Chapter 1
Richard landed with a thud on the hard ground of an unfamiliar place. “Where the hell am I this time?” he asked of no one in particular. Noting the smell of the ocean and the sight of a large orange bridge spanning a bay to his right, he assumed he was somewhere other than Scotland. “Or, should I ask, when am I?” He was just about to pick himself up when the sound of a lovely, sweet and concerned female voice broke through his self-absorbed thoughts.
“Are you hurt?” she questioned.
Richard looked up to find a dark-haired beauty with vibrant blue eyes staring down at him. She was by far the loveliest woman he had ever laid eyes upon.
“You took quite a tumble from the looks of it,” she said.
“And you are?” Richard stood and dusted himself off.
“Angelina Lawson,” she replied, holding out her hand.
Richard wasn’t quite sure what to do with her proffered hand, so he did nothing more than hold it gently in his own. “What year is it?” he asked, wanting to confirm his suspicions.
“Seriously! You don’t know what year this is? You must have hit your head hard when you fell.” She examined him carefully, walking around behind him and then back again. “Do you know where you are?”
The concerned expression on her face was both touching and enchanting. Richard realized he was going to have to remember this definitely wasn’t his time and therefore he would need to behave differently. “I’m afraid I don’t. Am I in England, perhaps?” Too late he realized he shouldn’t have asked, but he really had no way of knowing what England of the future might look like.
“I’m going to call 911,” Angelina announced, taking one of those cell phones he’d seen on his last trip to the future from her pocket. “I think you need some medical help.”
“No!” Richard almost yelled. “Please, I’m fine. Just a bit shaken up. That’s all.”
“Are you sure? I don’t like the fact you’re so fuzzy on a few important details.” Angelina tipped her head and was eyeing him with a slightly furrowed brow, which he found irresistible. “Your clothes are unusual. Are you involved in medieval martial arts?” she asked.
Richard saw his opportunity and grabbed it. “Yes. Yes. Medieval martial arts.” He had no idea what that was, but if it caused her to view him with less suspicion, he would agree to it.
“Well, that’s one thing you know. The guys were here earlier today practicing, you must have been here with them. Although I don’t remember seeing you.” She was smiling at him now. “Do you know Nick?”
“Nick?” Richard was trying hard to avoid her questioning his presence here. “Yes! I do know Nick.” Whoever he is.
“Oh, good. I’ll just give him a call. I’m sure he’d be happy to help you get back home.”
“If only he could,” Richard muttered.
“Excuse me? I didn’t catch that,” Angelina responded.
“Nothing.” If he knew what was good for him, he’d just be quiet or he might find himself in one of those jail cells he enjoyed on his last visit to twenty-first century Glendaloch. “Edna,” he said aloud. He grimaced when he realized he’d done it again.
“Who’s Edna? Is that you wife?” Angelina asked, her focus on the cell phone she held.
“I’m not married,” Richard said. “Edna is an old friend.”
“There it is,” Angelina announced poking at the buttons on the phone. “I’ll have Nick on the phone in just a sec.”
Richard had no response to that announcement, so he took the time to examine Angelina Lawson from head to toe. She was dressed in extremely tight black breeches and a matching jacket, which showed off her enticing figure. The women of his own time didn’t wear clothes anything like this. She wore unusual shoes on her feet, with tiny white bits of fabric peeking up from the top. Her ankles and lower legs were shapely and the fact that they were bare would be considered scandalous in his time. Her hair was long and loose and black, hanging nearly to her waist and her skin held a beautiful golden tone. Angelina’s eyes, an icy blue, were set off by thick, long eyelashes. She had full, rose-coloured lips and Richard found his thoughts wandered to thoughts of kissing them.
“Nick? This is Angelina,” she paused and Richard assumed she was listening to the man on the other end of the line. “Hi. I need your help with something.” Another pause. “Yeah. I came across one of your guys here by the Marina. It looks like he fell somehow and hit his head. He doesn’t know the year or where he is, but he does know you.” Again she listened. “What’s your name?” she asked Richard.
“Sir Richard Jefford,” he replied and hoped he hadn’t said the wrong thing, because she raised an eyebrow as though sceptical of his claim.
“He says his name is, Sir Richard Jefford.” Angelina didn’t have to wait long for a response. “Okay. We’ll wait right here for you.” Angelina slipped the phone back into her pocket. “That’s a relief. He says he knows you and he’s on his way here right now.”
Richard shifted nervously wondering how someone he didn’t know had accepted his presence so easily. Who could this be and how could he possibly know me?
“Let’s go sit over there.” Angelina pointed towards a bench positioned near the water’s edge.
“Of course,” Richard said. He placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and escorted her.
“You’re quite the gentleman, aren’t you?” Angelina asked, seemingly flustered by his gesture.
“Always,” Richard said. That wasn’t necessarily true in the past, but he was a new man now and he intended to be nothing if not proper, from this point forward.
They sat on the bench and Angelina seemed uncomfortable sitting too close, making sure to put some space between them. She turned to face him, daintily tucking one leg underneath her and resting her arm across the back of the bench. Richard was completely entranced. He smiled warmly but could think of nothing to say.
“Do you remember anything at all?” Angelina asked.
“Yes. I do.” Richard responded as he gazed out at the water. Wherever he was, it was exceedingly beautiful. There were many sails visible on the water, along with other, much larger vessels. They moved effortlessly, even without sails.
“Do you remember how you fell?” Angelina questioned.
“Yes.” Richard needed to tread carefully here. He wasn’t sure what he could tell her that might keep him from being locked up. If he’d answered no to her question, it would give the young woman cause for concern and answering yes, while it was the truth, might cause him even more trouble in the long run, but he thought perhaps the honest response was the best.
Angelina sat gazing at him with those beautiful eyes. “Well, are you going to tell me?”
Time to change the subject. “What are those boats over there?” He pointed to one of the larger vessels as it cruised through the water, leaving large swells in its wake.
“That’s the ferry arriving from Sausalito,” Angelina explained, turning her focus to the water.
“Ah. I see.” He didn’t see at all. He’d never seen a ferry before, and he couldn’t believe how it moved so swiftly and effortlessly through the water. He remembered many things from his time in Glendaloch, but he had not seen any boats while he was there, so this was all new to him. “And what of that bridge?” His focus was still on distracting Angelina from asking too many questions about him, but from the expression on her face, the things he was asking her were obviously giving her pause.
“The Golden Gate?” she questioned, as she glanced towards the towering structure.
“The Golden Gate—of course. It’s all coming back to me now.” Maybe that acknowledgement would satisfy her desire for answers.
Richard and Angelina lapsed into a companionable silence, which Richard was grateful for as it allowed him time to contemplate what had happened and why he’d found himself abruptly shifted into the future.
“I hope Nick gets here soon. He lives right around the corner, so it shouldn’t take him too long,” Angelina said, glancing around. “Oh, there he is. Nick! Over here!”
Richard was disappointed that this Nick fellow had arrived so swiftly. He’d have liked a bit more time alone with Angelina. Not that he wanted to answer any more of her questions—just to gaze upon her lovely face would have been enough. He turned in the direction Angelina was calling and almost fell off the bench. The man approaching them was an old friend of his.
Sir Nicholas Mackall was striding purposefully towards them dressed in modern day clothing. How on earth had he gotten here? Richard stood up and stared in astonishment at his long-time friend and confidante.
“Richard? Is that ye?” Nick was approaching with both arms spread wide. He pulled Richard into a hug and held on to him for dear life. “Saints be praised, it’s so good to see ye. How on earth did ye get here?”
“It’s a long story, but I imagine much the same way you did. I can’t believe I’m seeing you.” Richard was trying not to appear completely astonished at the sight of his friend in the modern world but knew he was failing miserably.
Angelina was standing off to one side, appearing baffled by this turn of events. Sir Nicholas turned to her with a warm smile. “Angelina, this is my long-lost friend, Richard Jefford.”
“I wouldn’t say I was the one who was long lost, Nicholas.” Richard smiled broadly and clapped his friend on the back.
“Wait. I’m confused,” Angelina said. “I thought he was one of your medieval martial arts guys, but it sounds like you haven’t seen each other in quite a long time.”
“It has been quite a few years. Can ye imagine it?” Nick said to Angelina, his expression stunned. “Let’s head back to my place and I’ll explain it all to ye.” He met Sir Richard’s curious gaze. “Angelina has been kind enough to let me stay in her family’s home here in San Francisco as no one was residing there.”
There it was! He was in San Francisco. Now, he just needed to find out exactly where that was and how he could get back to England.
“My niece is out of town on an extended holiday, and I thought Nick might like a place to stay in the city.” Angelina smiled brightly at Nick, who put an arm around her shoulder as they walked.
Disappointment and a touch of jealousy washed over Richard as he watched Nick and Angelina walking together. He mentally shook himself, determined he wouldn’t allow jealousy to overtake him. He had turned over a new leaf and left that green-eyed monster behind and he was not about to head down that same path again. “How long have you two known each other?” he asked.
“A few years, isn’t it?” Nick answered, glancing at Angelina for confirmation. “We are the very best of friends.” He smiled warmly at Angelina and pressed a quick peck on her cheek.
“He’s the only man I know who can take no for an answer,” Angelina teased.
“Well, it wasnae easy at first, but I understand.” Nick turned his attention to Richard. “Angelina isnae interested in romantic entanglements, ye see.”
They were approaching a broad street with many ‘automobiles’, similar to the ones he’d seen in Glendaloch. They stopped and waited for the traffic to come to a halt, before crossing and then heading down a side street. Richard was relieved to hear that Angelina was not Nick’s woman, but disappointed to learn she wasn’t interested in romance. “Angelina, if I might ask, why are you not interested in finding love?” Richard knew it was pushy, but found he just had to know the answer to that question.
“As silly as it sounds, I don’t need the headache of having a man around. I like my life just the way it is. I enjoy the company of men, but not so much that I want to give up my independence. Does that make sense?” she asked.
“I suppose it does,” Richard agreed, thinking it made absolutely no sense at all. Catching Nick’s eye, Richard’s friend shrugged his shoulders as if to say that he didn’t understand it either. Richard thought it was probably just as well. He had one goal at the moment and that was to get back home to his family so he could start the process of finding a wife. A woman who would fit in at his castle, who would take charge of running his household. He had no time for a dalliance in this time and place.
Turning another corner, they came to a vibrantly colourful building and Nick led the way up the stairs to an ornate entryway. Richard had never seen such a colourful home. All of the little bits and pieces of wood were painted in different colours.
“Isn’t it pretty?” Angelina asked, obviously observing his interest. “I love all the gingerbread on the house. It’s a beautiful old Victorian.”
“Yes, it’s lovely,” Richard said. Gingerbread! I don’t see any gingerbread and what is Victorian? What on earth is she talking about?
Nick must have seen his confusion. “The gingerbread, as ’tis called, is all the wooden trim ye see around the doors and windows. Not what we’re used to, but pleasing to the eye, wouldn’t ye agree?”
Richard merely nodded in agreement as Nick opened the door for Angelina to pass through. He extended his arm for Richard to go next and then closed the door after they were all inside. Richard experienced a moment of awe as he surveyed the architecture and furnishings of this home. The places he’d seen in Glendaloch had been very nice, but they paled in comparison to what lay before him.
“Nick, I’m concerned that Richard has hit his head. He didn’t know what year it was or where he was and I don’t know if that’s changed.” Angelina placed a dainty hand on Richard’s arm as she spoke. Richard tried with everything he had not to appear affected by her touch, but deep down inside he was experiencing the most unbelievable level of pleasure. This woman had charmed him, something that had seemed an impossibility when he’d met other women in the past.
“I’m sure ’tis only a concussion. I’ll make sure that he’s okay, don’t ye worry about it, but if ye’d like to stay here tonight, ye can keep an eye on him as well,” Nick suggested in a cajoling tone.
“No, I really need to get home and besides, you two must have a lot of catching up to do, I’m sure,” Angelina headed towards the door. “Do you want me to put something together for your dinner before I leave?” she asked.
“Nae, love. I’ll take care of it. I’ll order a pizza. ’Tis my favourite as ye well ken.” Nick winked at Angelina in a familiar way that set Richard’s teeth on edge. He had to remind himself once again that jealousy was no longer a part of his life.
“I’m surprised you’re not sick of it yet,” she laughed. “Richard, it was a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again some time.”
“I hope so, m’lady.” Richard bowed in her direction and was pleased to see Angelina seemed impressed by the gesture.
“Ye’ll see him, Angelina. I’ve an idea to enlist Richard in the tournament at the Renaissance Faire. He’s an expert at the medieval martial arts, arenae ye, Richard?”
“I am and I’d be delighted to help in any way I can,” Richard said, watching for Angelina’s reaction. Why he cared what she thought was beyond him. He had to set his mind on getting back home, not on wooing this beauty.
“Okay. I’ll leave you two for now. Have a good night and I’ll see you for the next practice,” Angelina said.
Richard watched as Nick walked her to the door, tamping down a surge of jealousy as his friend kissed her cheek and closed the door after her.
***
Angelina walked to her car, thinking about Richard all the while. He was that take-your-breath-away kind of handsome that she was attracted to and she loved his English accent. Funny how they just happened to be at the Marina at the exact same time. If she hadn’t found him and he hadn’t needed her help, he might not have reconnected with Nick. Such an odd coincidence. It really was a small world, she told herself. As Angelina approached her car, she had the feeling that someone was watching her. She turned her head in every direction, but found herself completely alone on the street. Her intuition told her to hurry. Quickly unlocking the car door, she hopped in and slammed the door, hitting the lock button as she did. She’d been suffering that same unnerving sensation a lot lately and she didn’t like it one bit. It felt as if someone was following her, but there was never anyone there when she checked. It was probably just her overactive imagination at work. She started the car and headed home with thoughts of Sir Richard Jefford dancing through her brain.
Chapter 2
“Tell me what happened,” Nick said. “How did ye get here?” He sat opposite Richard in a large, overstuffed chair and waited for Richard’s answer.
For his part, Richard sat, legs spread wide, elbows on his knees and head in hands. Lifting his head, he sighed heavily. “It’s almost too unbelievable for words, but if you’re here in this time with me, then you understand that time travel can actually happen.”
“I know all too well what ye speak of,” Nick responded.
“I was a moment away from being burned to death by a witch named Brielle, when I was washed over by a wave of water that I’m sure was meant to put out the balls of fire heading towards me. And then in the blink of an eye, I was drawn into a thick fog and when it cleared …” Richard didn’t finish his sentence, instead he shook his head in amazement at his predicament.
“Where did the water come from?” Nick asked.
“A witch named Maggie MacKinnon sent it and then yet another witch, Edna Campbell, or so I believe, drew me into the fog. Do you know them?” Richard was wondering if maybe one of them had sent Nick to San Francisco.
“I’m afraid not,” Nick answered. “Do ye think one of them may have been behind my trip to the future?”
“Perhaps, but then you haven’t told me how you got here. I haven’t seen you in years. Not since …” Richard paused.
„…not since I got angry with ye fer yer constant need to ruin the MacKenzies. I’m sorry I left ye, Richard, I’d simply had enough and could see no future in tormenting a clan I had no argument with,” Nick apologized.
“You were right to leave me. I needed to stop the foolishness and go home to my own life, with my own people. Unfortunately, even losing your friendship didn’t keep me from making an ass of myself, over and over again. It wasn’t until just recently that I realized the error of my ways. I was heading to the MacKenzie holdings at Breaghacraig to beg their forgiveness and to tell them I would never bother them again. That’s when I met Maggie MacKinnon and in standing with her to defeat an evil witch, one who’s actions were directly related to my need for vengeance, I was saved by both she and her aunt, Edna Campbell. I’m not sure why she’s sent me here, but I do know that I want more than anything to get back to my home.”
“So do I,” Nick agreed. “Mayhap we can find a way back together.” He stood and went to the bar where he poured them both a generous tot of whiskey. He handed one to Richard and raising his own glass said, “To going home.”
“To going home,” Richard responded, admiring the amber liquid swirling in his glass. “This couldn’t come at a better time.” He took a sip. “Mmm, this is quite good.”
“Whiskey is one thing that hasn’t changed much over time.” Nick took a big gulp of his drink and put the glass down. “Shall we order that pizza?”
“What, pray tell, is pizza? I’m assuming it’s food, but not something I’ve ever eaten.” Richard took another sip of his whiskey as he watched Nick pick up one of those cell phones. “You have one of those as well?”
“Yes. It’s really verra useful. If ye find yerself here longer than ye expect, ye may need to have one.” Nick punched at the phone with his large fingers and then held it to his ear. “This is Nick Mackall, I’d like to order my usual.” Richard watched his friend and marvelled at how he had managed to adapt to this place and time. “Aye. I’ll need two. Thank you.” Nick tapped the phone again and then put it down. “They’ll be here in no time. I think ye’ll enjoy this.” He laughed as he crossed the room to the window where he closed the blinds and then turned on the lights. “I take it yer familiar with some of the things yer seeing, as ye dinnae appear overly surprised by them.”
“I spent some time in twenty first century Glendaloch, so, yes, I’ve seen cell phones, automobiles, electric lights and some other things.” Richard relaxed back into the chair. This wasn’t going to be so bad now that he knew he had an ally here to help him.
“When I first arrived here, I was always standing around with me mouth agape. ’Tis a wonder they didnae lock me up fer being tetched in the head.” Nick laughed. “I had not a soul to speak with about what had happened and so I had to make my way, sleeping on park benches and relying on the kindness of people I’d meet, for food and drink. Then one day, I was at the Marina, that’s where ye landed by the way, and I saw a group practicing with swords and dirks. I couldnae believe me eyes. Oh, and they were verra bad at it, too. I thought I could make meself useful by showing them a thing or two. They were grateful and offered to pay me to teach them. I’m nae fool, so I said I would and that’s how I became their instructor. At first, I lived with some of my students, switching between apartments often, never really having a place to call my own.”
Richard took advantage of Nick’s pause to ask the question that he’d been burning to ask. “How did ye meet Angelina?”
She was at the Marina with one of the men in the group. She wanted to learn medieval martial arts—that’s what they call practicing for battle, only they never really battle. It’s all for show. Angelina was such a sweet, lovely woman and I wanted to get to know her better, so I thought it would be fun, and to my advantage, to teach her.”
“And was it?” Richard asked. He casually sipped his drink, to hide his interest.
“Aye. She learned quickly and before long she was quite good. I learned a thing or two meself.” Richard cocked a questioning eyebrow at Nick, who continued. “Angelina was definitely not interested in me. She made that clear right from the start, but a several months later, when she found I was sleeping anywhere I could find a bed, she insisted that I stay here. She is the kindest and most generous woman I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.”
“I understand what you speak of based on my own experience with her earlier.” Richard was intrigued by Angelina and more so by his current circumstance. “Nick, I can’t help but wonder if there was some reason I found myself transported to this place and time. Based on my knowledge of her, Edna can be a bit of a meddler, and I’m beginning to think she’s sent me here for a reason. Could it possibly have been to find you and bring you back with me?”
“I cannae answer that, but if she did then she has my most sincere gratitude.” Nick was obviously still amazed at the fact that his good friend was sitting here, having a drink with him. “I never thought I’d see anyone from my own time ever again.” And then he laughed a deep, throaty laugh of disbelief.
“And I’m grateful that if I had to travel to the future again, this time I was reunited with someone I’ve missed having around over the years.” Richard raised his glass again in a silent toast and Nick did the same. They finished their drinks and reminisced about their years of drinking, fighting and carousing. They had a lot to share and so the conversation continued without pause until the doorbell rang.
“Our pizza is here,” Nick said, getting up to answer the door with an impish glint in his eyes. “Thank ye, young lad. He paid the delivery boy, closing the door after him and took the pizzas to the counter in the kitchen. “Come, we’ll eat here,” Nick said, pointing to two stools.
Richard rose and joined Nick as he took out two plates and some napkins. He opened the boxes and Richard got his first look at pizza. It both looked and smelled delicious. Nick took a slice and put it on his plate and Richard followed suit. He watched Nick to see how he would eat this strange food and was pleased to see he merely picked it up in his hands and took a big bite. Again, Richard did the same, amazed at the flavours he was tasting. He took another bite and then another. Pausing long enough to speak, Richard said, “I can see why you say this is your favourite.”
“Aye. Valerie, the owner of the shop, knows me well. I order from her two or three times a week. Sometimes even more. Angelina is always telling me it’s not good to eat the same food all the time, but I respectfully disagree with her.”
“And they bring the food right to your door.” Richard shook his head in disbelief.
“’Tis truly an amazing time,” Nick said. “There are so many things I’ll have to show ye.”
“Again, I must say how grateful I am to have found you here. I have no doubt that you’ll pave the way for me in this world. Tell me about this medieval martial arts that you are a part of.” Richard found himself curious about his friend’s activities in this modern world and wanted to know more.
“Being that we’re five hundred years in the future, everything from our time is called medieval. There has been a recent interest in the way we do or, should I say, did battle and groups have cropped up around the world who are interested in learning our ways of engaging in combat. They go all out, even dressing as we do in our own time and they have competitions and a thing called the Renaissance Faire, where people come together to pretend they are in the Middle Ages. ’Tis another name they use for our time. There is an annual faire here in San Francisco and our group is going to go up against another local group in mock battle. Even though it is mock battle, I would still like my group to win, as they are the better men in my eyes.”
“Have you armed them all?”
“They provide their own weapons, but they are just for show. They cannae hurt themselves or others with them. Angelina has outfitted them all with clothing representative of our time. She is a talented seamstress and creates costumes for others who attend the faire, both men and women. Eyeing Richard’s clothing meaningfully, Nick chuckled. “Of course, neither you nor I will be needing a costume, because we’re already kitted out with true medieval clothing. I’m happy yer here. Ye can help me with the training of me men.”
“Of course. It will be a pleasure to be of service.” Richard eyed the last piece of pizza and Nick nodded to him to take it. He set it on his plate, but before taking a bite he said, “Nick, you never answered my question about how you got here.”
“Yer right. I didnae.” Nick stood and took his plate to the sink, where he rinsed it before putting it in the dishwasher. “I had been out hunting with me brothers, Duncan and Rory. We had a stag in our sights, ye ken, and we each went in a separate direction to better our chances with our bows. As I moved further away from them, I became aware that we had strayed rather close to a stone bridge which was enshrouded in fog. I thought it strange that the fog appeared only in one spot and me curiosity got the better of me as I headed towards it. I’d completely forgotten about the stag and me brothers. I was mesmerized by the fog and couldnae resist the urge to walk into it. As I did, the ground moved beneath me feet and colors exploded all around me. I scarcely had time to be afeared, before I landed in the bushes at the Marina Green, where I was greeted by a very concerned elderly couple. I thought I must have fallen and hit me head. I searched for me brothers, but never found them.”
“You must have been shocked,” Richard said.
“Aye. I wandered around for hours, trying to get it straight in me head and then I thought it best to head back to the bushes. I thought if I did, the fog would come again and take me back home, but it never did.” Nick picked up Richard’s empty plate, rinsed it and put it in the dishwasher. “I had to adapt and I did.”
“How long has it been?”
“Two years. Me brothers must have searched all over for me. I cannae imagine what they went through when they couldnae find me.” Nick shook his head in disbelief.
“You’ve never seen the fog again?” Richard asked, feeling a bit uneasy. If Nick had been here two whole years, his prospects for getting back home didn’t seem good.
“Nae. I’ve looked and while there is plenty of fog to be had here in San Francisco, I’ve nae seen the likes of that fog since.” Nick refilled both his glass and Richard’s. “Now that yer here, I have hope again. We’ll find our way back, I’ve nae doubt.”
Richard wished that he was feeling Nick’s optimism about their chances. The thought of never being able to return home weighed heavily on his mind.
“Richard, dinnae look so hopeless. I have a good feeling about this.” Nick sipped his drink and gave Richard a reassuring smile. “In the meantime, I’ll be yer guide to this time, and we’ll enjoy ourselves as we once did.”
Richard offered Nick a half-hearted smile as he considered the prospect of living in this time and place. The only good things would be having Nick’s friendship again and the possibility of getting to know Angelina Lawson.