A/N: Thanks for all your reviews! As always, I love hearing all your thoughts. :)

Chapter 21:

Your wife?" John's voice was low. "How very extraordinary."

"Aye," Jamie retorted back, "Tis a miracle- she has come back to me."

"Forgive me," John paused, his piercing eyes on Jamie, "I thought you said she was dead."

"Aye, I thought so, but she is here now," Jamie's voice was even.

"Yes, I can see that," John's response was clipped and his stance stiffened. "Forgive me, but..." he looked around, "Eleanor... she isn't...she hasn't..."

Claire shifted and looked between the men. Things were undeniably charged between the two men.

"No, no," Jamie said, quickly. "She's quite well. She's here with us."

"Is she?" John asked. "Where?"

"She's here, John," Jamie repeated. "I assure ye she is well."

"I'd like to see that for myself," John said, his voice tense. "You have not written in months, I suppose I now know the reason for that. I would think such happy news would warrant a letter."

"Considering your escapades, I don't know how you would have received such post," Jamie answered dryly. He gestured over to where Eleanor was standing, in conversation with Marsali and Fergus. "There she is. She looks well, does she not?"

"Ah yes, there... she... is..." John titled his head, "I'm do apologize, I am not sure how to properly address her now."

Jamie cleared his throat and shifted heavily, "Fitzgibbons. She is marrit to Murtagh now."

"To Murtagh?" John's voice held his shock again. "Great God in Heaven," he murmured under his breath.

"Eleanor is well, Lord John," Jamie asserted.

"I'd like to speak with her."

"Of course, ye can...ye are the governor and this is yer gathering," Jamie retorted, his tone pointed.

Eleanor looked away from her conversation to see the interaction from across the room. Her eyes widened in recognition as John met her eyes from across the room. She couldn't read his expression, but she knew he was carefully studying her, assessing her well-being. She forced a smile.

"Oh good Lord," Eleanor said, turning back to Marsali. "It's Lord John. He's the governor. How is that possible?"

Fergus interjected, "That is a good thing mi Lady, Lord John could offer assistance."

"Yes, I agree, but I am afraid, it is not a very good thing for Jamie," Eleanor said. "He looks awfully put out."

She looked at Jamie who gave a not so discreet shove of his head, beckoning her to their side. Eleanor gracefully crossed the room, cutting in line, but John had quickly gestured her forward, knowing full well a summoning from the governor would allow such impropriety.

Jamie leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Address him as your excellency."

She swallowed hard and curtseyed, "Your Excellency."

He extended his hand and she took it, "Madam Fras..." A side eye at Jamie, who made some sort of Scottish guttural sound that he is prone to do when annoyed, "Fitzgibbons. It is always a pleasure to see you, Eleanor." He said, sincerely, kissed her hand and then gently dropped it by her side.

"I am very happy to see you as well, Lord John," Eleanor said, honestly. "It has been too long."

"Indeed, it has," John paused, "This is all quite extraordinary. I must say I am trying to get my head around this," He gave Jamie another look, addressing him now. "How did this all come to pass? When did this all come to pass? I'm assuming after the birth of your daughter, but Rose is quite young, is she not?"

Eleanor flush deepened and suddenly felt very hot. She swayed and John immediately stepped forward.

"Eleanor, I did not mean to distress you," John's hand was on her arm, "Good God, I do apologize, my dear. I spoke out of turn."

"You have nothing to apologize for, Lord John," she murmured. "I have been an awful friend."

"You have been no such thing," John told her, adamantly.

She leaned closer so she could speak quietly. "I feel like we are drawing attention to ourselves. May we perhaps find some place more private to answer your inquires or would that be too rude to your guests?"

"Of course we can," John responded, with a nod of his head, "You are quite flushed. Let's get you some place away from everyone."

Jamie turned and frowned, "Are ye no well, lass?"

"I'm just...the heat, it's overcoming. I am feeling a bit ill."

"Of course, you are quite right, this heat is oppressive," John looked around and then offered his arm, "Allow me, Ellie. Jamie, Madam Fraser, this way," he beckoned them to follow.

Claire turned to Jamie, "I was unaware that Eleanor and Lord John had formed an acquaintance."

"Aye," Jamie nodded. "They have met on several occasions. We have exchanged letters the three of us. They both share a love of literature- John has kept us well stocked in reading materials," He frowned. "He is naturally quite fond of her."

"Naturally" Claire said, wryly.

"It was Eleanor's idea to name him as Samuel's godfather and give John as one of his names."

"I see," Claire frowned, "Are you afraid you will be taken to task?"

"I shouldn't think him less of a man if he did so."

"Maybe we should get Murtagh," Claire suggested.

"Eleanor can handle herself with John."

"That's not why I meant," Claire said.

"I doubt we will come to blows tonight Sassenach," Jamie said, dryly. "Tis not John's usual method to show his displeasure. He is a gentlemen after all." They arrived at the library and fell silent.

"Here we are," John brought them to library. "Ellie, sit here."

"Thank you," she said, her hand on her stomach.

"How can I assist you?" John asked, studying her. "A glass of wine, perhaps?"

"No, thank you," Eleanor said, biting her lip. "I really am fine." She took a breath, trying to quell her nausea.

"Ye are lookin green, lass," Jamie studied her, his eyes intensely scrutinizing. "John is right, maybe some wine."

"I don't need wine, Jamie. I need my children," Eleanor retorted, her voice heated. She didn't know why she was suddenly so angry with Jamie, but she was.

John looked between them. "Where are the children? Did you travel with them? What are you doing here to begin with?"

Tears filled Eleanor's eyes. She had been trying to hold things together for so long, but now that John was here and being so Lord John about everything, the events of the past months, it all came crashing down on her once again. "They were taken," her voice choked on a sob.

"Taken," John swiftly crossed the room and sat next to her, stunned. "All three?" he looked to Jamie.

"Aye," Jamie said, grimly, "even the wee bairn."

"Good God, no wonder you are so unwell," John said, breathless, his hand reaching into his pocket to offer Eleanor his handkerchief. "Who took them? Do you know yet?"

"We dinnae ken but the path has led here," Jamie said, "They were kidnapped under our noses."

"I was distracted," Ellie told John, tearfully, wringing the handkerchief. "It is all my fault."

"It isn't your fault,Eleanor," Claire interjected. "Stop blaming yourself."

"Good God, Eleanor," John said, putting a comforting hand on her arm. "Of course, it isn't your fault. I am grieved and distressed by this news." He looked to Jamie, "Jamie, what can I do? Do you think it has anything to do with..." his voice trailed off, looking over at Eleanor.

"I know, Lord John," Eleanor said, "he finally told me after the children were taken. And yes, I do think it does considering a Jacobite symbol was left behind. A white Rose."

"We will find them, Eleanor," John said. "I just wish you had sent message sooner. I could have used some contacts. I care about the littles one too...even if I have never met them in person. And one of them is my godson, so..."

"Aye, I ken," Jamie nodded. "Things just transpired so quickly."

"Of course," John acquiesced. He looked solemn, "Our absence is going to become conspicuous, but we must speak further on this. Eleanor, would you like to stay here until you feel like joining the others?"

She nodded.

"Should we send..." John paused, "Mr. Fitzgibbons to you?"

"No, that won't be necessary," Eleanor said, quickly. "I am quite capable."

"Of course, you are," John said, "I shall see you soon, then."

Eleanor forced a smile, "Of course, Lord John."

They left her and Eleanor laid on the couch, trying to quell the feeling in her stomach. Her eyes closed. She put her hand on her belly, "You must let mama be, little one. We have to be well to find your brothers and sister." She prayed it would be true.

John sipped his wine, "I am worried about Eleanor," he said, not wasting any time once Claire decided to circulate the room.

"Aye," Jamie glanced at him, "I can tell. She has a husband to worry aboot her, ye ken."

"Two, in fact," John said, dryly. "Do not even presume to tell me that ye think this is acceptable, by any means. I cannot even..." he stopped himself, "As your friend...I cannot...Jamie..." he paused. "I rather want to challenge you to a duel right now but I doubt that will make anything better and for the injustice you have done her, it is clear Eleanor still loves you," he said bluntly.

"It wasna easy fer any of us," Jamie said, "But we must focus on finding the bairns and then ye can take me to task later, man."

"Very well," John grunted. His eye caught Murtagh from across the room. He nodded to the man.

Claire swiftly moved back to their side, "Geillis is here, Jamie."

Jamie's mouth dropped open. "Ye dinnae say. I thought she..." he paused.

"Yes, but apparently Dougal saved her. But she is acting awfully strange," Claire said, quietly.

Jamie's back straightened.

"Tread carefully, Mr. Fraser," John said. "You do not want to give away your hand. Allow me." John put his wine down and went to seek out the woman in question, sparking up a conversation and delicately coaxing information out of her.

Eleanor paced the room, her hands wrung in distress. After John had questioned her, Claire had gone to visit Geillis on her plantation and Eleanor was sure something was amidst.

Finally, Claire returned with Jamie by her side.

"Well," Eleanor asked, her shoulders hunched in anticipation.

"She is definitely up to something," Claire said. "What, I am not sure. She was peppering me with questions...asked about Brianna. Wanted to see pictures."

Eleanor raised her eyebrows, "Did you actually show her pictures?"

"She is a time traveler like us," Claire said, "I didn't think much of it."

"And she returned everything?" Eleanor asked.

Jamie turned his head, "She did return everything, Sassenach, didn't she?"

Claire reached into her pocket and shuffled through the pictures...and then she reshuffled. And once again.

"Let me see," Jamie extended his hand and Claire put the pictures in, "She took one."

"It looks like it," Claire bit her lip, "You don't really believe that Geillis is behind all of this?"

"Ye said that she was verra obsessed with the Jacobites before she left her own time."

"Yes, but this...even for Geillis," Claire said.

"Geillis was always a verra calculating..." Murtagh entered the room. "Dougal mentioned it often."

Jamie looked to Murtagh, "Tell Fergus to pack the trunks and go to the ship."

"Mi Lord," Fergus entered, if on cue. "We have a problem," He bent to whisper in Jamie's ear.

"Good Lord," Jamie muttered.

"What is it?" Claire asked.

"Apparently, the ship, didn't sink, Claire," Jamie said. "They are in harbor now. The ruins we found...perhaps they threw off luggage that was contaminated, I dinnae ken. But what it means..."

"Lieutenant Leonard," Claire covered her mouth, "He is looking for you."

"Looking for you?" Eleanor rose. "For what exactly?"

"Weel, if ye must ken, I got into a scuffle with a man who discovered our business in Edinburgh...actually all over Scotland."

Eleanor titled her head. "What business, Jamie?"

Jamie paused and then finally said, "The smuggling one that I have run through the men at Ardsmuir."

"All those trips to Edinburgh...James Fraser!" Eleanor's voice rose.

"I had to support our children, lass," Jamie defended, "I told ye that ye no need to worry. It worked well for years."

"And I trusted you and now...what? You are wanted for...smuggling?" Eleanor asked.

"No, murder," Jamie responded. "But it isna what ye think. It was self defense, but..."

Eleanor held up her hand, "I can't even. Just stop. What are we going to do?"

"We have to act fast," Jamie said. "I have a plan."

"You'd better," Eleanor muttered.

"I cannot believe that worked," Eleanor said after Lieutenant Leonard brushed past her.

She knocked on the door and she went into the office, followed by Claire and Murtagh.

"Is it done?" Eleanor asked.

"Aye, fer now," Jamie said, "But we must go search for the children and then leave quickly." He turned to John and offered his hand and John and him were conversing in low tones.

Eleanor put her hand on her stomach, "Is this truly it? Are we all ready to go?"

Murtagh stepped forward, exchanging a glance with Jamie as he did. "Not all of us, lass."

Eleanor looked at him, quizzically, "What do you mean?"

"Eleanor, you must stay behind," Murtagh said. "You are no condition to travel."

Jamie stopped in his conversation with John, his attention captured. "Is she not well, Murtagh?" he asked.

Eleanor shook her head, swiftly. "I am well."

"No, ye are not," Murtagh retorted, "She is expecting again."

Jamie's expression did not falter, but his jaw twitched. "Is that so, lass?"

"It does not matter. Nothing matters except finding my children. I will not be left behind!" Eleanor's voice rose as she took a step closer to where Jamie was standing and further from Murtagh, a move missed by no one in the room. "These are my children."

"And ye are carryin my babe in yer belly. Ye will only slow us down, lass. I love the wee uns too and I made ye a vow that I will return them to you." Murtagh said, firmly. "I willna sway."

"I will never forgive you if something happens and I am not there."

"It is a chance I am willin to take, Eleanor, for the sake of our child and fer yer own."

"Damn you, you stubborn scot!" Eleanor groaned. "I am not helpless. I am going and that is that." She fisted her hands.

"Eleanor," Jamie murmured to her in a voice that only the people closest to him could hear- which would be John and Ellie, "Calm yerself, mo ghraidh."

She ignored him to continue to rail at Murtagh. "You cannot stop me."

"Aye, I can," Murtagh said, with a tilt of his head, "It is dangerous for you to travel in your condition and we do not know what we will face tonight."

"But Claire is going so..." she paused, indignant.

"Claire capable of defending herself," Murtagh said, seriously. "Ye are not."

"Because Jamie and you taught her!" Eleanor shot back. "I'm so tired of everyone thinking that I am fragile. Yes, I feel things. I feel them deeply. I don't hold those feelings in, but that does not mean I cannot handle the truth."

"Regardless, we are wasting time arguing with ye," Murtagh said. "Ye are to remain here. Ye canna make the trip back to Scotland in yer condition. Ye could have the bairn early on the ship in God ken what conditions. Ye children need ye alive, Eleanor. No, ye must stay. I have already arranged lodgings for ye."

"Were you not going to tell me?"

"I am telling you now," he retorted.

"I'm not going to stay here by myself," Eleanor said, "There is no way."

"Perhaps, Eleanor," Jamie coughed as he finally spoke again, looking between the two of them and exchanged a long look with John, "you can stay with Lord John. Lady Isobel will be arriving in due course and until then the servants should be proper chaperones."

John cleared his throat, "Of course, that should not be a worry. Eleanor is more than welcome to stay here until she can travel safely. Actually, I would recommend that. There has been unrest of late and I do not wish Eleanor to be on the island by herself."

"That's so kind of you, Lord John, truly, but it is not necessary, because I will have to be tied up here to stop me from going."

"That could be arranged, lass," Murtagh said, evenly. "Ye are staying put. Ye gave me yer word."

"Alot of people give words and often they are not kept due to unforeseen circumstances," Eleanor shot back. "Ask your godson."

"Easy lass," Jamie admonished, under his breath.

"We are wasting time arguing with ye, Eleanor, precious time," Murtagh retorted. "Ye need to stop being so stubborn and do what ye ken ye need to do."

Ellie turned towards Jamie and reached out to touch his arm, "Jamie, for the sake of our past and what we have shared, please. I am begging you. I cannot wait. You know I cannot wait here. they are so close. I have to hold them again. I have to be the face they see. Please." Eleanor started crying. "Please. You owe me this much."

Jamie let out a long breath. "Aye, I owe ye more than I can possibly repay at this moment, but I canna go against his judgment, lass. He's yer husband, not I." His voice was quiet and the room suddenly got very tense.

"Eleanor, lass," Murtagh grunted. "I willna have ye pit my godson against me."

She sniffled not bothering to wipe the tears that were spilling down her face. Jamie looked to Claire who gave him a nod. She hated it but she understood. He loved them both and to see Eleanor's heart breaking, his heart could not help but respond and try to ease her pain. Even if she was no longer his wife. He turned to Murtagh, who nodded his permission as well.

"Come with me for a moment, Eleanor," Jamie said, his voice low. He looked at the others, "Excuse us. We will only be a moment."

He walked out the door and Ellie followed him.

"What is it, Jamie?" Eleanor asked, her hand on her stomach, her feeling the baby move within her.

"I ken we are close to them, Eleanor. And I feel the panic of it as well."

"I have to be there, Jamie," Eleanor said, pleading quietly. "What if something happens and I am now with them? What if something has already happened? I can only tolerate so much. Please."

Jamie reached out to grasp her hand, squeezing it.

"I ken, but we are wasting time, mo ghraidh. Any moment might be a missed opportunity and Murtagh is right, ye will slow us down. Ye are clearly not feeling well..." he paused his eyes searching hers, "Why dinnae ye say something?"

Eleanor paused, "I didn't know what to say," her voice caught.

"Do ye ken how far along ye are?" he studied her.

"The babe has already quickened, but this stress is causing the sickness to stay longer than the others."

"I see," Jamie looked at her, wanting to say more, but not sure of what to say either. He forced himself to go back to the issue at hand.

"Ye need to be reasonable, Eleanor," his voice was low, "I dinna want ye to come in the first place, but Murtagh said ye should until there was a time when ye couldna. And this is the time. I will take care of our lads and lass, I promise. But I need ye to get yerself under control, aye?" His eyes drew hers to his and held them there. He squeezed her hand harder. "I will bring them home and ye will meet them again. The most pressing issue is their safety, aye?"

Eleanor swallowed hard, "Of course, I just...my heart is so torn, being this close and so far."

"It may just be a little longer, but I will not fail ye."

"You have said that before- all during this journey."

"Aye, and I will keep promising ye that until ye believe me. I ken I lost yer trust long ago, but I pray ye to believe me now and heed our orders, for they are given with the upmost care to yer wellbeing as well as that of our children," He had paused over the word, our and Eleanor's heart skipped.

She felt his strength and his love and for a moment, she needed him more than anyone else.

"You haven't lost my trust, Jamie," Eleanor leaned her head against him and his arms went around her, "I'm sorry I am not stronger for our children."

"Ye are plenty strong for all of us, lass," he squeezed her tightly, unable to deny her the comfort that he longed to give her, to make her world whole again for she had done that for him more times than he could count. "Do not doubt that. If it wasn't fer the bairn, I wouldna press the issue. "

She sniffed hard, "Very well. I will heed your orders, James Fraser." She pulled away. "I'm still angry at him for making me stay, but if...will you just tell him I'm sorry for me? When I am less angry, I will not be able to and I know I will eventually want to, I just cannot bring myself at the moment."

"Aye," he wiped her tears, "Ye are as prideful as the lot of us."

"Perhaps you are right." She allowed Jamie to lead her back to the others and she headed to Claire and reached to give her a hug.

"If something was to happen to me, please take of my babies for me."

"Of course, you do not have to ask," Claire told her, hugging her back. "You will see them soon, I promise."

"Tell them I love them," she told Jamie.

"Aye, I will. Over and over," he leaned over to kiss her cheek.

"Don't let them forget about me."

"How could they?" Jamie responded, rubbing her arm, "I will try to send word to ye, somehow."

She nodded.

"Be well, Eleanor."

She turned towards Murtagh, meeting his eyes. She shook her head, the gesture almost imperceptible, but he received her message.

"Jamie," Murtagh said, gruffly and Jamie, with one last glance at Eleanor and John, left with Claire and Jamie.

Eleanor's shoulders slumped and John took a step towards her. "Madam Fitzgibbons," he reached out to touch her arm, "Eleanor, I'm so very sorry."

"It's all such a mess," she sank down into the nearby couch.

"I can see that."

"I'm sorry you had to witness that."

"I am sorry you had to live that," John retorted. "My curiosity is getting the best of me, but you do not need to satisfy that tonight. A glass of wine and then bed, perhaps? I can alert the servants." He rang the bell and gave the orders quietly before sitting down next to her on the couch.

She sniffed hard. "I can only bear so much, Lord John." The baby was moving again. "I was so close to them. If they are here and I am miles away from them. How can I wait months more?"

"Jamie will hold fast to him word, Eleanor. He will find your children and you will see them again. He is a man of his word, of his honor..." his voice trailed off, because it was rather obvious that there was one area that Jamie could not hold true to his word. "But he is right, it is imperative to get them away from this island. If that woman is responsible, we do not know how far her influence reaches. She cannot be acting alone."

"I don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight," Eleanor said. "Jamie said he would send word."

"Torturing yourself tonight will not make to word come more quickly," John said, gently.

"I know you are right, but," Eleanor buried her head in her hands. "I just want them safe. That is all that matters."

"Of course," John responded, reaching out to lightly touch her arm, "But you wouldn't be the mother that you are if you didn't wish to be the one to comfort them- to return normalcy to their lives."

She nodded, "Thank you for understanding."

"Of course, I do," John said, "All of this has been quite shocking, Eleanor."

"I will tell you everything...but in the morning," Eleanor's lip trembled. "Are you sure you don't want me to go back to the lodgings? I do not wish to cause problems and Lady Isobel..."

"It will be quite a few weeks before she does join us, but she will not mind the company, especially on this foreign place."

"But she is a lady and I am..."

"A lady as well," John said, firmly, "I will not see Jamie's choices be put upon you. As for the company, I can attest that you are an excellent companion."

"You are being far too generous with me."

"And I hate to continue to see you do such an injustice to yourself," John responded. "You will remain here with me...and with Isobel...until either the baby arrives or Jamie returns. I will not have it any other way, Eleanor. And you do know how determined I can be once my mind is set."

"Very well," Eleanor said, "I'm grateful not to be alone. You do know how sorry I am that we didn't tell you about all of this."

"That was not your decision to make," John said. "Jamie was afraid of my reaction, and rightly so."

One of the slaves arrived and Eleanor bit her lip. She did not like this at all, but she knew she needed to be with John. She was well aware of the culture in which she was now confronted with. But she saw she had little choice. John would not understand her modern perspective because in spite of how trusted he was as a friend, there was one secret she could never let go of.

"Susanna will take you to your room," John said. "I will see you in the morning, if you feel well enough for breakfast."

She nodded.

"Try to get some sleep, my dear," he gently entreated.

"Of course, I will try."

"Very good," John rose with her, "And now, I will say goodnight," he bowed and Eleanor curtseyed.

"Goodnight, Lord John," she glanced at Susanna. "Or should I say your excellency?"

John smiled gently, "Or John perhaps."

Eleanor smiled back, "Goodnight, John."

She left, her heart grateful that in spite of what was happening, of all the chaos and heartbreak, she was with such a trusted friend. And to be honest, she desperately needed a friend these days. Murtagh had been one, but their marriage had left things tense between them more times than naught. Jamie had been her best friend and yet that was taken from her. There were moments they still connected and in moments, Jamie was perhaps the only one that could speak to her heart, but other times, the intensity of their past reared its ugly head towards bitterness, anger, and despair.

And when John heard her leave, he went to grab his things.

"Where are you going your excellency?" Tom asked.

"To the harbor," John said. "Come, Tom. Madam Fitzgibbons will have news of her children. I will not rest tonight until I hear one way or another."

"Do you hear the buzzing?" Claire said, "It's..." she clapped her ears.

Jamie reached for her hand, "I have ye, mo nighean donn."

They headed towards the cave, Murtagh by their side.

"My God," Claire screamed. "Geillis, what are you doing?"

Geillis had a knife to Ian's throat.

Jamie held up his hand, "Wait, Geillis," his eyes adjusted to the cave and he saw the children huddled. Mac had his arm around Sam and Rosie, who was standing, red curls framing her face. His wee bairn had grown. Sam's lip was trembling and Mac was comforting them both.

"Da!" Mac cried. "Ian said ye would come."

"Cover their eyes, Mac," Ian yelled at him.

"Of course, leannan, I came fer you, I love you," Jamie said, his voice calm, "But Mac, listen to yer cousin," Jamie said, "and turn yer head as well."

Murtagh took a step closer to the children, but Geillis said, adamantly, "I will do it, I swear."

"What is your plan?" Claire stepped closer to the two.

"I thought the three would be enough...but with your daughter in the 20th century, I thought it could be her. I must have all of them together. But I could not leave the others here. That will not do. Since their mother is a traveler..."

"Their mother is no such thing," Jamie retorted, his voice heated.

Geillis laughed, "I could spot that from the moment I saw her. She is verra bonny. And she covers it well, but perhaps not so well, because the children have acquired some verra queer phrases of speech. You wouldn't have married and fallen in love with someone ordinary, James Fraser," Geillis said, "And to have so many bairns with the lass, ye must have loved her. She reminded you of Claire."

"That is simply not true. If she is different, it is because she is from the colonies," Jamie countered. "Mac, do ye hear buzzing?"

Mac straightened and tightened his grip on his siblings, "No, Da. I hear nothin."

"There you are," Jamie said, "If his mother was one, he would be able to hear...but he doesn't. Just like I dinnae hear a thing."

"He can travel as long as I have my grip on all of them."

"You'll drop them through time," Claire said. "Then where would they end up?"

"I must have Brianna too," Geillis said, "It is a risk I must take."

"You will not touch Brianna," Claire took another step closer.

"A life for a life, Claire," Geillis said, "I gave ye your life and now I require one in return."

Claire's eyes caught something shining in the corner of her eye.

"Geillis, I am warning you," Claire said."Let Ian go. We can discuss this more."

"And just how are ye goin to stop me?" Geillis laughed, her laugh ringing through the cave.

And happened so quickly that all Jamie heard was Mac's scream as Geillis's head fell to the ground and rolling away from them. Jamie turned to Claire, his eyes wide. Claire had dropped her weapon and stepped closer to the pool in the middle of the cave.

"The buzzing...Brianna..." she murmured, shaking.

Murtagh had gone to the children's side, bending down next to them. He blocked their view of the blood and the dismembered body.

"Claire, mo nighean donn," Jamie's voice was low. He reached for her arm and then yanked her back. Claire startled and then looked at the blood on her hands, horrified. "The children..."

"Ian, stay close to yer Auntie," Jamie said and reached to scoop up Rosie and Sam in each arm, Murtagh grabbing Mac. "Let's go away from here."

When they got outside the cave, Jamie paused a minute, putting his two down and falling to his knees.

"Leannans, come to Da," he said, taking all three into a hug. "Ian, ye too. And Claire."

He held all of them close.

"That's Da," Mac whispered to Rosie and Sam, squished in Jamie's firm embrace, "Remember I told ye about him. He's the best Da in the world. I knew he would come."

Jamie's tears splattered down his face as he wept over his bairns. "Of course, I came, Mac. I'm just sorry it took so long."

Mac reached to tug his coat, "I heard the buzzing, Da. I ken I shouldna tell a lie, but..."

"Oh my lad," Jamie said, wiping his face. He pulled him against him again, kissing his head. "Ye have been verra brave and canny indeed. Now we must go away from here and quickly."

"Where is Mama?" Mac asked, still holding on to Jamie's coat.

"When we get you safe, I will tell ye aboot yer mama," Jamie said, "but in the meantime, she sent me a message to give ye." Jamie bent down to plant a kiss each of his three of his children, "She said she loves ye verra much. And there has not been a minute of the day that she has not longed fer all three of ye."

Claire wiped her hands, taking the water and rising her hands. She wiped them on her skirt. "I will take Rosie, Jamie. Hello, sweetheart, can I hold you?" She held out her arms.

Rosie eyed her with her mama's wide blue eyes and "Aye." Claire took her and Rosie buried her head in Claire's neck.

Sam clung to Jamie and his heart tearing, Jamie patted his back. "I got ye, lad. I ken that was scary. Did ye hear the sounds too?"

"Aye," he put his thumb in his mouth.

"Yer safe now, lad. Hold onto me. Murtagh, will ye take Mac?"

"Aye," Murtagh swung him up easily. "Let's go, my godson."

"Ian..." Jamie looked to him.

"I am fine, Uncle," Ian said and then leaned to whisper in Jamie's ears, "They were cared for. She wanted them safe. Mac was really the only one that understood what all of it meant. He is verra canny, Uncle. Auntie Ellie would be pleased."

Jamie reached to put a hand on his nephew's face, "I was just goin to say that I canna thank ye enough, Ian. Ellie feels the same way," He pulled him in for another hug, "That's from yer Auntie."

"Is Auntie Eleanor well?" Ian asked as they all headed towards the ship.

"Aye, she is well," Jamie said, "She just canna travel at the moment."

Once Jamie got them safely aboard, he went back down the plank one more time to make sure everything was secure. He bumped into a body. "John!" he whispered, recognizing him instantly even in the dark.

"You have to get away from here. Leonard is not going to rest until you are arrested. I arranged for a distraction tonight, but I cannot give you more time."

"I ken. Geillis is dead. Can ye..."

"I will fabricate a story," John said. "Leave it to me." He paused, "The children?"

"All safe as well as Ian. Tell Ellie that Rosie has the most bonny mop of curls and that Sam is verra braw and her eldest...weel, he's been the bravest child in the world. And so verra canny, just like his mama."

John let out a long breath, "I will."

"And if ye will..." Jamie paused, "Tell her that I lo..." his voice caught, forcing himself to stop. "Christ," he stiffened.

John's eyes met his in the moonlight, "I will send your regards. Will that do?"

"Aye."

"Now, go!" John said, "There is no time to waste."

"Farewell, my friend."

"I will take good care of Eleanor. I swear it, Jamie."

"I had no doubt," Jamie reached out to give his friend a hug, before climbing up the plank to his children and to Claire.