Mortal Magick by Patty Taylor Read Free Book Online

back to life, all he could do was stare at the stranger kneeling on the ground. With her arms wrapped around her chest, she held her head down with her eyes closed.
    “Uncle?” Colin sputtered and coughed.
    Duncan bolted to Colin, his knees buckling. He helped the teen sit up. His arms securely wrapped around the boy’s shoulders to support him. “Are ye all right, lad? Ye gave us a bad scare. What in heaven’s name were ye thinkin’, hangin’ off the side of that cliff?”
    Colin peered up at him. Some color was returning to his face. “I was looking for our arrows when I got p-pushed off the cliff and caught hold of the one of the shafts that got wedged in the rocks.”
    Duncan’s body stiffened. His mouth twisted and he clenched his jaw. The evil bitch was keeping her word and acting on her threats. Disturbed that her malicious vengeance would go as far as to harm a young lad, he knew she would stop at nothing now.
    Once Colin stopped coughing and appeared safe enough for the time being, Duncan stood and strolled over to the woman. She must be a powerful witch. Not even Gabrielle can bring someone back from the dead. He bent and grasped her quivering shoulders. Her face was pale and her body trembled. Afraid she was still weak and might collapse, he needed to get both her and Colin back to the campfire quickly.
    The selkie appeared by his side, handing him two blankets and nodding in the direction of his mermaid friend.
    The lass appeared in some sort of trance while he wrapped a blanket tightly around her shoulders. He picked her up and carried her over beside Colin and handed the boy the second blanket. “Do ye think ye can keep an eye on our friend for a wee bit longer, lad? I need to do something before we head back.”
    Duncan strolled behind the selkie, stopping at the edge of the steep bank. The beautiful young woman snuggled safely inside the seal’s shed coat was returning to her natural form. The creature hurdled itself into the ocean.
    “I’m in yer debt.” Duncan crossed his arm against his chest.
    The mermaid smiled, then nodded and pointed toward Keara. No words were spoken, but her message came through loud and clear. No, my friend, not mine but hers. She’s special. You must help her accept what she struggles to know is truth.
    Duncan pivoted to the side and studied the stranger’s pretty, but fragile, disheveled appearance. Puzzled by her unfamiliar accent, not to mention her outlandish clothing, there was still something peculiar that attracted him to her. He felt the inexplicable bond of energy flow between them when they touched.
    “I’m afraid ye’re mistaken. That young woman is not only a witch but a mighty warrior. I dinna think there is anything I could do to help her.” He found that he was talking to himself as he turned to find his undersea friends had already vanished.
    Duncan sighed and headed back toward the two lost strays, now stuck in his care. After everything that had happened today, he didn’t think things could get any worse. Tomorrow was sure to be more challenging.
    Keara slouched and grabbed her knees. She swayed, as if someone had pulled the grass out from under her feet. Cold chills raced through her veins. Exhausted from all the excitement, her body’s adrenaline must have finally given out. Overcome with nausea, she had to throw up. Damn, this time I’m gonna be sick.
    She tried to steady her legs as she spied an enormous boulder. Taking a deep breath, she covered her mouth with one hand, clutched her stomach, and ran. Words of concern and gratitude between the Highlander and the mermaid reached her ears. Right before she leaned over and heaved.
    A strapping hand rested on her shoulder. The touch was gentle and reassuring.
    “Are ye all right, lass?” His voice filled with concern.
    She turned to face a fully dressed Duncan. A concerned expression clouded his face. He’d brought a blanket with him.
    “I’m fine, thank you.” The disturbingly strong