But it wasn't you who saved me then. The man who attacked me was stopped by a bird.
After you lost consciousness, I carried you to your bedroom.
I figured it was you. But how did you know which room was mine? Megan asked with some insistence. By this point, she had regained her composure, thus managing to control her trembling.
I saw your reflection in the window before you left the castle. It's not hard to guess where your bedroom is based on the window, Derek replied, still calmly and undisturbed.
Where are you from?
I'm local, we're neighbors, you could say.
My name is Megan, she introduced herself, slightly satisfied with his answers.
A faint smile touched Derek's lips the first emotion since the start of their conversation. From the expression on the highlander's handsome face, it was clear he already knew the girl's name.
Nice to meet you, Megan. Glad to make your acquaintance. Why are you outside at such a late hour? It's dangerous. The attack could be repeated, and I might not be nearby to protect you.
I saw you and decided to find out who you are, and what your intentions are by coming here.
Are you satisfied with your curiosity? he asked, still with that slight smile.
Not entirely. Why do you need to do this?
Do what exactly?
Protect me, for example. You say you come here to see if the murderer shows up again. Why do you need to do this? Megan asked, shifting back to a more emotional tone.
He was silent for a moment before answering.
You will find out in time. Now go home and go to sleep. That man is not nearby.
Do you know him? Who is he? And why does he want to kill me? Megan asked anxiously.
I don't know yet, but the time will come when everything will be clear.
I
But Derek did not let her continue. The tone in his voice changed, he said sternly and authoritatively, Go to sleep, Megan!
She did not dare to object. The command was so categorical and unexpected that she could not find the words to respond. At that moment, the cold and harsh expression on the man's face made it clear that he was not intending to continue their conversation. Megan silently turned around and walked back to the castle. Inside, she was seething with indignation: he had given her an order! And she had been too flustered to put him in his place.
Derek watched her until she disappeared from view. With a sigh of sadness, he turned back to the sea. He knew the girl would watch him from her bedroom window for a few more minutes, but he did not turn around.
* * *
Megan couldn't sleep. The Highlander's inexplicable behavior greatly troubled her. He was so strange, mysterious. One thing she knew for sure she needed to talk to him again; learn more about him. And at the very least make it clear that it's not alright for anyone to speak to her in a commanding tone. The beautiful, inscrutable face constantly hovered before her eyes. She had never before felt such a passionate desire to kiss a man. A French kiss yes, but to want to kiss, besides the lips, his cheeks, nose, eyes, forehead. This was new to her. She desperately wanted to press herself against his chest and drown in his embrace.
Megan finally stopped understanding what was happening to her. Knowing nothing about the man except his name, to experience such mixed feelings: anger and ecstasy, curiosity and passion. It made her doubt her sanity.
When the girl finally dozed off, the dream where a man whispered her name, standing by her bed, and then kissing her, unexpectedly resurfaced in her memory. And in the morning, she found the window in her room open. It was him, Derek! That's why his face seemed so familiar. Realizing all this, Megan sat up abruptly.
So, who are you? she whispered, puzzled.
9. The Fern Festival
The inhabitants of Castle Mal and Castle Raven were preparing for the festival. For three days, Megan could not find peace. Every evening, from ten o'clock to three in the morning, she looked out the window every fifteen minutes, searching for Derek, but he never appeared. She asked Glenn and Warren about a neighbor named Derek, but they responded negatively there were no neighbors by that name in their vicinity. During these three days, she covered many miles on foot, exploring the surroundings of both castles in hopes of encountering him somewhere. Now she could only hope for his presence at the festival, where she could ask him the questions that had been tormenting her lately.
Finally, the day of the fern festival arrived. Malcolm McKenzie's granddaughter, dressed in a kilt and cape, carefully examined every detail of her appearance in the mirror when Glenn knocked on the door.
Megan, are you ready? Warren is waiting for us downstairs.
Yes, we can go. Glenn, did I fasten everything correctly?
Everything is fine, you look magnificent. If only your grandfather could see you now! Let's go, its time!
The celebrations took place very close by. All over the field, there were preparations for bonfires. Bonfires had a dual significance in folk customs. They were associated with the sun and believed to have purifying properties. According to ancient beliefs, the flame protected a person from evil, witchcraft, and impure forces. It was precisely on this night that the boundaries between the world of humans and the supernatural realms blurred, allowing evil spirits to guard the magical fern flower.
Numerous tents stretched along the field, offering a variety of foods, while beer, ale, and whisky were sold in every third stall, attracting the longest queues. The aroma of hot stewed lamb and venison wafted from some tents and different types of sausages and frankfurters were grilled on coals right on the spot. Children's eyes widened at the sight of various sweets, cotton candy, and balloons. Opposite the tents, rows of wooden tables with benches were set up. Bagpipers played around other musicians and dancers in national costumes performed captivating folk dances. Voices buzzed and laughter rang out from all directions. The crowd mostly moved around the field; only a few sat at tables, everyone was eager to socialize. People walked towards each other, encountering familiar faces at every step, stopping to exchange a few words. Several tourists mingled with the locals, drinking ale and taking photos of everything that seemed interesting and engaging.
It's such a nice atmosphere, Megan remarked.
I like it too! Warren, look, there's Alaric! Let's go say hello, Glenn suggested.
The head of the McKenzie clan stood with a pint of ale among a group of adult males, engaging in a lively and cheerful discussion.
Ah, here come the youngsters! Alaric joyfully said, giving Warren a friendly slap on the shoulder.
Friends, let me introduce you to Megan, Malcolm's granddaughter. She arrived here a few days ago.
Megan greeted them. The new acquaintances were curious indeed; they asked her about life in London and her impressions of Scotland. She responded, but eagerly awaited the chance to leave the adult company. After twenty minutes, she took advantage of a brief pause to ask Alaric, Have you seen Duncan? Is he at the festival?
Yes, we came together, but he opted for some younger companions; hes here somewhere. I suggest you look for a group of young ladies, Duncan will surely be at the center, he laughed.
Oh, that Duncan! chuckled one of the older men. Everyone began to jovially discuss Duncan's love-persuits.
I'll go look for him. Thank you for the advice, Megan smiled.
In a moment, she blended into the crowd, trying to quickly disappear from the elders' view, before they have a chance to stop her. In reality, she wasn't really looking for her cousin but needed an excuse. She aimlessly wandered past the tents, peering into the faces of passersby, in hopes of seeing Derek. Roaming the fair, she didnt notice how quickly time flew by. The sun had set, and she had neither encountered Derek nor any of her relatives. Some drunk men tried to strike up conversations with her, as the festival was in full swing. People grouped together around tables overloaded with food and drinks. Ritual fires were lit all around the fairground, illuminating the surroundings with their bright light.
Megan felt tired after several hours of walking. She was looking for a place to sit, but now all the seats were taken. Ordering a pint of ale at one of the tents, she asked what time it was.
Its only 10:15. The fern hasnt bloomed yet, said the man with a smile, handing her the drink.
Moving among the celebrators, it was possible to catch snippets of conversation. Many spoke of the mystical plant. Some sincerely believed in its blooming, others mocked the believers, especially those who planned to search for it at midnight. However, Megan didnt pay much attention, as she was occupied with searching for Derek and had no intention of wandering the dark forest at night, in the hope of finding a mythical flower, which may or may not exist. Her gaze quickly scanned the faces around the tables.
As she moved away from the crowd, the hum of voices grew fainter. She walked down towards the river. Behind her, the folk festivities and the reflections of burning fires remained. She sat on one of the large stones at the waters edge and thoughtfully looked ahead. There, on the hill, stood Castle Raven, and to the left, in the valley, was Castle Mal. They created such a beautiful and harmonious picture.
Megan turned abruptly when she felt someone sit beside her. And there he was, the one she had been waiting for. Calmly and silently, he gazed at the river.
Derek! Ive been looking for you. Her heart began pounding with joy.
Really? he asked, shifting his gaze from the river to her.
You were in my room, not only the night I was attacked, but the other night too. You kissed me. I realized it wasn't a dream. Why did you secretly sneak into the castle in the middle of the night? You say youre protecting me, but you appear in my bedroom and ignore my questions. Who the hell are you? And what do you want from me? Megan asked assertively, eager for answers.
So many questions, Miss McKenzie. Where shall I start? he asked with a slight smile on his face.
"Why did you come to my room?
To bring you back after you fainted, Derek stubbornly pretended as if he hadnt understood which night she was referring to.
You know perfectly well I'm talking about your other visit. You were in my bedroom, whispering my name, kissing me!
Ah, that night You enchanted me with your beauty. I couldn't resist; I had a strong desire to kiss you.
So, you really believe this barbaric tactic, of sneaking into the castle while I'm asleep, kissing me, and then jumping out of the window from the second floor, is a good approach? Lucky you didn't break your neck, she smirked for the first time, seeing his broad and genuine smile.
I thought it was rather romantic, not barbaric, he teased her.
Megan was astonished by the unfolding of events, while he found it genuinely amusing. On one hand, she was angry that he ignored her questions or made light of them. Yet, at the same time, she felt joy that he was here. He had found her.
Tell me, who are you?
Im Derek.
Youve already told me that. Where do you live?
Not far from here.
No one here knows anyone by the name of Derek.
He continued to speak with a smile, never taking his eyes off her. Really? Youve already inquired? Youve taken quite an interest in me; Im flattered.
Yes, quite an interest. Because youre a strange individual.
It only seems that way to you. I'm just an ordinary person, absolutely normal.
Its odd, to say the least, that you stand on the hill outside the castle every night.
Not every night.
Fine, not every night. But youre watching me!
I see nothing strange in this. Derek kept bouncing the questions back at her, smiling playfully.
After a short pause, he added, Im from Thurso, that's why you couldn't find any information about me.
I see, muttered Megan, feeling foolish. Mentally she tried to analyze the situation: perhaps there really was nothing strange. She might have imagined all these absurdities and believed in them. Perhaps Derek just stood near the castle on the first evening, enjoying the scenery, and after seeing that she was in danger, carried her safely to her room. Maybe she appealed to him, and decided to get acquainted with her in this unusual way. Methods of acquaintance do vary. Derek, presumably, preferred this one. After all, they are Highlanders; perhaps this is their custom.
Are you going after the fern flower? Derek asked with a grin.
No, of course not.
Why so categorically?
Firstly, I don't believe in it. Secondly, I'm afraid of the dark and anything unexplainable.
Really? he asked, smiling enigmatically.
Yes really. And do you believe in these fairy tales?
The fern blooming once a year is an absolute fact. And I am not afraid of the darkness or the inexplicable, he answered with a serious expression on his face.
I hope you're not saying that you've once picked the flower and now possess magical powers? she teased him.
I have never picked a fern flower, and I do not have any magical powers, Derek said just as seriously.
Thats good to know, because I was starting to get scared.
Scared of what?
Well, as Ive already mentioned, Im afraid of what cant be explained.
But even the inexplicable can be explained; dont you agree?
I dont know. But I do know that I dont like this topic, Megan responded, frowning.
Did you enjoy the festival?
Yes, I did.
How long are you planning to stay here, Megan?
Another week, I think, and then itll be time to go back home, she answered with a slight sadness in her voice.
At these words, he grew more serious and thoughtful.
And who will manage the distillery?
I suppose my cousin Warren will. Wait, how do you know about the distillery? Megan asked surprised.
Everyone around here knows about it, Derek smiled and again lapsed into silence.
After waiting a bit, the girl asked, What are you thinking about so deeply?
You, he said with a smile.
And more specifically?
If you leave, how will I live without you? He seemed to be joking, but her heart beat faster at these words.
Suddenly Derek pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Megan's head spun and her chest pounded so loudly that she thought even he could hear it. She was overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions. This kiss was the sweetest shes had in her life.
Derek looked into her eyes.
Megan thought about the astonishing feeling taking over her, as if she has known Derek for a long time. He felt so familiar and beloved to her. Her entire being was drawn to him. Her soul sought his. The girl ran her finger across his face, from his temple to his chin, carefully studying his handsome features. Flawless skin, precise eyebrows, dark thick hair. Today, Megan noticed, he wasn't wearing his beret.
Youre admiring me? he asked with a smile.
Yes, youre remarkably attractive; how old are you?
He was silent for a moment, continuing to gaze at her intently.
I'm twenty-nine, he said after the brief pause.
What do you do for a living? Where do you work?
He did not seem to expect this question and wasn't ready to answer it right away. It was the first time Megan saw him at a loss.
I work in the city administration of Thurso, he said calmly after a moment's hesitation.
And what about you? What do you do in London?
How did you know I'm from London?
You're originally from here, you just live in London, he emphasized. Everyone knows the story about how your mother left this place many years ago, being pregnant with you.
Yes, that's right. I keep forgetting that this is a village. Everyone knows everything about each other. I own a restaurant; my mom opened it many years ago. She moved to America to live with her husband while I stayed in London. Sam, the restaurant manager, helps me out. Hes great; without him, I wouldnt have been able to do it."