Slowly, I unzipped and revealed a note just on top. It read:
Though I knew this day would come, I always hoped for more time.
But destiny can’t be stopped.
You must find Duncan. He can protect you from the storm.
Fabian assured me that the castle is warded, and you’ll be hidden there.
Because of the wards, you and only you will be able to find Duncan at Alasdair Castle in Scotland.
Hopefully Fabian got you there and Ivor will get you as close to the castle as he can.
“Excuse me,” I said to my driver. “What is your name?”
“It’s Ivor, miss.”
Although I should have been, I wasn’t surprised. I nodded and read on.
Remember everything I taught you. You must follow the rules, or all is for naught.
I’m sorry I can’t be with you.
Love, Mom
Everything that was happening was because of me. I hadn’t followed the rules. I’d gone outside to watch a sunset and my life had turned upside down.
As I tried to remember all the “rules,” as she’d called them, one thing had stuck in my head. Trust your gut, Mom always said. It will never steer you wrong. As for the rest of the rules, as she defined them, they seemed to apply to home. Keep your room clean; do your studies; eat your food and don’t waste it. The only cautionary item I could think of was never to leave the house, especially at night. Did the same apply here in Scotland or the castle?
Underneath the note was a small blue book. Upon further inspection, it turned out to be a passport, something I hadn’t known I had. The rest appeared to be clothes. I’d have to look once I was settled, as I didn’t want to take things out and place them on the seat. Instead, I focused on the drive. Not that I knew where I was going, but I could remember landmarks if ever I needed to orient myself.
There was nothing besides fields of green. “What road are we on?” I asked, not having seen any obvious signs with the name on it.
“We’re headed north to the A9, miss. A bit of trivia—it’s the longest road in Scotland and about one hundred and sixty miles to our destination. Right now we’re on the M9, which will take you by the Kelpies.”
“Kelpies?”
“Shape-shifting water spirits. A legend around here.”
“There are kelpies?” I didn’t add ‘in real life,’ but he understood.
On a laugh, he said, “I’ve never met one. But these thirty-meter-high horse head sculptures are sure a sight to see.”
“They are.” The silver sculptures were larger than life and just as stunning. Then I asked, “Aren’t we in a hurry?” as he’d suggested as much.
“Yes, but it’s on the way. Traffic shouldn’t be bad. Inverness would have been quicker, but having your trail start here was better.”
I wasn’t sure what I could do with that information as of yet. But I made note of it. Then I asked another question. “Do you know why I’m here or who I’m hiding from?”
He glanced in the rearview mirror. “I’m not allowed to say, and rules are rules.”
I shouldn’t have been comforted by that, but the phrase “rules are rules” was another thing Mom would say. I laid my head back and forced myself to keep my eyes open. The note Mother had left and my gut told me I was on the right path; I didn’t want to make another mistake.
Before too long, Ivor pointed. “There they be.”
Yes, it was a sight. Two magnificent horse-head sculptures. One appeared to be looking at me. The other had its head toward the sky. It was too bad I didn’t have a phone or a camera to capture it.
After we passed, I replayed long-ago conversations with my mom in my head. One of which was, There are things in this world that appear good but are not. They will trick you with smiles and compliments. Be aware and trust your gut.
Then there was: Elin, you must never go outside. There are creatures that mean you harm. That had sounded like a tale told to children to keep them in line. Yet the man with flowers and a pretty smile had wanted to harm me. I’d felt that soul deep.
No matter my determination to remain awake, the long journey was a recipe for me to nod off. I hadn’t realized I had until Ivor said, “Miss, we’re here.”
I opened my eyes in alarm, mad at myself for yet another lapse in judgment. Especially when all I could see before me was mist.
Ivor turned back to me. “It’s just haar.” When I continued to stare at him blankly, he added, “Sea fret.” I shook my head. He tapped a finger on his lips. “What’s the American word… fog. That’s it, sea fog. Nothing to worry about. It happens in these parts close to the coast.”