“My name is Hanlo, and I heard comments,” he said as he rose, the bell tinkling merrily. “I have a suggestion.”
Lizzie gave him a wide-eyed stare. “How did you—”
“Faeries have excellent hearing.” He tapped one of his pointed ears.
Kincaid chuckled and Lizzie smiled.
“What can we do to show our appreciation?” Kincaid asked.
“As the bride and groom, it would please our humble village if you will dance with us.”
“I don’t dance,” Kincaid said.
The Faery smiled, causing the paint on his face to crack. “I will show you the steps.”
Lizzie glanced over at Kincaid, her eyes entreating him, as if she expected he could somehow save them from having to participate.
He took her hand and pulled her up. “Come, wife. Let’s make merry with our hosts.”
“I’m a horrible dancer,” she warned.
“Then we’ll dance horribly together.”
Hanlo grinned. “We will teach you to dance the sacred Mamgla. This ancient rite honors our Faery gods Io and Tania, who represent the sanctity of marriage.”
Holding Lizzie’s hand, Kincaid followed Hanlo as he walked to the dance area. Hanlo called out something to the musicians and they resumed playing their unusual tune.
Hanlo did a good job of offering instruction, but Kincaid roared with laughter every time he stepped on his own toes. Lizzie seemed to be faring better, as she was much lighter on her feet. When it came time for the dancers to take a partner and swing them around, Hanlo gently guided Lizzie and Kincaid toward each other.
“Watch the others,” he urged.
Kincaid gripped Lizzie’s hands and together they tried to mimic the same dance the couples around them performed. Embarrassed as hell, he began stepping on Lizzie’s toes instead of his own. Every time he did it, he apologized. Lizzie merely laughed. Her tongue poised just so at the corner of her mouth, she continued to try her best, but her feet became tangled as well.
“This is hopeless,” he told her breathlessly. “It’s like I’ve got cloven hooves for feet.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” she said, equally as breathless. “You just don’t know the dance. I’m a hot mess when it comes to dancing.”
“I’m in hell,” he said, groaning as he zigged to the left when he should have zagged to the right. They crumpled against each other, their chests heaving as they did their best to catch their breath.
“At least we’re in hell together.” She looked up at him, the sparkle in her eyes setting his insides afire. The remarkable sensation of holding her in his arms and the sweet smell of her perfume presented a heady combination. Even through the material of his shirt, he felt her nipples harden against his chest. Sons of Lugus, she was a tempting morsel, and one he could barely resist.
Around and around they danced in time to the music, somehow managing to keep up with the others. Holding Lizzie like this was akin to holding a slice of heaven, Kincaid decided. For this moment, there were no worries, and no troubles threatening to tear them apart. The world spun around them in a dizzy kaleidoscope, and he wished they could hold each other forever.
Together, they created perfect, amazing harmony.
He experienced a rush of joy as he lifted her off her feet and spun her around until she squealed with delight. The world had become a wonderful, incredible place. When he put Lizzie down, to his surprise, the two of them were actually able to turn and dip at the same time.
The moment was lost when Lizzie mis-stepped and stomped on his toes. He stumbled backward.
She pressed her hands against her cheeks and caught her breath. “I’m so sorry!”
“I’m fine,” he told her, laughing at both of their ungainly dance moves. Gathering her in his arms again, he said, “Let’s waltz. I think I can handle that.”
As they began their own version of dancing, the Faery couples clapped.
Kincaid’s pleasure ebbed when he considered how close he and Lizzie had become. After they’d secured Uaithne and destroyed Sorcha and her swarm, he feared he wouldn’t be able to leave his new wife.
In his gut he knew that without her in his life, nothing would be the same.
***
At last the festivities came to an end. Lizzie felt so exhausted she could barely move. A Faery attendant escorted her and Kincaid to their castle quarters where they removed their fine clothing and crawled naked into a sumptuous gilded bed with silken quilts and soft sheets. Though still worried about her family and friends, Lizzie managed to feel grateful.
“What a wonderful reception the Faeries held for us,” Lizzie said, enjoying the sensation of being skin to skin with Kincaid.
“They are good people,” Kincaid said. “I’ve always enjoyed coming here.”
“Princess Cait seemed disappointed, though,” Lizzie ventured. “Did you notice?”
“I only had eyes for you, lass. You are a mesmerizing creature, Elizabeth Rose.”
Her cheeks filled with warmth, and her heart skipped a beat. “Are you sure the two of you were never involved?”
“I never thought of her like that.”
“Have you ever thought of any woman, um, like that?” she asked, trailing a finger along his whiskery cheek.
“Yes, I have.”
“Who?”
He kissed her forehead. “You, Lizzie girl. And I’ll never…”
“Never what?”
“It’s not important.” He leaned back on the pillows and covered his eyes with his forearm.
Lizzie propped on an elbow and studied him. “You were going to say you’d never leave me. Right?”
He nodded. “My life is complicated, Lizzie. We’re together right now, but when everything returns to normal, you’d hate being with me. My job is stressful. I have no family, no friends, no home.”
“I’ll be your family and together we’ll create a home,” she ventured hopefully. “Give us a chance.”
“I don’t see how it would ever work,” he said as he rolled on his side to study her. “I live a strange life.”
“I won’t hold you back, Kincaid. If you’d told me you would return to me after you joined Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army, I would have waited. And I’ll wait for you now.”
“What about your family and your coven?” He lifted a brow. “Wouldn’t they be disappointed in your choice of husband?”
“I love them with all my heart, and I’ll always try to consider their feelings, but they don’t get to tell me what to do.”
“My Lizzie girl.” He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “You are a special lady. I’m lucky to have you in my life. Now let’s get some sleep.”
As they cuddled in the darkness, Lizzie’s mind clicked with concern. Kincaid hadn’t answered her about the two of them being together. Maybe he honestly didn’t want her with him after they defeated the banshees and rescued her coven.
A sharp pain pierced her soul, and when she finally drifted off to sleep, her dreams were troubled.
***
The next morning, Kincaid rolled out of bed, bathed and dressed in leather leggings, a top, tunic, boots, and his cape. Lizzie watched him from the bed, then she bathed and donned similar leather leggings and other attire. Neither of them said a word.
He could only imagine her thoughts. He’d sensed her disappointment last night when she’d suggested they stay together. Though tempted by her idea, he’d avoided making the commitment. Long ago he’d broken her heart and he didn’t want to do it again. A part of him feared he couldn’t live up to her expectations and that he wasn’t good enough for her.
As they packed items like food and blankets in the leather saddle bags Gilgam had provided, Kincaid watched Lizzie from the corner of his eye. She said nothing, but he sensed her sorrow. He felt bad about that, but he wasn’t in a mood to hash it out. Obviously, she didn’t want to either. They must maintain harmony in order to complete their journey successfully, so it was
best they stay one in purpose.
He dug through the rest of the supplies Gilgam had brought and made a mental inventory of everything contained in the satchels. Fortunately, the Faery countryside would provide plenty of fresh water, fresh game, and berries as they traveled. But Gilgam had still packed dried meat and fruit along with bread and crackers. Since it wasn’t that long a journey, they would not go hungry.
It seemed King Aedh’s assistant had thought of everything. Traveling with a witch would have its advantages, though Lizzie’s magic didn’t work well in the Faery kingdom. Kincaid also had a wulver trick or two up his sleeve that might come in handy.
“Are you ready?” he asked Lizzie as he put on his cape.
With a leather strip, she tied her hair back into a ponytail. Putting on her cape, she turned to him and said, “Let’s go.”
They went out in the hallway where Gilgam waited.
“I trust you had a restful night,” the Faery said.
“Aye,” Kincaid told him.
Gilgam led them across rolling green lawns to the low-slung stables located behind the castle. Animal sounds echoed from the tan stucco outbuildings, which were nestled in a thick stand of trees. In the distance, the morning sun painted the sky pink and orange as it rose over a range of craggy mountains.
King Aedh joined them, an expectant look on his face. “Have a safe trip, my friends,” he said, his merry eyes twinkling. He thumped Kincaid on his shoulder, then handed him a gleaming gold object.
“This compass will point the way to where you will find Uaithne. Just hold it in front of you and it will show you the way.” He took their hands and joined them together. “Remember to stay united as one in purpose, spirit, and mind. This won’t be a long journey, but it’s very important that you value one another along the way.”
“We will,” Lizzie said.
Kincaid nodded. “Of course.”
Gilgam exited the stables guiding two strange-looking animals by the reins. Kincaid recognized them from his last visit. They were the beasts of burden prized by the Fae, utilized for all means of transportation including pulling carts. Heavy, hairy, and plodding, they were also rugged and able-bodied.
“What are those?” Lizzie asked, her brows arched in surprise. “They look like a cross between a yak and a water buffalo.”
“Tonafers,” Kincaid said. “Beware, though, they can be ornery and temperamental if they don’t like you.”
Lizzie frowned. “I had a hard-enough time riding horses back in the day when they were fashionable.”
King Aedh laughed. “You’ll be fine, young lady. You have a certain way about you that anyone, including a tonafer, would love. Now him,” he pointed at Kincaid, “the beasts may not like. Depends on whether they smell the wolf in him. If they do, look out!”
Chapter Twenty-One
Doing her best to control her frustration, Lizzie watched as Kincaid mounted his hairy brown tonafer. The beast had tossed the wulver off his back two times already and she crossed her fingers, hoping it wouldn’t happen again.
“Sons of Lugus,” Kincaid shouted as the tonafer threw him a third time, and he landed on his backside. The animal snorted, lowered its horned head and used its hooves to rake the ground. Then, snout lifted in the air, it made a gods-awful caterwauling sound and spit on him, splaying saliva across his body.
“Arrgh,” he complained, wiping the gooey mess from his face. “That’s it. I refuse to ride this ornery bag of bones.”
“Maybe you could give it a treat,” she suggested, hoping this problem wouldn’t cause major delays. Kincaid seemed in control of every situation, but not this time. Under any other circumstance, she would have been amused. Right now, Goddess help her, she was beyond annoyed.
“Good idea,” King Aedh said. He walked over to a tree, pulled off a small red fruit about the size and color of a crabapple, and handed it to Kincaid. “Approach her gently and scratch the spot between her horns. Tonafers love that.”
“Figures the beast is female,” Kincaid said as he shot a glance at Lizzie. “And it’s her horns I’m worried about.”
Lizzie tried not to smile. Yes, this was a delay, but a minor one. She enjoyed the show.
“Nice girl, nice girl,” Kincaid murmured as he slowly approached the tonafer, holding out the crabapple on his flat palm. “Even if you do smell like shit.”
The tonafer sniffed the fruit, bit down on it and began to chew. Gently, Kincaid scratched between the creature’s horns. It made a muffled sound and began to sway its massive head back and forth.
“See, she likes that,” King Aedh said. “Try getting on top of the beast. Take it slowly, and don’t make any sudden moves.”
Kincaid climbed into his tonafer’s saddle and began scratching between her horns again. The tonafer shivered and raised a shaggy head, but didn’t buck him off this time.
“I think you’ve got the hang of it.” King Aedh placed his hands on his hips. “If she gets difficult again, feed her another treat.”
“Aye,” Kincaid said, wrinkling his nose. “Now tell me how I can give her a bath so I can scrub the foul stench from her hide.”
“Never mind the odor, Kincaid,” King Aedh said with a laugh. “It’ll make a man out of you.”
“Thank you for loaning us the tonafers,” Lizzie said, suppressing a giggle. The beasts did smell ripe, but she wouldn’t complain. At least she and Kincaid were finally starting their journey. After climbing into the painted saddle strapped on her shaggy, white and tan tonafer, she brushed off her clothing.
The village women had provided her with an embroidered blue riding habit made of a unique, shining material. The pleated jacket, slacks, and white blouse were incredibly soft. Sturdy leather boots, also intricately embroidered, encased her feet.
Bulging packs of food, water, and extra supplies hung from her tonafer’s broad back, just as they did on Kincaid’s tonafer. She patted her mount’s bony head and it made a sound like a purring kitten.
“Are we ready to leave now?” she asked Kincaid.
He smoothed down his tousled, reddish-gold hair. “To be sure, lass. But I’ve one question.”
“What?”
His brow furrowed. “What kind of magic did you conjure that allowed you to mount your beast so easily?”
“None whatsoever.” She wasn’t being completely truthful, and a part of her wanted to come clean. Yet, she held back, enjoying the humor.
“Baloney,” he said, apparently seeing right through her little white lie. “Fess up, lass. What did you do to get your beast to cooperate?”
“I whispered a nature spirit prayer in my tonafer’s floppy ear. That put the creature at ease.”
“Hah, I knew it! Why didn’t you do that for me?”
“You never asked for my help.”
He brushed dirt and twigs from his riding clothes. “Well, bless my black heart. Next time I’ll say ‘pretty please.’ Will that work?”
“Aye,” she returned in a mocking tone.
“Is there a problem?” Gilgam, who had been conversing with the stable manager, strode up to them.
“I had a wee bit of trouble with my tonafer,” Kincaid said. “But we’re off to a fine start now.”
Gilgam pointed toward the range of snow-covered mountains in the distance. “Tonafers are sure-footed and hardy. They will carry the two of you safely to the Yashertie Peaks where you will find the Hag’s Mountain.”
Kincaid held up the golden compass King Aedh had given him, and in the air, a glowing green symbol appeared. It wavered a moment, then stopped above a dirt path.
“Is that the direction we take to find where Uaithne is hidden?”
King Aedh and Gilgam both nodded.
“Make haste, Kincaid,” Gilgam said. “You two must get underway in order to take advantage of the morning light.”
“All the best to you, King Aedh, and to you, Gilgam,” Kincaid said. “I owe you both a great service.”
“I’m not keeping score
, old friend,” the king said.
“You’ve been very kind,” Lizzie said to King Aedh and Gilgam. “We can’t thank you enough.”
“You came here unmarried, and now you’re leaving a couple joined by the Faery gods. As time goes on, you may not be so thankful,” the king said.
Lizzie smiled, but deep inside, she felt uneasy. She glanced at Kincaid, who now had a solemn look on his face. Hopefully, they would part on good terms when all of this was over.
Or would they work out their differences and stay together?
Lizzie and Kincaid nudged their tonafers and set off down the tree-lined pathway. Kincaid turned in his saddle to wave at King Aedh and Gilgam, and she did the same. Once the Faery folk faded from sight, Kincaid reached over and playfully slapped her butt. She rubbed her stinging backside.
“Sweet witch’s teeth, why’d you do that?”
“For holding out on me.” He grinned, piercing her with a steady gaze. “I knew you’d enchanted your beast.”
“You’re a beast,” she shot at him.
“Aye, but you love my beastly nature, don’t you, lass?”
Lizzie grinned, but didn’t answer.
They rode in silence. Lizzie glanced around at the thick shrubbery and tall trees with leafy green canopies. The pristine forest teemed with wildlife and the calls of birds and other animals filled the air.
The trail they followed led them up and down rocky slopes. Lizzie’s heart hammered with anticipation. Soon, they would find Uaithne, the magical harp that would defeat Sorcha’s banshees and free her coven.
Even though Kincaid said time worked differently in the Faery dimension, every passing moment weighed heavily on her mind. She wanted to return to Wysteria as soon as possible.
Her gaze strayed toward Kincaid and she inhaled sharply. Another fear rose within her. Fear of losing him. Goddess help her, she wished there were a way he could stay with her after they’d located her coven. It made her miserable to envision him leaving, yet she knew he eventually would.
A man like him would never settle down.
She studied the square tilt of his jaw, the curve of his chin and the proud way he held himself in his saddle. Warm tears prickled at the back of her eyes. She recalled how his caresses had warmed her skin. Making love with him had reawakened her senses and fulfilled her desire to be loved. Amazingly, she could nearly feel his warm breath on her skin once again, his lips on hers. He was the only man who could awaken her secret, sensual side.
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