Destiny of a Warrior (Legends of the Fenian Warriors Book 4)

by Mary Morgan

  Aidan fisted his hands on his hip. He owed the truth to Flynn, along with one final decision. “I have joined with Rose. I am in love with her.”

  Flynn gaped at him in shock. “Is she a witch? Did she cast an enchantment over you?”

  “Do not be ludicrous. Our fates were decreed. Why else was I the one chosen to take on this mission?”

  “You’re thinking with your cock, instead of your brain and heart.”

  “Wrong,” warned Aidan, pounding his chest. “My heart has fallen in love, and I listened.”

  “As a warrior trained to seal off emotional involvement with human females, I find this weakness in you a sickness. You are the leader of the Fenian Warriors. Above this flippant behavior.”

  It took all of Aidan’s control not to level a fist to his friend’s jaw, but he understood the warrior’s anger. He’d expect nothing less.

  Striding away, Aidan went to the river. “There were two roads on this path, each leading to the same conclusion. Destruction. The mission was not one of silencing the information, but illuminating a new direction for me. Sadly, the Fae council, and the king will see it as an act of betrayal.”

  Flynn approached by his side. “Then you have been preparing for the inevitable the entire time?”

  Aidan released his breath slowly and glanced at his friend. “Since the moment I took Rose into my soul. The ramifications will be vast.”

  “Then I cannot sway you in another direction?” Flynn asked.

  “From loving her?” Aidan shielded his hand over his eyes, searching for his beloved wandering along the edge of the river bank. Upon seeing her, he smiled. “No.”

  In a gentler tone, Flynn added, “Is Rose prepared for the aftermath of your consequences?”

  An ache settled like a lodestone over his heart, and Aidan placed the heel of his palm over his chest. “Unfortunately, she’s continuing to come to terms with finding out the man she loves is a Fae with magical powers and descended from the God, Angus Óg. I have yet to share anything more.”

  “You don’t have much time, Aidan.”

  Nodding slowly, he returned his gaze to his friend. “There is one more decision I must make before you take your leave.”

  “Shield you from the wrath of the Fae council?” chided Flynn. “Though she is a radiant vision and one who possesses a valuable gift of sight. I can see her aura from here.”

  With a wave of his hand, Aidan brought forth the ceremonial crystal dagger. Clutching it firmly, he ordered, “Kneel, Flynn Brodie, from the Royal House of Camue.”

  The warrior snapped his attention to Aidan in shock. “What are you doing?”

  The emotions swirled within Aidan as he held the dagger high. “There is no other to take my place as leader, save one. Kneel, Fenian Warrior.”

  “No, Aidan. I cannot take your place as leader. There is so much yet to learn.”

  Aidan shook his head slowly. “You are ready. Another warrior is destined to come forth, but he is not ready. His time is in the future. You must guide them all.”

  Flynn fisted his hand over his heart in reverence. “Don’t do this,” he pleaded. “We can think of another solution.”

  “It is my right and within my power. Once they strip me of my leadership, the decision will be in the hands of the Fae council. I say again, kneel, Fenian Warrior!”

  Flynn dropped to his knees, but kept his gaze fixed on Aidan. “In my heart, you shall always be my leader, mentor, and friend.”

  Unable to hold back the tide of emotions, Aidan let the power he held in check swirl forth in a blue haze from the dagger. Swiftly tapping the blade on both Flynn’s shoulders, he released the energy. The air hummed with residual power, followed by a loud snap. Aidan staggered back from the blow.

  Recovering quickly, he tried to focus. His hands shook while he held the dagger outward. “From the past to the present. From the old to the new. I, Aidan Kerrigan, from the Royal House of Óg step back into the mists and relinquish all rights as the leader of the Fenian Warriors.”

  Accepting the dagger, Flynn tucked the blade within the belt at his side and stood. “I shall hold the council guards back for as long as possible.”

  Aidan clamped a hand on Flynn’s shoulder. “Thank you. I require time to put everything in order.”

  Flynn nodded and embraced him. “Farewell, my friend.”

  “Long life to you, as well.”

  In a blazing shaft of light, Flynn vanished.

  Breathing deeply, Aidan swept his gaze across the River Shannon. There were two items to conclude. One required his immediate attention. And the other…

  His heart beat rapidly at having to tell his beloved that when they came for him, they might be parted for a long time.

  ****

  Waiting for the first star to grace the evening sky over Loch Ness, Aidan leaned against the pine tree and folded his arms over his chest. He fought the temptation to glance upward. He would not beg the guardians for their approval. They were merely the timekeepers, not rulers over affairs of the heart.

  Nonetheless, they did rumble their disapproval on several occasions.

  After his friend had departed, Aidan sought out Rose, explaining his need to have a conversation with an ancient being.

  When her shock subsided at his news that Nessie was indeed a dragon living within the depths of Loch Ness, she sent him away with her blessing. Additionally, she made him promise to bring her here after they were married.

  He laughed at the memory. To him they were already married. Regardless, he’d grant her the moon and stars to keep her happy and always smiling. And he agreed to a formal celebration with her sister and those from the Society.

  When the first whisper of an ancient power brushed against his thoughts, Aidan stepped forth from the shadows of the trees. Reaching the water’s edge, the mists retreated from the loch, and he knelt on one knee. “Greetings, Great Dragon.”

  “Why are you here, Fenian Warrior?”

  Aidan sensed a thread of anger and prepared for her rejection. “To seek counsel and your wisdom.”

  “For a decision you have already made?”

  “No,” he clipped out, losing his control. “What I have done is follow the path of my heart. But what about the love I bear for those I shall leave behind?”

  “Love is more powerful than any power you covet, Fenian Warrior. Your path was ordained in the stars long ago. Your destiny forged on the loom of Fate and within the crystal caverns on our home world. Will you not always love your people?”

  Confused, Aidan rubbed a hand over his brow. “Until my last breath. But how do I reconcile both—my new-found love and the pain it will bring to others?”

  “Uncertainty cannot guide you. If even a thread of doubt exist, then you are not fully prepared. Is this new path sure and steady?”

  “Yes,” he affirmed with conviction.

  “With love comes pain, regardless of the great joy. You are divided in your logic. Remove the Fenian Warrior and think and feel as a Fae. If your love is pure and true, your family will understand.”

  “These emotions are foreign to me.”

  “And if you do not reconcile them, I fear you shall surround your heart in a lorica and be unable to find the answers you seek.”

  “As a Fenian Warrior, I contained my heart in a breastplate. The moment Rose MacLaren entered my arms, her essence cracked the exterior.”

  “Have you since removed the breastplate?”

  “Yes,” he acknowledged.

  “Rise, Aidan Kerrigan, from the Royal House of Óg, descended from Angus. You no longer need my counsel. Love continues to guide our people, even during difficult times. Your ancestor is proud.”

  Rising slowly, Aidan glanced upward. The air warmed considerably as the mists swirled around him. “Thank you,” he uttered softly.

  After retreating back to the trees, Aidan waved his hand outward and vanished in a shimmer of soft lights.

  As he emerged from the trees border
ing Croí Dragon, he smiled. The stars glittered like diamonds against the inky blackness. With no threat of rain on the horizon, Aidan paused to consider an evening spent under the stars. Or he could open the window to his chamber, allowing the starlight to fill the room.

  Quickly crossing the gate, Aidan’s steps hastened. By the time he dashed through the doors to his home, he was taking three steps at a time up the stairs. Excitement flared within him, and so did the yearning to hold Rose within his arms.

  His conversation with the Great Dragon had left him with inner peace.

  When he approached his chambers, he almost used his power to open the door. Pausing, he exhaled slowly. Even if they strip all my powers from me, they can never take the love I have centered in my soul for this woman. Power is fleeting. Love is everlasting.

  Aidan’s heart soared as he pushed open the doors to his chamber.

  Rose bounded from the bench by the window arch and into his arms. He buried his face into her hair, inhaling deeply. I am home.

  “Did she approve?” asked Rose softly.

  “Wholeheartedly.”

  When Rose began to tremble in his arms, Aidan pulled back. “Why do you weep, mo ghrá?”

  “Would you have left if she had protested this match?”

  His smile came slowly, and he wiped away the lone tear that had trickled down her cheek. “No.”

  She hugged him fiercely. “Good. Because I was prepared to show the Fae my anger.”

  Curious about her confession, he cupped her warm chin and lifted her head. “Explain how you would demonstrate your anger?”

  Eyes that sparkled with determination and strength gazed back at him. “There is an old oak on the Hill of Tara. Some whisper it is the entrance into the Fae world. Many drape ribbons and leave gifts with their prayer requests to the Fae. Is this correct?”

  “Yes,” he confirmed hesitantly.

  “What do you think would happen if I took one of your swords and leveled a blade to the trunk? Or stripped the gifts from the base?”

  A sense of foreboding slithered down Aidan’s spine. It is time.

  Lifting Rose into his arms, he walked across to the window. Placing her on the bench, he leaned forward and opened the huge stained-glass window. This was not how he wanted to spend this evening with his beloved.

  Taking a seat beside her, he brought her hands to his chest. “I have not shared everything with you, leannan. Before I speak about this knowledge, you must give me your solemn promise you will stay away from the Tree of Life on the Hill of Tara.”

  “I don’t understand.” She tried to tug her hands free from his grasp. “Why would you ask this of me, unless—”

  “You must give me your vow, Rose,” he ordered with more force than he intended.

  Her expression turned to horrified shock. “They are coming for you?”

  “Soon, I believe.”

  “No, no! I will not let them!”

  “You cannot stop them, mo ghrá.”

  Rose stiffened. “Release me, Aidan.”

  Surrendering, Aidan let her hands free. “What I have done cannot go unpunished.”

  Even after turning her back on him, he could feel the fury, hurt, and confusion fall off of her in waves. “So is this your parting goodbye, Aidan Kerrigan?”

  “Rose,” he pleaded, reaching his hand out to her. His fingers ached to pull her back into his arms.

  She took a step away and faced him. “All this talk of forever, claiming me as your own, is now null and void?” Lifting her arms outward, she added, “Why even fall in love, when you knew this would happen?”

  In one swift movement, Aidan grasped her around the waist. “For love, Rose. I am merely preparing you that I have to return, most likely under guard.” She started to protest, and he placed a finger over her lips. “Once I stand trial, I shall profess my desire to leave the Fae realm forever and then return to you.”

  Confusion marred her brow, but she did not try and pull away from him. “But you’re the leader of the Fenian Warriors.”

  “I surrendered my power to another earlier today.”

  “Oh, Aidan.” Placing her hands on his chest, she continued in a somber tone, “What about your family? Your sister?”

  Aidan glanced at the starry night. “Forever we shall be linked. Forever I will love Nuala.” Returning his attention to Rose, he stated with conviction, “Nevertheless, my heart and soul belong with only one—you. If I lose you…”

  He held his breath, fearing her objections. Or worse, her rejection.

  Rose wrapped her arms around his neck. Warm and strong. “Remember, no regrets, my love—my Fae warrior. We walk this road together.”

  “Leannan, leannan,” he breathed the words against her soft cheek. “Let us not waste another moment discussing trials and tribulations.”

  “Only happy thoughts,” she encouraged.

  He nuzzled her neck, eliciting a soft purr from her lips. “I intend on worshipping more of your delectable body.”

  Her breath came in long surrendering moans, and Aidan captured her mouth with a fiery kiss.

  Chapter Twenty

  “The sole directive of the Society of the Thistle is to establish or restore a natural habitat of the historical site, similar to its beginnings.”

  ~Society of the Thistle

  Bees swarmed in the distance and birds chirped in the warm spring air. Contentment filled Aidan as he watched Rose gather some wildflowers near the bank of the river. Each time she plucked some, he encouraged more to blossom. Her sound of delight at finding a new flower filled him with joy.

  Rose’s light followed her, and he found himself continually smiling.

  For several blissful weeks, they talked, took long walks, rode his horses, and made love passionately. Briefly, he pondered why the Fae council was taking so long in ordering his return. Even considering that the time moved vastly slower in the realm, he assumed the guards would have been here by now. His guarded look eased slightly, and he quickly dismissed the thought. Instead, he’d focused on loving Rose.

  Each moment was a treasure not to be wasted.

  As she sauntered back to his side, she dumped all her flowers into a basket. With her cheeks flushed from the sun and other recent pleasurable activities, she straddled his thighs. “If you think I don’t know you’re responsible for all these glorious flowers, you’re mistaken.”

  Chuckling lightly, he brushed a lock over her shoulder. “You have found out my secret.”

  “Goodness, I thought I had discovered all of them.”

  “I believe there are a few left,” he teased.

  Rubbing against him provocatively, she leaned near his ear. “Did you know tomorrow is Beltaine?”

  “The festivals are in my blood,” he murmured, skimming his hands under her dress and along her thighs.

  “Speaking of festivals, I hear there is one in the local village. When the last ray slips over the horizon, they’re going to light a bonfire.”

  “Would you like to dance around the fire?” he asked, slipping a finger into her heated flesh.

  Gasping, Rose responded to the seduction of his passion by placing her hands on his shoulders. “Nothing would make me happier.”

  “Your wish is my command. A night under the stars dancing with you. I will do anything to make you content. Besides, we have yet to dance with one another.”

  She leaned her forehead against his. “Why do I fear this happiness is only temporary?”

  Aidan paused in his seductive foreplay and withdrew his hands. Gathering her into his arms, he held her snugly. “You sense it, too?”

  “Yes. It’s like a dark cloud following us.”

  “Banish the darkness, for it has yet to happen,” he reassured Rose, though he doubted his own words.

  Resting his chin on the top of her head, Aidan glanced outward. When Rose remained quiet, he cast his sight to all the flowers. Releasing his hold, he plucked another from the ground, attempting to dispel any further
negative discussion. “Tell me again the Latin name for this.” Aidan twirled the delicate flower between his fingers.

  Rose lifted her head and regarded him with a speculative gaze. Her fingers brushed over his as she took the flower from his hand. “Ranunculus acris for Buttercup.”

  “Fearbán féir for the Irish translation,” he added.

  A smile tugged on the corners of her mouth. “Correct.”

  Aidan reached for another flower. “And this lovely primrose?”

  Brushing her fingers over the delicate petals, she replied, “Primula vulgaris.”

  “Sabhaircín for the Irish.”

  “Ahh…I believe I found one of your favorites.” Reaching behind her, he brought forth a handful of flowers.

  She gasped in delight. “I don’t recall seeing any Forget-me-knots.”

  Letting them fall into her lap, he asked, “Lus mínola goirt for the Irish. And the Latin?”

  “Myosotis arvensis.” She drew them against her breasts, her smile filling him. “You’re wonderful, Aidan.”

  So for the next hour, the conversation consisted of Latin, Irish, and a few Fae names of the many flowers that surrounded his beloved. When Rose attempted to correct him on a certain flower not native to Ireland, he listened in rapt attention. Aelish was wrong. She had another avid pupil in Rose.

  “Where are your thoughts, Aidan?” she asked, tapping him on the temple with her finger.

  “Merely considering what an astute teacher you are. Worthy of any in the Fae realm.”

  She sighed and leaned back. “Tell me the special flowers only grown in your world.”

  “Happily,” he agreed. “Shall I refresh your memory on the walk back?”

  “I am getting hungry,” confessed Rose, glancing around. “Look at all the flowers.”

  Aidan helped her off his lap and stretched. Standing, he reached for her hand and helped her up. “For each one we plucked, I planted a hundred more with magic.”

  The warmth of her smile echoed in her voice. “I love you so much.”

  He brushed a feather-like kiss across her lips. “As I love you, leannan.”

  Aidan bent and retrieved her sandals. “Let me assist you, fair maiden.”