Wolves of the Highlands

Chapter Sixteen

I was beginning to understand that the festival was a huge play ground for all the McBain clan. Brodden and the other men were grouped together laughing and smacking each others backs. Kade was off playing with the Mcbain children whose parents were keeping an extreme eye on them. Leona stood next to me a small smile on her face. As she watched her son play freely with other boys. Without the ridicule of having a very young single mother. Treva and Venila both stood with scowls as the Graham boys the only blights on this day. Tried mesribly to flirt with them. Only for my cousin's to turn and walk away. Making everyone laugh at their failure. "Will they ever learn?" Leona asked as her eyes drifted quickly to Kade making sure he was alright. "No I really don't think they will. They believe they are entitled to everything." Roxy hummed in agreement. I watched as my grandfather went to different people talking with them shortly befor moving to someone else. This usauly ment the games were about to start. I clutched my bow in my hand. My adrenaline spiking with the thought of beating my opponents. That included Brodden even of he has super strength I was going to give it my all. "You ready little one?" I smiled and nodded at my grandfather. I was more then ready to start this. I followed him to were we held our mock battles and all our challenges. First up Knife throwing I smiled smuggley over at Brodden as we all stepped up to our target's. First was Tavis which surpisingly hit just outside the bullseye. Causing some of the crowed to cheer somewhat. Brodden winked at me as he stepped forward. He pulled a knife from his kilts belt. He flipped it in the air catching it in the air befor throwing it. I watched as it sailed through the air and hit the bullseye. He smiled as I called him a showoff. Next was Argyll then Tavis's cousin's. When finally it was my turn I stepped forward pulling out my own knife as I did so. I never thought about my movements. I always just flowed through them. I heard the crowed gasp then their cheers turned to an uproar. I couldn't help but smile. I hit right in the middle. Surprising the tourist and even those few that come every year. Brodden held pride in his eyes as everyone held jealousy. I couldn't help but to sway my hips as I walked by him. As the day wore on we sailed through the events. Until my grandfather called out for the first round of the swords. It was Tavis and I. I held my sword in my right hand. Gripping the handle untill my knuckles turned white. I barley heard my grandfather yell out to start. Tavis of course charged me. He always did the samething every year. He would charge with his brute strength. I would try to make the fight more interesting. This time I wasn't ready for the slice to my leg. My eyes widdened in shock as I look down to see a cut in my pants. My heart stopped when I felt my blood roll down my leg. I looked up into Tavis's face just to see his dark smile streach across his face. That's when my fear kicked in. My sword was dull and wouldn't be able to cut down anything. Tavis charged me and Sliced my arm as I twirled away from him. causing me to hiss out in pain. I put my left hand over my arm and winced. He didn't get me to deep but it was enough to make blood flow down my arm and slick my hand with it. Making it hard for me to grip my sword. "Stop the fight!" Roxy yelled along with my cousin's. I looked up to were my grandfather usually stood on a small stage. I could feel my heart drop at the sight of him and the Grahams grandfather arguing amongst each other. It was a clear distraction that was about to cost me greatly. Tavis laughed and sent another attack my way. Almost hitting me in the side. I felt as some one gripped my tunic, and pulled me back. Giving me no time to brace myself. I hit the ground causing the breath to be knocked out of me. Roxy, Venila, Treva and Leona stood over me. Leona looked like she was about to pass out from the sight of my blood. While Treva, Venila and Roxy looked like they wanted Tavis's. I could hear metal against metal and grunts of pain. "Sorcha are you okay Hunny?" Leona reached down to help me but thought better of it. Retacting her hand slowly. I could hear my grandfather shout and people running. As I stayed laying on the ground finally able to draw in my breath. Brodden came in my line of sight and dropped down next to me. Taking in every injury as he checked me up and down. His growl had Leona,Treva and Venila looking at him with round eyes with fear clearly in them. I reached up and touched his arm. He looked down into my eyes and I smiled up to him. "I'm fine, now quit scaring my family and help me up." People cheered and clapped as I stood. I smiled and waved as they all left to return to their rooms. The sun finally setting and sending a pink hue over the sky. An eerie scream echoed out causing some of the guest to stop and look into the forest. Brodden stiffened while gripping my hand tight. Roxy gripped Argyll's arm as they stepped up next to me. "What was that Mommy?" Leona looked down at Kade and ran her fingers through his hair. "It's some type of bird probably hunny dont worry." Another scream and even I new that it wasn't an animal. As Adair came to stand next to us he quietly spoke. just loud enough for us to hear. "There was a set back with Lilly and Gregor, they can't make it. Best get her inside to my mother. They'll smell her blood and go into a frenzy." Brodden stiffly nodded and rounded up my cousin's and I while Argyll guided Roxy back. I looked up into Broddens face and could see a certain fear there. "It's the vampires isn't it?" Brodden nodded but didn't say a word. He just moved us along getting us inside. I watched as He shut the door to the now dark. Shutting us off to the danger outside.