Highland Muse

By Sky Purington

Melpomene, muse of Tragedy, has a celestial duty to mankind that no love has ever before challenged. But when a Scottish warrior she has always watched over sacrifices himself for another, she is torn from her path and ready to make her own sacrifice: She will defy fate and her father Zeus to make the ultimate sacrifice and change everything for one courageous Scot...

Rowan Stewart is ready and willing to lay down his life for his kinswoman and Queen, but when he awakens after a fatal blow with a beautiful woman crouching over him, he must struggle to understand his new place in his own displaced life. Driven by duty, Rowan strives to keep an oath that will tear him and Melpomene apart forever. But with her love and her life on the line, Melpomene isn't ready to let go. In a journey fraught with Greek Gods, Scottish politics, and fledgling desire, it's a race to see whether love really can conquer all... before it's too late.

"I love a story with unexpected twists, striking dialogue and happily ever after endings... Ms. Purington wove together the greatness of Scottish highlanders and Greek gods with seamless believability." ~Reviews by Aithne

"The thrusting of Greek gods into Scotland would at first seem like it would be jarring but it works. Melpomene's certainty that Rowan is her true love and Rowan's denial, despite his obvious attraction to her makes good tension." ~ Simply Romance Reviews

Sky Purington first published Highland Muse in 2008 as part of The Song of the Muses Anthology. Find the list of talented authors and their updated tales original to this anthology at her website under 'Muse Anthology'. The Highlander inspiration came from her works included in The MacLomain Series.

Enjoy paranormal time-travel romance? Be sure to check out Purington's latest novels, The Victorian Lure (Calum's Curse: Ardetha Vampyre) and The Georgian Embrace (Calum's Curse: Acerbus Lycan).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sky Purington
• Release date: May 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476105529

Sky Purington

Sky is the best-selling author of seven novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books. Readers have described her work as "Refreshing" and "Unforgettable." Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at [e-mail]. Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases? Visit Sky's Website, www.skypurington.com to download her free App on iTunes and Android.

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Highland Muse

By Sky Purington

COPYRIGHT © 2011 by Sky Purington

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of these books may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Tamra Westberry

Published in the United States of America

Melpomene, muse of Tragedy, has a celestial duty to mankind that no love has ever before challenged. But when a Scottish warrior she has always watched over sacrifices himself for another, she is torn from her path and ready to make her own sacrifice: She will defy fate and her father Zeus to make the ultimate sacrifice and change everything for one courageous Scot.

Rowan Stewart is ready and willing to lay down his life for his kinswoman and Queen, but when he awakens after a fatal blow with a beautiful woman crouching over him, he must struggle to understand his new place in his own displaced life. Driven by duty, Rowan strives to keep an oath that will tear him and Melpomene apart forever. But with her love and her life on the line, Melpomene isn't ready to let go. In a journey fraught with Greek Gods, Scottish politics, and fledgling desire, it's a race to see whether love really can conquer all... before it's too late.

Highland Muse

Song of the Muses Series

By

Sky Purington

PREVIOUS RELEASES

~The MacLomain Series~

The King’s Druidess (Prelude)

Fate’s Monolith (Book One)

Destiny’s Denial (Book Two)

Sylvan Mist (Book Three)

The MacLomain Series Boxed Set is also available.

~The MacLomain Series- Early Years~

Highland Defiance (Book One)

Highland Persuasion (Book Two)

Highland Mystic (Book Three)

The MacLomain Series- Early Years Boxed Set is also available.

~The MacLomain Series- Next Generation~

Mark of the Highlander- Coming Soon

~Forsaken Brethren Series~

Darkest Memory.

Heart of Vesuvius

Soul of the Viking- Coming Soon

~Calum’s Curse Trilogy~

The Victorian Lure (Book One)

The Georgian Embrace (Book Two)

The Tudor Revival (Book Three)

Calum’s Curse Series Boxed Set is also available.

~Song of the Muses Series~

Highland Muse

~FREE Reads~

A Christmas Miracle

Dear Reader,

Thank you for purchasing Highland Muse. This tale brings back many fond memories. Originally published in 2008, it was part of The Song of The Muses Anthology. Nine wonderful romance authors came together to write a love story related to one of the nine Muses of Inspiration.

I recall when we first started the project. Everyone was eager to choose their muse. Without hesitation, I wanted Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy. I’m sure all of my fellow authors were just fine with that. Truly though, I’d experienced tragedy in my life and I felt that she’d been with me, helped me through. I wanted to give back to her. Help her find true love. Give her a break from helping so many around the world. Perhaps offer her a bit of a day off?

At the time, I’d just finished writing The MacLomain Series so I was very much entrenched in Scottish history. And, as many know, the country of Scotland has seen its fair share of tragedy. That said, I knew Melpomene was my girl.

Interestingly enough, while I mainly write about the medieval period, sixteenth century Scotland seemed to take precedence in my mind for this tale, almost as if Melpomene whispered in my ear. As it turns out, this was the time period of Mary, Queen of Scots, a woman and monarch whom I greatly admire. Through her came my fictional character, Rowan Stewart. Cousin, friend, warrior, he was her champion. He was also the man, through all of his self-sacrifice and courage, who caught the attention and affection of the Muse of Tragedy.

So came forth the birth of a most unlikely romance… one between a Greek Muse and a Scottish Royal. I respect both cultures immensely so this story took on a life of its own, one full of humor, drama, religious static and a good handful of bittersweet as appropriate to the time period.

And yes…rampant lust.

If you’re interested in finding more stories from the anthology, I encourage you to pursue the talented author’s original to this series. I’ve provided their names at my website www.skypurington.com under Muse Anthology.

Best Regards Always,

Sky

Chapter One

13 May 1568

Battle of Langside, Scotland

Six-thousand men strong, they came together in the lowlands to fight for Scotland's sovereignty. The battle proved long and arduous. Agonizing screams of death soaked the field with misery. The enemy, Regent Moray, unleashed a host of men flanking them from the rear. Gravely, Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyll, met Rowan Stewart's eye over the thunder of hooves and shook his head.

They were losing.

How had it come to this? Mary, Queen of Scots, was alone in the midst of battle, her guard no more. She sat regally upon her horse; head held high, eyes locked on him.

Go to her. Protect her.

Men, horseflesh and weaponry hindered the direct path. He swung his blade and killed. The smell of blood and death burned his nostrils. Sweat stung his eyes. He scowled while thrusting at and dodging the enemy. Yet, he was closing the distance, edging closer.

Move faster!

Sweet Jesus, he was trying to. She must be saved. He roared the Stewart's war cry. Creag ab Sgairibhh! The Cormorant's Rock.

The hairs on the back of his neck tingled. Something was wrong.

Move aside. Take care. Death comes!

Within mere feet of Mary, he turned his horse and froze. What choice was there? A dagger aimed true at her heart caught his instead. Horrible pain splintered his chest. The thud of life's blood slowed. He fumbled for feeling in his limbs. There was none.

Rowan!

His queen's wail was close, urgent and mournful. His mount fell away and he slid to the ground. The sky turned a vivid blue. She unhorsed and knelt over him. Dear Lord, Mary. Turn and run. Flee. Get away from here or they'll destroy you.

A tear hit his cheek. He'd felt that! It ran down his jaw line until it was no more. He tried to lift a hand to her face but couldn't. She must take heed of the enemy surrounding her.

Please, my queen, seek shelter. Seek safety, he croaked. Mary shook her head. Her face faded and her eyes became a distant point. He fought to stay. Protect. But fate was not that kind. Blackness descended.

****

Seconds later...

Melpomene stood over Rowan's body, unconcerned by the maelstrom of activity and strife, so very typical of mankind. War raged on and swamped Scotland's aura with darkness. Drenched verdant grass with crimson and drank the life from its kinsmen.

Walk away.

She should but she wouldn't. He had not… nor had she wanted him to. Had she? Dropping to her knees, she cupped the back of his head with one hand, laid her other on his chest, leaned down close…and sang.

You will defy your father, muse? Apollo's voice flowed through her. His light, tenderness, and concern.

This is where my heart lies. She stayed with the fallen warrior and caressed his cheek. Will you help me? Will you defy my father?

I'm here, child. But my going against Zeus is far different than you doing such a thing. You wish to end existence as you've known it thus far?

She resumed singing in the Highlander's far off ear. His soul teetered. Another god was coming, seeking. Who?

She gave Apollo his answer. Yes. Heal him my friend and I shall owe you a token.

Nothing more was said, only felt. Warmth and energy, intelligence born of Apollo blinded the battlefield and isolated them in white light. Then the god vanished and time twisted. She and her charge drifted within the ongoing battle. Then on further…

Minutes, hours, days passed. Whiskers grew upon his skin until a dark layer formed and etched his strong jaw line. An azure sky turned to cloud cover then to gray haze. Icy rain drizzled then vanished. A wane sun speckled the new grass and caused an obscure mist to tease then retreat.

She disregarded all of this. It was but the passing of time. Was it too late to walk away? She sighed. Apollo had been clear before he healed Rowan. It was too late. Sweet Zeus above, it was too late. But she cared naught. She'd brought him to this. Intercepted his soul from passing on because of the love she bore him. Did they expect her to hand him over? Of course they did. He did.

Save yourself, Mary. Save yourself.

Ah, so he stirred. "Take care,