by Mary Morgan
Table of Contents
Excerpt
Praise for The Fenian Warriors Series
Destiny of a Warrior
Copyright
Dedication
Glossary of the Fae Realm~The Tuatha Dé Danann
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Epilogue
Note from Author
Coming in December 2019
Prologue
Other books by Mary Morgan
A word about the author…
Thank you for purchasing
Also available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc. and other major retailers
Tossing the pinecone aside, Aidan stood. His instincts screamed at him to do something to prevent her from further inspecting the stone. Only he knew the significance. And he now understood why he was sent here. In all his travels, not one human had documented his time among them. Or so he believed. Upon his arrival, he longed to pulverize the stones to shards of dust after viewing the back. The altar stone had remained buried under moss, dirt, and ivy. The same was true with the tallest stone at its base.
He fought against extending his hand outward and sinking the area a thousand feet underground. Making quick strides to Rose, he came to an abrupt halt. Her face was ashen as she knelt behind the stone, sketching an entire scene on her notepad. One side mirrored the stones, but on the opposite page, her hand drew an epic vista.
The blood pounded inside his head, and he dared to draw in a breath. With each stroke of her hand, an image came to life, and his greatest fear unfolded. Slowly, Aidan lifted his hand. The power built and traveled down his arm. He had to destroy the picture. Banish the past vision from her mind. Eradicate all knowledge of him. Seal the door to the past from the present.
The truth must never be revealed.
But when Rose lifted her gaze to meet his, Aidan’s heart stopped. For the first time in his life, he was torn between duty and his own personal needs.
“I am sorry,” he stated in a strangled voice.
Praise for The Fenian Warriors Series
“This story is a great mix of settings and scenes from medieval Scotland, fantasy, and romance all wrapped in one. Forbidden love, the fae, solid world-building, a steamy romance, what more can fantasy fans want?”
~Majanka Verstraete for InD’tale Magazine
~*~
“Mary Morgan has penned such an emotional fantasy romance, I cried. A moving tale, TRIAL OF A WARRIOR is a forbidden romance with warring races, treachery and deceit.”
~N.N. Light Book Heaven
~*~
“I didn’t think I could like these warriors and this world more, but I was wrong. This one is even better than the first.”
~Cyrene for Uncaged Book Reviews
~*~
“Morgan’s world building floats the reader in a magical world, fantasy, yet not. Her characters are so fleshed-out, I could touch them. Her scenes are descriptive—some being very emotional, which put me to tears.”
~Booktalk with Eileen
~*~
“Conn MacRoich and Ivy O’Callaghan are two of the most strong, vibrant characters that I have ever read as they try to unravel secrets, right wrongs and deny a sizzling attraction that heats up the pages.”
~Stormy Vixen
Destiny of a Warrior
by
Mary Morgan
Legends of the Fenian Warriors,
Book 4
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
Destiny of a Warrior
COPYRIGHT © 2019 by Mary Morgan
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Cover Art by Debbie Taylor
The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
PO Box 708
Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708
Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com
Publishing History
First Fantasy Rose Edition, 2019
Print ISBN 978-1-5092-2647-4
Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-2648-1
Legends of the Fenian Warriors, Book 4
Published in the United States of America
Dedication
With deep appreciation on my five-year anniversary of being a published author, I dedicate this book to all my readers across the globe. Many of you have traveled this road with me from the very first book. You’ve encouraged, cheered, and shared your thoughts and love for my stories. May I continue to bring you many more romantic tales—ones filled with hope, redemption, and always a happily ever after. Thank you with love!
As a special acknowledgement, I’d like to express my admiration to my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, Inc. They granted this writer her greatest wish by giving me my first contract. Thank you, Rhonda Penders and RJ Morris, two amazing women who are the captains of our Rose Garden.
Thanks also to Lisa Dawn, marketing extraordinaire! You’re always there 24/7! To Debbie Taylor, a phenomenal graphic designer who has given me the most amazing covers! I cry each time I receive a new one from you.
But most of all, my gratitude goes out to my dear editor, Amanda Barnett. I will never forget our first conversation. I took a leap of faith on that day and have never regretted being under your tutelage. You have taught me so much, not only as a writer but as a friend, too. Cheers to many more anniversaries!
Glossary of the Fae Realm~The Tuatha Dé Danann
CATHEDRAL OF TREES: A place of worship and where royal ceremonies are held.
COURTS OF THE FAE: Special chambers where the Fae Order discuss and advise on the laws.
FAE APOTHECARY: A special healer and where one can purchase or create medicinal herbal remedies.
FAE COUNCIL: A group of nine Fae members who proceed and advise over the laws, especially those governed by the Fenian Warriors.
HALL OF REMEMBRANCE: A place the Fae visit to reflect on their life’s journey.
KEEPER OF KNOWLEDGE: Archibald McKibben, Bard of the Fae. He is responsible for keeping a historical record of all events pertaining to the Fae within both worlds—human and Fae.
LIBRARY OF THE ANCIENTS: All the knowledge the Fae brought with them to Ireland.
PLEASURE GARDENS: A vast, luscious garden where the Fae may find others for sexual pleasures.
REALM OF SORROWS: When a Fae becomes trapped in his own misery and sorrow. Ultimately, they become a shadow of their former self and go mad.
ROOM OF REFLECTION: The Fae prison.
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br /> ROYAL HOUSES: On the planet of Taralyn—the Fae homeland—each of the nine continents maintained a royal house and family. These houses governed their own continents, but all were ruled by the King and Queen of the Fae.
Prologue
In the beginning…when the world was new, Fae and humans lived peacefully together, but as the centuries passed, fear and distrust evolved. The Fae continued to love the humans, but they believed it was time to safeguard the realms. Therefore, they appointed the Fenian Warriors to protect the domain between human and faery. But most importantly, these warriors were to assist the humans and steer a new course in the mortal world.
When evil threatened to destroy a clan, country, or civilization, the Fae council called upon these warriors. This group of elite Fae had the power to travel through the Veil of Ages, supporting those in need. They were not to alter the timeline or what the Fae believed to be the life strings of a human. To do so, would be catastrophic.
Ancient and powerful, the Brotherhood of the Fenian Warriors was second only to the Fae King and Queen’s powers. They have lived amongst us for thousands of years—watching, aiding, guiding. They could live in the guise of a professor, lawyer, knight, tavern owner, or a simple farmer.
Whatever was required, the warriors did so without complaint. If so much as a whisper of negativity reached their leader, they were banished from the Brotherhood.
In the early formation of the Fenian Warriors, many were chosen to enter the Brotherhood. Yet, some argued as to who should lead this vast number of Fae. A council of nine Fae elders was appointed to oversee the debate regarding a leader. The elders agreed that whoever was chosen had to have qualities which were impeccable. No blemish could stain his life history.
They were given nine days to make their decision. In the end, one Fae stood out in stark contrast to all those who were considered. It was a unanimous decision.
Aidan Kerrigan, older brother to Queen Nuala, was deemed the perfect Fae to govern the Fenian Warriors. His code of ethics rivaled none. Steadfast and loyal to his people and the Brotherhood—not one could find fault in him. In addition, his royal bloodline was vast, and he was one of the few to be born on their homeland of Taralyn within the great cosmos.
So on the summer festival marking the five thousandth year of the Fae living on earth, King Ansgar made Aidan the supreme leader over the Brotherhood. He was bestowed with more powers, making him almost an equal to the King of the Fae.
Over the centuries, admiration grew for the leader of the Fenian Warriors. Honorable, loyal, brave, courageous—words uttered by all when his name was mentioned.
Until one day, when the sun and moon became one on both worlds, and a shift in the Fae realm transpired.
The Fae forgot about the prophecy. No one cared about the whispers on a darkened midday. Nor did any seek out the seer for her wisdom or hear the weeping of the priestesses within the temple of Mother Danu.
The warm air turned frigid in seconds, and not one Fae paused to understand the meaning of what was about to occur.
Yet, one human female did notice in her world.
When she stumbled along a path one spring afternoon in awe of the glorious solar eclipse, the Fates shredded the loom of two individuals—one human and the other a Fae.
The rift in their lives would be glorious and catastrophic. Neither would be prepared for the future they faced, or the impact they would have for future generations.
In the end, their fated meeting would bring about the greatest downfall of one of the most revered warriors ever.
And the Fae realm would never be the same again.
Chapter One
Beneath the Hill of Tara, Ireland, Early spring—the season of growth and renewal in the Fae realm.
His fingers moved deftly over the hilt of his sword, aching to unsheathe the blade and sever the hand from the warrior’s body. Watching the scene unfold in the training camp below, Aidan Kerrigan drew in a sharp hiss. The wind slapped at his face, mocking him to make his move against the defiant Fae. Branches smacked his back in an effort to sway him from his concealment within the trees. He barely registered the wolf’s low growl behind him.
Nevertheless, Aidan was a seasoned warrior, not some young lad showing off his prowess in front of his peers and those others whom Aidan had fashioned into hardened Fenian Warriors. No, he would not rush in, though his instinct begged him to do so. He would choose the right moment to reveal himself.
“Why is there always one who defies my orders?” he uttered with contempt.
And the question Aidan posed was immediately answered.
“Because this is how you pluck those who are unworthy to continue with their training in the Brotherhood.”
Aidan gripped the hilt more firmly, refusing to acknowledge his friend and kept his sight riveted on the scene below. “Then explain why those not worthy are the ones who possess the most power?”
“Power is intoxicating. Even the strongest cannot deflect the energy all the time.”
Arching a brow, Aidan glanced sharply at the Fae. “Do you speak from experience, Flynn? Or was this part of your elusive training when you left the Brotherhood to study under the king’s guards?”
A shadow of annoyance passed briefly over his friend’s features. “Intoxication in any form is a hindrance to the Fae. Power can fill our bodies, flood our veins, and heighten our senses.”
“As with any drug, woman, or libation,” countered Aidan, releasing his grip on the sword. “This is why I order all initiates to undergo a year without all three. If I deem they cannot control their basic urges, then they are not creditable to continue with their training.”
“So with the first brush of Fenian power, you believe they should harness the intensity of the feeling?”
Shifting his stance, Aidan clasped his hands behind his back. “Instantly. With one thought, a warrior could obliterate a man into ashes within seconds in the human world. The power should not control the warrior. Are you wavering from your own training, Flynn?”
His friend rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Until my last breath, I shall always recall the rush of power when it first entered my body after the seclusion.”
“You did not answer my question.”
“No. But for a fraction of a second, I almost let loose the power,” Flynn acknowledged.
Aidan eyed his friend warily. What possessed him to make such a confession? And why now? “Is there a reason you’re admitting to this declaration?”
Flynn sighed heavily. “It is a pity. Loman is a strong warrior. In addition, he is blood kin to my own royal house. I only sought to share my story in hopes you would find mercy and allow him to remain.”
“Yours was a split-second indecisiveness.” Aidan cast his hand outward. “The warrior making a mock display of authority over the others is vastly different. There is no comparison. Furthermore, Loman continues to build the energy without thought to the repercussions. As you know me so well, Flynn, I give no mercy to any warrior in training.”
His friend shifted his stance, but remained silent.
The wolf padded around in front of Aidan.
“Your companion’s interest has grown,” commented Flynn.
Aidan shrugged. “Even the animal can sense the misuse of power.”
“Or his next feast.”
The wolf as well as Aidan snapped their gazes toward Flynn.
“This wolf is a higher species than those in the human world,” declared Aidan.
“You should not have brought him into the Fae realm,” argued Flynn.
The wolf snickered and returned its attention to the group of Fae below.
Aidan fought the smile forming on his mouth. “The man or beast? Which one should not have been permitted into the kingdom?”
Flynn arched a brow. “Are they not one and the same?”
“His clan is interested in observing the training we do with the young warriors. It was the same with the Dragon Knights. We brought them here fo
r a short time to witness and learn.” Aidan waved a hand dismissively. “Dragons, wolves, does it matter?”
“I’d rather deal with dragons,” admitted Flynn, folding his arms across his chest.
Aidan chuckled softly. When he requested to bring a member from Clan Sutherland to the Fae realm to survey the training within the Brotherhood, all argued against the preposterous idea. The council judged it unsafe to have a Highlander from the Wolves of Sutherland wander among the Fae and animals, striking at any for his meal. Regardless of Aidan’s assurance they would not act upon their predatory instinct to kill for their meal, the council denied his appeal.
Therefore, Aidan took his petition to the king and won. The council was not pleased.
Apparently, Flynn regarded the wolf as a hunter and not an elite warrior—trained in the art of all forms of combat. He had yet to share with his friend that Magnar was also the war chieftain for his clan.
“He has made a vow not to devour any Fae while in our homeland,” Aidan remarked.
“I do not find your statement amusing,” stated Flynn dryly. “Can he not observe in human form?”
In a soft blur of gray shadows, the wolf shimmered into a man. All seven feet of him, and totally naked, he fisted his hands on his hips and glared at Flynn. “Will ye be more comfortable now that I am in my human skin?”
“I was comfortable before,” argued Flynn.
Magnar sniffed the air. “Liar.”
Flynn’s eyes flashed silver, and he took a step toward the man.
Aidan put a fist to his mouth to stifle the laughter, eager to watch the display of power between his friends. “Be warned, Magnar moves as fast as you or I.”
“Ahh…it has been eons since I’ve challenged anyone in the training lists,” proclaimed Flynn.
Magnar relaxed his stance. “And I only confront those I consider worthy.”
“Arrogant bastard.”
“Aye, but do ye not have any Fae curse words?”
Flynn shrugged. “You would not comprehend their meaning.”
“It will be a pleasure beating ye in the lists.” Magnar’s smile turned predatory as he shifted back into his wolf form.
