Destiny Games

By R. Nicolas

Alex Sinclair, a powerful Laird from the mountains, made a promise to his friend Robert Cameron to help him find his lost sister. Separated for fifteen years, by horrible events, they never meet again! During the search, Alex and his men fell into an ambush, and he was badly wounded.

Maya and her father Anthony were simple people or at least that's what she thought! Living in a small cabin, near the woods, away from the village and curious people. But when three highlanders walked in one night, searching help for their injured Laird, her life would be never the same!

They might not know each other yet, but destiny already had a plan for them!

And after unfortunate circumstances where she lost everything she loved, the only hope for Maya was Alex Sinclair.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. Nicolas
• Release date: Dec 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215684030

Book preview

Prologue

The night was cold and scary, warning of the coming evil minute by minute. The sky was pitch black, with no moon or stars, and the trees were swaying from the heavy wind.

Anna was just kissing Robert goodnight then made her way to Maya. The children looked tired from the day’s long trip. Graham, their father, Laird of the Lindsay clan, had wanted to show them their land and people and how proud they should be of being Lindsays. The children were very happy from the trip, especially Robert, because he’d got the chance to ride his pony all by himself.

Ma, I was riding my pony all by myself today. Maya was with Papa, like a little baby, he giggled, and he looked at his sister.

No, Ma, I’m not a baby! Maya answered, frowning at her brother.

Certainly, dear, ye are not. Ye are already five years old, her mother said, smiling at her little girl and trying to cheer her up.

Ma, Papa is a very good laird! When I grow up I want to be like him.

Ye will, my love. Ye will be even better than yer papa, said Anna as she kissed her son goodnight.

The children fell asleep quickly and Anna went to check on her husband. He was in their bedchamber, standing next to the fireplace, looking a little worried.

Husband, is something bothering ye?

Graham turned to his beautiful wife. He was so lucky to have her. Whenever she was next to him he forgot all his worries and enemies. He approached her, gently put his hand around her slim waist and kissed her passionately.

I missed ye today, he said. The trip with the children was very pleasant, but not exciting, since ye weren’t there.

Anna smiled and hugged him. After all these years their love was still strong and passionate. Graham held her in his arms and continued kissing her until they carry away.

***

Sometime that night, Anna realised that someone was trying to wake her up.

Anna, wake up! Anna, please! It was Graham, gently pushing her. Quickly. Ye have to take the children and run!

Anna looked at him, still sleepy, trying to understand what her husband was telling her. Anna, quickly. Ye must run with the children. We have been attacked! Someone betrayed us. The protected wall is destroyed, and warriors are entering the fortress. They will reach the tower soon!

Ney, Graham. Oh Lord, where are the children? She jumped from the bed, scared and confused, and started running around the room without knowing exactly what she was doing.

Kiron took Robert, and Anthony took Maya. Ye should go with them. Come on. Quick!

And ye? Anna looked at him for an answer. But it never came.

Hurry, he only said and went out to give his warriors orders.

Anna dressed and walked down to the big hall, where Kiron and Anthony were waiting with the sleeping children. She looked at their beautiful and calm little faces and then kissed Maya on her small cheek. She took the pendant from her neck and gave it to Anthony. Will ye give it to her when she’s grown up? Tell her it belonged to her mother, who loved her very much.

Anthony took the locket and nodded. She then turned to Robert, who had just woken up.

Ma, what’s happening? Why are ye crying?

Anna tried to smile—she didn’t want to scare her son—but she couldn’t hide the grief in her eyes. Robert, my love, the fortress is under attack. Ye must run. Kiron will take care of ye. Take this ring. Your father gave it to me when we got married. It’s the only of one of its kind, as with her sister’s pendant. Both are with our clan’s symbol, the flying falcon. She gave the little child the ring and kissed him on his forehead, then she turned to the two warriors. Now Kiron, Anthony, ye must go!

Ney, Ma, I want to stay with ye and Papa, cried Robert.

Anna looked at him with a heavy heart, knowing she would never see him again. Take care of your sister, my love. She needs ye. Please, Kiron and Anthony, go now!

Milady, please, our laird ordered us to take ye with, said Anthony.

Yer laird may have ordered ye, but he hasn’t asked me. Now go!

Kiron and Anthony nodded and walked out through the secret passage without turning back. Robert yelled to his mother, crying, but he never saw her again.

Graham walked into the hall and saw his wife in tears. Anthony and Kiron were gone.

What have ye done? Graham looked at her. Anna, why didn’t ye leave with them?

I couldn’t, my love. They will understand!

The whole fortress was on fire; the flames devoured everything. Anna ran to her husband and looked him in the eyes. Now and forever, my love. They held each other and stayed like that until the flames reached them.

***

Kiron and Anthony were able to sneak away and escape the soldiers attacking the fortress. When they reached safety they turned around, only to see the fortress in flames. Robert was still crying. Maya woke up and looked around, confused about where she was. She was too small to understand that everything she was used to was now gone.

Kiron looked at his friend. We must split, Anthony. That way they won’t be able to track us down. We must confuse them, and it’ll be easier if we split up.

I think ye’re right. This is our only chance not to get caught. If Guyle McFester gets one of us, he will do everything he can to find the other. He certainly already knows we’ve escaped with the children. We must go our separate ways without knowing where the other is heading.

Kiron looked at his friend, confused. And how will we meet later? We have to keep the barns together. They’re brother and sister. When they grow up, they will want to avenge their parents’ death.

Aye, it’s true, but Guyle McFester will be looking for us for a long time.

Anthony thought about how exactly to make the meeting between the two of them. He had one thought that seemed crazy to him but was worth trying. After thirteen years, he began, when Maya is eighteen, at this same time of year, the beginning of the spring, we’ll meet back here on this hill. Then, and only then, we’ll bring them together. We won’t tell Robert or Maya about each other until the meeting between us is done. If they know, they’ll want us to meet sooner, and that might jeopardies their lives. Our laird entrusted them to us—he trusted us—and we must not betray his trust.

Kiron smiled at his friend but his eyes couldn’t hide the sorrow of that creepy night. Good luck, my friend. I’ll look forward to our next meeting.

Good luck to ye too. Anthony covered Maya with the Lindsay plaid, and without turning back he rode his horse.

Kiron stared at the shadow of his friend until it disappeared, then he looked at Robert. The boy was no longer crying, but he could see sadness in his eyes. He covered him with his father’s plaid, as Anthony had done with his sister, and he rode his horse in the opposite direction.

The night was dark and full of sorrow. The fate of a whole clan had been swept away in few hours and two bairns were left with nothing. That night was unforgettable!

Chapter 1

Anthony sat in his chair in front of the fireplace, tired and desperate. He had just returned from the long trip through the mountains of Scotland. He had been anticipating this meeting with excitement, but things hadn’t gone as planned. Staring at the fire, he asked himself what had gone wrong. He didn’t want to believe his old friend hadn’t made it. He regretted that they had decided to wait so long, but had been sure at the time that this was the right decision.

Father, what’s wrong? Ye look sad, his daughter approached him. Ye’ve been gone for a long time and have come back very disappointed. What happened on this trip?

Anthony looked at the young lass standing in front of him. Aye, she’d grown up to be a beautiful young lass, red-headed with wild, curly hair, white porcelain skin and beautiful deep-blue eyes. They were her mother’s eyes. She was also nice and kind, helping the people of the village when she could. She taught the bairns to read and write with the help of Father Lagnam. Anthony had done everything in his power to raise a decent heir of the Lindsays. But she still didn’t know who she was. Everything that had happened that night was forgotten by her, and Anthony hadn’t reminded her at any point. The first time she’d asked about her mother, he briefly explained that she had been swallowed by a huge fire and it was too painful to talk about it. Maya hadn’t asked any more since then. Now he was standing in front of the fireplace and asking himself if he’d made a mistake by not telling her the truth.

Nothing’s wrong with me, lass. I’m just very tired. I’ve come a long way.

Did ye get to meet yer old friend?

Ney, he didn’t come, said Anthony, then he looked at her with a face that said he didn’t want to be asked any more questions.

Father Lagnam helped me yesterday with the intruders again.

Did that fool come again?

Aye, Morris and couple of his lads came round to the house again. Father Lagnam told him to get out of here, but he insisted on talking to me. Then Father Lagnam told him I would be sent to a monastery to serve the Lord and there was no need to try to gain my favour. Morris was pretty angry.

Her father laughed. Father Lagnam knows how to handle such foolish young lads!

Aye, ye’re right. All the time ye were gone he kept an eye on me. He seemed pretty worried.

Of course, dear. I asked him to. I didn’t want ye to be alone. I was sure that the moment Morris found out I was gone, he’d be riding to ye.

Maya smiled. Her father was always thinking one step ahead. The only weird thing was that he hadn’t shared with her the reason for his trip. Aye, he had told her he was going to meet his close friend from the past, but no more; and she had a feeling he wasn’t telling her everything. Seeing his mood and how desperate he was, she decided not to ask any further questions for now, but very soon her curiosity would come forward. She walked to the small kitchen and took two wooden bowls and pour some soup in. They were just about to start their dinner when they heard a weird bang. Anthony jumped from his chair and grabbed his sword.

Stay here! he ordered her, and he went out to check.

Anthony walked behind the house, where he thought the noise had come from. He looked around, but it was too dark and was hard to see. He had a self-pitying thought about the fact that he was getting old and was not in the best shape. The time would come when he wouldn’t be able to protect Maya. He continued looking around, but there was no sign of anyone. Who’s there? Come out! he shouted.

From the darkness he heard a noise again. He wasn’t alone. He cautiously started looking around again, and this time he saw them. Three huge warriors walked towards him. They were so big that it felt like ten men had surrounded him.

What do ye want? Get out of my house!

The warriors kept walking towards him, watching him, just as a predator stalks its prey. Anthony realised he couldn’t beat these men, no matter how dark it was. He could see they were well-trained warriors. He wondered who they were—he hadn’t seen them in the village before—and then a thought struck him. Lord, please don’t allow them to find her! Please, Lord, don’t allow McFester to catch her!

***

Kevin and Aaron had been watching the little hut since the day before. They’d seen the group of lads that had been around it, and their leader seemed to have been trying to court the lass who lived there. She hadn’t liked their presence and had tried to get rid of them. Kevin and Aaron had been willing to help her if things had got bad but that hadn’t happened. Now they must proceed and find shelter for their laird. Who would have thought that after such a light battle he would have been wounded so badly. It was a well-set battle they had fought, and they must figure out who was behind it all. But now their laird was lying wounded in the woods, and if they didn’t find shelter and someone to take care of him, he could die. So they came with a plan: they would break into the hut and force the lass to take care of Alex. Kevin set the plan to begin tonight, and after checking the ways to enter and completing their search, they decided to return to the camp and check on their laird.

How is he, Durmond? The third warrior had been left to take care of Alex while they were gone.

Kevin, keep yer mouth shut! He just fell asleep, but he’s got an infection and fever. If we don’t find someone to take care of him, he will get worse!

We found a place where we could stay. There’s a lass and her father. She can care for Alex’s wound.

Do they know they will be having visitors?

Ney, Kevin replied, but very soon they will. Tonight, by dark, we’ll go there. Aaron and I will go in the back and ye’ll wait for us behind the trees. When we give ye a signal, ye’ll come out.

And why do we have to hide behind the trees if there is no danger? Alex’s voice was low but still firm.

Alex, ye should be resting, Durmond whispered.

"I was resting until these two showed up and started giving orders. What are ye up to? I want to hear the plan."

Laird, all is fine. Ye just rest, Kevin said a bit nervously.

Alex sighed. He trusted his men would do anything to find someone to take care of his wound. It was also very clear to him that his friends were feeling guilty for not being able to protect him. It had been a strange fight, the ambush was probably accident, since no one knew who they were.He decided he would get to the bottom of it, and once he find the ones responsible for this they will meet the devil himself!

Chapter 2

Aaron was observing the old man looking quite afraid by the fact that two highlanders had invaded his house. He was trying to scare them, but his age didn’t help him. Then Kevin moved forward and spoke in a cautious voice. Calm down, old man, we won’t do ye any harm. We’re only looking for shelter. There’s a wounded man with us. We need someone to clean and stitch his wound.

Anthony looked at the highlander suspiciously, but his intuition told him the man was telling the truth. Then a third warrior came from behind, holding the biggest warrior Anthony had ever seen. It was clear he couldn’t refuse; these highlanders wouldn’t accept it anyway. He realised it was not a request, so to be safe he agreed to their demands. Follow me. My lass knows about herbs and potions. Perhaps she can help. He headed to the house, and the giants followed him.

Maya turned when the door opened, and she saw her father entering followed by huge warriors—two of them holding a third who looked pretty bad. His head was hanging down and she wasn’t able to see his face.

Maya, hurry up! called her father. This man is seriously hurt and needs help!

Father, how do ye—

No time to explain now, lass. Ye must take care of him! They’ve lost a lot of time already!

Maya looked at her father suspiciously, but he didn’t seem frightened. Leave him on the bed, she ordered.

The warriors followed her orders and placed him on the bed, and Maya saw a deep stab wound in his chest, right under his heart. The wound was infected and looking really bad. She immediately knew it had happened during a battle. The cut was sharp and deep; only a sword could have done it. She got up fast, took some water, threw some herbs in and put it on the fire. Then she went back, ripped the man’s shirt and stared, frightened. It was worse than she had thought. She had never seen a wound like it. The infection had spread all over. Every minute could be the last one for the poor lad. She must act quickly or the man would die.

What’s wrong, lass? Why do ye look so frightened? Kevin was observing everything and immediately spotted the worried look on her face. They must be careful. If these two knew that the man lying was one of the most powerful lairds in Scotland, it could do even more damage.

I’m concerned, not worried. The wound looks very bad. I don’t know if I can help on time. Things are serious.

Kevin jumped up quickly, and in a second he had his sword on her father’s throat.

Aye, things are serious, on both sides!

Let him go. He didn’t do anything! she shouted.

Anthony cursed and looked at her. Hurry, Maya. Help this man. Ye’re wasting time!

Shaken and upset, she sat down next to the wounded highlander. I’m going to need someone to hold him! she snapped. The wound is very inflamed. After I clean it, I’ll burn it up and then I’ll put cream on. I don’t know if I can control the infection, but I’ll do what I can.

You’ll make it, answered Kevin with a hard voice. Aaron, Durmond, hold Alex steady so the lass can do her job.

The two highlanders came close on both sides of the bed and sat on the ground. When Maya was done cleaning the wound, she went to the fire and put a small flat dagger in the coals. While waiting for it to get hot, she took the boiling water with herbs that she had put there earlier. There was an annoying silence in the room. All eyes were following every move she made, which made her even more nervous. The warrior who had threatened her father also watched her, but at least now he had removed the sword from his neck. One wrong move from her and this giant man would not hesitate to cut her father’s throat.

The dagger was ready; the metal was blood red. Maya took it carefully and slowly approached the bed where the giant lay. Since she had started treating him, he had been lying motionless and she wasn’t sure if he was unconscious or too tired to show signs of life. She sat next to him, and right before she put the hot metal into the flesh, he opened his eyes and looked at her. She froze. His eyes were so grey, so deep and cold, but at the same time so hypnotizing she felt like sinking in them. She got the feeling he was reading her mind. He was staring at her and she wasn’t sure what to do. And then she heard his voice. What are ye waiting for, lass? Do it faster. He sounded weak from the pain and had lost a lot of blood, but at the same time he was unwavering. Maya felt her hands shaking. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and with all the bravery she had in herself, she opened them and looked straight at him while pressing the dagger in his wound. Alex twisted his body and squeezed his eyes from the pain, but didn’t make a sound. Thank God his men were holding him or he would have hit her straight in the face. When the wound burned well, Maya took the potion she had prepared earlier. She was surprised the highlander was not unconscious. She poured some in a jar, took a clean towel and went back to him. Before she even gave him a drink, the other highlander pulled it from her hands.

What is this? What are ye giving him? It was the same man who had threatened her father.

She looked at him, irritated, and took the jar back from his big hands. It’s a potion that’ll help him sleep. The man is seriously hurt and he needs to rest! This will help him sleep and I’ll be able to take care of him easily. On second thoughts, ye need one glass too, so that the treatment can really continue! She nodded her head and went to sit down next to Alex.

Kevin got upset, his face turning red. This little lass dared to answer him back! He looked at Aaron and Durmond, who were smiling. He had to admit she was brave. Most of the lasses shook with fear before him. Kevin took two steps and stood next to her. Watch out what ye speak, lass, ’cause I won’t always be so kind!

That’s kind? Maya asked, shocked, and looked at the other two warriors to see if he was just joking.

Kevin, we’re here because of Alex. He needs treatment and the lass is the only hope. She knows what she’s doing better that ye and me. Durmond stood up and looked at Anthony and Maya. I thank ye for your help and I’m sorry that we broke into yer home, but as ye can see, it was a matter of life or death. Durmond was the the four of them. Unlike his friends, he had manners and knew how to approach people, how to make them forgive with his sweet talk. He preferred to fix the problem with his speech than fight. Let me introduce us, he continued. This is Alex Sinclair, he said, pointing to the wounded highlander. He’s our laird. We are from north of the mountains. That’s Aaron, he continued, pointing at the brown-haired highlander, and next to him is Kevin, who can be cranky sometimes. After his last words, Maya slightly raised her eyebrows. Kevin noticed her expression but decided to ignore it. And my name is Durmond! We are warriors from the Sinclair clan and we follow our laird everywhere. Two days ago we were ambushed and our laird was badly wounded. We travelled through the woods until we found yer house.

Anthony was listening the Sinclair clan and their laird, one of the best, most invincible skilled warriors, but also a good diplomat. No one wanted to have Laird Sinclair for an enemy. Only, he wondered what these highlanders were doing so far south of their lands. Anthony knew the Sinclair and McFester clans were close, and this could be a problem. Were they perhaps looking for someone from the past? Maybe Guyle McFester had paid them to continue searching. Maybe that was why his old friend Kiron hadn’t shown up. Anthony was going through different possibilitiesincouldn’t be sure what the truth was. I’ve heard of the Sinclairs, he said. A strong and powerful clan, but quite far away from here. It’s strange for a laird to be so far away from his lands.

Kevin looked at him and without hesitation answered, None of yer business, old man. What ye should know, we’ve already told ye! We’re gonna stay here until our laird recovers and then we’re leaving. We’ll hunt for food and protect ye while yer taking care of Alex. Is that clear?

Aye if that’s yer wish. But there’s a small problem. I’m selling eggs and milk in the village market, and if I don’t show up for a while, people will come looking for me. The people in the village are kind and caring and look out for each other.

They all looked at each other, then Kevin took a step forward and said, Aye, old man, ye’ll go to the village and sell yer stuff so people don’t suspect, but not a single word about who’s in yer house! As for yer lass, she will stay here to look after Alex. That should keep yer tongue tied. If anyone asks ye, tell them she’s sick. No cheating, old man. Make sure ye convince everyone. I’m not gonna like it if intruders show up while we’re here. How long will it take to get Alex back up on his feet, lass? Kevin turned to Maya.

I don’t know. It depends how fast he heals. The wound is serious.

How long? he repeated again, with anger in his voice.

Maybe ten days he must be in bed, so the wound can heal and close. Until the wound is closed, he won’t be able to ride.

The warriors nodded and surrounded Alex. Alex didn’t say anything—the potion had already taken effectbut he heard the whole conversation. He was angry when he heard how long he must stay in bed, but he was so helpless and weak, and the sleep took over his objections.

Kevin, Aaron and Durmond sat around him there and didn’t mind Anthony and Maya any more.

Maya walked into her little room that was her bedchamber, upset by these arrogant highlanders. She lay on her bed, but was so exhausted she quickly forgot all her irritations and fell into a deep sleep.

Anthony had his bed by the fire, but he lay down on the floor in such way that he obstructed the path’s room. Somehow he was sure the highlanders wouldn’t hurt them, but Maya was young and beautiful, and he was not willing to risk it.

***

The sun was just rising when Maya heard a noise outside. She jumped up in a hurry and dressed, hoping that yesterday had been just a dream. The moment she walked outside and saw the three highlanders, her hopes were dashed. The three giants were still there, sitting the same way she had left them. She had woken up few times during night to check if the man had developed a fever, and each time she had seen one of them guarding him. Since no one noticed her, she leaned over to check his condition. He was still asleep, which was good sign. The potion was doing its part. Maya put her hand on his handsome face. He had a little fever. Then she checked the wound.

It looks better than yesterday, she heard Kevin’s voice behind her. "I’m sure he will be on his feet in