Highlander's Winter Tale by Donna Fletcher

wish to make you feel uncomfortable. I will take my leave.” He sent her a nod. “Until next time, my lovely lady.” He went to the door, opened it, and walked out.
    Dawn heard the creak as he opened the door and again when he closed it. She wondered again why she had not heard it when he had entered before. Her husband may believe Alexander was nothing more than a man like any other man, but she did not agree. Though what he was, she was not sure, and how did one combat something that was possibly already dead or could not die?
    She shook her head and lowered herself to the chair. This was far worse than any nightmare. One could wake from a nightmare, but this...was all too tangible. She gave past nightmares a thought. How had she escaped them?
    Her mum had always been there to comfort and counsel her. She missed her dearly and she was pleased that her wise words would always find a way to her when needed, as it did now.
    Chase the nonsense away and see what remains and then fight it, refuse to let it conquer you, and you will always be the victor.
    How did she chase away the nonsense of the present situation when that was all there seemed to be?
    Winter Tale.
    The tale was like a nightmare. She had to push away the nonsense and see what she could find out. But she did not know the tale well enough after hearing it only once and Old Mary—she turned to look at her sleeping peacefully—was not well enough to speak with her. She felt the old woman’s head and was pleased to find the fever had lessened, though remained. She wondered if there was anyone else in the village familiar with the tale.
    The door creaked open and Cree entered.
    Dawn smiled and hurried to him and as always he caught her in a strong embrace. She was never happier than when she was in his arms. Problems and worries seemed to melt away and all that was left was the love that embraced them as powerfully as his arms.
    “I was sorry to hear that Old Mary took ill. Does she fare any better?”
    Dawn nodded, patted her brow, and raised her hand up and down slowly.
    “Her fever goes up and down?”
    Dawn nodded again.
    “I wish I could say the same for Elsa. She remains the same.”
    Dawn patted her chest and pointed to her ear, letting him know she had heard about Elsa falling ill and shrugged, her brow going up and her eyes full of concern, asking how Elsa was doing.
    “Neil is with her and more fearful than I have ever seen him. He is doing what he can until the men can reach Ann’s cottage and dig her out. Lara is seeing to those in the keep who have yet to improve.” His brow knitted. “The illness strikes so fast, fever coming on without warning and without Elsa it will be difficult to combat it.”
    Dawn agreed, telling Cree how she had found Old Mary, the fire dwindled to embers, unable to call out for help and her nightdress soaked through from the fever.
    Cree followed her gestures. “You should have given her your only nightdress since you will never be using it.”
    Dawn tapped her chest and nodded.
    “You did?” And when Dawn nodded, Cree said, “Wise woman. I wish we knew what causes this illness so that we can stop it from spreading. I have ordered all those who have not been to the keep to remain a distance from it, though it concerns me that Elsa took ill without being in contact with either. Whether the stranger has something to do with this sudden illness or not, I can take no chances. I have ordered him locked in the tower room with guards posted outside the door until a path has been cleared from the village and he can be sent on his way.”
    Dawn gestured, letting Cree know that the stranger had been here, speaking with her. She was eager to tell him how Alexander had seemed to hear the thoughts in her head.
    “When was he here and what did he say?”
    She held up two fingers, keeping them only a short distance apart.
    “Not long ago? That is not possible. He was in the Great Hall when I entered, half asleep on his pallet,