The Charm Stone by Donna Kauffman Page B

left his clan to be all but decimated while he awaited his
destiny.”
She said that last word as if it were a curse, then shook her head, as incensed as if it had happened three years ago instead of three hundred.
    “Man?”
    “The MacNeil. Connal was his name.”
    Josie hoped Maeve didn't notice the goose bumps on her skin, or the way the hairs on her neck lifted.
    “He had a notion that possession of a charm stone was all the clan needed to ensure survival. He'd inspired loyalty in the lot of them, I'll give him that, but that loyalty ended up costing them. All while he waited in that damned tower.”
    “What a shame,” Josie mumbled, folding herarms to keep Maeve from seeing how they trembled. But Maeve didn't seem to notice, deep into her story now.
    “In the end, it cost him his life as well. Horrible battle, that. Campbells took over, then lost it several years later to the Sutherlands, who in turn abandoned it and left it to ruin. There are still some Mac-Neils here, as there are Campbells and Sutherlands, but the strength of the island was lost when the castle was first defeated.” She lifted her hands and her expression cleared. “It's a checkered and sometimes tawdry past, to be sure, but then most of our country is built on like foundations. We're survivors, we are.” She smiled. “But I'm sure ye don't want to hear of it all.”
    “Actually, I find it fascinating,” she said truthfully, despite the anxiety she was feeling. “I think it's wonderful that everyone is so in touch with the events and characters that made their country what it is today.”
    Maeve laughed. “For better or for worse lass. Some say we cling too tightly to the past here, but I say that it's only in understanding where ye come from that ye can know which direction to go.” Then she laughed. “Of course, none of that means we don't go right back down the wrong path over and over again.” She wiped her hands on her apron and straightened, signaling Josie that chat time was over.
    “Does Roddy serve any food? I thought I might have some lunch while I'm in town.”
And see if I can get any ghost stories out of Dougal and company.
Though she was becoming less enamored of her idea with every passing minute
    “Aye, he does. It's simple fare, but it will fill you up.”
    “Sounds good to me. It's really a lovely little town you have here,” she said. “Stunning view across thewater.” She smiled at Maeve. “It feels almost magical. I appreciate your hospitality, finding me a place to stay.”
    Maeve's eyes twinkled. “Thank you, dear heart, and it was my pleasure. Always enjoy having another woman about, especially one so lively as you. I'm sure the boys will be glad to have you join them as well.” She led the way to the door. “Just don't be surprised if they hound you to death about your surfing. You've sparked their imaginations you have, with that fancy board of yours. I imagine they've become experts on the subject since you landed here.”
    Josie grinned, surprised. “Have they now?”
    “Oh aye. To hear them go on ye'd think they were all born with a board in their hands, though none of them had ever so much as seen one until yesterday. I expect you'll be settling more than one argument for them.” She winked. “A smart lass could parlay that into an ale or two, if she were of a mind to.”
    Josie laughed. Again she wished her father were here, but this time so that he could enjoy this adventure with her. In a place filled with colorful characters, Big Griff would feel right at home. Ghosts notwithstanding, she thought she could, too. Or would have if not for a growing sense of uneasiness. Actually, it was more like guilt.
    She hadn't expected the island history to be such a sore point with the locals so many years later. She'd assumed they'd never even heard of the charm stone, much less that it had played such an important role. How did she proceed? Did she dare tell them she'd brought the stone back? She