"A jester? You came as a jester?" Chelle mused. Before he could utter a syllable, Chelle walked away, laughing uproariously. At the top of the stair there were three ways in which she could go; the left, which looked dark and gave her the chills; the right, equally as chilling. Or straight ahead, up another flight of stairs. "The exercise will do me good." she said out loud. As her foot hit the second step, she heard a loud, disturbing noise. She stopped and tilted her head in the direction of the noise. Unable to distinguish the sound, but her curiosity peaked; Chelle retreated and went down the hallway.

The noise seemed to be getting louder as she walked slowly down the hall. There were renaissance pictures and paraphernalia everywhere. Chelle remarked at the authenticity of the items.

She stopped in front of the large door. The sound was most definitely coming from within this room. It sounded like a ravenous beast. With a shaky hand a firm resolve, she gently turned the knob. The animal was in a jumbled mess of blanket on the bed, it's growling seeming to get louder with her every step. Was it a bear? A rapid dog? Cujo?

"Mommy!!"

Chelle jumped a good foot in the air, her heart hammering as Jenne sat bolt upright in the bed and yelled. "Chelle?" Still unable to breathe, let alone speak, Chelle did no more than glared at Jenne.

"I must have fallen asleep." Jenne rubbed her eyes and stretched her body.

"Apparently." Chelle said, helping her friend untangle herself and her dress from the disarray of the bed.

"Quit moving." Chelle stormed.

"Quit pulling." Jenne growled back, pulling her dress.

The two grown women began a tug of war with the bedspread and hem of Jenne's dress. The both began laughing at the hilarity of it, Chelle letting go too quickly. They both went flying into the wall, smacking into the brick mantle of the fireplace. The candleholder attached on the side of it came crashing down at their feet.

Jenne continued to giggle, her dress up over her head. Chelle sat, mesmerized. "Oh my god." She whispered. Jenne, hearing the shock and wonder in her friends voice, pushed down her dress and looked at her. Her eyes followed the path that Chelle's had taken. Both women sat in stunned silence.

"What is that?" Jenne whispered, hoarsely, her eyes never taking her eyes off of it.

Chelle stood up and helped Jenne up. The women, unaware they were still clutching each others hands for support, walked very slowly over to the wall.

The wall with the gaping hole.

"It looks to be......." Chelle hesitated, shaking her head and closing her eyes. But when she opened them, it was still there. In her heart she knew what it was. She suspected Jenne did, too. They were obviously meant to find this. The two women, mono y mono, turned to each other and Chelle said what they were both thinking. "It is a portal."

Jenne gulped. "To the past."

"Oh Chelle, I don't know... I mean, should we really go in there, all by ourselves? Don't you think it's a bit dangerous? No one will know where we are, they won't even notice we are missing for hours!" "Jenne! We can't tell anyone about this! Then we would never find out where this goes.... No, we have to do this ourselves. I wish you hadn't finished off that whole bottle of Scotch that was in here, though, 'cause I could really use some fortification right about now."

"I didn't drink that. Scotch?! Bleck! Was that Scotch?! No wonder I feel like this!"

"Alright, alright, it's too late now. Come on."

"Okay, but I have a bad feeling about this."

Chelle glanced over to see Jenne squeezing her eyes shut. She realized that the reason her hand was hurting, was because Jenne was squeezing that just as tightly.

"Jenne! Let go." She shook off Jenne's vice-like grip, grabbed her arm, and stepped right through the gaping portal.

Eliot crept up the a back stair case, hoping to end up on the ballroom level, but eventually coming to what appeared to be the floor above, right into a darkened room. For a few moments, relieved, he thought he was in an empty room, but then, he heard it. A terrible caterwauling from the bed along the far wall nearly made him holler with fright. It sounded like some sort of wounded animal.

Eliot made for the door, and made quick work of the lock, however, just as he was about to open it, the knob turned on it's own. Or rather, someone outside turned it. He jumped back, and scurried to the other side of the room, to tuck himself safely behind a thick, velvet curtain. Peeking out one side, he caught sight of the silhouette of the latest addition to the room, and sucked in a surprised breath. It was Chelle! She might be in danger from whatever it was that was on that bed. He almost called out to her, but then the creature on the bed spoke,

"Mommy!!"

Eliot tried to suppress his laughter as he realized who was responsible for the noises from the bed. Luckily, the two women made enough noise to cover what he couldn't suppress, as they attempted to extract themselves from the tangle of bedclothes.

After a bit of a scuffle, they practically flew across the room, knocking something off the mantle of the large fireplace, and then Chelle brought his attention to something that sickened him

"Oh my god." She whispered.

Jenne and Chelle appeared to be having as much a problem believing their eyes as he was

"It is a portal." Chelle said in amazement as Jenne finished her thought for her

"To the past."

The two women debated whether or not to go through the ominous looking hole for a few moments, before Chelle pulled a reluctant Jenne through. Well, they were sure lucky that he had been here, because they were certainly going to need his help. He ducked out from behind the curtain, shut and locked the door once again, and followed them into the darkness.

Rae stepped from behind the curtain. She had come into the room just to wake up Jenne and warn her that their had been a man following her. A man in a cape.

She crept in quiet as a mouse. And was promptly followed by someone else. Fearing it might be someone up to no good, she ducked behind the curtain hoping to catch him off guard if he tried anything. Instead it had been Chelle. Feeling silly for having hidden, Rae kept quiet while the two women tried to untangle Jenne from the claws of the bed sheets.

When she heard the loud crash, Rae peeked out from the curtain, careful not to be seen. She was stunned by what she saw; some sort of glowing hole that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Rae gasped softly when she saw the two women walk to the portal and were sucked into it.

Thinking to protect them, Rae made to follow but stopped short. Someone else was in the room. But who?

She almost cried with relief when she saw Eliot. Until he too walked to the portal and was sucked into it.

Slowly stepping out from behind the curtain and glimpsing around the room, Rae headed towards the hole. As an after thought, she looked around the room for a weapon. She noticed the sharp-ended candleholder that had obviously fallen off the fireplace. She grabbed it and tucked it under arm. She had not even gotten to the portal before it sucked her in....

And disappeared.

She turned to stare about the room � Where was she � When was she � and more importantly where was Jenne Chelle and Eliot!

Suddenly the door to the room opened and in walked a gentleman dressed in fine linen and rich brocades. From the cut of his clothes, as she looked him over from head to foot, her best guess was late renaissance era.

"Well I guess this Inn has all the comforts,� he said with a twinkle in his eye. He noticed her stance, a candlestick in her hand as if it were a weapon. Whoever she was she was not here for his pleasure, which he thought was too bad as he noted she was wearing a simple gown that resembled his sisters underdress. The material marked her as a lady of quality. Why was she here? Kidnapped? Was she in need of rescue? Only she held the answers and to get them he had to get her to trust him. First he had to get her to put the candlestick down, he didn't fancy a rap on the head with it.

Her eyes full of weariness "Where am I, when am I" she asked

"What do you mean, when are you?"

"I mean what is the date"

His look became concerned "Have you hit your head are you hurt?" He took a step toward her. She stepped back. No fear in her eyes but determination. She raised the candlestick a little higher. "Look I will help you if you want but you need to trust me" he claimed,

"I am looking for my friends. One dressed just like me, a man in black, and a woman dressed like a genie, have you seen them?" Rae was frantic

"No but my horses are at your disposal if you wish" he replied Rae walked over to the table in the middle of the room and sat down. She set the candlestick on the table having decided that this man was not a threat. "I don't even know where to start looking"

"Well to answer the your first question," he said as he took a chair opposite her " The town you are in Glasgow and the year is 1602. I am on my way home. I would be honoured if you would accompany me. But first my lunch should be here presently."

Rae, not being hungry nodded as the door opened to and the innkeeper entered.

"Oh my lord I don't know how she got in here I will remove her immediately" the innkeeper said

"No need my good man she is a friend." and he returned his attention to Rae

As the innkeeper left Rae said "My name is Rae and you are ..." "I beg your pardon my lady I am Douglas Bryne McDougal, but you can call me Bryne." he said.

With lunch finished they headed out to the waiting carriage. On the way through the common room Rae heard a voice that was familiar but she couldn't place it. It was a lovely song, one she was sure she had heard before. But where .........

�Oh! Oh! Oh!� Look Julian it's Nicki. She's back from vacation. I just have to go say hi� I'll be right back.� X fought her way through the crowd of masqueraders. The party was an absolutely thumping success, but negotiating around the melee was difficult. "Nicki! Hi it's me X"

Nicki stared in wonder at X dressed to perfection as a saucy tavern wench of old. Then she gazed around at the splendour of the Masquerade Ball. "Is everyone else here?" Nicki shouted to be heard above the rising din of the ballroom.

"Yes" X replied, "Let's find somewhere quiet to catch up." And grabbing Nicki's hand led her out of the ballroom and up the winding stairs. As they went, X kept firing questions at Nicki�never giving her an opportunity to respond. She dragged her into an unoccupied room and turned to face Nicki. "So spill it, tell me all about your vacation."

Nicki burst out laughing. "I will if you give me a chance." Just as Nicki was about to speak, X interrupted yet again.

"Man. Would you get a load of this room. Look at this, is this gold?"

This happened to be a golden candlestick sitting on the brick mantle place. X walked over to it, and in exasperation Nicki followed.

" It certainly looks heavy,� Nicki agreed.

X tried to pick up the candlestick but it wouldn't budge. "Nicki help me. I think this sucker is solid gold." With Nicki's help they mange to tilt the candlestick� Instantly an odd rushing sound fills the room. A pulsing light materializes on the wall beside the mantle. It gets bigger and bigger until it fills up the wall. The rushing has by now become a roar, and Nicki and X are sucked, screaming into the abyss.

Dazed, Nicki sits up and looks around. She sees X in a heap, skirts about her head 100m away. Rushing over she pulls down X's skirts. "X, X! Speak to me X. Are you ok!" cries Nicki.

X shakes her head, "For goodness sake Nicki stop yelling. I'm fine."

"Well you certainly looked fine with your skirts around you head!" replied Nicki tartly.

"So what the hell just happened?" asked X.

Looking around and seeing nothing familiar Nicki replies, "I have no idea and I don't think we should stay here. There looks to be a town or city just down the hill. Lets head down there, that might tell us where we are."

"Just down that hill!" exclaims X. "Its miles away. Hey Nicki where are you going, come back! God Grumbling X picks herself up and catches up with Nicki. They walk for what seem like hours until they finally reach the "town". "Well," says X grumpily. "Some town this is, five buildings. God do you think one of those is a restaurant I'm starved!"

Just then the door opens on the building nearest them. The sound of drunken voices follows the man out. Looking around he spies Nicki and X. "Good you are finally here. " says the man in a broad Scottish accent. "What took you so long, we expected you hours ago. Get in there and sing for your supper the patrons are getting restless.

" Grabbing X and Nicki by the arms the man drags them into the tavern. "You are a one stubborn Aussie woman aren't you?"

K2 hid in the doorway leading to the stairs she had just descended. She didn't know what to do. She had been snooping about this grand old house throughout the party, and had finally found something worth finding! But... she just had to find someone to tell! She wanted to investigate her discovery, but she didn't want anything to happen if someone didn't know what she was up to.

She gazed across the room, noting that everyone seemed to be having a good time. She was so pleased. It was nice to see all her friends having a fun. It was really too bad none of them looked bored...

"Oomph! Oh! K2! I was just coming to look for you! I was getting kind of bored out there, it's really hard to dance in these heals, but sitting and watching everyone else isn't much fun either!"

K2 grabbed Dri's hand and stepped away from her to look at her outfit. She gave a good-natured laugh, "Dri! You look fabulous! I love all the leather!"

Dri laughed right back at her. "Oh, K2, your just jealous! I think your outfit is great! You should have been out here dancing, showing it off!"

K2 pulled on the back of her very short white skirt. "Um... yeah... I don't know if I really like having my rear end hanging' out for all to see... but I do love those Cowboys, so, a Cheerleading outfit seemed like a good way to go. But not for dancing in." She winked and the two women giggled together. "I want you to come upstairs with me. You will never believe what I found!"

K2 led Dri up the curving flight of stairs to a dark hall, and proceeded to enter the fourth room, and went strait to an enormous brick fireplace. It was dark in the room, and Dri couldn't see anything of interest.

"K2, is this a joke? I mean, if this is what you found, I can show you a dozen more just like it, there are fireplaces like this in almost all the rooms."

K2 gave her and exasperated look, "No, Dri, it's the candle stick, here." She pointed to gold-filigreed piece, resting all alone on the mantle. Dri just looked at her, eyebrows raised, as if to indicate that she was not impressed.

"Look." K2 tilted the candlestick to the side, and a huge vortex opened in the middle of the cavernous fireplace.

"Oh my God! K2! What is it?"

"I don't know, Dri! If I knew, I probably wouldn't have come looking for anyone." she gave a nervous laugh. "I found this old key stored underneath this brace of candles, in the base, with a key hole behind the stored key... when I put the key in and turned... this... this hole opened up. It didn't go away when I pulled the key out, until a few moments after I lowered the candelabra... and now, every time I lift the thing, the hole appears again. I think it must be some kind of... of portal, or something." She paused to gauge Dri's reaction, and laughed at the startled face she was making.

Dri finally found her voice, and turned to face K2, "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know..." as she spoke, the key she had been holding seemed to be pulled from her fingers... and they both heard it clang upon the brick hearth. "Dri! Quick, help me find it." They both got down on their hands and knees and began groping in the dark for the missing key.

"I found it!" Dri yelled, as she turned just in time to see K2's white tennis shoes disappear into the dark cavern of the portal. "Ohmygod! K2, wait! I'm coming!" Dri cursed under her breath as she approached the hole. With a final look about the room, Dri stepped into the twirling mass, holding tightly to the key, as the portal closed up behind her.

Chelle and Jenne came down on a hard bed amidst a cloud of dust. "What the hell?" Jenne looked around the room, in a mixture of awe and disgust.

"It figures, " Chelle got off the bed, dusting herself off. "We apparently just accomplished some sort of time travel and we end up in a dive."

The women walked to the barely standing dresser. There was a washbasin and a pitcher. "I am almost scared to see what is in there." Jenne peered into the pitcher. "Oh. It is actually clean."

Chelle tipped the basin over and wiped it out with the hem of her dress while Jenne began to do a quick tour of the room.

"It looks like we might have..... " She said picking up a piece of paper. "OH MY GOD."

Chelle turned and headed to see what the paper in Jenne's hand said. The look on her face was rife with fear. Wordlessly, she handed it over. Chelle looked down and gasped, "This says 1602!!!!!."

"Chelle, I am going to kill you if we are in the 17th century and I am dressed as...." Jenne held up a piece of the flowing, translucent fabric from her leg, " a damn Genie."

"Well, one of us has to go out there and find out what is going on." Chelle looked down at her own Josephine costume and groaned.

Jenne crossed her arms, sat on the bed and smirked.

Before Chelle could think of a stinging retort, there came the sound of loud shouts and cheering. The women both froze. "Shhh.... someone is singing. I think we are in some sort of tavern."

"Is that .........?" Jenne looked up, leaning her head to better hear.

"That is from Oliver!!!" Chelle exclaimed, excitedly.

When Jenne did not make the connection, Chelle shook her head and patiently explained. "The MOVIE. Which means that we must not be in the past!"

Jenne layed back against the pillows. "Oh, thank god. I would surely have been sold in to slavery in this getup." As a thought struck her, Jenne sat back up. "But we are still in a bar. In a strange room. In a dive."

"I will be right back." With her hand on the rusty doorknob, Chelle turned in time to see that Jenne was not as composed as she was trying to pretend. "I promise. It will be fine. I will be right back. Don't go anywhere." But when she tried to turn the knob it would not move. With a much fiercer jiggle she started to panic a little.

"Um.... it would appear that we are trapped."

There's a little ditty
they're singing in the city
Especially when they've been
on the gin or the beer.
If you've got the patience
your own imagination
will tell you just exactly
what you want to hear."

As the patrons of the tavern launched into the chorus, X leaned closer to Nicki and said, " If we don't find our way back soon I'm going to lose it. I'll keep these louts busy. You go see if you can find anything out."

"How am I going to get any sense out of the guys X, they are all rolling around drunk! Anyway I don't even know how I came to be here, one minute I was on vacation the next I'm standing next you singing a tune from Oliver!" exclaims Nicki.

"Just flash your ample cleavage and I'm sure you will get an answer. Just don't ask the guy at the bar he has been giving me some weird looks and I don't trust him." replied X.

"Fine, have it your way!"

Nicki flicks back her hair and pulls her off the shoulder top down a little further, not noticing the gentleman in the corner quietly watching her every move.

She saunters across to the first table of revellers. "Hi Boys, are you having fun? I need some help and you look like you could help me," says Nicki giving them a saucy grin and wink.

Before her question could be answered Nicki is grabbed from behind and scooped up into the arms of a strange man.

"Sorry boys, but this little lady is taken,� says the Stranger as he sweeps her away, through the door and up the stairs to the rooms above the tavern.

X looks on in horror as she sees Nicki being virtually kidnapped. Forgetting that she is in the middle of a song, she strides of the stage in pursuit of Nicki and her kidnapper.

Bryne started to usher Rae and her Josephine costume through the Common Room, when Rae stopped in her tracks.

"That's from Oliver!" she exclaimed, "I know that song!"

As she turned to look the song abruptly ended, and a man carrying a woman rush past followed by another woman. It happened so fast that Rae did not get a good look at the faces of any of the people.

"Bryne wait I think ...." her voice trailed off as she tried to remember where she had heard that voice before.

Christine??? But how could that be? "Bryne we have to find out about the singer! I think I know her." Rae grew more excited with every word.

"I will ask but I can't leave you standing around in your under things." he said as Rae looked down at her dress and realized it was about 200 years too early for the style. "You go back to the private dining room I found you in and I will make the enquiries."

"Like hell I will and I am perfectly covered, my under clothes indeed! Those could be my friends, the ones I am looking for, and I should be the one asking the questions!" Rae then turned in a huff to find the innkeeper

It was just his luck to land in a stable stall full of horse manure... Now he smelled awful, and looked worse. Eliot slipped the mask off and shoved it beneath the hay in the un-filled corner of the stall, and stood up. Luckily, his cape had collected most of the muck, and he was able to brush off what ended up on his pants. He just hoped what he was wearing would fit in wherever he was. A stable didn't give many clues when it was empty of people.

Stealth fully, he crept outside and saw that he was in the stable of a common house, a tavern, or something... a carriage passed him. Hmmm... where were Jenne and Chelle? Had he ended up in the same time as them? Seeing the carriage helped him to know he had gone back in time a ways... and he appeared to have traveled to... well, this didn't look like the backyard of the home where the ball had been occurring....

Well, the only way to find out where he was and when he was, was to go in there and ask. With his streak of dubious luck, he only hoped he wouldn't get arrested for his costume... they might take him for a criminal... or a circus performer.

Bryne rolled his eyes and took his cape and put it round Rae's shoulders as she turned to walk away. "For me? Please?" he whispered in her ear.

Why she should do anything for him was beyond her but ... for some reason she just nodded her head and pulled the cloak more snugly around her. As she pull the cloak up she was as overcome by the subtle scents that rose to greet her, leather, horses, and a musk that could only be Bryne. Funny but it was very comforting.

Rae shrugged her shoulders and went in search of the innkeeper

He crept behind the rear of the public building, hoping to find a door into a back room. It would be so much easier to deal with scullery maids than local merchants. Maybe he could get a peek into the common room, and gauge the date more closely.

It was growing dark, the sun had set, and the sky was a darkening quickly. Good, in that he would be less likely seen; but bad, since he still had no clue where he was, and the stable would most likely fill with beasts as the evening progressed, which would make it a unsuitable place to hide.

He heard light footsteps approaching as he neared a rear door, so he quickly pressed himself against the wall, hoping whoever it was, was either blind or oblivious. She was neither.

She let out a screech like a Banshee, before he managed to cover her mouth with his hand. She struggled and managed to whack him in the shin.

"Ow! Hell, are you trying to get me killed? Shush. I am not going to hurt you, just promise you won't scream again." He looked down at the female he held. She was just a slip of a girl, young a fresh. Her eyes were round as saucers, and nearly as big, but he didn't want to keep holding her like this, so he set her firmly away from him, and removed his hand.

"Who are you?" she whispered, in a voice filled with wonder. "Are you a Highway man? Are you going to take me possessions and steal a kiss?" She said, seemingly not much afraid of such an occurrence.

"I'm not a highway man. Just a man." Eliot replied, disappointed that just a man would not Bring such a romantic light to the girl's eyes.

"Oh. Well, that's rather disappointing. I thought I might be in for an adventure before I had to start behaving like a lady. Well, are you a friend of my brother's then? You certainly don't look like one... but if you have seen him, I hope you would be so kind as to direct me to him. He wasn't in the private dining room he reserved." She stamped her dainty, slippered foot in frustration.

Eliot wasn't quite sure what to do. If the girl had been abandoned, he couldn't just leave her here, but if they were to find her brother, it wouldn't be easy to explain why he was here. The decision was taken from him at that moment, as they heard a woman's voice calling from around the front.

"My lady! Where are you child? Come back inside before you are poisoned by the night air!"

"Oh bother. That's Hilde, my maid." She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the door he had been approaching, and pulled him right along with her as she went through.

Christine watched Nicki work her way through the crowd. Keeping the boisterous patrons entertained with her song was child's play; men in a bar were the same in any century it would appear. A very large man approached Nicki and whisked her into his arms and out of the taproom.

"Oh no" Christine muttered in horror, "she is not getting kidnapped. Tell me she is not getting kidnapped." Going after the would be kidnapper, Christine doesn't notice her own large man, following her.

The hallway was dimly lit. Christine was sure they hadn't gone outside, which meant that he had carried Nicki upstairs. Lifting her skirts Christine hurried up stairs just in time to see a door on her left close. Creeping closer she could hear Nicki shrieking her protests at the man. Silently Christine lifted the latch on the door and peered in. The brute had just toppled the pair of them onto the bed. With one swift glance around the room Christine spies the water jug, picks it up and without anymore thought, rushes over to the tangled pair on the bed and smashes the jug over the brute's head.

"Oomph!" Nicki complained as the man fell on top of her, "Quick X, get this guy off me"

Pulling on the man's coat sleeve, Christine tries to lift him off Nicki. "I'm trying Nicki. He weighs a ton"

"Tell me about it" Nicki replied sarcastically, as she pushed at the unconscious man

Behind them the door slams and both women freeze.

"Well, well, well. Here I thought we were going to have a pleasant evening with some lusty wenches, but instead I find I have interrupted a robbery."

Spinning around Christine gasps as she sees the size of the man blocking their only exit, and then recognition struck. "Julian" she said in relief and ran into his arms, "am I glad to see you. We've been here for hours now. Do you know what happened? Do you know how we can get back?"

Grabbing her upper arms, the man she thought was Julian held her away from him. "Are you crazed wench? My name is Quinlan Buchanon. And you robbing harpies are on your way to the watch"

Momentarily, tears of frustration and despair sprang to her eyes. Not Julian she conceded. Julian always looked at her with adoration; his eyes always invited her to share some secret wickedness. This hard man standing before her, looked at her with contempt. Breaking the tension of the dramatic tableau Nicki voiced her immediate concern

"Would somebody get this lug off me"

Shoving Christine to the other side of the room, the man who called himself Quinlan moved to the bed, and easily rolled his friend off Nicki. Nicki hastily scrambled off the bed and rushed over to stand beside Christine.

"Now what?" Nicki muttered as they watched the man, who was not Julian, try to revive his friend.

"I think we're in big trouble Nicki" Christine replied.

After a long and fruitless discussion with the innkeeper Rae was ready to admit defeat. "What?" she said to the smirking Bryne.

"Let me try," he said with a laugh in his voice. He turned and spoke quietly with the innkeeper. "Thank you my man," he said and gave the man a coin and turned to Rae. "He didn't get a good look at the lady who was singing or her companion but has promised to send them to Eilean Castle should they return. I told him I wished to hire them for my sisters Debutante Ball that is coming up shortly." He looked around the common room and said, "I was to meet some friends here today, but it appears that the have been detained. If we don't leave now, we will not make it to my home before nightfall and the approach to the castle can be treacherous after dark."

With that, Bryne ushered Rae out to his carriage. As the carriage was pulling away, Rae noticed two riders approaching the Inn. They were waving and shouting. "Um, Bryne, do you know those gentlemen?" Bryne turned around but could see nothing through the dust being kicked up by the horses and carriage. "If they are the friends I was waiting for they will spend the night here at the 'Rathculen Arms' and I will meet them on the morrow."

The conversation for the rest of the ride to his castle was mostly about the countryside and its history.

While Quinlan was busy trying to rouse his friend Nicki looked around frantically for some means of escape. She noticed that if they were quick they could make it to the door before the lug on the bed woke and Quinlan realized they were missing.

"Quick X, lets try and make a run for the door," whispered Nicki. Nodding her agreement X grabbed Nicki's hand and pulled her quietly towards the door. They had almost reached the door when a low moan sounded from the bed.

"Declan, Declan wake up man!" shouted Quinlan.

Realizing that they had to be quick X and Nicki made it to the door and started down the stairs.

"Quin, is that you?" asked Declan groggily. "What happened?"

"Well you were about to be robbed by those two wenches by the wall when I came in."

"Ah Quin, what wenches?" asked Declan.

Turning around Quinlan noticed that Nicki and X were indeed missing.

"Why those two! Quick Declan get up we have to catch them before they tell lies and say we were attacking them!" exclaimed Quinlan.

At the bottom of the stairway X and Nicki were undecided on which way to go. They could head back into the bar but would have had to start singing again. Before they could decide they were besieged by a group of drunken revellers.

"Well, well looky here fellas, we have stumbled across a couple of wenches. Mighty fine looking wenches at that,� said one of the revellers. "Yeah, I wonder how much to get what that fella got what took them upstairs," gawffed another.

"Quick X, for Christ's sake say something," muttered Nicki.

Before X could reply two arms snaked tightly around Nicki and pulled her back into a hard chest wall.

Nicki could hardly breathe because of the band around her chest, but she could clearly hear a voice she had hoped not to hear for a while.

"Gentleman, and I use that term loosely. Did I not tell you earlier that this little lady was taken?� said Declan in a deceptively mild tone. He then proceeded to once again scoop Nicki up in his arms.

Before they could reply Quinlan step in front of Christine and haul her over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes.

"Now gentleman, if you would let us pass we have some unfinished business with these wenches" said Quinlan shouldering through the men. He was quickly followed by Declan carrying Nicki.

Christine was seething; she was hitting Quinlan's back with her fists.

"Put me down you, you, big oaf," screeched Christine.

Quinlan emitted a harsh laugh, "Not on your life, you are coming with me to my ship. I'm not letting you near your friend. You two cause too much trouble."

"Your ship, you can't take me to your ship! Its kidnapping and barbaric behaviour!" stormed Christine as Quinlan hauled her into the darkness.

Nicki was speechless. She was seeing Christine being hauled away and she could do nothing about it. The arms that were holding her had tightened when Quinlan mentioned taking Christine to his ship. She started to fight the strong hold.

"I wouldn't try anything if I were you. It won't work and it won't help your friend. Quinlan will treat her the way a wench deserves to be treated." remarked Declan.

"What do you mean 'treated like a wench', X is not a wench she is fine upstanding citizen. NOW PUT ME DOWN," yelled Nicki.

"By all means little lady, by all means."

Nicki found herself being dumped over the saddle of a horse. Before she had a chance to move a hand was placed firmly in the middle of her back and Declan hauled himself up into the saddle.

"Right" he said. "You are coming with me to my Castle. If your friend is good, Quinlan will meet up with us. If not then it will be just you and I at my castle."

Declan set the horse off at a punishing rate. Nicki was being bounced up and down wondering when she was going to wake up and find herself back on Vacation lying in the sun.

Quinlan set Christine on her feet with a bone-jarring thud. Still struggling, Christine fought to break free of his strong grasp. She was practically in tears; her world was all upside down. One moment she had been the belle of the ball in the 21st century and now she was in a nightmare of strangely dressed people who would probably have her burned as a witch if they knew the truth.

"Stop it. You will only hurt yourself. Fighting me in this way."

"Where is Nicki? Where has he taken her? What will he do to her?"

"I think you should be more concerned about your own welfare right now."

"Alright, what are you going to do me?"

"I could hand you over to the watch for trying to rob my friend�."

"We weren't robbing him. I was trying to get him off her."

"It looked like a robbery to me. You tavern girls are all the same. Light fingers, the lot of you. Regardless, I could hand you over to the watch or you can come with me and fulfill the promise your employer made."

"My employer� What Employer�? What Promise?" She said with alarm.

Quinlan sighed with impatience; he was growing weary of her innocent maiden act. "The tavern owner promised we could choose a girl for night. I chose you."

"You can't just choose a girl�." She sputtered, she was so shocked. He thought�. His friend thought� "It's�. it's�" She trailed off, finally at a loss for words.

"Stop it" he repeated, giving her a little shake. "What is it going to be? Me or the watch?"

Christine's mind just shut down. She literally could not cope with this. She knew her mouth was opening and closing but no words were coming out. Her brain had simply stopped.

While Christine was sliding into shock, a man approached them carrying a lantern. "Hello, Sir. Is there a problem here? Is this girl giving you some trouble?"

"Not at all". Quinlan answered, as he put his arm around Christine and drew her against his body. "We were just discussing how we are going to spend the rest of the evening."

"Very good sir". The night watchman gave them a cursory glance and tipped his hat before going about his business.

Quinlan led a now docile Christine down to the docks. As they approached his ship, she roused from her stupor enough to offer a slight resistance. Quinlan merely tightened his arm and continued on board. He took her to his cabin, and eased her down until she was sitting on the edge of the bunk. He looked down at her for a long moment understanding that something was wrong with her, but not knowing what.

" I have a few things to attend to. There is water in the pitcher, if you would like to freshen up. I will be back shortly" and he left the cabin locking the door behind him.

Slowly emerging from her shocked state, Christine looked around the cabin. Apart from the bed, there was a, small stand beside the bunk; a desk where he obviously did his work and a reading chair near a shelf lined with books. Getting up, Christine wandered to the small window. Porthole? She wondered irrelevantly. No escape there she thought. The door she knew was locked. Maybe there was a weapon in the desk. If she was going to find a way out of this, she had to start thinking of something. On the desk, she spied a letter opener, clich�d but practical she thought. She had just picked it up when she heard voices and footsteps approaching. Rushing over to the bed she sat back down, making sure her skirt concealed the letter opener.

�Locked? The door is lock?� Jenne jumped off the bed, screeching.

�Calm down. All we have to do is yell. Someone is sure to open it for us.�

Jenne sat back down on the bed, relieved. �That might work.� She stood up yet again. �Wait just a second there, missy. I am NOT going to be seen in THIS genie costume.� Chelle went over to the chest of drawers and pulled out the only garment in it; a moth eaten slip. With a grin, she turned back towards Jenne, holding the garment up for her inspection. �It is either that or this.�

Jenne came over and with a frustrated tug, grabbed for the grungy slip. Chelle moaned when she heard the familiar sound of the fabric giving way and ripping. The two women stood there, each with a piece of the slip in their hands, staring.

�Smart, Jenne.�

�It was your fault. Had to mock me, didn�t ya?�

�Hey, you are the one that had to wear that thing to the party, not me!�

Jenne glared, eying the hem of Chelle�s dress. �You must have some kind of slip or something under there.�

She started to back away as she noticed Jenne coming towards her and leaning down. �Oh no! Don�t you dare!� It was too late. Jenne grabbed the hem of the dress as Chelle began to run towards the locked door.

Due to the loud music and general merry-making, no one heard the yelling and ruckus that the two women caused in room twelve.

The two men walked into the tavern and surveyed the crowd. They were dressed elegantly and reeked of wealth and breeding. The crowd stopped there revel rousing and stared, open mouthed. The barmaids gasped and sighed.

Nicolas Ashby, Fourth Earl of Strossbury and Colin Raleigh, Viscount of Rockshire, used to female adoration, and male envy, surveyed the crowd. �Do you think you can make it out of here without us getting into a duel of some kind, Ashby?� Colin asked.

�If you can without having to bag every wench you come across, Raleigh.� Both friends chuckled and headed towards a table.

They had no sooner sat down, when along came two barmaids. The redhead, and filthiest of the two sidled up to Nicolas. �Oy, mon�milord� but yore purty�

Nicolas could barely discern what she had said due to the thick Scottish brogue. �We will have a tankard of your finest ale.� He said, removing her hand from his hair, and swatting her on the backside. When she pouted and turned quickly, Nicolas almost gagged at the smell emanating from her body.

When he turned to Colin, he did not appear to be having the same problem. �Here your are.� He said, handing her a coin. Colin laughed when she turned and bite it. �Comely little wench, isn�t she?� He smiled at Nicolas.

�They all are to you!�

�And none are good enough for you!�

They had argued this point too often. Nicolas was weary from traveling from England. They had ridden straight here and he needed rest. Not a woman. �What was the coin for? A bath, I hope.�

�Oh, dear friend, you know me too well.� Colin allowed the change in subject. He knew that Nicolas had a lot on his mind and that is why he had agreed to come with him to Scotland. �Was that Bryne that I saw leaving?� �Indeed it was. And with a woman in strange dress, no less.� Nicolas noted that the redheaded barmaid was returning. Taking a deep breath of clean air, he smiled up at her.

�Milord� for ye, I do it fur free.� She said, sitting on his lap, grinning and pushing her breasts into his face.

Colin flipped a coin into the air and told her to go and bathe with her friend. Turning to his angry friend, he shrugged his shoulders, �If your mother has her way, you will be married off to that woman within the fortnight. Enjoy it while you can.�

�That woman has a name, I remind you. Penelope Pentland.� Nicolas glared.

�Yes, quite right.� Colin said, having nothing nice to add.

Raising a hand in the air, Colin caught the attention of the plump owner who ran to do his bidding. �My friend and I would like some rest. We are travel weary.�

The man began to pull on his vest and kick the dirt-covered floor. �Milords, we only have one room available.�

�We will take it.� They chorused.

Rubbing his hands in anticipation of what he could charge these two men who obviously had plenty of coin, the owner did not notice when Nicolas took out two gold coins, until he handed him to the man. �This should be sufficient. Have a bath sent up, and another at the ready.�

�Send up the wenches when they are bathed and not before.� Colin shot back.

Before the he could argue, both men stood up and began to walk towards the stairs. Looking down at the coins, he smiled and barely had time to tell them room twelve before they were up the stairs.

Chelle held tightly to the doorknob with one hand as she ineffectually swatted at Jenne with the other.

"Jenne! Stop this! You know my slip won't cover much more than that little vest of yours!"

Jenne continued to laugh as she pulled on the hem of Chelle's dress, "I know! It's the principle though! I can't have you more appropriately dressed than me. If only you were still in your Wonder-woman costume!" As she finished, about to let go, they both heard an ominous rip, as the seam connecting the skirt of Chelle's costume to the bodice gave way completely, leaving a pool of fabric at Chelle's feet, and her legs bare to mid-thigh where her lacy slip ended. After a moment of stunned silence, Jenne broke into gales of laughter, as Chelle struggled to untangle her feet from the discarded fabric. In short time, Jenne was again pulling at the fabric, attempting to help Chelle from the tangled mess, as they both giggled, out of breath from their struggles.

Chelle, still holding on to the doorknob, suddenly became silent, and turned white as a sheet.

"Shhh! Jenne..." she whispered, as Jenne stopped laughing and stared at Chelle curiously, "Someone's unlocking the door."

Jenne laughed quietly and responded in a mock whisper, "Why are you whispering Chelle? We want someone to unlock the door."

At that moment, Chelle felt the knob turn beneath her slack hand, and jumped away, to stand beside Jenne. They watched in silence as the door swung inward, and two men stepped through, speaking to each other, and as yet, still unaware of the women's presence.

Jenne came to the sudden conclusion that Chelle had been right to be worried, for these men looked as though they were, indeed, from the past. And if that were true, both of them would be in trouble. Oh God!

As the last man through the door turned to close it behind him, the first turned and looked right at Jenne, his eyes grew wide and his brows rose high on his forehead. As the other man turned towards them, Chelle gave a little squeak and hid behind Jenne. Jenne, not at all pleased, blushed furiously, and proceeded to take her own place behind Chelle. Who immediately ducked behind Jenne once again. Seeing the futility in the situation, Jenne made a dive for the far side of the bed. Chelle joined her almost immediately and whispered furiously.

"Ohmygod, Jenne! What are we going to do?"

Chelle turned to see Jenne sitting silently, eyes huge, her face drained of all color. Jenne was in even less of a state to think clearly than she herself was. Great.

The two men had yet to speak, but now Chelle heard a single pair of boots, as they made their way across the wood planked floor. She saw that Jenne's eyes were now clamped shut as tightly as her lips. Chelle, desperately trying to think of a way out of the situation, closed her eyes as well, and waited for what would surely come. Then a smooth and laughing voice floated to her from somewhere near the end of the bed.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" the man chuckled low and soft, "You..." he cleared his throat, "ladies... will do us the favour of standing and introducing yourselves, won't you m'dears? Nicholas, I don't think two coins was quite the right price for the room and these lovelies."

As he finished, both men laughed together, and Chelle heard another pair of boots approach the bed.

As the carriage drew closer to the castle Rae's eyes got as big as saucers. "It's .... it's ... Wow" she stammered as words failed her. The site that greeted her was big. A fortress on an island with a bridge connecting it to the main land. Once the drawbridge was up the place was impregnable. The surrounding wall was at least 20 feet high and 6 feet thick. As they got closer she saw men at arms patrolling the top of the wall. But they were moving rather quickly. She felt more than saw Bryne stiffen with tension. "What is wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing!" was his curt reply.

She knew something was wrong just not what and Bryne was not sharing.

As the carriage drew into the courtyard the drawbridge was pulled up behind them. People were scurrying about like they were looking for something.

Bryne jumped from the carriage and addressed the man who had met the carriage. "You've lost her again haven't you Duncan" it was not a question but a statement. Duncan blushed and bowed his head.

"She said she was just going out to pick herbs" he said "and when I turned around she and her maid had disappeared."

"Bloody Hell" Bryne exclaimed. He turned suddenly as if remembering Rae's presence in his carriage. "Forgive my language, Lady Rae, but my sister has gone missing and I must attend to her return immediately. If you will go with Katelyn she will see to your comfort until I find my sibling and Bring her to heel."

At that point Rae noticed a young woman who look to be in her early teens hovering just behind Duncan. "Do I have a choice?" Rae said as she shrugged her shoulders. She turned and followed Katelyn towards the castle proper. She heard Bryne and Duncan as she was walking away.

"Don't blame yourself Duncan you know as well as I that once she puts her mind to something there is no stopping her." Bryne said with a touch of tenderness in his voice.

Rae felt a lot better. This Bringing to "heel" crap rubbed her the wrong way. Why was she walking off meekly instead of helping with the search? She may not know the countryside but she had eyes in her head and could be useful. She stopped dead in her tracks, preceded to turn and tell Bryne just that. Bryne rolled his eyes and shook his head as he watched Rae approach him.

"I wondered how long I could expect you to maintain the meek role. It didn't last as long as I would have liked. At least let Katelyn get you an outfit suitable for the search. Bryne said as he elbowed Duncan in the ribs.

"You always did like them with spirit" Duncan chuckled.

Rae followed Katelyn into the castle after passing through a small entry room where muddy boots and cloaks lined the wall they stepped into the great room. Rae stopped in mid stride. The room was gigantic. The ceilings were vaulted and 8 feet high. People were setting up boards on top of what looked like the sawhorses that her father used when he was building the deck back home. Home �. her friends �� maybe this search for Bryne�s sister could help her too. Oh yeah she needed to change. She saw that Katelyn had kept walking. Rae rushed to catch up. Katelyn was headed for a bright alcove near the corner of the room. As they approached a lovely woman with grey hair and a mischievous twinkle in her eye looked up at them. There was no mistaking who she was she looked like a female version of Bryne.

�Well, who do we have here? I think my son�s taste in woman is improving,� she said as he rose and extended her hand, �I am Lady Mary and you are?�

Rae smiled because she couldn�t help herself, took Lady Mary�s hand and said, �I am Rae, and I met your son at the Rathculen Arms. He was kind enough to offer to help me find some friend of mine.� As she extended her arm Bryne�s cape gaped open giving the two women a glimpse of her gown. Katelyn gasp, Lady Mary giggled, and Rae turned a bright red.

�Katelyn was to find me something to wear. It seems Bryne doesn�t think that my dress is suitable attire.� Rae said knowing she must have scandalized the poor Katelyn.

With a chuckle still in her voice Lady Mary said, �It seems we McDougal woman have a way of embarrassing the McDougal men. Come with me child and we shall find you something he will think more suitable if just barely.� With that Mary lead Rae up the stairs that Rae had not seen leading from the alcove to the second floor. �This is my private stair case it will take us directly to my rooms� and they entered a sitting room that was as bright and cheerful as the alcove had been. �Wait here.� Lady Mary said as she disappeared only to return a few moments later with a lovely red dress. I think this should be about your size. It was then that Rae realized that Mary was maybe an inch or two shorter than her self, but no more. No wonder Bryne was so tall. His mother stood a head and more over Katelyn. Maybe Katelyn was not as young as Rae had thought, her size made her look younger than her years. The two women helped Rae into the dress and she set off to help Bryne find his sister and to look for her friends.

Nicki found the rhythm of the horse somewhat soothing and after a while her eyes became heavy and she fell into a light sleep.

Declan could feel the relaxing of Nicki�s body as she fell into her slumber. He glanced down and noticed that she had indeed fallen asleep.

She was an intriguing wench, this wench called Nicki, Declan decided. Docile one moment and a little wildcat the next. He and Quinlan had met up when Quinlan had docked. Quinlan had been without female company for a while and so they decided to check out the local tavern to pick a couple of wenches for the evening.

They were enjoying a quiet ale surveying the surroundings when Nicki and her fellow wench were thrust on stage by the tavern owner and started singing some interesting songs. With a glance at each other both Declan and Quinlan decided that these ladies were the ones they wanted for the night. Whilst striking the bargain with the tavern owner Declan notice Nicki making her move to talk to a table of drunken louts. With a quick glance to Quinlan, Declan had made is way over to stand behind her.

Her accent was intriguing, definitely not the broad Scottish brogue of his own tongue and not the refined clipped tones of Quinlan. He decided after hearing her proposition that seizing her was his only option. He moved his hand to the bump on his head, a reminder of how feisty she and her fellow wench were.

He slowed his mount as he approached his castle. His right hand man Murtagh was there to greet him.

Upon noticing Declan�s extra passenger Murtagh raised his eyebrow, �Looks like ye had a good time, Declan my man.�

�Ye could say that Murtagh. Let me get this wench inside and I�ll tell ye all.�

Declan proceed to lift Nicki from his mount and carried her inside his castle. He stilled a moment as Nicki snuggled into his embrace and gave a soft little sigh. He shouldered open the door to his chamber and laid Nicki down onto his feather bed.

As she was laid down Nicki stirred and opened her eyes. She gazed dreamily up at Declan, a soft smile playing around her lips. As she slowly came awake and Declan came more into focus, she realized who he was and what he had done to her. Not giving him a chance Nicki sat bolt upright on the bed and let out an almighty scream.

Although the young woman led him quickly through the kitchen and common room, Eliot glanced around at the occupants in each of those two rooms, trying to discern how far out of place his clothing was. The thought of clothing brought him up sharp. Dear God, Jenne was dressed unsuitably for any time period. He groaned inwardly, He needed to find her and Chelle before someone else did, and get them both properly dressed.

As he finished this thought, the room grew silent, and the girl at his side stopped. For a frantic moment, he thought the silence was because of his presence. He looked around at the men gathered around tables and enjoying their drinks. They wore peasant�s clothes; some were obviously sailors as well. Of course, most higher born visitors to a place like this would be in private rooms. And the clothes of the masses gave Eliot little to go by. If it weren�t for the obvious quality of his boots and breeches, and the striking dark blue color of the rich fabric, he would probably fit right in� especially with the mild aroma of horse manure that clung to him still.

As it was, he stuck out like a sore thumb, and would probably draw attention to himself even without the stench, if it weren�t for someone coming through the front doors and causing this odd hush to fall upon the crowd. He couldn�t see more than two large hats slowly moving through the throng.

As he was manoeuvring himself to get a better look at the new comers, just to confirm his suspicions that he looked nothing like a gentleman of whatever time period he happened to be in, the woman at his side gasped, and grabbed his arm, pulling him forcefully in the direction they had been headed before.

�What�s the hurry?� He said without thinking.

The girl did not turn towards him, nor did she slow as she tossed her answer back over her shoulder at him. �That�s Lord Ashby. He�s here for the celebration.� She paused as she stopped in front of a door, and pushed it open slightly to peek inside. Satisfied with the state of the room, she opened it fully, and pulled him inside, shutting the door inaudibly, and releasing a sigh of relief.

�Goodness, that was close.� She exclaimed, crossing the room to lift the lid from a tray resting on the table. �Mmm, I�m famished.� She said with dramatic flair, as she popped a square of cheese between her lips.

Gesturing to him with a piece of fruit as she chewed, she drew him to her side. He refused the proffered treat with a silent shake of his head, giving her a questioning look. To which she responded with a delightful giggle. He regarded her appreciatively as she tossed her heavy mane of dark hair over her shoulder. Dark twinkling eyes, large, and framed beautifully by a fringe of darker lashes, were laughing infectiously at him. As she caught her breath and began to speak, he found his eyes wandering to rest upon her full lips.

�I�m sorry,� she said, breaking Eliot from his intense examination of her lovely mouth, �Ashby and Raleigh are here to visit my brother, and knowing them, if they found me here without Bryne, they�d haul me off to Eilean in a thrice.� She paused, waiting expectantly for her words to take effect on Eliot.

He got the feeling she expected him to recognize the names she had just said. Well, he didn�t. �And why should you fear being returned to this Eilean person?� He asked with as much aplomb as he could muster. He was feeling rather disturbed over his attraction to this woman, and equally distressed over the difficult circumstances he found himself in. She was once again laughing at him, and he found himself ensnared once more.

�Eilean is a castle, not a person. It is my home.� She paused, and blinked. �My goodness, you really aren�t a friend of Bryne�s! Well, that would explain why you aren�t trying to haul me back there yourself.� She paused once again, �Well, in that case, I guess I should introduce myself.� She giggled, �Well, propriety would state that in that case I should certainly not introduce myself, but as long as I am quite inappropriately all alone with a strange man, I can�t see propriety as being any great concern.�

Eliot only half listened to her words as her lilting voice washed over his senses as she continued.

�My name is Ailis McDougal, my brother is Laird of our clan, and my father before him.� She paused, waiting once again for her words to take effect.

Eliot blinked, he was supposed to say something here, �Uh� my name�s Eliot Black.�

�Oh.� She said, appearing deflated, �Are you English then? You don�t sound English, but you certainly aren�t Scottish.� She finished with authority.

�No� I�m from somewhere a little farther away than that, I�m afraid.� he hedged.

She looked at him intently, her sharp eyes seeming to delve into his heart. After a moment, she gave him a smile, and lightly touched his shoulder, sending a jolt of awareness through him. �It�s alright, I won�t press you for answers you don�t want to give.� She paused, looking thoughtfully out the window. �I have a carriage. You can come with me to Eilean castle if you wish. My brother can help you if you are in some sort of trouble.�

Eliot looked at her, weighing his options. He needed someone, because he wasn�t going to get anywhere looking like this, and the sooner he got help, the better, for Chelle and Jenne�s sakes. This beautiful woman was willing to give him a modicum of her trust, as well as commending him to her powerful brother, who might be just what he needed, if he wished to succeed in finding his friends.

�Actually, Ailis,� He paused, giving her a questioning look on the pronunciation of her name. Though she seemed surprised, she nodded, and gestured for him to continue.

Eliot cleared his throat, �I am in a bit of trouble. You see, I am looking for friends of mine; they could be in danger if I don�t find them soon. It�s very important that I locate them and find them a safe place to stay.�

She once again cocked her head and pinned him with her intelligent eyes. �They are women, and you are worried about their virtue, am I right?� Eliot merely nodded in amazement at how quickly she had divined what he had thought he had concealed. �I knew, because you speak of them tenderly, like my brother speaks of me� when he doesn�t know I�m listening. Who are they?�

Eliot did not suppose that she would accept another vague answer, so he came up with as close an explanation as he could come to how he felt towards the two women who had gotten him into this mess. �They are my sister and my cousin, Michelle and Genevieve.� Yes, that sounded fairly natural, and the names should sound fairly appropriate to Ailis.

�Well, we must find them, then.� She said with finality; as she strode to the window and threw it open. �Let�s get going. The road is hard at night, but if we hurry, we can be home before dawn.� With that, she blithely lifted herself up onto the windowsill, and turned, disappearing into the night as she dropped down the other side. Eliot had no choice but to follow.

Nicolas walked through the door of the room and could not believe his eyes. The woman with the obviously torn dress was breathtaking. When she looked up at him and gasped, he was mesmerized by her perfect beauty. She looked both wanton and delicate. Her eyes held his, slightly lowering to his mouth, and Nicolas felt a tightening in his chest. Those eyes, a color that was indescribable. Were they violet or silver, and was it possible to have lashes that long and not be a blessed angel? What little he saw of her before she made a hasty retreat, first behind her friend and then on the side of the bed, left him both confused and thoroughly aroused. He smiled a lopsided smile, one that he knew disarmed and charmed many a women in the past, but which seemed only to startle her. When she jumped behind her friend, for cover, he noticed that her hair was almost completely down to her waist, in all its velvety black glory, waving around her face in loose curls. Her legs were completely exposed, long and creamy white. Nicolas groaned inwardly when she ran to the side of the bed, revealing even more of her upper thigh. Oh, dear Lord, he thought. This is no common wench. And what on earth was her friend wearing?

Nicolas looked over at Colin, unsure of what to do next. Colin looked as bemused as Nicolas felt.

Colin had seen many women, in many states of undress, but what he beheld when he walked through the door left him completely speechless and unable to move. He was never usually one to have a preference, but this woman with the transparent clothing on enthralled him. Made his blood race. He noted the way that her beautiful dark brown eyes narrowed slightly at his openly curious glance at her exposed stomach. Like her deep red hair, her face turned crimson, and he knew that she was cursing him to hell in her mind. Oh, spunk, he thought. This one has some spirit. She glared at him harder, almost boldly, her brown eyes taking on flecks of gold.

If he thought that he was speechless before, he was more so when she and her friend began to be sacrificing each other by hiding one behind the other, and back. Colin, getting dizzy, stood, mesmerized and unmoving as the women made a dive for the side of the bed. He gulped audibly as he was treated to a peek of the bare skin of her backside.

He felt Nicolas�s eyes on him. He turned, completely unaware what to think, much less say.

He was prevented, when picking up a blanket, Nicolas headed towards the women. �Shall we?�

Colin got his voice back in a moment of panic. He'd seen the look in Nicholas' eyes as he'd passed him. The other woman was lovely, but Colin didn't want to take the chance that Nicolas might be as intrigued by the little red head as he was. As he spoke, teasingly, attempting to draw the women out from behind the bed, Nicholas stopped and looked at him, eyes dancing with unrestrained mirth. Glancing quickly at the bed, Colin saw that the woven blanket remaining after Nicolas took the coverlet would be insufficient cover for either woman. Damn Nicolas' eyes! Well, Colin would just have to be quick.

He strode to the end of the bed, laughing with Nicolas, and catching him unawares. In one swift move, Colin snatched the blanket Nicholas held, turned on his heal, and held it towards the woman rising. Damn. It would be the raven-haired chit. Cursing his black heart, he softened towards the woman. She was beautiful, with ethereal eyes, now wide with fear. Ah, poor mite, she didn't have the spirit that her friend did, she looked too fragile to Colin. He gently wrapped the thick fabric over her shoulders and took her hand to lead her away from the bed, so he could get to his little spitfire.

Nicholas had almost forgotten that Colin was even in the room, until he spoke. He was his usual, charming self, coaxing the ladies as only he could. He laughed at his friend's antics, he had no worries, for he was certain that the charms of the little red head would appeal to Colin above the sophisticated -- no, enchanting -- beauty of his violet eyed lady. As Colin approached the bed, Nicholas turned to see her rising... God, she was gorgeous. Certainly the most beautiful woman he'd ever beheld. As he stood there, mesmerized by her dark hair and unfolding limbs, Colin, like a flash, snatched the blanket from his loose grasp, and stepped between him and the girl. Nicholas seethed as Colin tenderly wrapped the cloth around her shoulders; shoulders Nicholas should be caressing with the warm material. He might have known a rake like Colin would recognize quality when he saw it.

Even in his state of jealousy, Nicolas did not forget about the small woman still seated on the floor, knees drawn up to her chest in an obvious posture of fright. He may wish to hold her friend, but he could not leave the poor woman shivering on the floor. He stepped behind Colin as he turned to lead the beauty away from the bedside. Nicolas deftly removed the cloak he wore, and spun it in front of him as he knelt before the frightened girl. As she opened her eyes, he was surprised by their depth. They were dark pools, fringed by thick dark lashes. This woman was no throwaway, even if Nicolas' heart could not be turned from her companion.

He grasped her hands and helped her to rise, slipping the heavy cloak around her small frame.

God help him, Colin thought. If he'd been a moment quicker, that would be his cloak warming the fiery beauty, his hands holding her small ones in his own.

Oh damn, Chelle thought. It figures that the one helping me is� Oh my, he is strikingly handsome, she mused. These men in the past were so� so� male!

With a meek smile, Chelle accepted the offered blanket. She cast a mischievous smile back at her friend and winked. She was rewarded with a frown and a look that promised swift retribution.

Chelle knew, when she looked over at Jenne a few moments later, what that would be. The witch! She is flirting with my guy! Look at the way she is shamelessly looking up at him like he is some kind of god. Bent on revenge, Chelle looked up at the blonde who was helping her sit on the bed. �Thank you, kind sir.� She smiled what she knew would be her most dazzling smile. She noted that his eyes were the most piercing aqua blue eyes that she had ever seen, outside of contact lenses. Which, at this time and place was impossibility. His lips were full perfectly shaped, now turned up into the most becoming smile. Oh no, she thought. Don�t turn it on too strong, Chelle. This is not the one that you want. Although, by the way he is shooting daggers at the back of the dark haired Adonis, she doubted that was a problem.

Jenne smiled up at the man helping her up. His eyes momentarily transfixed her. They were a color that she had never seen. A dark grey, with a hint of� was it black? She could see in their depth humour and intelligence. Wow, she thought. These men are too good looking to be trapped in a room with!

She placed her hand in his, it nearly disappearing in his much larger one. She was amazed at the way he gently helped her up and wrapped his cloak around her. Still� He was nothing compared to his friend. It hurt her just to look at that one!

She knew that she needed to seek her retribution while the getting was good. She pretended to swoon, just enough to surprise this gentleman. And he was a gentleman indeed, she decided, when he scooped her up in his arms.

Nicolas knew that the swoon was intentional. Years of society chits had taught him that they used it to get what they wanted. It did not surprise him. What did surprise him were the pure venomous looks that Colin and the woman on the bed were casting in their direction!

With a smile, trying hard not to laugh, Nicolas gently laid her down on the bed. Teaches that letch not to touch what is mine, Nicolas thought, peeking a look at Colin. His fury was nearly uncontrollable when he saw Colin touch her mane of thick black hair.

Nicolas, never to be outdone, leaned down and gently pushed the fiery red hair out of the woman�s face, again amazed at her beauty. She had the most beautiful face. One that was full of unrepentant fury, he noted. He followed her gaze to where Colin and the dark haired nymph were sitting on the end of the bed.

Was he touching her leg??????

Colin nearly dove to assist when he saw the little spitfire begin to swoon. Instead, that son of a bi*** had lifted her into his arms. Two could play this game, Colin thought.

Under the guise of helping her arrange the blanket, Colin pushed back her dark hair, his hand skimming lightly along her leg. Yep, he thought, Nicolas saw that.

Colin prepared himself for the first blow.

Despite Nicholas' behaviour, and Colin's own intentions, he was not as prepared as he should have been when the first glancing blow connected with his jaw.

Damn the man for his speed. Colin recovered quickly from the shock of the first hit, and retaliated with an unexpected jab at Nicholas' middle, causing the other man to bend in half. Still in his cloak, Colin could not move as quickly as Nicholas could, and was unable to move out of the way before the crouching man rushed towards him, catching him around the waist, and falling with him towards the floor.

In mere moments they had gone from sophisticated London gentleman to brawling savages, now rolling around on the floor, tangled in Colin's cloak, jabbing and cutting at each other at every turn.

Vaguely, Nicholas heard the two women speaking to one another, but couldn't understand the words, he best not try too hard to listen, else Colin would get the upper hand.

"Chelle!" Jenne whispered furiously, "I don't have designs on him! I could accuse you of the same, towards mine!"

"Oh Please! Jenne, I saw that fake swoon you did! You've never fainted a day in your life!"

"That was only after you made eyes at the blonde one!"

Chelle gave a short laugh, smiling triumphantly at Jenne, "What was I supposed to do? He did give me a blanket after all." again, she laughed, and Jenne joined her. This fight was ridiculous, it was obvious that neither of them wanted the man the other wanted... now if only they could be sure of what they wanted.

Chelle sighed as she watched the men brawl... and was struck with an idea.

"Jenne, quick, give me that cloak, let's make our intentions clear." After a moment, Jenne comprehended Chelle's meaning, quickly shed the cloak, and donned the proffered blanket. They each sat side by side on the end of the bed now. Jenne couldn't think of a way to stop their fighting... although, she did note that the door was likely to be unlocked now.

Not speaking, but trying to signal to Chelle with her eyes, Jenne slowly rose from the side of the bed. And then quickly fell to the floor, as one of the men's arms connected with her shin.

Before she could utter the screaming profanity that begged to be released from her lungs, that gorgeous man... her man was at her side, lifting her up onto his knee, as he crouched beside the bed.

As soon as Jenne handed her the cloak, Chelle was enveloped by the most wonderful smells... leather, horse... ah, and man... pure man. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes, and snuggling deeper into the warm fabric. The weight of it on her chest reminded her that this fabric had recently rested against his chest as well.

Jenne interrupted her with a silent wave of her hand, Chelle watched, not comprehending as Jenne's eyes widened with some meaning. Finally, Jenne gestured with her chin to the door. Ooh... Chelle wasn't really sure she wanted to escape, but Jenne gave her no time to communicate that as she turned to push herself up off the bed. Words of warning failed on her lips as Chelle watched Jenne tumble gracelessly to the floor.

Almost as quickly as Jenne landed with a thud, the man with the crystal blue eyes was kneeling at her side, wordlessly lifting her into his lap. Chelle looked up to find the dark gentleman standing only a few feet from her, jaw bruised from his exertions, chest heaving, he looked like a victorious warrior. As her eyes focused on his, she saw something that made her heart stop, those almost black eyes were staring deep into her own... with a wolf-like hunger.

Chelle sat mesmerized, her own breathing becoming ragged. She could not pull her gaze away from his. Nor did she want to! Especially his lips, she thought. The bottom lip slightly swollen, but still a sight to see. She had a momentary urge to run her finger along it�s tender flesh. She licked her own lips, wondering if he was going to kiss her. Hoping that he might. Scared that he wouldn�t. Knowing that he shouldn�t.

Nicolas smiled when he saw her gaze lower to his lips. She was not as innocent as he had thought! He knew that she wanted him to kiss her. He wanted nothing more, himself. But not with an audience, he thought, looking over at Colin and the other woman.

Still, he could not prevent himself from bending down on his knee and pulling the cloak more tightly around her. He ran his hands down the arms of it, barely able to feel her arms through the thick material, to her hands. He placed one of her hands in his and leaned his head down.

Colin scooped her up into his arms, his hands running down the length of her bare waist. He had been the one that had who�s arm had caught her shin. He looked into her eyes, debating on whether he should speak and break the spell that she seems to be under or just press his luck. Always a gambler, with a gamblers heart, he lifted her leg onto his lap. His intention had been to check for the damage that had been done her, but he could do nothing but stare, his hand frozen on her knee. Her leg was covered by the light fabric, but completely visible to the eye. He tried to remove his hand, fearing she might bolt off his lap. He knew that he didn�t want that to happen. As if labouring for his last breath, he leaned into the thick mass of hair, and inhaled deeply.

Jenne knew that she had never, and would never see a man like this again. He was raw, intense, and completely cognizant of what he wanted. He wanted her. Jenne could see it by the way his eyes skimmed her body, the way his hand unconsciously massaged her knee and upper thigh, or the way that he looked into her eyes, as if he had been waiting for her, but never expecting her!

He didn't know this woman why was he helping her aside from her being apparently alone in the world, he owed her nothing. A noise behind him had him turning around. His breath stuck in his lungs, as she walked out from the castle the gentle breeze lifted her dark hair and the sun kissed it with fire. He had seen this beauty before but only in his dreams. Her pale creamy skin glistening her hair a curtain around them as they �

�Bryne is something wrong?� Rae looked concerned as she placed her hand on his forearm and pulled it back just as quickly as if she had been burned. She looked up into his eyes. The precise shade of blue green escaped her but they held her mesmerized, as if he were seeing straight into her soul. �Bryne � what is it� she asked again, amazed that she could find her voice though it sounded breathy to her ears.

�Nothing � have we met before?� he asked, �You look familiar some how.�

�Well of course she does,� his mother interjected �she is the spitting image of the Dowager Duchess of Douglas. You are a relative I presume?�

�Why, � um � yes� Rae stammered. I guess you could say that she is my, I don�t know how many greats, grandmother, she thought but could not say aloud. �We are supposed to be searching for � ? And daylight is fading fast.�

�Ah yes my wayward sister Ailis, Duncan has taken a group of men to comb the woods. We will go to her favourite bolthole though I doubt we will find her. Mother, Gawain is missing and so is the old carriage. That groom is much to taken with Ailis, and when I get my hands on him I will strip his backside!� Bryne�s growled the sound resonating deep within his chest.

While his words made her cringe she felt the rumble of his voice inside her and she got a strange tightening feeling in her stomach. He put his hands on her waist to lift her in to the saddle she felt his heat. Her startled eyes flew to his and she saw a glint in his that made her nervous.

As soon as he touched her he felt her reaction to him and his answering flash of heat that pooled in his loins. As he slowly lifted her on to the saddle he was amazed at how light she was for a girl as tall as she. He kept his eyes locked with hers not wanting to break the contact as his hands dropped to his sides.

�Ahem� Lady Mary cleared her throat. �My wayward child?�

Bryne dropped his eyes and mounted his horse in one smooth motion. He wheeled his mount about and headed towards the gate. Rae was so startled by his abrupt departure she bid a hasty goodbye to Lady Mary and had to spur her horse on to catch up. Riding sidesaddle was not the most comfortable way to ride, but when in Rome she thought, and said a thank you to her father for making her learn how to keep her balance in a sidesaddle.

Bryne kept thinking about the way her voice would wash over him and how he could get lost in her sea green eyes. He felt a connection to her.

They rode in silence through the woods. Bryne�s brooding look did not invite conversation, and Rae had her own troubled thoughts. She was looking for something she had to find it. It was very important that she find � what was it? Oh yes her friends how could she forget. She was in the process of reprimanding herself when she realized they had stopped. She took a look at her surroundings. It was the most beautiful place she had ever seen. There was a stream that gurgled down some oversized rocks and ended in a lovely pond just about the size of a swimming pool. The rocks looked to Rae like a perfect place to sit and dangle ones feet in the cool water of the pond. The water was crystal clear and looked so inviting. The air was too chilly for swimming but this would be the perfect place to do so in the summer time.

It was fully dark now, as Eliot threaded his way through the hedge lining the road. He was well behind Ailis, following her by the light hued swish of her skirts. There was a distinct chill in the air, and he felt relieved that the two of them would soon be ensconced in an enclosed carriage, for the girl wore no cloak, and her dress was, likely as not, made of satin. Aside from that, he felt inordinately tired, as soon as they were on their way, he would rest.

She stopped ahead of him, and he realized they had come to the stables he had landed in earlier. They had taken a rather circuitous route. He looked down at Ailis, once again taken aback by her beauty; what a minx she must be, probably used to sneaking around in the dead of night. He chuckled under his breath as he stopped beside her.

Ailis looked up at him uncertainly, "I hate to leave Hilde behind, but we have a room..." she paused, chewing on her lip in the most endearing manner, her eyes reflecting the warm light streaming out through the windows of the ale house; He wanted to kiss her. Ha! Wouldn't that shock her. Eliot shook his head, dispelling the desire, as Ailis spoke once again, now with more resolve.

"She'll be fine, I can send Gawain, my groom, back for her in the morning." And with a wave of her hand, in dismissal, she slipped through the open doors of the stable.

Once in the darkness of the stable, before Eliot followed, Ailis leaned against the rough wall, and inhaled deeply the comforting scents of leather, hay, and horses. Eliot made her feel so strange. She couldn't explain, but when she felt his eyes on her out there, she had felt a wanting... a wanting for something she couldn't name. It excited her, but scared her at the same time. She'd never felt the like before. It was very odd. At that moment, she felt a hand on her elbow, and let out a little squeak.

"Shhh, it's just me Ailis." Eliot's whispered voice floated to her in the darkness. Just Eliot?

Jenne tipped her head back and closed her eyes as he drew his face into her hair. She felt powerful and alive in this man's arms. This had to be a dream; she'd never felt anything like this before, never done anything like this before. My God, she didn't even know his name! She sighed softly... it didn't matter, his lips were skimming along the column of her neck, and she was lost.

"Mmmm, my dear, did I hurt you?"

His voice was husky and deep, and the vibrations it created on her skin as he continued his tender assault sent shivers all the way to her toes. Jenne tried to answer, to shake her head, something to indicate she was unhurt, but she couldn't, the languor that settled upon her was too strong. She stopped trying, and simply let herself go, safe in his capable hands.

Chelle watched, transfixed by his hungry gaze, sure that her own gaze reflected a similar desire. He was knelt before her, one of his large, elegant hands resting beside her thigh on the bed, the other holding her own hand, caressing her palm with his thumb. It was intoxicating. She never would have thought such a simple touch would be so... so incredibly arousing. As he continued, he leaned slowly forward, whispering softly to her.

"Mon petit, you have caught me... I am completely enchanted."

His voice was soft and smooth; it caressed her senses as his thumb caressed her hand, almost sending her over the edge.

When his lips were a hair's breadth away from her own, she surrendered, and closed her eyes, waiting for the sweet fulfillment of his kiss.

Nicolas was now burning with desire, her limpid gaze had implored him to taste her sweetness, begged him to kiss her. And the smooth skin of her palm, as he rhythmically stroked it, confirmed that she was a lady, she worked for no one. That should have stopped him from leaning forward to claim her mouth, her name would be irreversibly tarnished if this episode ever got to Court, but his chivalry had deserted him. Instead, a quick rap on the door brought him up short, a breath away from her lips.

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