as they worked.
He turns around and with a slight smile walks towards the small standing hut erected just to the side of the construction area. It has a straw roof, and is only about 10 foot square. With a slight nod of acknowledgement to the two men standing at its entrance, he pushes the heavy leather flap, which acted as the door and walks in full of purpose. He took off his now soaked tunic and hung it over a stake driven into the ground for that reason. A small fireplace filled the other end of the hut and it had already been lit. The smell of wood smoke fills the air.
He walked over and stood in front of the glowing embers, steam rising off his breeches as they dried adding to the smell of the smoke.
Once he had warmed through a little, he walked back and sat down at the lone table with its rough but practical wooden seat. Spread out on the table was a map showing the northern heart of Scotland. At some points on the map, various places had been carefully marked. Beneath the map were some papers, and it was these that he was most interested in, picking through them until he reached the one he wanted: another map. It showed a route running up past Stirling and then Perth towards the mountains, with sections periodically running off. The marked areas totalled a distance of around 250 miles by his calculations, and finally he had a rough idea of how long work was going to take to complete the tasks ahead. He sighed, wondering if he would have taken the work on if he had known then just how long the job would take.

Helen drove the already familiar route through Fort William and turned off at the roundabout into the retail park where there was a Safeway. She had her shopping list to hand, but right at that moment she had a rather more pressing engagement. Her first stop meant she turned off to the left rather than the right, which would have been the way to go to get into the supermarket car park. Her main craving since becoming pregnant was about to be sated.
Using the drive thru’, Helen ordered a McDonald’s McFlurry. Once she had paid for and collected it, she headed back out into the supermarket car park, where she then sat in the car with a smug smile and ate the McFlurry in peace. Although Nikki bought them for her, she also made it known what she thought of them, which wasn’t much, and so Helen took the opportunity to eat this one in peace, rather that have Nikki teasing her over it.
Savouring every mouthful, Helen took her time eating it, and wondered how Nikki was going to react once their child was that much older; eating McFlurries in the car and it was going everywhere! Nikki had already said having Helen eating them in the car was bad enough because the evil things were designed to leak all over the place, no matter how careful you tried to be. That was said as she wiped some that Helen had managed to spill down her front the last time they had visited McDonald’s together. Helen just teased back it was just the excuse that Nikki needed to fondle her breasts.
As Helen thought back to the moment when she had told Nikki she was pregnant, it was one of the moments Helen knew she would saviour forever. Nikki’s face held a mixture of disbelief, excitement, pure joy and concern for Helen and the baby and much more in-between.
Finally Helen finished the McFlurry, and with deliberate care, she disposed of the evidence of her excursion into the nearest waste bin, although she knew Nikki would guess where she would have been, knowing she was shopping almost alongside it. Helen then got the shopping as quickly as she could, before heading back to the car.

I was running blindly across the boggy ground. Each breath tears at my throat, clawing at my lungs as I stumble on a root of heather sticking up from the peaty landscape. I fall, hands and boots slipping in the muddy ground. Finally I gained some purchase and was able to get going again, but it had lost me valuable time. As I ran, I could hear my pursuers in the distance, gaining as they not only know the lie of the land, but also are more use to covering it that I am. I am more used to the cobbled streets of London, not this dreary landscape. Tears of relief spring into my eyes as I spot where I need to be; yet it is still so far away. I try to ignore the stinging in my eyes and the pounding in my chest as I continue to rush headlong down the slope to the destination.
Then suddenly I feel it. A sharp shearing pain ripping through my chest, and I look down just at the moment the crimson begins to seep through the material of my tunic from my chest. I knew then that whoever had fired the musket had hit their target. Darkness creeps into the edge of my vision as I look across to see the camp explode into life at the sound from the shot. They run, but I know they will not reach me in time as I close my eyes and let the darkness envelope me completely, aware that it didn’t hurt as I was expecting it to. Nothingness whirls around me, I am at peace.
Men scrabbled out of the camp, grabbing weapons quickly as they move. Once the men on the mountain see they have accomplished what they set out to deal with, the escapee, they turn and quickly seem to melt back into the landscape. A shout from the commander stops the men as they begin to run further on, telling them to stand their ground and not be taken. A few move towards their collapsed comrade, and in silence, they pull him up from where he had fallen, and with care, move back towards the camp.
The man from the hut had come out at the first sounds of disturbance and straining his eyes watched the enemy filter back into the hills. As he watched, he spotted his foe, astride a stocky pony that they used in these parts a distance back from the main events going on.
“I will get my revenge.” Were his words spoken in anger.

Helen turned left at the roundabout, and drove up the slight hill leading out of Fort William, having finally done all the shopping. It was a task she hated with a vengeance and was always pleased when it was over. The only thing she hated more was getting home and having to unpack all the bags. Taking a left at the next small roundabout, she was then stopped a short distance on by temporary traffic lights set up for some kind of road repairs that were going on. She frowned as she looked but couldn’t see anyone there actually doing some work, and wondered if they really planned to do anything here, since in the whole time she and Nikki had moved there, the lights had stayed, but there was precious little work going on with the road repair.
Helen was also quite surprised to see that no other car was on the road. Considering it was now the height of the tourist season, she expected to at least see something near her.
Just at that moment, a mist rolled in from her left. Helen squinted quite surprised to see it suddenly appearing like it had. Just at that moment, she felt a stab of fear as she watched something walking through where the road was currently dug up.
A man in a heavy old tunic appeared, with some men around him, seeming to work on building the road. What scared Helen though was these figures were opaque in appearance. Before Helen then had time to react, the figures and the mist seemed to fade away.
Sitting stunned in the car, Helen suddenly saw that the traffic lights had changed colour. Carefully she put the car in gear and inched forward. As she did so, she looked around carefully, only to have the usual scene greeting her.
“Bloody hormones.” Helen said to herself as she then drove off. “That has to be a first.” Zen moment



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 587



_________________
Karma or action is powerless to destroy ignorance. Self can be known only through knowledge.


I love MJNet Posted: 13 Jun 2005 10:38 am
5

Chapter 5.

Helen walked into the house with the shopping bags. She dumped them down in various places in the kitchen, hung her keys up on a small rack specifically for that purpose and began to unpack everything. She soon had it all tidied away, and as she finished, turned the kettle on.
Time for a coffee, Helen thought and she walked out towards the sitting room where the patio doors leading out into the garden were wide open. Stepping out onto a rough slate patio area, with the faint purple hue that slate gave, and they both loved, showing up, the sun had already begun to warm the day up nicely, and it looked set to be fine. Helen looked around, and smiled as she spotted Nikki a small way down the garden, fast asleep in a hammock they had put up. As Helen walked down towards her, the faint hint of honeysuckle which was growing in the garden could be smelt, as was the smell of early morning dew still presence on the grass that hadn’t been caught by the sun, which was being given off as Helen walked through the now cut grass disturbing it. It gave the air a slightly musty sense to it, as the earthy smell lingered.
Hovering over Nikki, for a second she wondered whether to wake her or not, but the decision wasn’t needed as Nikki’s eye flickered open.

Angus and Ross sat by the small campfire, watching the grey-blue smoke spiralling up into the cool night air, twisting and turning before dissipating. The day had been damp and dreary not allowing them to do anything except sit around waiting. The evening had shown an improvement and there was general optimism within the camp that tomorrow would be the day. They could hear someone playing the pipes somewhere down through the valley and the sound was giving the already ghostly landscape an even more eerie feeling.

“Tha’ rain toda’ has wet me powder.” Angus moaned as he pulled his musket across his lap.
“Ach, it could be wors’” Ross said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “We canna be moanin’. Candle batween the frizzen and pan then to kep it dry.”
“Aye I will that.” Angus pulled a small stub of a candle out of his pocket, and using a splint lying next to the fire, lit the wick and began to hold it under the musket.
As he worked, Ross pulled his claymore from its sheath. This was the most recognisable of the Scottish arms. A sword that had developed from what was known as the single hand style of Scots-Irish origin, it was shorter and lighter in general than the continental two hander and its blade length was about 42 inches as an average.
Ross then began the task to whet* the blade.

While the blade was scared and pitted from battles past, the long blade still gleamed in the firelight. The hilt, bent and dinged, and the nickel-plating scratched and tarnished from years of use by his father was still purposeful, it had saved its owner's hand from certain loss more than once. Ross looked at his claymore with a reverent gaze as if he were staring at upon the Holy Grail. He honed the blade to the point he could shave with it.

Then there was some disturbance in the camp, and they looked up to see Alistair standing amongst the men. He then drew out his own sword, and holding it aloft he let out a cry, which drew everyone’s attention.
Satisfied he had got the attention he wanted, he then gripped it just below the hilt, and knelt down on his knee. Ross did the same, and then others from their clan knelt down. As they knelt in the mire, the rain began fall and drive down to their backs. The rain came down with all the force of cavalry charge as the sharp shower caught them all unawares. However, it didn’t detract from what was now happening within the camp.
The fire crackled and spat as the raindrops hit the hot embers, smoke and steam rising from it, adding to the spectacle, yet it managed to survive the short onslaught and kept going.

Alistair looked up to the heavens, rivulets of rain running across his face. He struggled to keep it out of his eyes, but his gaze wasn’t averted.
"Dear Lord, we go into battle tomorrow's morn. We ask that if we should fall and bleed fields red that our souls belong to you oh Lord. Let us fight with honour and courage like all those that have fallen before us and it will not be in vain. We yearn to breathe free. Amen!"
A murmured amen rumbled around the camp. Slowly men then got their feet and began to head out to their makeshift tents that housed cots that they could sleep on.
Not a sound was to be heard apart from the lone pipe man who was still playing at the foot of the valley, its haunting tune lingering in the ears as they tried to rest.

“Are you okay?” Helen asked as she watched a strange expression crossing Nikki’s face as she woke.
“Yeah.” Nikki’s reply was slightly hesitant.
“I’ve just put the kettle on, do you want a drink?” Helen asked.
“Coffee would be good.” Nikki replied as the dream slowly began to fade into the background. Swinging her long legs out of the hammock, she began to follow Helen towards the house.
“Did you get all you wanted to?” Nikki asked as she caught up with Helen easily.
“Yeah.” Helen smiled widely knowing that Nikki was hinting about her stop at McDonalds.
“So does that mean I don’t have to go out again for you today?” Nikki asked holding open the kitchen door for Helen as they reached it.
“You assume correct.” Helen winked as she walked past.
“Thank god for that.” Nikki said under her breath.

Nikki stood alongside Helen as she made the drinks, looking back out into the garden. Her thoughts drifted to the dream she once again experienced.
“Penny for them?” Helen joked as she pushed the mug of steaming coffee in front of Nikki along the work surface.
“I was just wondering about…” Nikki wasn’t too sure how she was going to word this. “About how this place can take you, make everything seem so alive, so real. History is always all around us here.”
“I know what you mean.” Helen replied slowly. “It’s almost as if it seems to still be showing somehow.” As she spoke she thought back to the incident at the traffic lights and frowned.
“Yeah.” Came Nikki’s slow reply as she looked out of the window still, and for a fleeting second she swore she saw smoke rising up from the mountain facing them in different locations, almost as if there were a number of camp fires dotted about the glens. She quickly looked away, and then looked back again, to find the usual scene greeting her.
“Perhaps its too real sometimes.” Nikki whispered.
“Or too surreal.” Helen also whispered, looking at Nikki with wide eyes.
Nikki looked at Helen carefully.
“Are you…” Nikki then stopped and shook her head. “Nah, it’s okay.”
Helen wondered what Nikki was about to ask, but didn’t bother to pursue the matter. Instead she picked up her coffee and walked through back out into the garden.
“Are you coming?” She called out to Nikki as she walked out. This broke Nikki’s thoughts.
“Of course.” Nikki said with a smile.

The mist rolled through the valley and along the canal, tentacles seemingly gently probing out as it went. It then seemed to linger, before it carried on moving slowly. Heading towards the wall surrounding the garden.



* Whet – Grind or hone. Zen moment



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 587



_________________
Karma or action is powerless to destroy ignorance. Self can be known only through knowledge.


I love MJNet Posted: 13 Jun 2005 10:38 am
6

Chapter 6

The land is showing another side to us now as the sun shines down, with an almost cloudless sky. Just a few white clouds drift slowly through the air. It led to an evening with a flaming sunset that drew the breath almost out of your body as we watched it fascinated. It seemed so strange that this eccentric and extraordinary land could also produce such beauty. It was surely going to be a memory I would hold forever.
Today a messenger came and passed me a sheet. My eyes must have widened and sparkled as I read what it said. Here I was, being offered the chance to take command. Something I could only dream about until now. The messenger stood slightly back from me, allowing the space I was due. I walked over to the small table outside the hut where I signed quickly against the sheet to acknowledge my acceptance. I handed this back to the messenger, who with a slight nod was gone again to begin his long journey back to the capital.

Therefore, I was appointed Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces, Castles, Forts and Barracks in North Britain with the brief to subdue the Highlands.
My first job was to disarm the Highlanders.
I began to read the history as much as I could. To disarm the highlanders had been attempted after the 1715 Rising.
The loyal clans handed in their weapons; the others had imported a boatload of worn-out muskets and swords from Holland, surrendered these and kept their own.
I could tell immediately this was going to make my task difficult, that these heathens had spirit and also tact. Some thought about how to tackle this was needed.
My task to build these roads was not going to be in vain. Slowly they would allow us access even into the most inhospitable areas of the land.
I will make my entry with the authority to pardon those attainted for rebellion provided they hand in their weapons and swear loyalty to King George.

The hillside seemed to be awash with ants as the two hundred men marched with me into Mackenzie country. From here I could strengthen my position. My only concerns now are the adjacent Cameron’s and their allies of which there are many.
We will establish ourselves while they will be subdued.

Nikki woke up and shivered slightly. She and Helen had both dozed off in the hammock, wrapped up in each other’s arms. As her eyes opened she realised she was cold because a mist had descended down, cutting out the sunlight. The dream was really in the forefront of her mind this time, and wasn’t fading as quickly as previously. Nikki shivered again, only this time she wasn’t too sure if it was the cooler air that surrounded them which had caused it. Just then Helen stirred in her arms and also woke up.
Without a word she moved to kiss Nikki lightly before drawing back and looking at her intently.

“Are you okay?” Helen asked with a slight frown.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Nikki quickly assured her ignoring the gnawing memories from when she had been asleep.
Helen looked as if she was going to say something, but then seemed to stop. She looked around them and noticed the mist.
“Bbbrrr it’s gone cold…” Helen then rubbed her hands along her bare arms briskly, “How about we go inside?”
“Sounds like a good idea.” Nikki frowned and looked around her. She had a feeling that something wasn’t quite right and it as worrying her slightly. She just couldn’t put her finger on it, and tried to reconcile it by telling herself it was just due to waking up cold.
She carefully got up off the hammock and then held out her hand for Helen and they walked back towards the house.

Alistair stood in the shadows waiting for the signal so that he could move in. Twilight had been late that evening and so it was past midnight before they had been able to move.
The object of their attention was only about 50 yards in front of them, slightly to the left as he stood. A guard was on duty, and it was fortunate he seemed more preoccupied with facing the other way towards main camp than the way he should have been defending.
At least the way he should have been facing if we had trained him. Alistair thought with contempt. Suddenly he saw the movement indicating he should move.

As the horses were led away, Alistair looked back down the valley to the main camp. The only casualty had been the guard, and no one had even noticed that the 4 horses that were penned in had disappeared.
“Ach Glen man, we dinna hav’ an’ problems.” Alistair said as he approached the man sitting astride his own mount further up through the mountain pass they had used.
“I ca’ see.” Glen nodded towards the 4 horses that were being led up by another man. “Ya know wat to do wit’ ‘em.”
Alistair smiled.
“Aye. Lad has it all sorted.”
Glen smiled back satisfied that another successful raid against the enemy had been completed, and better still without loss on their side.

Helen spun around in the kitchen and had to stop herself from squealing out loud. The glass she had been holding fell to the floor, splintering into tiny shards. Nikki ran through from the sitting room as she heard the glass shatter and found Helen standing with a hand up in front of her face looking terrified.
“Helen?” Nikki was in front of her in seconds, not caring about the glass that surrounded them.
“Oh god Nikki….” Helen grasped her shirt and pulled her in close, hugging into her chest.
“Hey, it’s okay.” Nikki soothed Helen’s hair with one hand as she felt Helen shaking against her.

Helen eventually pulled back from Nikki and looked down at the mess.
“Damn, look what I did.” Helen muttered.
“What happened?” Nikki asked puzzled.
“Bloody hormones making me overreact.” Helen tried to make light of what ensued. “Don’t move.” She then instructed Nikki as she carefully tiptoed through the glass to get a dustpan and brush to begin sweeping up the pieces.
“That was some kind of overreaction.” Nikki retorted not satisfied with Helen’s comment.
“It was really nothing Nikki. I just thought there was someone in the kitchen with me that was all.” Helen smiled up at her weakly as she crouched down and began clearing up.

“What, you thought someone was in here?” Nikki sounded alarmed.
“Yeah, stupid of me I know.” Helen sounded apologetic.
“No, it doesn’t sound stupid.” Nikki said carefully looking moving towards the back door leading out into the garden.
“Of course it was.” Helen said with a slight shake of the head, although she was touched by Nikki’s concern.
“No, it wasn’t.” Nikki emphasised as she turned around and faced Helen who could tell she was worried. She in turn was now feeling the worry return.
She then watched as Nikki’s face seem to drain of colour, and her eyes looked right past Helen as if she was seeing something behind her. Carefully, Helen turned around, fearing what she might see. Zen moment



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 587



_________________
Karma or action is powerless to destroy ignorance. Self can be known only through knowledge.


I love MJNet Posted: 13 Jun 2005 10:39 am
7

Chapter 7

This earth is full of rich peat that often goes down to bedrock, causing us problems of its own.
Right now, we have this brown wet earth to move. It turns even our water brown, as the rain comes down, leaving a distinct musty smell in the nostrils as you walk through it, which sticks to your clothes and boots. It colours the cloth like a dye, and is inescapable. Its only saving grace is that it appears to be used as a means of fuel for our fires, easy to use, as we have to dig it away for the roads. Nor is it as heavy to move, even when wet as some of the clay soil we can encounter. That truly has to be the worst; a glutinous mass to which sticks to everything it comes into contact with. You try to wash it off your body, and somehow it manages to stick under every crevice it can find. Fingernails are constantly grimy, skin constantly wrinkled and softened. It has been a hard task, which we will not be able to carry on through the winter. I will now have to consider taking men away from this project to work on a small barracks somewhere close to here, for if we were to allow the locals to believe we had gone for good, they will return and try to once more overrun this country.

With regard to Fort William it is extensive and would require many men to garrison it should it at any time be besieged; its situation is low and material principally earth, one face of it protects the river while the opposite on three sides faces over a plain, the barracks built within its precincts are high and shake when even a salute is only fired and are excellent objects or targets for a besieging battery, besides a means for doing injury to the garrison by the falling debris in case of such a thing occurring. The interior is generally confined and hot, the guns being actually so hot (even in the what is called cold season) that one could scarcely bear to keep their hand upon them. Mosquito’s are innumerable and are most annoying pests, besides Jackals too abound within the ramparts yelling and screeching of a night as to startle sleepers from their slumbers thinking as a newcomer would that some children were screaming.
Fort William is not a strong fort but in the hands of our troops is quite sufficient to keep the natives out of it. This is now to be my priority.

That a man of savage manners robbed our horses is bad enough. To find the poor wretch who was guard for this night face down in the dreary earth was a monstrosity. They show nothing but contempt for life and now I make it my vow that I will not allow any lenient measures towards any of these clansman should we encounter them. I was prepared to offer them kinship and to have them swear loyalty to the king. No more. Their leader is now becoming a thorn in my side, which pricks at me with each incursion. I bleed as my men bleed as a result.
His pen went down as he finished he latest report. Grabbing his tunic, he strode outside as dusk was beginning to fall. He walked along the courtyard of the barracks and began to ascend the stone steps leading to the parapet. Once there, he moved along to his left to a point where no one was going to be on guard to savour the view in peace. As much as this land gave him heartache, its outstanding beauty also gave peace to his soul and that is what he needed right now.

After standing for a while watching the suns weak rays slowly being swallowed up by the mountain ranges to the west, he swung around to go back to his room. As he did, he was brought to a standstill by movement at the far end of the parapet. He moved forward slowly and suppressed a gasp of shock as the woman stood facing him.
Her hair was cut indecently short, but what was the most shocking was she was wearing breeches and not as he would have expected, a dress. There was also something strange about the garments she was attired in, but he couldn’t work out what it was. Somehow it was a material he didn’t seem to recognise.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?” he demanded of this woman.
Her mouth moved slightly, and then before he could respond, it was as if she had vanished from his vision.
He spun around and seeing there was no one near him, he franticly searched through the openings nearest to where he was standing. He found only men sitting around fires, tables or small bunks and soon had to admit that whomever he saw, they were no longer around.
Trying to maintain composure, he walked back to his room, where he tried to ignore the pit of fear in his stomach.

Helen looked behind her and couldn’t see anything. She turned to face Nikki again who looked less scared and colour had come back to her cheeks.
“What was wrong?” Helen asked, moving in to be close to Nikki, suddenly not wanting to be far from her.
“I…” Nikki looked over at the window again and blinked. “I don’t know. I thought I saw someone for a moment. Did you see anyone?”
Helen shook her head and she grasped Nikki tightly.
“What’s happening here Nikki?” she asked carefully, aware something strange was occurring.
“I don’t know love, I really don’t know.” Nikki murmured as she carried on glancing at the window, half expecting to see something again.
He had been there, she was sure of it. A tall man, dressed in what looked like a heavy woollen tunic, grubby red in colour and black fine woollen breeches. The legs also had boots on them, with what looked like a wide brimmed top. Nikki tired to remember what she had been taught in history, and then it came to her. They were known as bucket top boots, rather than the straight ones which could be used, and they looked as if they were worn leather. Around his waist was a belt from which some kind of sword hung. Gold and silver lace had adorned around the tunic, and the buttonholes were heavily embroidered. He looked tired and troubled as he had looked at her, and something inside Nikki had told her he was wishing for peace but so far it had eluded him.
The mist seemed to envelop him, before he seemed to fade away completely as if the mist had swallowed him up.

The road was black and heavy. A vehicle moved along at a speed that seemed incomprehensible. A woman got out and moved around to the other side. Once there, she opened the door and another woman, also dressed in similar garments dismounted the carriage. They embraced with passion, before the taller of the two kissed the other tenderly and with so much love on the lips it was tangible to anyone who might have been near. Slowly they broke apart and words were murmured, caresses go unchecked unconsciously across each other’s bodies, and hands eventually entwined. They move away from the strange carriage that carried them and headed towards a building, which glinted in the sun, large and imposing. A door seems to glide open as if by magic and they enter the bowls of the edifice. Suddenly the scene changes. The shorter of the two women is lying on some kind of couch, her stomach exposed and glistening slightly from something that seems to cover the area. Another woman stands by her side and is moving something along her stomach, pointing towards something that is obscured from view. The taller woman is then moving in closer, peering at something before turning back to the other. Her smile widens, if that was at all possible, and she leans down to once more kiss her on the lips.
“Our future Helen.” Are the words that are heard. “Our hope and joy.”

He woke with a start and could see the images playing back in his mind.
“What is this witchcraft?” He spoke out loud and looked around. He then saw, through the fast dying embers of light that the fire to the foot of his cot was giving off that he was very much alone in the room. Pushing the rough blanket aside, he swung his legs over the edge and sat on the side of the cot for some time contemplating what he had dreamt. Slowly he moved and instinctively he threw another couple of logs onto the fire, making the sparks fly aloft, twisting and turning up the chimney, smoke escalating, slowly at first, but as the heat took hold, it increased and a flicker of new flame could then been seen.
Reaching for his clay pipe, he packed it with fresh tobacco he pushed a splint into the flames and lit the pipe. Once he had established the glow. He moved to sit back down on the side of the bed.

Nikki inhaled on her cigarette, once again wondering why these dreams kept invading her sleep and why was it now with the face of this man she swore she had seen in the kitchen a couple of days previously. As she thought, she looked at the cigarette.
“One thing I will be giving up.” She spoke ruefully. “At least I can enjoy it until nearer the birth.”
“You don’t have to give up just because of the baby.” Helen said tenderly as she walked into the kitchen.
Nikki jumped not having heard Helen coming downstairs.
“I know, but its time I did anyway.” She admitted. “What are you doing awake anyway?” she asked.
“I could ask you the same thing.” Helen said as she sat down next to Nikki.
“Just couldn’t sleep very well.” Nikki said with a shrug.
“Looks like we have something in common then.” Zen moment

I love MJNet Posted: 13 Jun 2005 10:39 am
8

Chapter 8.

The taller woman with short black hair was dressed in some kind of blue material breeches, with a white shirt, looking very alike one a man would normally wear. The shorter woman had breeches of obviously lighter material, beige in colour, with what looked like a matching top. Both wore toeless footwear, similar in style to sandals. Neither was attired, as you would expect any self-respecting woman who would be seen in public to be, and yet it appeared as if not only were they comfortable in what they wore, others around them were. They are sitting on seats in some kind of row in a darkened room. This room’s light is mainly coming from what must surely be supernatural forces at work.
As they look and watch larger than life moving pictures in front of them, in a story which appears to be told in epic proportions.
The ocean is rising up. I have only ever seen the sea once before and its reminds me of then. It had been violent as a storm approached, crashing and banging against the rocks of the shoreline. Yet, this was another dimension altogether, dwarfing all that I had ever experienced. It is rising up, hurtling towards the land, which in itself is covered by strange buildings, high in the sky to a level that is unbelievable.

It towers along, and meets land. It surges through, catching what look like people and unfamiliar objects in its path. Fragments from these monstrous buildings get ripped off, smashed into tiny pieces as the force of the water continues relentlessly through the track ways of this outrageous place. Slowly the momentum seems to be lost and the waters begin to settle, although it now covers great swathes of land to some depth, leaving destruction in its wake. Slowly, a ship, unlike any of the wooden vessels I remember seeing and doubt I would ever see again, glided into the centre of a track way between these edifices. Eventually it grinds against something along its hull and it slows to a halt.
They watch their faces showing how enthralled they are as they look on. A food of some description is being taken from a small brightly coloured pail they share between them, eaten periodically as the time drifts on. White or cream in colour, it is hard to discern in the subdued light. Next to them in a holder of some description, another container sits with a long thin projection from its top. This is then also brought up to their mouths at times and it would appear the projection is used as a means to drink from this strange vessel.

Glen awoke and sat up from his narrow cot quickly. These images of a strange land and mysterious world were more frequent now and something that he could no longer ignore or dismiss. They were worrying in the extreme since he couldn’t explain why he should be having them. It was also a worry as the frequency had increased, and if it carried on he was likely to have them continue to increase to what would then be a daily level. He had debated talking to Alistair about these dreams, but had decided there was no point. No point because there was no way he could satisfactorily explain what these dreams were about, and even if he could, it might cause Alistair to lose faith in his ability as Clan leader, even though they had been together as children, understood and respected the others abilities. At this point in their campaign, no distractions or uncertainty could be risked.

He could see the first tendrils of dawn’s new light through the canvas that was the mainstay of his shelter. Pulling his boots on he opened the flap of the tent and stepped out into the early cool morning air. Dew already covered the ground and tents, glistening ever so slightly as the sun began to probe the earth for the first time that day. It gave off that earthy smell that only a morning like this one could manage. He took a breath and was rewarded with a feeling of serenity in the view around him, so he walked slowly towards where the small stream ran down, sweet and icy cold from the mountains above them. Once at the stream, he sat on a small flat rock against the waters edge. The water flowed down at a sedate pace, since the rain had held off for a couple of weeks now and the water levels had dropped. It was also clear, no peat to muddy the water this day. The pebbles sitting in the bottom, surrounded by silt that had collected gave a haven for the young salmon and trout that were visible if you knew where to look. Normally far too small to be considered good eating, but at times they had been a grateful meal if needed. Reaching down with a hand, he scooped some of the cold water up and drank from the palm of his hand. He then splashed some over his face feeling more refreshed for doing it.

Nikki picked up her empty coke cup, the now empty popcorn bucket and followed Helen out from the cinema. She spotted a bin and quickly put the rubbish she was carrying in there before catching up with Helen, who had been forced to make a dash to the loo. As the pregnancy was progressing, so were the numbers of toilet stops for Helen, much to Nikki’s amusement and Helen’s disgust. However, this time she had held on doggedly until the end of the film, and hadn’t wasted anytime to jump out of her seat and rush off with little more than a hurried explanation about where she was going.
Helen appeared from the toilets, and found Nikki standing just outside waiting for her.
“Happier now?” Nikki smiled.
“Yes, thank god.” Helen said with a huge sigh. “It was worth the discomfort though. Wasn’t it an incredible film?” Helen gushed with excitement, as the memory of the film was now forefront in her mind.
“It certainly was.” Nikki took her hand lightly as they walked. They began to make their way back to the car.
“I am so pleased we have finally managed to see it.” Nikki said as she unlocked the car and they got in.
“I was beginning to wonder if we ever would.” Helen rolled her eyes as she spoke.
“Yeah, alright, just because I wasn’t too sure about it to begin with.” Nikki conceded. “It was worth seeing, and the best film I’ve seen on the big screen in a long time.”

“Nikki, you’re going to go.” Helen said firmly.
“No…” Nikki managed to keep a straight face as she replied knowing it was winding Helen up completely.
“If you don’t I’m divorcing you.” Helen scowled and crossed her arms insolently.
“I thought we were going straight home after the film, and that’s where I intend to drive.” Nikki said poking her tongue out at Helen.
“Sod you Nikki.” Helen looked out of the passenger window.
“Something the matter babe?” Nikki asked in a neutral voice.
“You bloody well know what the matter is.” Helen pouted.
“Yeah, you are having a kiddie tantrum.” Nikki said quietly.
“I am not.”
“Are to.”
“Am not.”
“Are to.”
“Just drive me to MacDonald’s.” Helen looked over at Nikki and her face was enough to make even Nikki’s strongest defences crumble in fear.
“I hate this about you being pregnant.” Nikki mumbled as she drove along.
“Hey, it’s no picnic for me either having these damn cravings all the time.” Helen pointed out.
“Yeah, but McFlurry’s! Couldn’t you have had a craving for taramasalata or chillies, even bloody garlic? Anything but that rubbish.” Nikki grumbled. She didn’t however turn right at the traffic lights to take them back home like she would normally do, but carried straight on towards MacDonald’s.

Nikki pulled up at the temporary traffic lights at the road works, which were on red.
“I swear to god these lights have it in for me.” Nikki continued to gripe. “Every time I get sent out on a mission of mercy for your cravings, they are on red.”
“Don’t be silly, how can a set of lights have it in for you?” Helen said with a slight frown, as she dispelled the memories of what she had seen that day driving home.
“I don’t know….” Nikki’s voice trailed off.
She turned and looked at Helen, her eyes wide with shock. Helen’s own face showed shock as they then both glanced back in front of them.
Helen grabbed Nikki’s left hand as she felt the terror building up and she needed to know something was still concrete and real, that Nikki was still there.
He turned around and looked through the mist, which had suddenly enveloped him. Squinting he moved forward carefully and stopped dead in his tracks.
There, in front of him, looking very real, and no longer as a dream, was the carriage that had been haunting him as he slept. He peered more and was shocked to see the women of the dream also sitting, staring back at him with shocked expressions. He drew his sword, moved forward to challenge them, but as his words were about to be spoken, it all vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
“Come back and face me.” He called out loud and raising his sword up to the heavens he turned and gazed into the now clear blue summer sky.
“Thy works will nar break me. Be gone Satan from whence ya came.” He shouted at the top of his voice.

“Bugger that McFlurry.” Helen whispered.

9

Chapter 9

Nikki looked across at Helen as she spoke and tried to formulate a sentence of her own, but was finding it hard to even think, let alone talk. Then, before Nikki had time to recover to any extent, another car drew up behind them and was hitting the horn because the lights were now on green making it apparent they wanted to get going. As Nikki put the car into gear and pulled off she finally managed to find her voice.
“Home?” Was all she could manage to ask, her mouth was too dry to talk any further.
Helen nodded meekly.
Nikki quickly turned the car around at the next junction and cautiously approached the temporary traffic lights again. She let out a huge sigh of relief as the car approached them and they changed down to green. Speeding up to get through as fast as she could, it was only a matter of minutes when Nikki was driving up to the front of the house. She and Helen got out and made their way inside, still neither able to talk. They made their way into the house and instinctively headed towards the sitting room, and sat down quickly alongside each other.
Nikki reached out and clasped Helen’s hand, and both were suddenly aware that the other was trembling slightly. Nikki pulled Helen into a hug as the shock, which was delayed, began to hit home.

“We did just see something?” Helen asked eventually, pulling away from Nikki and sitting back into the sofa. Nikki moved sideways to now face Helen properly.
“We saw something.” Nikki answered carefully.
“It wasn’t a dream then?” Helen said thoughtfully.
“For once it wasn’t.” Nikki muttered with a faraway look on her face.
Helen was also silent again for a minute as she thought about things.
“What? Do you mean you have had dreams like this?” Helen asked slowly.
Nikki frowned.
“I suppose.” She eventually admitted. “Why do you want to know?”
“Because I know I have.” Helen owned up.
“You have?” Nikki looked surprised.
Helen nodded.
“I also saw something once before, some time ago now while I was waiting at those lights.” She then confessed.
“The same thing as tonight?” Nikki questioned, looking even more worried about the apparent developments.
“No…” Helen said thoughtfully. “It was different. Workmen seemed to be building the road, not just repairing it, and there was another man standing apart from them, a supervisor I suppose. He was dressed totally differently to the man…” Helen paused. “Vision.” She corrected herself. “We saw tonight.”

“Different… how?” Nikki probed.
“He wore a grubby tunic, it looked like it had been a deep red colour….”
“With wide top boots, heavy lace frills, embroidery around the button holes, and a sword hanging from a belt?” Nikki interrupted.
“Yeah.” Helen looked keenly at Nikki. “How the hell did you know that?”
“Do you remember that day when you thought someone was in the kitchen with you, and then I said I thought I had seen someone at the window a while ago?”
“Uh huh.”
“It was someone wearing a tunic, grubby red in colour. He had dark hair, and his boots and sword are just about all I can remember about him.”
Helen breathed out heavily; suddenly aware she had been holding her breath as Nikki had talked.

“You think this is all related?” Helen posed the question carefully.
“I can’t see how it can’t be…” Nikki stood up and walked over towards a small desk in one corner of the room. “It looks like we both have been having the same type of dreams and visions, well, similar at least. How about we write down what we can remember about them and that way we might be able to make some kind of sense out of all of this?” While she had been talking, Nikki had pulled a couple of notepads and biro pens from the desk, and having returned back to the sofa, handed one of each to Helen.
“Okay.” Helen opened her pad up and thoughtfully began to write things down as best she could. Nikki was mirroring her actions alongside her.

The cold rain pounded down relentlessly on top of his head, dripping down his face, forcing him to wipe it away from his eyes frequently. His tunic was already soaked through, and its only purpose it seemed to serve now was to stop his body from cooling too much. It was something they had learnt early on – you left your tunic on because if the cold chilled you a great deal, it was with deadly force. The rain for once was welcomed as it helped aggravate his mood and force his concentration. The cold grey stonewall that normally would protect him was behind, while the cold grey curtain of rain was facing him.
He reached a hand back and selected an arrow from the quiver that was resting lightly on his shoulders. He then raised it to his bow and notched it in carefully, pulling back until the wood started to creak softly under the strain. Not enough to cause damage, but enough to make sure there was plenty of power once he was ready to loose the shot go.

Carefully, he took aim. The solitary tree that was alongside the barracks he was currently housed in was the target. It stood about 50 feet away just past the stable block. He loosed the arrow.
The string hummed, sending the arrow on its way towards the objective.
The arrowhead flashed brightly even in the dull-rained evening as it sped towards the tree, joining four other arrows neatly arranged around the circle of roughly mixed lime paint which was beginning to run as the rain pounded against it. The arrows dull thud as it hit the target just audible in the noise of the rain and slight wind that blew from his left side. Satisfied that he had hit the area of the target he had wished for, he walked towards the tree, and with deliberate care, pulled the arrows out from its battered and bruised trunk. Its scars showing the use it had already endured as the target practice for the archers at the barracks. An arrow, which was built well and carried as these did, was valuable and not to be left out by any self-respecting archer which is why he was now digging them out.

“Sire, you have a message.”
The call came from his second and disrupted his silent ritual. He looked up and saw him looking down over the parapet. He was about thirty years of age, had a deep voice and broad shoulders. A mop of black hair sat smugly and untidily on his head. So far he had proved his worth as his number two with courage and without question. A quiet respect for each other had been built up and now they respected each other’s opinion and never dismissed a comment without consideration.
He knew he shouldn’t have been out so late; it was dangerous with the clans so close to the quarters that an attack could come at any time. He sighed distractedly and called back up.
"I'll be up in a minute!"
Had he been less preoccupied, he would have noticed some torchlight in the distance, which was moving towards the barracks.

He was sitting in his small chambers when the call came up. He had been sitting on his straw mattress carving an arrow with a knife and wood: he couldn’t trust anybody else to make them just right, when somebody burst through the uncovered door.
"Scots! Now! Western wall! All archers needed!" The messenger yelled, breathing heavily, and he sped away to the next room.
He put down his half-finished arrow with exaggerated care onto his cot, stood up, grabbed his bow and quiver, and started to run towards the southwestern tower that he could use to get up to the walkway on top of the western wall of the castle. Other soldiers and archers were running with him, all so well drilled and trained that it was a steady healthy flow going up onto the parapet, not a mismatched rabble that was a danger if the men hadn’t been trained, as they should. Adrenalin pumped through his veins as he found his position and looking across the field he saw the now amassed enemy heading closer to them. Still too far to counter attack or defend, but they would soon be there.

The gatehouse had time to prepare boiling water to throw down through the holes specific for that task. Swordsmen, weighted down with chain mail trudged past to their positions. Rapidly descending darkness was going to be there biggest enemy tonight. It wasn’t dark enough yet to hide that it was a large force heading their way. As the moon rose slowly, swords glinted in the slivery light it gave off as the amassed body of men moved ever forward towards them.
There were some terse mutterings, and he called out loudly, "Just a waste of arrows, shooting them now. They're too far away. You haven't got a hope of getting half-way there."
The men listened and some dropped their bows, and with resigned looks, watched and waited.
Patience, it was the key.

10

Chapter 10

The earth bank rose up from the flat valley floor, a feature obviously man made against the surrounding countryside. Rising above that were the stonewalls enclosing Ruthven Barracks. The men marched relentlessly through the rain, ignoring any discomfort they might have felt or were feeling. They came in from the west, following the contour of the hills nearest the valley base before finally dropping down towards the intended target. Feet slipped on wet ground, finding it difficult to gain purchase as the ground beneath them was beginning to cut up from the endless pounding of feet it was taking. Grass was slowly being replaced by rich, thick mud. On occasion an arm would flail out as a means of gaining balance where it had been lost, and even would reach out and grab another’s shoulder. The earth bank and stone walls grew out from the curtain of rain with every step, but no-one faltered, each as determined as the next man to keep going, not to flounder. Kilts blew in the wind. Some also wore sashes across their chest, many looking tatty and frail, having been handed down from generation to generation by kinsmen. Many still held the bright colours they began life with as a symbol of each clan’s place in history and position within the clan. Edges fluttered, clothe frayed, worn with total pride.

Favoured arms were carried or slung across bodies. Some had swords, others bows, with quivers hanging off their backs, while some carried muskets, mindful of keeping the powder dry during this rain, knowing it could mean the difference between life and death if it didn’t’ ignite as it was meant.
The deluge continued. The march continued.
Faces could now be seen looking down from the parapets. Some arrows were seen heading in their general direction, but still fell well short of the target. Men at the front squared up with even greater purpose and with heads held high, showed no fear as they walked into the range of the barracks. A number then fell immediately, and some ran forward firing their own weapons, or rushing with sword in hand. The arrows began their deadly assault from above the second wave of men now sometimes struggling to gain access through the bodies, which had fallen before them. Some were used as barricades to good effect, helping to stem the massacre. A few more held shields above their heads that deflected the path of wood and metal as the shafts flew down.

The muskets began to fire in earnest, roaring out, orange flame lighting up the night sky eerily as gunpowder ignited. The air heavy and tainted by the smell of burning powder hitting the nostrils, mingling with the smell of blood and death. Lead pellets slam into the mound of earth, sending soil flying high into the air. Stone dust falls down as they embed into the walls higher up, and as they get in closer, accuracy improves: yet no man is seen to fall from position along the parapet.
Men on the ground begin to fall more rapidly as musket fire is returned. This time shields are useless as a defence against the ammunition. Wave upon wave of men stride on, an almost never ending stream that means no sooner has one man fallen, there is another to take their place.

The onslaught is watched with despair. He knew a large lose of life was likely, but to see this carnage was worst than he had imagined. This time, the musket fire was far too great, and they needed canon, which they didn’t have to break through. It was now too much for these brave souls, and this time he knew he would have to call the men back. If someone had walked up to him and torn his heart right from his chest at that moment, he doubted it would have hurt as deeply or as greatly as this decision did right now. It already felt as if someone had sucked out his soul and replaced it with despair. It was as if he was now personally responsible for the events unfolding before him. He would have gladly swapped having his heart ripped from him bodily, because to have it taken like this was the hardest weight to bear.

It was his failure. All they had to defeat was twenty men, and yet they had complete control. He doubted that even if the entire clansmen of Scotland were currently beside him helping with the cause, they would have broken down these defences.
He lifted his face to the sky, and at that moment, the rain ceased.
“Strike ma doon ma Lord, for I canna bear tha shame.” Was his silently mouthed pray to the heavens. “I hav failed ma men. Ma country.”
Tears stung his eyes as he turned, gave the order to pull back before beginning the long and desolate journey back to camp.

A dog, but not like any breed he knew was running through the trees in the wooded area. The river was running down to its right side of where he ran. The location was immediately recognised, and yet there was something different and alien to what he knew. There were steps periodically carved into the hillside allowing easier access into the wood. This also allowed better access to the falls, which were abundant as the river, which looked close to being in full spate crashed through unremittingly. White tops rushed headlong down through the rocks, spray crashing up, soaking everything within its range.

There were there. Suddenly appearing, walking along taking the same path as the dog that was a little way ahead of them. Then you could see the dog was attached to some kind of leash, allowing freedom of movement away from them, but giving them total control knowing the animal was in no danger of slipping into the dangerous torrent below. It seemed to be made of some kind of brightly coloured twine. As they walked, they would intermittently hold hands, as the path would allow them to walk together. A bird flew up, exciting the dog that had to be pacified quickly by the taller woman who had hold of the leash. She pulled on it, and as if by magic, the twine disappeared somewhere and the leash shortened, forcing the dog back towards them.

“I love this place.” Helen knew she was stating the obvious, and it was something she and Nikki always said while they were there, but somehow she never tired of saying it.
“I know the feeling.” Was Nikki’s reaction with a smile.
Pattack falls was their location, and they were walking with their dog, a red Chow Chow that they had acquired as an eight-week-old puppy a little over two years earlier. He also loved the walk, and having tried to chase a pheasant Nikki had reined him in a little, so that he was now walking more sedately alongside them.

This was the one place Helen and Nikki would always retreat to. Nikki had first spotted the river from the road as they had driven along heading for the village of Laggan on their first holiday as a couple in the highlands. She had then spotted a small forestry commission car park a few more metres up. She hadn’t said anything to Helen on the way back, and just pulled up into the car park. They got out to explore, and once they had walked across a small wooden bridge, they had discovered the delights of the falls just a short distance away through the trees.

Even now it still retained its magic for them, although they had soon learnt to avoid going at during the height of the summer at weekends and the bank holiday because it got decidedly busier. They now timed their visits to coincide with the quieter times. Today they had strike lucky and so far no one else had been seen as they walked the paths. It was as if the place was undiscovered when it was this quiet and it was when they loved being there the most.

As they came back towards the car park, they headed to a bench that was near the end of the walk and looked back up the falls. They sat down for a few minutes just to contemplate the scenery as they always did if it was quiet, before heading back towards the car.
“I needed that.” Nikki admitted as she rubbed Ben, the Chow’s legs and feet down with an old towel they kept in the car for that purpose.
“So did I.” Helen said as she opened the boot of their car so that Ben could jump in once Nikki had cleaned him off a little bit and he wasn’t going to drag mud everywhere.

“Oh come on, give us a break.” Nikki exclaimed as suddenly a mist appeared unexpectedly and she knew instinctively it wasn’t an ordinary mist. Ben suddenly stood up and began to growl from deep in his throat, and they could tell immediately he was on his guard. His hackles slowly rose and he positioned himself between them and the main body of the mist.
“Do you think this is another one of those visions?” Helen whispered.
“Looks like it.” Nikki admitted and she felt her heart quicken.
Then out of the mist a pony with a rider shot out, making them both jump. By the time either could react further it seemed to disappear into the mist behind them and vanish.
Ben stopped growling, and slowly the mist rose and cleared.

“Okay, what was that one all about?” Nikki said softly as she put the dog into the car as quickly as she could.

11

Chapter 11

Having parked the car into one of the lay-by’s set out for the purpose, Nikki got out and was opening the boot of the car and looking around for something. Looking puzzled, Helen also got out and joined her around the back of the car.
“What are you doing?” Helen asked as Nikki hunted through the boot of the car, pulling the tool kit out of the way, followed by the dog rug.
“Wait and see.” Nikki replied with a smile. “Ah hah.” She then pulled an empty plastic drinks bottle out. “Found it.” She looked back at Helen with a triumphant smile.
“That’s an empty water bottle.” Helen looked at Nikki with a sideways glance.
“Exactly.” Nikki said as she closed the boot of the car.
“Nikki Wade, I sometimes wonder about your sanity.” Helen said with a shake of her head.
“Do you think we were going to come on holiday here for the first time ever and not take home a souvenir?” Nikki asked as she then walked over to the verge. A small shale cliff, not so steep that you couldn’t get down it was in front of her.
“We got something from Fort William, Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge, Fort Augustus…” Helen was counting on the fingers of her hand as she spoke. “How many places do you want me to name?”
“Yes, but that’s why this is different.” Nikki said, and she piled down the slope, small pebbles and dust being kicked up by her feet as she went and ran towards the waters edge. She bent down, and carefully pushed the neck of the open bottle into the cold water. She glanced over her shoulder as the bottle filled. “I want some Nessie water to take home with us. What better souvenir is there than that?”
“What if Nessie has been using it as a toilet?” Helen asked trying to keep the smile off her face having followed her down the slope.

“I don’t want to even think about that, thank you very much.” Nikki was screwing the top back on, when her attention was distracted by something else along the shoreline.
“Here, grab this love.” She handed over the now full bottle of water to Helen.
“Now what the hell are you doing?” Helen asked as she took the water and went to scramble up to the car with it.
“You’d pay a fortune for something like this in a garden centre.” Nikki then turned around with a length of driftwood, about 6 inches in width, 2 and a half-foot in length. It had bark covering one side, and the other side was kind of flat, looking as if it had been spilt somehow. About a third of the length along on the bark side, there was a knot that protruded up giving a nice look to the whole piece.
“You can’t take that.” Helen exclaimed.
“Why can’t I?” Nikki said as she bent down and picked up a smaller piece of wood that had a nice twist in it. “Besides, I have got the tarpaulin in the boot of the car, so it won’t get anything wet.”
Nikki was being forced to hold the wood out in front of her as it dripped water from where it had been partly submersed in the loch.
“Okay.” Helen laughed lightly as she gave Nikki a hand back up to the lay-by. Nikki opened the boot back up, and after rearranging it slightly, she put the wood pieces in, followed by the bottle of water. As she shut the boot again, she then moved back alongside the waters edge. Once there, she pulled out a couple of reasonably sized stones.
“This’ll do.” She held them up for Helen to see. “Just right for the garden to go alongside the wood.”
“Don’t forget those pine cones you picked up earlier.” Helen reminded her.
“How could I forget? Although they are really for the house.” Nikki said with a smile as she went to put the stones alongside the ever-growing collection.

“I can still remember that trip.” Nikki said with a smile as she lay alongside Helen in the hammock in the garden. She had just finished some gardening, which had involved putting the piece of wood she had obtained from Loch Ness down and now she and Helen were reminiscing about the holiday.
“We’re hardly likely to forget it are we?” Helen smiled up at Nikki and moved to be closer still into her shoulder. She was beginning to really show as the pregnancy progressed which also meant she was finding it more uncomfortable to cuddle up to Nikki.
“Hhhmmm.” Nikki sighed. “Our first holiday up here. I remember you pointing out that we couldn’t possibly put anymore into the boot of the car without risking not being able to put our bags in once we wanted to come home.”
“You have got to admit you were beginning to fill it up though.” Helen said with a smirk.
“I know.”
Suddenly Helen sensed Nikki becoming serious.
“I can hardly remember what my life was like before I met you. Even when we have had the toughest of times, it has always been the easiest of times as well because we have had each other. I still wonder if I am in some kind of dream. It hurts when you aren’t with me, its ecstasy when we are together. Now, we have a baby on the way, something I would never have contemplated with Trisha, or anyone else for that matter. Yet, somehow with you it seemed the most natural progression for us. I don’t what has been happening to us the last couple of months, but whatever it is, I just have this feeling its for a damn reason.” Nikki clasped Helen’s hand. “What, god only knows? But nothing is ever without a reason with us.”
Helen squeezed Nikki’s hand back.
“That much is certainly true. Its funny, because at first I was so scared of the dreams, let alone the visions we had. Now, it almost seems….” Helen struggled to find a word.
“Destined?” Nikki spoke softly.
Helen just nodded.

The sun was beating down making the task harder. Sweat was dripping off the end of his nose, and he could feel the beads also rolling down his cheeks and also down his bare back. He brought a hand up, and once more wiped his brow, flicking the excess from his fingers. Standing up slowly, he viewed his handiwork and was satisfied with what he saw. He had neglected much of the work of the croft lately, and he was determined to make amends for that. His first job had been to repair the dry stonewall that acted as an enclosure for when the animals were brought down off the mountain. He hadn’t realised just how repair was going to be needed, and it had been a hard task moving the stone he needed into position, let alone then rebuilding long stretches of the wall. Now however, he was able to stand back and admire it, knowing he had finally completed it all. Then he looked down the dusty track, his eyes drawn by a column of dust being kicked up by a pony being hastily ridden towards the croft. Wiping his hands down on his kilt, he picked up the small pick he had used to help shape stone and headed to meet the visitor. As the pony with its rider neared, he could tell it was Alistair astride it.
Kyla appeared from the bothy as she heard hoof’s clattering along the sun baked track. As soon as she saw who it was disappeared back through the small entrance and reappeared with a flagon of cold drink. She knew Glen would be grateful for something after labouring in the afternoon heat even if Alistair didn’t want anything.
Fallon watched from the corner of the haystack where she had been playing. Her heart dropped because she knew this visit was likely to mean her father was due to go off for the cause again.
“Fallon.” Benjamin whinged as he pulled at her skirt to get her to play with him again.
“Aye. I’ll be righ’ wit’ ya.” Fallon turned and looked at her brother with a smile. Many people had commented on how alike she and Benjamin were. Both had fine mousey coloured hair with piercing hazel green eyes. A trait they had both gained from their mother.

The horses strained against the leather harness, collars around their necks creaking, traces tightened as the tension was taken up. Breech straps loosened off as finally the downhill ended and yet another uphill section now faced them. Slowly the vast coach continued to move. A whip was used to help maintain the position of the lead horse. Wood creaked, metal clanked, wheels scraped along, their metal rim sparking occasionally as a stone was struck. A huge dust cloud trailed them as momentum was again built up. A groom was up top, also on sentry duty with a musket at hand. The rumble could be heard in the distance long before the coach was seen. The road they had followed ran south from Inverness to Aviemore, then west to Ruthven where the barracks were rebuilt. There it split to join the main road from Fort Augustus, one branch linking in towards Corryarack, the other south to Dalwhinnie. Today they carried on past Ruthven Barracks, heading on to Fort William.
As he sat in the back, the coach pitching and yawing, he was reading a report that had been given to him before he had departed.
They are ways for light and learning – for folk moving out of the Highlands to learn about the world, for folk moving in from the world to learn about the Highlands.
He snorted as he threw the paper down. Anyone wishing to move to learn about the highlands would indeed be a madman. Why anyone would want to know about brutal heathens who couldn’t even read, he could never understand.
He pushed down the other thought, which worried him. That the highlands were a place that had fertile tapestry running through it that enriched your mind and soul.

12

Chapter 12

Nikki stood there with the camera, framing up the shot. It was a hot summers day, so hot in fact it was keeping people inside away from the shearing heat. She angled the camera slightly differently, finally pleased with the result. The camera was quite old but Nikki still refused to let it go completely. She enjoyed the wonders and ease of the modern digital camera they owned, but she always said that it couldn’t quite capture the essence of the picture, even if they were printed off properly. So periodically it would come out with them in a bag slung over her shoulder and Nikki would relish taking pictures.
Just as she focused in, Nikki was distracted by a small splash and she saw an outline of someone swimming in the lower pool beneath the waterfall that she had initially got into shot. Straining her eyes, she smiled as she realised it was Helen who had given up waiting for her and dived in anyway.
Unconsciously Nikki’s gaze followed Helen’s body clad in her black swimming costume; she dived down and Nikki carried on watching for her to break the surface.
Without a sound Helen broke the surface and stood under the waterfall.
Nikki released the breath she hadn't realised she had been holding and then watched as Helen threw her hair over her head. The highlighted blonde stands being captured in the glinting sunlight, which also reflected off the water in the same way light would bounce off a mirror. Helen then raised her face to the water and smiled as it washed over her skin. Her hands came up and wiped the last of the fine strands of hair that framed her face, pushing it backwards before swinging her head forward. She spotted Nikki and smiled demurely.
Nikki heard the shutter snapping shut on the camera and realised she had plunged down on the button unconsciously. In fact, it dawned on her she had pushed the button down a few times as she had looked through the viewfinder and wound on the film without even thinking about it. Helen’s body still in the viewfinder captivated her totally.

It was as if her eyes were transfixed, as though Nikki was trapped by a witch's spell. Helen turned around, a complete 360 turn with deliberate slowness under the streaming cascade, knowing Nikki would still be watching, and with that, Nikki’s breathing stopped. It was because for her she was witnessing true beauty in the making as the water ran over Helen’s head and face. Rapidly she fired off some more of the film until it was finished.
Nikki was memorised as the water continually slid down Helen’s neck and over the gentle rise of her breasts. Nikki started to envy the water, for it's freedom to move over and caress her lover's body. It was enough to motivate her forward, putting the camera back into its bag on the blanket, which was spread out on a large flat rock alongside the base of the waterfall.
Nikki watched as Helen disappeared back under the water. She urgently tugged at her own clothing and stepping out of her trousers to be left wearing just her own bikini. Helen broke up through the water, along the edge just a few feet away from where she was standing. Looking straight up at Nikki in one fluid movement Helen pushed herself back out into the main body of water, where she trod water, looking and waiting. Helen’s face telling Nikki all she needed to know, and that was she was waiting expectantly for her to join Helen in the cooling pool. Reaching down with one slender long leg, Nikki shuddered involuntarily as the cold water shocked her system after the heat of the day. Then, the chill turned into something more pleasant as it helped counteract the oppressive heat they had been enduring. Looking into the clear water, Nikki picked her way down into the pool carefully. Once she was in the water properly she struck out and within a few strokes, she was alongside Helen and without hesitation, she pulled her in to kiss.

Helen stepped up onto the towel also laid down by the blanket, and picked up an oversized shirt lying there that she slung on. She could feel Nikki’s breath just flittering across her back as she pulled it on, and smiled slightly as Nikki stood so close to her. Helen left the shirt unbuttoned and hanging open, and it became translucent as the water from her swimming costume soaked through the light cotton fabric. Both women’s nipples were protruding through the fabric of the costumes covering them, partly from the colder water they had just left, partly through their own arousal. Helen knelt down onto the blanket and pulled out a hairbrush from a backpack. She began to brush out her tangled hair.
Nikki noticed that as Helen was brushing her hair that she was having some difficulty with a knot in the back.
“Would you like a hand with that?” Nikki asked in a low voice as she sat down just behind Helen.
"Please, would you?"
Helen brought the brush around her waist and held it out for Nikki to take easily.
Nikki shifted so she now knelt down behind Helen and slowly ran her hand through her hair, separating as much of the knot with her fingers as best she could. Then she began to brush slowly. As Nikki found the knot properly, she raised it out of the rest of Helen’s hair. Making sure she then wouldn’t pull too hard on the hair, she slid the back of one hand along Helen’s scalp and laid what she could of the knot along the inside of her arm. Slowly Nikki worked and softly brushing out the wisps, she finally managed to brush the knot out. Once it was gone, she moved her arm and began to brush all Helen’s hair in soft, slow strokes.
“I love how you have let your hair grow.” Nikki murmured demurely as she brushed.
“I love how your fingers feel in my hair.” Helen answered huskily.
Nikki put the brush down and began to run her fingers through Helen’s hair, marvelling how it went from deep blonde to lighter blonde as it fell through her fingertips.
Slowly, Nikki’s fingers moved down, slowly massaging along the base of Helen’s scalp, along the nape of her neck, across her shoulders.

Nikki heard Helen’s low moan in pleasure, and she gently pushed the shirt off her shoulders. Helen didn’t stop its path, and allowed it to fall to the ground completely, releasing it from her arms as it fell.
“Mmm, that feels nice.” Helen whispered as she leant back in the caresses and ministrations of Nikki’s fingers. Closing her eyes, she began to sing a soft Celtic ballad. Nikki smiled as Helen sang in a voice that was barely more than a whisper. Nikki sat back onto her ankles and massaged further down Helen’s back, removing the shirt from around them not wanting it to hamper her efforts in anyway. Then Nikki moved her hands back up slowly along either side of Helen’s spine. Helen leant back into Nikki resting her head into the nape of Nikki’s neck.
"Don’t stop." Helen whispered as Nikki’s hands stopped moving.
“I have to, I can’t reach your back like this.” Nikki replied caressing the tip of Helen’s ear seamlessly.
Helen grasped Nikki’s hands and spread them out across her stomach. Nikki smiled widely as she then began to gently knead her muscles there. Moving her hands slowly up and down, Helen let out a strangled moan as the back of one of Nikki’s hands brushed across her breast. Another moan escaped her lips as Nikki moved her hands lower around her torso. Helen tipped her head back and could just kiss Nikki’s collarbone where it met her throat.
Then she brought her hands up and pulled Nikki’s head down. Nikki dipped her head willing and they kissed. Without breaking the kiss, Helen turned herself around and slid her hands along Nikki’s stomach. As they reached the lower part of the bikini top, they slid under, one each side, taking a breast in each hand. Helen then slid her hands out from under the top and framed Nikki’s face with them before she broke the kiss.
Need and desire overtook the worry that they were outside where anyone could stumble across them. Nikki and Helen both moved, allowing Helen to straddle Nikki’s legs. Nikki wrapped her arms around her waist to help stop her falling from her lap before kissing her deeply and passionately.
“I love you so much.” Nikki whispered as they moved, falling down onto the blanket properly. “Please, have my child?”

As Helen lay along the sofa, her head lying on Nikki’s lap, she closed her eyes and thought back to the moment that had brought them to where they were now. As if to give Helen a reminder she didn’t need, at that moment the baby kicked so violently, that even Nikki saw the movement under Helen’s shirt.
“Feisty little bugger.” Nikki said with a deadpan expression.
“Well, you got me in this predicament.” Helen reminded her slightly tetchily because she didn’t seem to be getting any rest lately.
Nikki looked across at a framed photo on the table next to where she was sitting. It was one of most prized processions. She picked up the frame and held it up to look at, although she didn’t need any clue as to every single detail of it because it was committed totally to memory. Helen’s face, leaning back under the streaming water, glinting sunlight, surrounded by lime green trees was what she held, one of the pictures she had captured that day.
“You could have said no.” Nikki said softly, her thumb gently caressing the glass before she put the photo back where it belonged.
“Aye, I could have done.”
“I’m pleased you didn’t.” Nikki leant down and kissed Helen lightly. “Even if it does mean you are little miss grumpy at times.”
“Yeah, well next time you can have the honour.” Helen grumbled as yet another kick or punch was launched. “Ouch.” She exclaimed this time as it really caught her.
“Next time hey?” Nikki smiled wryly.
“I think another trip to the waterfall might be all that’s need to persuade you.” Helen said with a grin.
Suddenly Nikki felt breathless and wasn’t able to think of anything in reply. Zen moment



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 587



_________________
Karma or action is powerless to destroy ignorance. Self can be known only through knowledge.


I love MJNet Posted: 13 Jun 2005 10:41 am
13

Chapter 13

I yawned and opened my eyes and I suddenly discover I am not where I expect to be. Some strange picture confronts me, and it was a few seconds before I began to realise that I am having another one of those malevolent visions. Only this time it would appear I am seeing it as though I was the person, through their eyes, that I am, for all intents and purposes them.
I concentrate on what is in front of me. A strange device that contains letters and when I look in closer, I can tell that the words read as they would if it was printed material, as a book would show. My reading might be limited, and yet I seem to understand what these words mean as I scan them with my eyes. I notice as my hands come across and begin to do something. Small clicking sounds emanate from the item my hands are now over with very little movement from my fingers as they travel on top of it. As the fingers move, I see that fresh letters, which are forming new words, appear on the area I was first aware of in front of me. Words become paragraphs, and slowly the area is being filled, as any page in a book would be.

Suddenly my right hand moves away and covers a smaller item from this piece of sorcery. Slight movement of my first finger is once again accompanied by a slight clicking sound and unexpectedly the words that were before me vanish and some images appear. At last, something I can recognise. A sword, a musket, long bow and even a tunic similar to the ones worn by the enemy of this land, and in particular like the one my main adversary tends to be attired in are now in my line of vision, and I am also now aware of another point - there are dates shown alongside each item, and while it begins with dates before this time, it also shows dates a little way into the future from now. I see the word history alongside the dates and other text, which explains how these items are used in days gone by. Does this mean I am looking back in time? On the other hand, more sinister, that I am somehow seeing things from the future. It would explain why some things seem recognisable, yet others are so completely alien to me.

The colours change, the background gains a picture, which is somehow faded, with words in front of it. My right hand stays over this small thing beneath it, sitting snugly under my palm, being depressed by that first finger occasionally. As it is pressed it collates with the words moving upwards and revealing fresh ones below them. As one would turn the pages of a book, here it appears from nowhere at the bottom of where you read and move up as if on some kind of spit? Occasionally the page would be held as the words read with more intensity before being rolled on again. While I am still vaguely aware of what the words say and even mean, it still doesn’t actually signify I can understand exactly what they convey. Is this because it is too far removed from my own life that I can’t acquaint them myself in the context of what I know? Perhaps.

I move and then press a button on yet another item just below the main things I have had within my vision, and see they are resting on some kind of table. It has a shape and design unlike anything I am used to, but it does seem practical for the items it houses. I feel as if I would jump, if my body would allow me to, as the item begins to produce paper from an opening with what looks like the words I had just been reading actually printed on it, instantly, magically. What is this that has been conjured up? My left hand pulls the paper away and begins to inspect it, and I see it a single sheet of paper that has indeed got printed words upon it. Another sheet appears and it is pulled away, read and stowed with the other sheet, but is not bound as you would expect a book to be. This process is repeated until I count 11 sheets collected. A strange small device is placed onto a space on the table area, with the sheets between some kind of jaws, which the hand then clamps down on. Once the paper is released and removed I can spot something that has been left in there and it alone seems to hold the pages together. I wonder is this a thin strip of metal? I can’t be too sure.

I swivel around on whatever it is I am using to sit on and then stand up. I walk over to a long thin cupboard in a dark wood, a type I do not recognise. There seem to be handles down the front, which house what look like drawers, and sure enough, a hand reaches out and pulls a drawer along its runners. It then dips in and pulls out something that is slim, and opens it up via an odd flap. Once it is open, the papers are pushed inside it and it is closed up, put back where it came from and the drawer closed. Turning around, I head back to the outlandish table where I sit down once more. My fingers return to the flat area, which I now spy has letters all across it. Not in alphabetical order as I would have expected, but jumbled up in some unusual pattern, one I do not recognise. However, they seem happy with the layout of the letters as they push down individual ones that in turn produce recognisable words in my line of sight with remarkable speed. I am not certain of the time of day we are supposedly in, nor how quickly time might be moving while working on these words.

I want to pull back, away from this. I feel the fear coursing through me, as it approaches nearer to me. Do they not know how I am feeling? Can I make them aware of what is happening? The hands continue, still holding the strangest of contraptions, with a wire dangling down from it. Suddenly, I know it has been clamped down over my ears, and while I had not heard a sound up until now, suddenly it is invading my head. Noises so disturbing I cannot even begin to describe it. Horror fills me as I begin to realise that they are singing along gently to whatever this clamour is. How can they? Surely this is torture, not pleasure?
A finger taps away on the side of the table; I can tell it is time to the beat, which is drowning me. It is persistent, deep, a beat that will haunt me for the rest of my days, intermingled with other sounds, which I cannot even begin to recognise. A drum sounds as if it is being played, but not with the gentle rhythm I would expect. It really is Satan’s music that I am enduring. God help this land and mankind if this is what we are going to have in the future.

I know a hand is touching my shoulder gently. I see fingers draping down over my collarbone. Long and slender obviously those of a woman. I turn around to face them, and I am startled, although I know I should not be, because it is the tall dark haired woman that has been in some of my visions. I turn away from her for a second; having said something in reply to her gesturing to take whatever this torturous device is off. My hands reach up, and finally I am relieved of that torment. Whatever it was clamping down on my ears are now put down on the table and I am free from it. I notice another difference. Before I had to endure the sounds, I hadn’t been able to hear what was actually around me. Now, I sense I can hear, albeit muffled at times and indistinct.
She is telling me something. I feel as if I am frowning, and then laughing as she makes me feel happy and gay.

I know I have smiled up at her. She says something in a soft and gentle tone. A finger comes out, and it caresses the nape of my neck gently. The fingers traces over the wisps of hair framing my cheeks, pushing them back slightly; I can sense that is what she is doing, even though I cannot see. She smiles back and then leans in and kisses me. Not as I would expect a gentle friendly kiss, but one full of love and longing. I therefore assume I am her husband? Then she utters my name and confused sets in. I am called Helen, a name that I recall being mentioned in another of my dreams, and I can visualise who I am. So why would she kiss me in such a familiar way as a lover would kiss me? I recall these women have always been seen together whenever I have had a vision. Does this mean something? This is a depraved world to show me such things, which are… pure lies. No woman would even allow herself to be used in such a manner. Wanton, evil corruption has shown its face to me from this time. Zen moment



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 587



_________________
Karma or action is powerless to destroy ignorance. Self can be known only through knowledge.


I love MJNet Posted: 13 Jun 2005 10:41 am
14

Chapter 14

The time moved slowly. Calm and peace had descended on the cooler evening air as the day’s sun dipped below the horizon. At first, the fiery orb was so fierce that it was impossible to look at it properly, but as it slowly descended, a haze of orange, red, purple and salmon pink all mixed together surrounded it, pushing up and reflecting in clouds, turning the colours into a even more vivid fusion.

The clouds thinned, the sky turned from a deep rich blue into a paler fragile blue, a different kind of beauty more suited to the subtle light hues now playing around the cloud edges, the grey of the central portion of cloud now almost a silver it was so delicate. If you reached out with fingers, you felt that you could shatter the brittleness.

The sea seemed as still as a glass mirror, throwing the reflections of the sky onto its own surface and further still, onto the land. The rocks protruding out into the incoming tide while waves, slowly but relentlessly building up momentum, crashed into their sides, the only disruption against this otherwise calm scene. The rocks are warm to the touch, having soaked up the dying suns rays all day.

Rich in colour, they are showing a mixture of oranges and rusty browns streaked through the crevices. Two people perched on the craggy mounds, look out. Arms wrapped around another’s body, holding it safe into their own. A kiss, dropped with feather lightness onto blonde sun streaked hair, showing a depth of love and understanding only true lovers can share. No words were spoken… None were needed.

The humidity trailed into the girl's face and ran its heavy fingers through her hair. As she stood looking down the long, deserted dusty road, she could see heat vapour rising in the distance, creating a rippled, watery effect. She frowned and lifted her hair off her neck. A drop of perspiration slid down her spine while another bead moved down and across one eye, forcing her to bring a hand up to wipe it away quickly, the salty moisture getting into her eye briefly, stinging it ever so slightly, forcing her to blink.

Her eyes were dull, the sparkle lost through the exhaustion which was threatening to overwhelm her. She pulled her hair into a bunch, and without any real care, managed to get it away from the nape of her neck, giving some relief from the heat, allowing what little breeze there was in the still oppressive air to circulate around more than it had.

In the middle of the misty river, a heron stood to attention on a rock, grey and glistening from the delicate covering of moisture thrown onto it by the waters movement. The passages of the mist made it appear as if the bird were gliding down the river on the back of another. Perhaps a sea creature of some kind, a monster of the depth showing it’s eerie presence to man? Suddenly, the heron broke off its stance and dived beyond the mist covering, no longer in view.

Within a matter of seconds, it broke back through the surface of the mist, a fish struggling to get free from its powerful jaws, but unable to succeed. Without a second thought, the heron tipped its head back, and the fish was devoured without hesitation before its sentry duty was continued. He watched from the edge of the bank where he had been sitting since yesterday, like the bird his sentry duty seemingly endless.

The thick, burnt scent of roasted coffee tickled the tip of the sleepers nose just seconds before the alarm clock blared out its call through its tiny speaker. Wiping away the grit of last night's sleep, the bright dazzling sunlight that filtered through a gap in the curtains blinded them momentarily as they slung their arm along the top of the alarm, searching for the snooze button. While stretching hands and feet in the bed, eyes opened after several watery blinks. Slowly but surely, they edged awkwardly like a butterfly from a cocoon, swinging legs over the side of the bed.

The chilled wood floor sent ripples spiralling from ankles to the nape of the neck as their feet hit the floor. Grabbing a soft robe, which still held the scent of warm autumn winds in its fabric, it was knotted tightly around the waist like a esteemed coat, protecting the wearer, and they headed downstairs to face the combat of the morning.

As they descended down the wooden stairs, noise could be heard coming from below them. Their nostrils flared slightly as the scent from the coffee strengthened, but it was now also intermingled with the aroma of freshly baked bread or rolls. They turned at the bottom of the stairs and walked through a bright corridor down into a kitchen, which was equally bright and welcoming.

A table faced them, which had a couple of tall glasses, each showing condensation on the outside caused by the chilled orange juice which was in them. Senses now overwhelmed by the smell of fresh baking and fresh coffee, enough to finally shift the residual sleep that had been lingering. The preceding occupant of the kitchen turned and faced them, a smile across their face as bright as the day that had dawned.

The movement was almost undetected it was so understated. She stood and saw the first wisps of hay being pulled off the ground where it had been lying flat. Then, as if by magic, the air changed, hay was torn from the earth and circled above them, spiralling loosely upwards in a wide arc. The smell from the mown and freshly, fully dried grass intensified as it was lifted from the floor. This was intermingled with the earthy smell from the dust that was caught up in the same vortex.

Then, almost as suddenly as it had begun, the hay began to fall back down onto the terrain, a hotchpotch compared to its former position of lying in regimented rows ready to be brought in from the fields. She sighed heavily and grabbing a weighty wooden rake began to pull the hay back into piles which could then be gathered by the women and stacked ready to be taken down into the yard where its final resting place was the haystack.

Her arms felt as if someone had tied lead weights to them. She struggled to keep moving, but the urgency of the harvest was enough motivation, and this year her duties were even more important because for the first time ever, her father wasn’t around to help them during such a crucial time. She knew this year, she had grown beyond her existence, that she was witnessing events that were to mould her life and how it would be for her and her family. This was the future, being played out now in battlefields across the country.

Fathers, husbands and sons were living and dying. Fields that were once green were running red with the blood spilt. Looking up as she heard her name being called, she stopped the thoughts that had fleetingly halted her work, and refocused on the task in hand. The rake was a burden, a heaviness that was close to being unbearable, but somewhere she found hidden depths and kept going as the sun relentlessly beat down on the open fields, which afforded the workers no shelter at all.

He glanced across as the mist rose slowly. The view now spilt in two by its rising mass, ghostly images of the river now showing, the heron only visible at its head, the rest of its body hidden. The creature it had been riding now showing only as a rock, nothing mysterious about it suddenly. The river gently meandering along the valley floor, low from the lack of summer rain, is showing pebble edges normally hidden beneath the watery depths. Cut away sides now some distance from the main flow of water, looking strangely isolated.

He listened intently, waiting for the prearranged sign. His sword resting across his lap, the edge showing nicks and scarring from its battles, the handle having been replaced over many years to suit the hand which grasped it, and yet it was still exuded the same ancient feel as the rest of the weapon. Fine droplets from the mist were covering the fabric of his outer clothing. Bird song was beginning to be heard as the day began in earnest. Then, as he listened, his head tilted and without a sound, grasped his sword and rose stealthily.

Her finger traced a light trail along the bare skin. Goosebumps were just visible, fine hairs standing out from the skin in the watery light. The nail scraped with tenderness further across the skin, eliciting an imperceptible moan of pleasure. Breath quickened faintly, slight perspiration was beginning to bead through pores, which felt as if they were fully opened and exposed, and the slightest touch was like releasing a bolt of electricity through the body. A head turned to capture another’s lips in a demanding kiss. Ripples of pleasure ran through nerve endings unchecked.

15

Chapter 15

As the hands trailed over the skin, another moan escaped her lips. The finger shadowed with deliberate slowness across a cheek. Tracing back to the other before finding her lips, where it followed the contours of the full red flesh. Another sound, a high whine escaped the same lips as the finger moved away and down towards the indent of the neck meeting the collarbone. With the same deftness, the other hand also began to blazon a line along an upper arm.

Fingers went down the belly stopping to circle the button, which protruded out as a result of the baby within. Her hand betrayed her desire as it grabbed the fingers and pushed them further towards their goal. A laugh, low and throaty emanated from the other persons throat as they slid the fingers sensually down to her pubic hair. She exhaled slowly, as fingers traced patterns in her hair, coiling the strands through their tips and tousling it.

The hands slid up towards the puckered nipples and toyed with the tips, gently rolling them, stirring up wetness near where they had just left. The profile view showed how aroused the nipples were, their hardness unmistakable. The goose bumps showing up even more, if that were possible. Playing with her senses they tugged gently, evoking a movement to try and get them to move back down from where they had just come.
“Please.” The word was whispered in a begging tone.

I walked into the room and you were sitting on the bed propped up reading. I noticed it was a joint favourite of ours, for obvious reasons, Sophie’s World that brought a smile to my lips. You said it was great to have the time to finally read it again, because it was a book that needed no distraction if you were to fully embrace it as a reader. I sat down alongside you, and you put a bookmark in to keep your place before putting the book down. You smiled widely at me. Instinctively I held you, pulled you in close to me, and you gladly snuggled in. I began to run my fingers through your hair softly. We sat there for a while as my hand continued to fall through your hair.

Then you shifted position, and your hands came out and pulled mine away, placing them gently onto your breast. I could feel the body heat increasing, and the nipples harden gently under my palm even through the fabric of your top.
“Are you sure?” I ask in hushed tones. Even now, after all these months, I worry.
“Of course.” Your reply left me in no doubt.
You sighed as I allowed my fingers to move around your body. I move in closer and nibble the crook of your neck; I lick around your earlobe. I swap sides and repeat the motions. You sit up, and with a fluid movement, you pulled your top off.

Two orbs protruded out, free from the restraint at last, inviting me in. My mouth became dry, and you artfully moved, enough to make me feel the beginnings of my own moisture build. I swallowed as I leaned forward and ran a finger ever so gently over your left nipple watching it rise to attention, my nail barely scrapping the skins surface. I laid you back into the bed and watched as you raised you hips, pulling off the garments on your lower body. Now I saw you in your entirety, it was as if a sculptor had fashioned you. I didn’t want to go fast, I never do when I am with you. It is always an event to saviour, not to hasten.

I leaned down and kissed your lips, your hands now use the opportunity to run through my tousled hair. I had tried to grow it once, but you resisted, telling me you liked the shorter cut. We compromised, because you also loved the way as it began to grow how it curled around the nape of my neck. This is where you fingers headed, twirling the hair around fixing it to your hand. Then you pulled me in to kiss you, which I did without resisting. Our lips parted, then I slid my tongue deeper into your mouth searching inside. I felt your tongue against mine. They clashed and suckled against each other.

I crept down your body and took one of the hardened nipples into my mouth. I flicked my tongue over the apex as I felt your hand pushing me down onto your breast with a moan. Your nipple immediately went deeper inside my mouth. I pulled back a little and nibbled on your edge grazing my teeth over the tip. Then I switched nipples and licked and teased your left nipple following the same pattern. I heard you moan again, it was like music to my ears, knowing how you were reacting to what I was doing. Then I could hold back no longer, my own desire had grown far too much. I ran my hand quickly down and cupped your mound, warmth seeping through.

I slid in one finger, gently at first, knowing we had to be tender in our actions. I moved my thumb along the folds, and on my skin, I felt your clit protruding through. My thumb began to rub with equal gentleness as my finger probed quietly. I twisted another finger around where it joined the first without problem. How hard your clit was, showing how excited you were. Wetness engulfed my fingers as they moved in rhythm to my thumb’s light circular action. I moved and kissed you deeply, you respond, and as you do, I push in as far as I dare, causing you to moan into my mouth. I move back away to continue to kiss your breasts.

I heard you gasping and I felt your body start to tense. Perspiration was beginning to run slowly down your chest. I could feel it trickling down my spine. I could feel you getting tighter around my fingers. Tiny explosions were being triggered with each movement they made. I didn’t let go of your clit, but I teased you by withdrawing my