Rise of a Legend (Guardian of Scotland Book 1) by Amy Jarecki Page A

because it was the only bag she owned that would pass for medieval. The first thing she packed was a handful of panties. She might have to wear the same clothes for days, but she’d go crazy if she couldn’t change her underpants. Then she added her toiletries bag and her solar mobile phone charger. Without service, the phone could still be used as a camera and a recording device—as long as she could keep it hidden.
    Money?
    She plopped the satchel on the bench and turned in a circle. Opening the cupboard, she found a canister of salt and tossed it in, then opened her jewelry travel case and pulled out the gold band from her wedding set. She stared at the diamond engagement ring and matching earrings Steven had given her and opted to leave them behind. She could end up in more trouble than not with a couple of karats in diamonds…but she did pick out two silver rings and a silver pin in the shape of a thistle she’d had since high school.
    If only I had a halfpenny or a few farthings dated 1297 or earlier .
    She sighed, stood in front of the mirror and affixed the veil in place with the cord Wynda had given her.
    The door swung open.
    Eva whipped around and faced Linsey and Chrissy with her hands gripped behind her back as if she’d been caught stealing. “Hey! What have you two been up to?” She sounded like a cheerleader.
    They exchanged exasperated looks. Chrissy with her brown hair and freckles stepped in and leaned against the counter. “The question is: where have you been?”
    Eva shrugged into her down vest—Lord knew she needed it the most. “I wish I could say, but I’m following the story of my life, and its hush, hush.”
    Linsey raked her gaze up then down. “Bloody Christmas, you look like you’re ready for a reenactment of the Battle of Bannockburn or something. I went to one last year and the women were dressed just like you are.”
    “Oh this?” Eva held out her skirts. “It’s just part of my disguise.”
    “Sounds like a weird story you’re writing,” Linsey said.
    “I know, right?” After picking up her satchel, Eva slung it over her shoulder. “Hey, well, I guess I’ll see you later, then?”
    “Yeah.” Still leaning against the counter, Chrissy crossed her arms and her ankles. “I hope you can tell us what’s going on when you get back.”
    “I sure will, just as soon as I know it’s all right.” Before Eva walked out the door, she opened the cupboard and grabbed a box of granola bars she’d brought with her. “See ya.”
    The girls hardly had a chance to say goodbye when she dashed out the door, running for her car. Hopefully Walter would bring it back again. Honestly, she had no idea if she could fling herself to the past from anywhere, or if she had to be at Fail Monastery. But this wasn’t the time to find out. She must return to Lanark before William arrived, else the trust she’d began to build would be ruined forever.
    The Fiat engine revved, and though Fail was only a few miles away, she couldn’t drive fast enough. Skidding to a stop in the gravel, she ran to the old ruin and faced the rose window. Breathing heavily, she looked up and grasped the medallion. “I swear I will never do anything to alter the past. Please, whatever force is out there, take me back.”
    Eva stood staring at the window while the breeze picked up her veil. Thunder rumbled in the distance.
    Please. Before it starts to rain .
    She stood in place for a good fifteen minutes. Gusts of wind swirled around the ruined walls, then a splash of water smacked her cheek. Lightning streaked overhead. Eva crossed her arms and hugged them tight to her chest. “I’m not leaving!”
    The skies opened with a deluge. Eva glanced at the Fiat—if she made a run for it, she could wait out the storm. But something deep inside told her to stay.
    When she blinked, an image of Heselrig’s back flashed through her mind’s eye. She shook her head.
    “I will not fail,” she yelled at the gaping window.