Page 1 of Redemption

Chapter 1

Isle of Skye, Scotland1321

There arethings in this world some say are invaluable. Time, happiness, and love being among the most sought after. But to Helena, the gift of story was the greatest gift of all. Stories, legends...fables, live forever. And in the darkest hours, they might even change one’s life.

The snow-covered ground reflected a dazzling glow against the sun. For hours, Helena had walked without a village or a croft in sight. The sun as her guide, she kept a northerly course. When a rainbow of iridescent colors painted the darkening sky, flickering stars appeared and still, she encountered not a single soul.

A bitter, westerly wind brought with it freezing snow. Pulling her fur cloak tighter about her, Helena clutched close the satchel she carried and trudged forward, head down, blocking her frozen cheeks from the squalls of heavy falling snow that made it impossible to see more than twenty feet in front of her.

With each step, regret and sorrow weighed more heavily on her shoulders. But stopping or turning back would strip her of her dignity. Everything she had done, everything she believed in would stand for nothing. No matter what happened, she would live the rest of her life with the knowledge that she’d changed her fate and had fought for her freedom.

The snow tapered off and Helena slowed. Despite her determination, her legs felt as if she slogged through mud and her back ached with fatigue. Her toes—never mind her toes. She’d stopped feeling them two hours ago.

The distinct scent of burning wood stopped her in her tracks. Her heart began to pound. Where was the smell coming from? She whirled in an effort to locate the source. A stronger whiff stopped her. She turned left and started walking. Soon, the trees thinned and, across a flat, snow-covered field, she spotted a flicker of light amongst trees that bordered the far side of the field.

Bless the saints!

Helena quickened her pace. The flickering light grew in intensity. Please, she prayed, be kind to a stranger.

She neared the trees and discerned the shadow of the small cottage where shone the light. Helena abruptly skidded. She flailed, found her balance, and stopped. She looked over her shoulder at the snow-covered expanse. Nae, it couldn’t be. Carefully, Helena took one step, then another. A loud crack sounded beneath her. She froze. Sweet God, this was no field. She stood on ice.

Helena glanced at the trees. Given the distance of trees and the steady slopes encircling around her, she’d crossed half a mile of the frozen loch. Her heart thundered. Trees were thirty feet away. The shore would be closer than the trees. If she trod carefully, she might make it back safely.

Slowly, she inched toward shore. Frigid air curled in front of her with each labored breath. She halted, heart pounding.

“Just a little farther,” she whispered.

Suddenly, the world flew above her as the frozen ground tilted. Helena shouted. Then the cold swallowed her.