Chapter 4 The Journey- Leora

As the plane touched down in Edinburgh , I realized that hiring a driver or renting a car was simply not an option, too easy to be followed. The airport lobby buzzed with activity, and my eyes were drawn to a colorful array of bus tour pamphlets displayed on a rack. I grabbed a handful, and flipped through them with purpose. My heart was set on a particular destination, and I scanned the pages for any mention of the Trossachs National Park. Only a select few tours highlighted this locale as a stopping point.

I just had to reach Fairyknowe. This would make it seem like I was just another tourist on a bus tour. It would take a bit more time than I’d prefer, but what other choice do I have if I want to remain unnoticed?

It was now noon, and the sun hung lazily in the sky, casting warm rays over the bustling city. The bus tour was scheduled to depart at two from the historic Edinburgh Castle terrace car park, where cobblestones glistened under the afternoon light. The journey would first take us to Stirling, before offering the promise of an overnight stay in the tranquil village of Aberfoyle. As dawn broke the next day, the bus would wind its way through the scenic landscapes, heading straight to the breathtaking Trossachs National Park. That’s precisely where I needed to be.

Various trails extend from the Trossachs forest, including one leading to Fairyknowe. The circular route meanders through native woodlands, open meadows, and follows the riverside. At the summit of Doon Hill, in the center of a clearing, stands an ancient pine tree. Legend has it that this tree acts as a gateway to the Fairy Queen’s underground palace. Naturally, that’s just a myth. However, the path does lead to a stone bridge that serves as an entrance to the Fae Realm. This is why many humans have accidentally wandered into the Realm, unaware of their mistake.

Fortunately, the airport shuttle offered a direct route to Edinburgh Castle. Within minutes, I arrived at my destination and promptly secured a ticket for the bus tour. Naturally, I used the credit card Becca had entrusted to me for emergencies. The card bore her name, which provided an extra layer of anonymity, making it slightly more challenging to trace back to me. I dumped my cell phone in the closest trash can. Afterward, I wandered into a quaint local café nestled near the castle, its windows adorned with vibrant flower boxes. I selected an assortment of snacks, and then made my way to a nearby bench under a canopy of trees. There, I settled in, savoring the anticipation and the gentle hum of the bustling crowd around me.

The chimes of the clock tower rang out, the sound carrying through the city and echoing off the buildings. Each note is clear and precise, creating a symphony of time that fills the air.

This signaled that it was one o’clock. Shortly afterward, a silver and blue tour bus pulled into the parking lot. A small group of tourists queued up, preparing to hand over their luggage and board the bus.

I joined the queue and was greeted by a cheerful young male with bright eyes and a welcoming smile, who introduced himself as Tom, our tour guide for the trip. He had an easygoing demeanor and exuded an infectious enthusiasm. Meanwhile, the driver, an elderly gentleman with a weathered face and silver hair, sat quietly in his seat. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts, avoiding eye contact with anyone and keeping his gaze firmly fixed on the road ahead. Tom casually mentioned that the driver’s name was Alasdair.

“It’s fantastic to see you here today. This trip is going to change your life,” he exclaimed, shaking my hand vigorously and repeatedly. I gently withdrew my hand. It was clear he was a university student trying to earn some extra money, likely hoping for good tips. His accent is adorable. I’ll give him a nice tip just for that.

“ Do you have any other bags to store?” he asked swiftly and smiled.

“No, just this,” I replied, glancing at my backpack. I showed him my paper ticket, and he moved on to greet the next passengers.

As I ascended the narrow bus steps, I noticed a group of middle-aged females with bleached blonde hair and fake tans gathered at the back, engaged in lively conversation and laughter. Two older couples were seated more towards the center. I opted for a seat in the third row, strategically positioned to allow a quick exit without being so near to Tom that it would make him feel the need to have a conversation during the journey.

Bundled up snugly against the chill in the air, I felt a wave of relief wash over me for having chosen my outfit wisely. The cream sweater covered me in its soft, warm embrace, while my comfortable black pants allowed for easy movement. My trusty trail boots, worn and weathered from countless hikes, provided a sturdy grip on the uneven terrain. I felt comfortable and ready to face the rest of this journey. I grabbed my journal out to keep me busy.

“Hello, everyone. It’s great to see all your cheerful faces. We’ll be departing from Edinburgh in just a few minutes. Our first destination is Stirling, a charming city with plenty to explore. The drive will take about an hour. Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour, beginning with Stirling Castle. After spending a few hours exploring the city, we’ll hop back on the bus and head to Aberfoyle, a small town just south of the Trossachs. There, we’ll enjoy a lovely dinner and have an overnight stay at the inn.”

My focus began to wander out the window. I began to gaze at the passers by. Then I felt a warm hand touch my shoulder. It made me jump.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. May I sit here?”

In front of me stood a tall, gorgeous male. His voice resonated with a deep, velvety richness, tinged with a hint of mischief that seemed almost sinful. As our eyes locked, his intense gaze sent a shiver through me, causing my stomach to flutter with an unexpected thrill. The male before me was captivating, his skin a warm, inviting shade of caramel that seemed to glow under the light. His black curls, a delightful mess atop his head, looked irresistibly soft, tempting me to reach out and run my fingers through them to confirm their texture. His smile was dazzling, a brilliant flash of white that lit up his face and momentarily stole my breath away. It took a moment for me to regain my composure and return to my senses.

Recognizing that I couldn’t afford any distractions, and this male was certainly distracting, I realized it was time to be a bit harsh and send him away.

“With all the available seats on this bus, you choose this one? Are you kidding me?” I motioned towards the back of the bus, where passengers were engrossed in conversations, yet plenty of seats were still unoccupied.

I found myself meeting the male’s eyes. His eyes were a warm shade of brown, with flecks of gold that caught the light. His smile remained unwavering.

“Come on, keep me company. It’s a long journey, and I really hate being all alone.”

With the most dramatic roll of my eyes, I turned and grabbed my bookbag. I slid it on the floor beside my leg.

“I can put it in the carry on if you would like.”

“No. I want it to stay close. Thanks though.” I tried to refocus on my journal.

As he settled next to me, a comforting warmth emanated from his arms, enveloping me like a protective blanket. The distinct, spicy aroma of cinnamon drifted through the air. Instinctively, I drew in a deep breath, letting the fragrance fill my lungs and linger in my mind. My cheeks flushed slightly, a warm blush spreading across my skin, fully aware of his steady gaze fixed upon me, noticing every subtle reaction.

“I’m Yaris. Yaris Winterborne.”

We sat quietly, a touch of awkwardness hanging in the air. In my head, I coached myself to stay calm. It’s okay to be around this male. This interaction is just for the duration of this bus ride. He’s merely being friendly, perhaps a bit overly so, but that’s okay. My experiences with human males haven’t been great, and I’ve never really spent time with Fae males, apart from those on the farm, who feel more like brothers to me. I’ve never been romantically interested in any of them. But this male, he makes my heart race. Thankfully, he’s not Fae, or he would surely hear it.

“Leo. My name is Leo.”