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Which Eternal Lie; Time travel fic
Topic Started: October 28, 2007, 4:54 pm (15,772 Views)
Verity
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The Story Girl
[ * ]
Kirk is such a sweetie. Poor thing, thinking that he's a pussy. I hope that he can get his permission, since him and Mary make a great couple together. :dance
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Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
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Chapter 32

Kirk stood in front of the mirror, gazing at his reflection critically. I have to look right, I don't want the laird to think I'm a slob, he thought.

He was dressed somberly in a dark green and black kilt, with a white buttoned-down shirt and black jacket. His hair was freshly combed, the black ringlets grazing his collar.

"Are ye ready, Kirk?", asked Rory.

Kirk sighed, smiling weakly at him. "Yeah, ready as I'll ever be", he replied.

"Good, follow me", he said, as they left the room.


The laird looked upon the two men as they bowed deeply before him. "What do you need to see me for?", he asked, curiousity in his eyes.

Kirk took a deep breath, as Rory put a hand on his shoulder. "Your Lordship, I ask a favor from you. I would like permission to court your ward, Mary Drummond", he said solemnly.

The laird raised an eyebrow, a thoughtful look on his face. "Master Hammett, you are aware of the position you occupy in my household. You are a court musician, and she is my ward. She is not for the likes of you. If you would like, I can arrange for you to court another Mackenzie woman. I am sorry, Master Hammett, but she is far above your station", he said kindly.

Kirk sighed, feeling depressed. "Thank you for your generosity, your Lordship", he whispered.

The laird smiled at him. "Master Hammett, I too once desired a woman above my station. She was the daughter of the Lord of the Isles, the MacDonald of MacDonald, the most powerful clan in the Highlands. Her father refused, saying that I was too lowly. I was upset, but I eventually married Margaret, the daughter of the Laird Ross. She made me happy, and bore me Conor. You shall find happiness with a woman of your own station", he said kindly.


Mary and her maid Elsbeth were gathering flowers in the meadow. It was a beautiful autumn day, a slight chill in the air. The grasses were turning brown, the purple heather startling amongst the dun color.

"Aye, it so lovely, Elsbeth. I hope Kirk's meeting with the laird went well", said Mary worriedly.

"I hope so too, mistress. But do not get yer hopes up. He is a retainer, and ye are a ward", she warned.

They were so busy gathering heather, that they barely heared the thunder of horses hooves. Elsbeth looked up, her brown eyes wide in horror. Two horsemen in black hooded cloaks approached them, riding on dull brown horses. Their cloaks obscured their faces, their kilts bearing the design of the Black Watch.

"Run mistress!", she yelled. Mary dropped her basket, but before she could run, one of them struck her on the head with a club, as she crumpled to the ground. Elsbeth screamed, but the other horseman hit her, as she fell unconscious.

"The girl is the blond one?", asked one of the horsemen.

"Yes, we were told to get the blond one", said his companion.

"What about the other one?", he asked.

"Take her and dump her far from here, so she cannot find her way back. The blond one goes to the laird, we shall get a great bounty for this", he chuckled maliciously.
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Verity
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The Story Girl
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That's terrible. Poor Mary and poor Elsbeth. I hope they weren't killed getting hit on the head like that.
And poor Kirk. Getting told that a chick is above your station must be brutal.

This just keeps getting better and better with all the twists and turns. I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next. :dance
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Battery
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Some Kind Of Monster
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What a dramatic chapter! Was Mary kidnapped? Why those riders wanted to take her? Poor Kirk... :(
Awesome chapter!!! :heart:
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Shayi
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Bring me that horizon
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Yikes! This story is so good - there's so many twists and turns to it, so many possibilities and directions that it could take it always keeps you guessing!

I really hope that Mary is going to be okay (both for her sake, and for Kirks!) and I can't wait to find out exactly why she was captured. Although - my personal theory is that it is because she's so important - ransom/bargaining tool for one of the other Lairds... but we'll see!

Looks like it's going to need to be Kirk to the rescue - hopefully if he can pull it off somehow the Laird may look with more favour upon his suit!

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Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
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Chapter 33

Night fell, and the laird was agitated. "Where are Mary and her woman? They have not returned", he asked the steward.

"I do not know, your Lordship. I hope nothing has happened to her", he replied, trying not to sound frightened.

Kirk was writing tablature and he couldn't help but overhear the conversation. Mary's missing? But how? Aren't soldiers supposed to be guarding them?, he wondered.

"Master Hammett, I could not help but think you heard us. I am worried about her as well, laddie. There are always feuds amongst clans in the Highlands, and one must be vigilant", he said.

"Would they kill her?", he asked, feeling sick to his stomach.

"Aye, the MacDonnel's are capable. They once burned down a church when it was full of Mackenzies. Their men burned the church, barring the doors, while their piper played a happy tune. We will not forgive or forget them", he vowed.

Kirk felt his heart sink. Fuck, that's evil He had a vision of Mary alone and helpless, at the mercy of such people.

If they don't hesitate to burn down a church full of people, they won't hesitate to kill two helpless women. This is plain evil, he shuddered in disgust.

"Aye, I know in the colonies, ye do not have such feuds. But that is the way of the Highlands, laddie", he said.

The laird suddenly came up with an idea. "Master Hammett, if ye bring back Mary, not only shall ye have my permission to court her, ye have me permission to wed her as well. If ye cannot find her, ye shall be dismissed from my staff, and to leave Mackenzie lands. However, I shall give you safe passage to anywhere ye'd like, including England. Do we have a deal?", he asked, extending his hand.

He shook his hand. "Deal", he replied.


Mary slowly regained consciousness, the rocking of the horse waking her. Her eyes fluttered open as she winced in pain. Her head felt as though someone had dropped a brick on it, every motion of the horse making her ill.

"Ye are finally awake? We shall rest for a wee bit, the laird doesna want ye ill", said an unfamiliar voice, speaking with an Irish accent.

She frowned, puzzled. I do not know any Irish people. Where am I, and where is Elsbeth?, she wondered.

Her eyes flew open, when she remembered. "Who are you, and where is Elsbeth?", she asked, her voice high with fright.

His companion smiled at her. "Your serving woman? We dumped her in a heath. I did not hit her that hard, she willl be fine", he shrugged, speaking with an odd accent.

"Who are you?", she repeated.

"We are clanless men, we work for whomever gives us gold. We have been promised plenty of gold for you", said the Irish man, his green eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Who offered you gold? Perhaps the laird can match it?", she replied hopefully.

"Hah, the laird promised much gold, your laird is poor compared to him", he laughed.

"Who is this laird?", she asked.

"He is the laird of Glengarry", his companion said.

Mary felt ill. The MacDonnel's were the lords of Glengarry; these men worked for their enemy. No, not them. Oh Kirk, she thought, a tear falling down her cheek.
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Verity
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The Story Girl
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Poor Mary. I so hope that Kirk can come rescue her. :dance :dance The thought of Kirk riding in on some horse and rescusing some chick is a very pleasent one. :dance
Damn. I can't wait for more!!! :dance :dance
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Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
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Can you guess who Daniel and Jens are based on? :wink

Chapter 34

"Damn, that's horrible. Kirk, talk about a rock and a hard place", said James, shaking his head.

They were at James and Jeanie's house, along with the rest of the group. "I know, but I have no idea who's behind this. It could be the MacDonnel's, or some robbers, or the same shit that happened to us. Fuck, what do I do?", he cried, burying his head in his hands.

"There's gotta be a clue. I mean, someone like Mary is gonna stick out, her being a lady a blond. Someone ought to have seen her in the area", said Cliff thoughtfully.

"She was out on the meadow, where the heather grows. She told me this morning. That is quite far from the keep", said Violet.

"But why weren't there any guards around?", asked Kirk.

She does not like to be guarded. She says it makes her feel high and mightly, and she does not like that. She only had her maid Elsbeth with her", she replied.

"Well, if the maid shows up, maybe she'll tell us something", said James thoughtfully.


The horsemen camped in a hedge that night. Mary said a silent prayer that they hadn't molested her. I suppose I am worth more to the laird if I still have my virtue, she thought sardonically.

On of them handed her a plate of food and a cup of wine. She looked closely at him, puzzled. He was quite young, barely older than herself. He had a round, youthful face framed by blond curls and wide hazel eyes.

He smiled shyly at her. "Here is your food, miss", he said.

"Thank you. What is your name? You do not sound Scottish", she asked, begining to eat.

He blushed, his round cheeks turning pink. "My name is Jens Holmgren, I am from Norway", he replied.

"Jens, she is our prisoner. Do not let her charm you, you can be so thick", said the Irish man.

"I am sorry, Daniel", he mumbled.

Daniel came over to them, glaring down at Jens. Mary almost choked on her food. Daniel was a very imposing man, almost six feet tall and quite good-looking, with long flaming red hair and brilliant green eyes. He would be quite handsome, if he didn't scowl, she mused.

"I am sorry, Danile. I was just trying to be nice", said Jens, still blushing.

"You do not have to be nice to her. She is just a means for us to obtain gold. There are many willing wenches in the keep", he chuckled.

"I am sorry about Daniel", said Jens.

"I understand", she replied, liking Jens in spite of herself. He is not that bad, he is a stranger in a strange land. Too bad he must resort to this to earn coin, she mused.
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Verity
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The Story Girl
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I think I know who they are! Is it Dave/David :dance


Damn. The thought of Dave running around in a kilt is almost too much for me.

This part nearly made me faint

Daniel came over to them, glaring down at Jens. Mary almost choked on her food. Daniel was a very imposing man, almost six feet tall and quite good-looking, with long flaming red hair and brilliant green eyes. He would be quite handsome, if he didn't scowl, she mused.


:drool :drool :drool :drool :horns:

I hope that they will be kind to poor, poor, Mary and that Kirk can rescue her.
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Shayi
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Bring me that horizon
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Wow :) I concur with Ashley I think it's Dave and David :) Awesome!!

Anyhoo - I'm so glad that Kirk's going to be coming to the rescue - and I really hope that Jens and Danile manage to keep treating Mary well - at least they seem to be going to for now!

Action packed and awesome :) Just the way we like it!
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Battery
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Some Kind Of Monster
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Hmm.... Kirk has a hard task before him :wacko: Will the rest of the guys help him?
Poor Mary... But at least she has someone nice beside her...
Uuh, I can't wait to read next chapter :biggrin :heart:
And I also think it's Dave and David :P
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Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
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I'll reveal who they are in a few chapters. Thanks for the feedback :wavey

Chapter 35

The next morning, Elsbeth stumbled into the village. She'd woken up in the heath yesterday, her head pounding. The memories came rushing back, as she tried find her way back. Luckily, she was still on Mackenzie lands, so she was able to find the village.

Jeanie was in the garden, when she saw the bedraggled woman approaching. She'd recognized her as Mary's servant, and took her to the castle.

"Elsbeth, you should rest first, and then refresh yourself", said Violet, leading her into the healer's chambers.

Lars was inside, mixing a potion, when he heard the women enter. "You look like hell. What happened?", he asked.

"Lars, turn down the bed and let her rest. We shall interrogate her later", she commanded.

"Are you Mary's servant? What happened", he asked hurriedly, turning down the bed.

Elsbeth groaned, a pained expression on her face. "Two riders took my lady. They wore black cloaks and Black Watch tartan, riding on brown horses. One is an Irishman, the other is a foreigner", she murmured, before going to sleep.


"Ah, we are here", said Daniel, a gleam in his eyes. Mary looked ahead, a sinking feeling in her stomach. The keep of the MacDonnel's loomed before her, a massive stone fortress emerging from the flatness of the plain.

It was larger than the Mackenzie keep, made of dark gray stone and near the shore. Like the other keep, it was surrounded by a village, the people going about their business. The sight was oddly comforting.

Few people looked in their direction, as they made their way to the keep. The guards let them in, as they dismounted in the courtyard.

The steward came over to them, smiling when he saw Mary. "Aye, ye got the woman. Lady, follow me, ye shall refresh yourself to be presented to the laird. You fellows, there is food in the kitchen, and then meet me in the main hall", he said.

Mary was led to a bathing room not unlike the one in the other keep. A servant girl greeted her, bowing deeply. "Welcome, Miss. Yer bath is ready and I shall get clothes for ye", she said.

She quickly undressed and climbed into the tub. Mary sighed, sinking into the hot water. I needed that, my muscles are so sore, she thought, finding soap and a brush.

Mary bathed herself and washed her hair, just soaking in the tube. She was interrupted when the girl entered the room, holding a bundle of clothes.

"Here are your new clothes, miss", she said, handing her a towel and then leaving.

Mary reluctantly got out of the tub, wrapping the towel around her body. She examined the clothes, puzzled.

What fancy clothes. Am I a prisoner or a guest here?, she wondered.

Her clothes consisted of a shift and a pale pink dress, adorned with pink glass beads, shimmering in the dim light. She put on the shift and then the dress. Mary gasped at her reflection in the mirror. The dress was tight, and showed off her body to its best advantage.

The girl came in and began to brush her hair. "Miss, you have such beautiful hair. I wish my hair was golden, instead of this dull brown color", she said, tying her hair with a ribbon.

"Now follow me", she said, leading her out of the room.
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lolo
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ex - thur - minate
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that were some great chapters,
poor Kirk, first he can't court Mary, and than they kidnap her.
I love to read what happens next.
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Verity
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The Story Girl
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I'm glad that at least Mary seems safe and well cared for, but poor Kirk. What if Mary likes her new surroundings?
This just keeps getting better and better with all kinds of new twists and turns :horns2 I can't wait to see what will happen when Kirk comes busting in on his horse. :dance
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Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
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Chapter 36

The girl led Mary to the laird's chamber. Daniel and Jens were there, waiting. Jens smiled shyly at her, while Daniel just looked right through her, his gaze making her uncomfortable.

The door opened and they entered the room. The hall was enormous, richly decorated with tapestries and statues. The laird sat on a chair on a raised dais. He was a portly, middle-aged man, his red hair and beard turning gray. He gazed at them impassively, his blue eyes showing no emotion.

He stood up, as Daniel and Jens bowed deeply before him. "You have brought me Mackenzie's ward?", he asked.

"Yes, your Lordship. When do we get our reward?", asked Daniel.

He smiled at them, signalling to the steward. He nodded, handing each of them a sack of coins. Daniel opened his, taking out a piece of gold and biting it, then putting it back in the bag.

"I have rewarded ye for a job well done, Master Connolly and Master Holmgren. You shall stay the night, and I have another job for ye, for even more gold", he chuckled.

"Thank you, your Lordship", said Daniel, as him and Jens left the room, leaving her alone with the laird.

Mary's heart pounded with fear, her knees weak with fright. She took a deep breath, not wanting to show fear in front of him.

The laird walked towards her, lifting her chin with his fingers. He gazed into her face, glad to see no fear in her eyes. "Ye are scared, but you hide it well, Lady Drummond. In spite of what Mackenzie told you, I am not a monster. I do not fight women. Burning the church, my grandfather did that, he was a ruthless man, but I prefer subtlety", he said.

"What do you want?", she asked, a hint of fear in her voice.

"I will not hurt you, Lady Drummond. And I am not done with Masters Connolly and Holmgren. They brought you here not for me, but for other reasons", he replied.

"What other reasons?", she asked, relieved he meant no harm.

"My cousin, the MacDonald of Sleat, his son needs a bride. He has heard of your beauty, and he feels that you will be the perfect bride for his son", he replied.

"The MacDonald of Sleat? That is one of the most powerful clans of the Highlands", she murmured.

"I know", he chuckled.

"But surely he has many beauties in his own lands", she protested.

"Yes he does, but he wants you, Miss Drummond", he replied.

Mary felt her heart sink. In a way, this was worse. The MacDonald's of Sleat lived on Skye, in the mountains of the island. Kirk will never find me there, she thought, her eyes filling with tears.

"Iver is a good lad, he does not hurt women. Be grateful I did not throw you in the dungeons", he admonished. "You are not a stupid girl, Lady Drummond. Tomorrow, Masters Connolly and Holmgren will escort you to Skye, for which they weill be handsomely rewarded. Harald, take her to her chambers, and post guards outside", he said, dismissing her.
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