"Finn, the others want to know when the hell this mist is going to lift," Duncan complained. "I dinna know what to tell them."
"I dinna ken why the weather works the way it does, Duncan. I am just as lost as you are!" Finn grumbled. This damnable mist was as thick as gruel and sat low and heavy upon the land. There was no question of travel until it lifted. They had been making good time this past sennight and were just hours away from Lachlan Keep. But as frustrated as he was, it was not Duncan's fault. "Tell them to get ready, I think 'twill pass soon."
Duncan found his horse and re-mounted without further conversation.
To Finn's surprise, the mist indeed began to lift and melt away. The travelling would be easier now for certain. He felt confident enough to urge his horse into a brisk trot. His gaze roamed the hills taking in the beauty of the Lachlan lands. It was to his fortune that his bride's dowry had a sea access. It meant even greater access to trade, and he would pay less overland fees since it shortened the distance the goods had to travel. His eyes settled on the crest of a particular nearby hillock and he abruptly pulled his horse to a stop.
"By Jesu!" he said lowly, looking at the mounted figure.
"What is it now?" Duncan pulled up beside him.
"There!" He pointed toward the figure. The mist had cleared to a mere wisp of what it was, and Duncan saw the figure at last.
"God's teeth! I know who that is!" Duncan cried. "'Tis the Gray Lady, I swear it."
"That ghost nonsense?" Finn's eyes never once left the figure upon the large white mare. She had the mare trotting in place, then rearing, calling to him.
"Aye! She's calling you. 'Tis said she brings fortune if you find the embroidered cloth she drops, but woe betide the poor bastard who lays a hand on her!"
By now the men had seen her, too, and urged Finn to follow. The vision of the woman was hypnotic, and he could not tear his gaze, or his thoughts from her.
"I will catch her. The Gray Lady is mine," he fair growled the words and spurred his eager stallion to a mad gallop.
"Finn!" Duncan called to no avail. Cursing, he kneed his horse to follow.
)
