A Thistle & Hive Christmas: Book 4.5 of The Thistle & Hive Series Read online

  A Thistle & Hive Christmas

  A Thistle & Hive Novella - Book 4.5

  Jennae Vale

  Jennae Vale

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Jennae Vale

  Copyright © 2016 by Jennae Vale

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  For my readers. Without you this wouldn’t be possible.

  Chapter 1

  The Invitation

  Snow blanketed the ground and the wind, which had previously been gusting, stilled. Four foot drifts decorated the wooded grove bordering the path as the fanciful red sleigh, led by two enormous horses, glided along on gilded runners. The sleigh was guided by magick, as Beira, the Queen of Winter, covered in fur throws regally lounged on its soft, velvety cushions. The only sounds were the jingling of bells worn by the horses as they jogged along the frozen ground and the soft, sweet song coming from Beira’s lips.

  Edna Campbell had employed her dear friend to help send word to the MacKenzies, inviting them to come to The Thistle and Hive Inn for a Christmas celebration. Delivering invitations wasn’t something that Beira usually did. As a matter of fact, this was a first, but she was happy to help Edna in any way that she could.

  The first stop on her journey was the castle of Ewan and Lena MacKenzie. Edna’s daughter and son-in-law, along with their two red-headed whirlwinds, Rowan and Ranald, were waiting at the large wooden doors leading into the warmth of their home. The boys excitedly jumped up and down, escaping their mother’s grip to run towards the sleigh.

  “Rowan! Ranald! Careful, please. Wait for the sleigh to stop,” Lena shouted.

  “Aye, Ma. We will.” Doing as their mother requested, the boys stopped and waited while the sleigh glided to a halt in front of them. Beira stepped lightly from the rig offering a delicate, slender hand to each boy. They eagerly held on, upturned faces filled with awe at the presence of this beautifully ethereal being who seemed to glow as she smiled down at them.

  Without saying a word and with only a nod of her head, Beira led the two boys back to their parents. Once there, she reached into her leather satchel and removed a golden envelope, which she handed to Lena. The boys were quieter than they’d ever been, staring with amazement from the faerie queen to the envelope. Beira once again reached into her satchel, removing two special candy treats - one for each boy.

  “What do ye say?” Lena asked.

  “Thank ye!” they both spoke as one.

  Lena opened the envelope as Ewan peered over her shoulder.

  You are cordially invited to

  Christmas

  at

  The Thistle & Hive

  please be at the bridge by sunrise on

  December 22

  where you will be guided across by

  your hostess, Edna Campbell

  “Are we to RSVP to ye…” Lena began to ask, but not knowing the faerie’s name she only gazed into her lovely face and waited.

  “Beira,” the faerie queen supplied. “Yes, I will give Edna yer answer.”

  “Then tell her we would be delighted to spend the holiday with her and my Da.” Lena smiled warmly at Beira, who dropped into a dainty curtsey.

  “She will be happy to hear it, and now I must go. I have more invitations to deliver.” Beira was snuggled comfortably into the sleigh in the blink of an eye.

  The family waved goodbye until the sleigh was out of sight.

  Beira was next off to Breaghacraig. How she would get there all in the same day was her own little secret, but as the horses trotted along at a seemingly normal pace, the scenery she passed was a blur. Occasionally she would stop to spend a moment with her forest friends who all greeted her with love in their hearts. The wolf, the fox, the stags and does, along with the smaller creatures, rabbits, squirrels and birds waited by the side of the road for her to arrive. She acknowledged them all with a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears, a special treat for each and a few moments of her time. These woodland creatures were dear to her heart and it showed.

  Soon, as she left the shelter of the trees, Beira saw Breaghacraig. Her magick slowed the horses to a more normal trot as she passed the small crofts that dotted the landscape on the approach to the beautifully imposing castle situated on the other side of the valley. Men, women and children came out to wave as she passed. Some didn’t dare leave their cottages, but instead peeked through their window or a crack in their door. She smiled beatifically at them all and returned their waves. In her wake she left small gifts of food and warm clothing for each. Reaching the end of the crofts, Beira noted that a tiny village was cropping up near the gates of the castle and the centerpiece was an inn obviously modeled after Edna’s Thistle and Hive. She smiled to herself, knowing that Edna would be most pleased to hear this.

  The gates of the castle flew open as she approached and as the horses and sleigh passed through, Beira saw that all activity in the bailey had come to a halt as the castle residents gazed with question at the unusual conveyance that had just entered the courtyard. Beira stood and announced to no one in particular, “I’m here for Laird and Lady MacKenzie.”

  A young lad broke away from the group and headed for the castle doors. “I’ll get them fer ye,” he said as he entered.

  Moments later the door opened and Robert and Irene MacKenzie exited. On seeing them, the faerie queen left the sleigh and met them as they came down the steps into the courtyard.

  Once again, she removed a golden envelope from her satchel, this time handing it to Laird Robert MacKenzie, who opened it and upon reading it smiled broadly at the willowy faerie before handing it to his wife, Irene. She clasped her husband’s arm and gazed hopefully into his face.

  “Can we go, Robert?” she asked.

  “Aye. I believe we shall go,” Robert confirmed.

  “What’s going on?” Cailin approached along with Cormac and their wives, Ashley and Jenna.

  “We’ve been invited to The Thistle and Hive Inn for Christmas.”

  “Oh, my goodness, really?” Ashley grabbed the invitation from Irene’s hand and showed it to Jenna. “We’re all invited?” She looked to Beira for her answer.

  “Aye. All of ye. The wee one’s as well.” Happy faces peered back at her. “I’ll tell Edna ye’ve accepted then?”

  “Aye. We’ll be there,” Robert responded.

  The children ran up to see what was happening and Beira happily handed each of them their special treat, which they accepted with much gratitude. “I’ll be on my way. I have one more stop to make today.”

  Gazing back, Beira saw that the family stood by and watched her go, first at a normal clip and then swiftly disappearing from their sight.

  Once again she employed her magick to move her conveyance quickly and effortlessly, this time to English lands where she was to see Sir Richard Jefford and his lovely wife, Angelina. A special invitation had been sent for Sir Richard’s m
other, whom Edna was aware wanted to experience the adventure of time travel. If she accepted the invitation to join the others at the bridge on the twenty-second of December, her wish would soon be granted.

  Approaching Sir Richard’s home, Beira noted riders in the distance. In the blink of an eye she was upon them and slowed so as not to frighten them. The man rode a large black stallion and the two women rode smaller grey palfreys. They came to a halt as she approached and waited for her sleigh to come up alongside.

  “Good day to you,” the man said. “May I be of assistance.”

  “I’m here to see Sir Richard Jefford. Do ye ken where I may find him?” Beira tipped her head, examining the man.

  “You can find him here. I’m Sir Richard,” he responded.

  Beira’s happiness shined on her face. “I have something fer ye and fer yer mother.” Beira reached into her satchel to extract two invitations, which she handed to Sir Richard. He in turn handed one to the older woman riding with him. Beira assumed this to be his mother.

  “What is it?” the younger woman asked.

  “It’s an invitation to spend Christmas at The Thistle and Hive in Glendaloch.” Richard held the invitation in his hand and continued reading.

  “An invitation to the future?” the older woman asked.

  “Yes, mother. An invitation to the future. Would you like to go?”

  “Oh, I would. More than anything.”

  “Then we shall.” Richard gazed at Beira, who nodded her understanding.

  “I will let Edna know to expect ye. ’Tis important that ye be at the bridge on the day and at the time Edna has requested.”

  “Would you care to join us for our evening meal?” Richard’s mother asked. “We’re heading back that way now.”

  “I’m afraid I must be on my way. I’ve much to do. There’s never a moment of rest for the Queen of Winter, ye ken.” With a wave of her hand, Beira set off in her sleigh. Gazing up at the sky she noted its whiteness and, with some softly whispered words, snowflakes gently began to fall all around her. Pleased with herself, she headed for home and the sweetness it would bring her, as soon as she delivered the exciting news to her friend.

  Chapter 2

  The Arrival

  To say she was excited, would be putting it mildly. Edna Campbell, the witch who guarded the bridge through time, was doing something she’d never done before. She was welcoming several of her time travel veterans and their families to join her at The Thistle and Hive Inn for the Christmas holiday. She couldn’t think of anything that would make her happier than to share this experience with this particular group of travelers.

  Edna had requested that they be at the bridge by sunrise and as the first glimmers of sunlight were making their appearance in the sky, her guests were all waiting there as requested, with the exception of Sir Richard and his group. She would wait for them to appear before conjuring the fog that would bring them all the way from the sixteenth century to the twenty-first. She could see the others talking and laughing while they waited. Some of them had never made the journey before and she could sense their nervousness. She could see them all, but they had no idea she watched them.

  “Is anyone else joining us?” Ashley asked.

  The others shrugged their shoulders at this question. The children were getting fidgety. It had been a long trip for them and they were excited to cross the bridge. Cailin held tightly to baby Emma, who was swaddled in furs and the warmth of her father’s arms. She was such a tiny little thing and she appeared to be even tinier being held in the arms of this braw highlander. Edna chuckled to herself. She could hardly wait to hold the babe in her arms and to hug all the other little ones, but especially her own two grandsons, Ranald and Rowan.

  At the sound of approaching horses, all heads turned to see who was arriving. Edna breathed a sigh of relief as Sir Richard, Angelina and Richard’s mother, Lady Catherine, approached the others. Angelina had her new son, Henry, swaddled in a cloth sling that his mother had obviously fashioned for him. Happy shouts greeted Richard and were returned in kind.

  “Richard! Yer joining us!” Robert rode to his side and shook his hand.

  “Angelina, you have a baby!” Ashley exclaimed, almost coming out of her seat to get a peek.

  “I do. His name is Henry and he’s the handsomest little lad you’ll ever see.” Angelina replied. “When we get to the inn you’ll see for yourself.”

  “How old is he?” Ashley asked.

  “Three months. Is Cailin holding your little bundle of joy?”

  “Aye. I am. Our little Emma.” Cailin replied.

  “This is going to be so much fun,” Angelina gushed. “I can hardly wait to exchange baby stories with you, Ashley.”

  Edna noticed that Jenna, who had seemed excited to see everyone only moments before, didn’t participate in this conversation at all and instead turned her horse to face away from the others and towards the bridge. Edna wasn’t sure what the problem was, but she’d find out soon enough.

  Once everyone enough time to get their greetings out of the way, she called upon the fog to descend on the bridge. Those who were waiting stopped talking to silently watch the fog as it swirled at the edge of the bridge. Cailin took the lead, having made this journey before. He was followed by Cormac and the others. Two by two they made their way into the fog, where colorful lights popped and sparked, following them until they had safely crossed the bridge where Edna waited beaming with joy.

  “Welcome!” Edna shouted.

  “Edna!” The others cried on seeing her. Behind them the fog stopped swirling and gradually dissipated.

  Edna found herself surrounded by her guests as they dismounted and each hugged and kissed her in turn. “I’m so excited to see ye all.” Edna wiped the happy tears, which had formed, from her eyes. “Follow me. Angus and Teddy are waiting for us at the inn.”

  Ranald and Rowan each took one of her hands as she led the way along the path that led to the main street of Glendaloch. The group following her were a mix of amazed at what they were seeing and happy to be back.

  “Thank ye so much for inviting us,” Robert said as he rode up beside Edna and the children. They were all following her as if she were the Pied Piper.

  “’Tis my pleasure to have ye all here with me,” Edna answered. “Are ye excited to be here, Robert?”

  “Aye. We all are. Irene and the children havenae ceased speaking of it since we received yer invitation. ’Tis the journey of a lifetime fer me family.”

  Reaching the roadway, they rounded the corner and paraded down the center of the street. The people of Glendaloch waved happily at the group as they passed. Over the years, they had seen many things which had become commonplace to them, not the least of which was the costumed Highlanders Edna brought to town every so often.

  The street was decorated with garland and ribbons and later when the sun set, colorful fairy lights would turn the small town into a magical wonderland. As they approached the inn, Angus and Teddy stood waiting with huge grins on their faces.

  “This is it,” Edna said. “The Thistle and Hive Inn. Angus will lead the men down to the stables, where there are warm stalls and feed for the horses.”

  The women dismounted and Cailin handed Emma down to Ashley who cradled her protectively in her arms.

  “I must get a peek at this wee one.” Edna placed an arm around Ashley as she cooed to Emma and touched her cheek. “Arenae ye a wee beauty? Ye look just like yer mother.” Emma took Edna’s finger in her tiny hand and held tightly. “And with the strength of yer father.”

  “Thank you, Edna. Without your meddling, there wouldn’t be a little Emma,” Ashley teased.

  “I’m a meddler, yer right, but always with good reason.” Edna’s face lit up as Emma cooed and her tiny rosebud lips broke into a big smile. “Oh. I dinnae think I can stand it another moment. May I?” She put her arms out to hold Emma.

  “Of course,” Ashley handed Emma over to her and the baby gazed at Edna in
fascination.

  The others were all chatting excitedly, ogling and pointing at every unusual thing in their line of vision.

  “Shall we take the horses, then?” Angus asked. He climbed atop Ashley’s horse and Teddy took the reins of Lady Catherine’s mount. The men all ponied their wives horses and headed off up the street to the stable at the far end of town. “We’ll be back shortly,” Angus said to the women. Wee Robert took charge of his own mount and after his sisters dismounted, ponied the horse that had held his siblings.

  “Shall we go in?” Edna asked. “Let’s get ye all warm by the fire and then I’ll show ye to yer rooms.”

  As the doors to the inn opened, the smiling faces of Maggie and Dylan, accompanied by a wriggling Chester, greeted them.

  “Welcome! Come in!” Maggie made a welcoming gesture with her arm and Dylan did the same, guiding the travelers into the cozy lobby of the inn.

  Edna, still holding Emma, led the way into the dining room where there were plates of freshly baked scones and mugs of warm cider for the adults, and cupcakes and hot chocolate for the children.

  “Dylan, I’m so excited to see you. I’ve missed you so much,” Jenna said through happy tears as she made her way into her cousin’s embrace.

  “I’ve missed you, too.” He gently kissed the top of her head and then held her away from himself, as if he needed to be sure it was really Jenna.

  The children made a beeline for the treats and Maggie helped them with plates and napkins. She got them all seated while their parents chatted with Edna and Dylan. Chester wandered from person to person, greeting each before moving on. He finally settled on the floor by the children, obviously hoping they’d share their cupcakes with him.

  “What do ye think?” Maggie asked. “Do ye like the cupcakes?”

  “Aye. They be verra good. What is this drink?” Fiona asked as she took another sip.