Page 181 of The Ranger

“Of course.”

They headed for the tearful reunion going on to one side of the dance floor. Townspeople began to gather around the two couples to say hello. Uncle Colin and Aunt Belle were both crying, as were Jefferson, Lorelei, Thackary and Pepper. No one had seen them in years, but now she understood that very little time could have passed for the four. In fact, it would only be a matter of time before people noticed how much younger they looked compared to others in Clear Creek that were similar in age.

They joined the growing crowd, and Maida studied Dallan and Shona. She’d not seen them for years, but they looked the same. Makama mentioned a Muiraran’s camouflage ability. But could all Muirarans make people not notice the age difference, or only the very powerful ones?

The realizationshewould no longer age as the rest of her relatives hit, and she sucked in a breath. How could she ever leave them? How could she live anywhere else?

Her eyes misted, and it was all she could do to keep the tears at bay.

Was she willing to give her home and family up for Markhel? Yes. By willingly giving herself to him, she’d done just that. But it was going to tear her heart out.

Before she knew it, Jefferson, Lorelei, Thackary and Pepper were standing before them. “Markhel,” Jefferson said. “Welcome to the family.” He offered him a hand and Markhel shook it.

“Thank you.” He shook Thackary’s hand next then bowed to Lorelei and Pepper, who gawked at him.

“You’re Melvale’s brother?” Pepper asked.

“That is correct.” He looked beyond them as Dallan and Shona approached.

“Maida,” Shona said. “I haven’t seen you since you were a little girl. You’ve turned into a lovely young woman.” She smiled at Markhel. “I’m sure you’ll both be very happy.”

Maida leaned into Markhel. “Yes.”

Dallan smacked him on the back. “So, I hear ye turned into a big cat.” He eyed Shona. “Ye’ll have to tell me what that was like. I’ve seen Jaireth shift, and a few others. ‘Tis... interesting.” He glanced at Shona again. She had yet to shift, and no one knew when she would. Was the Time Master nervous?

Markhel smiled. “Yes.”

Dallan put an arm around Shona. “I’m sorry we couldna be here for ye, Markhel. We wanted to, but the king ordered us to stay out of it.”

“For your protection, Time Master,” he said, voice low.

Maida glanced around to see who was in ear shot.” Um, Mr. MacDonald?”

“Aye, lass?”

“By letting Jefferson and Thackary visit, isn’t that letting people...” she never got to finish. She gasped, pulled her hand from Markhel’s and ran. “Uncle Duncan!”

Duncan and Cozette stepped into the torchlight and were immediately surrounded by family. Grandma Sadie got to them before she could, and Maida had to wait to get her turn. But as she waited, she had to wonder. Why were they being allowed to visit when it was obvious, they, too, looked so much younger?

Maida decided she’d worry about it later. Right now, she just wanted to be with her family.

36

Kwaku, Zara, Dallan and Shona headed for the food tables, Markhel and Maida not far behind. They loaded their plates, found some empty blanket covered bales of hay for seating, and started to eat.

“Och, I’ve missed this.” Dallan stabbed at some of Mrs. Dunnigan’s pot roast.

“What do you mean?” Mrs. Dunnigan snapped. “I gave Jaireth the recipe!”

“Which he keeps for himself,” Shona pointed out.

Markhel sat next to Maida, a smile on his face, and gave her a playful nudge. “You are happy?”

She nodded, then shrugged.

Shona watched her a moment. “You’re worried.”

Maida nodded. “I’m sorry, I can’t help it.”