Trial of a Warrior

by Mary Morgan

  Liam tried to mask his surprise. “Thank you.”

  “On one condition.” Angus smiled slowly.

  Letting out a curse, Liam nodded though feared the request.

  “The truth as to why Conn’s sister is with ye.”

  Why did Liam keep finding himself backed against a wall? First with Abela and now with these knights. Regardless, these men were his friends, and he found it taxing to continue with the injustice to Abela. Liam had no time to ponder their reaction to what he was going to reveal. His patience was limited.

  Standing, he went to the mantel and viewed the shield mounted above. “Strange, but I never fathomed on being set free from my prison by a woman, much less, the daughter of the king and queen. You were never privy to the information regarding her brother Conn. He renounced his right as the next king when he entered the Brotherhood. And for reasons I’m unable to fathom, Conn has now claimed his right to the Fae kingdom. I do not know his purpose, but I am sure it has something to do with his own trial or quest. Princess Abela can be as stubborn as her brother, and refused to listen to my protests against leaving the prison. She can be quite convincing. I should know since we had a history. Thankfully, one that I’ve buried. I have no wish to hinder our journey with the past.”

  Liam glanced over his shoulder to face the stunned looks he knew were on their faces. Yet, he was unprepared for the strained expression and hurt reflected in Abela's gaze as she stood in the doorway.

  “I agree,” she stated brusquely, removing herself from the room.

  Chapter Nine

  “Her radiance is one of sunlight and moonlight, and I am no longer the hardened warrior in her presence.”

  ~Chronicles of Liam MacGregor

  Liam started forward and then paused. What good would it do to go after Abela? She’d lash out at him with biting words, and he did not have the stomach for an argument with her. He was unable to fathom why her emotions countered the words she spouted at him. Their tryst consisted of several kisses, games along the river, and a picnic that ended in terse words. There was a time he ached for more from her, but she denied him the opportunity on their last day together.

  He was the fool. But no longer. His heart had hardened during his many years as a Fenian Warrior. The past was gone. There was no hope of a future for them.

  “Aye, we can see how ye both have buried the past,” Stephen scoffed and stood. “Ye look like ye could use a drink.”

  He stared into the empty corridor. “It would be welcomed. Damn. She must have heard everything.”

  Angus stepped past him. “I shall retrieve the treaty and meet ye in the hall.” Pausing at the door, he half-turned around. “A word of warning, Liam. Dinnae share any more information with us. My gut tells me we shall receive a visit from Conn, and I for one, will not lie to the warrior.”

  “Will you tell him about the treaty?”

  “Aye. I have nae desire to do battle with a warrior and prince. Does he ken about his sister?”

  “A muscle flicked angrily at his jaw, and Liam fought the urge to wipe his hand across his face. “Most certainly.”

  Angus arched a brow. “’Tis good ye are carrying a sword.”

  Liam watched the man depart from the chamber. “Do you wish to add to your brother’s advice?”

  Stephen chuckled as he approached him. “Nae. I can see ye have endured enough torment.”

  As they made their way to the hall, Angus’ words about Conn gnawed at him. He had to speak to Abela about her ability of cloaking. How much longer would they be able to avoid the Fae? What were the risks?

  Entering the Great Hall, Liam spied Abela laughing with Aileen. They appeared to have bonded, chiding one another and speaking as if they had known each other for years. The revelation as to why slammed into his thoughts when he heard the word cousin mentioned. His steps faltered as he neared the table.

  “By the hounds,” he spat out. “You shared Aileen’s lineage?”

  Abela shot daggers at him. “Yes. She has a right to the knowledge. Aidan is no longer with us, so it is within my right as her cousin. Regardless, you told these men we are not engaged, and I had to offer my apologies to Aileen for telling her a lie!”

  “Cousin,” echoed Angus and Stephen.

  Liam fisted his hands on his hips. “It was proclaimed throughout the kingdom that no Fae would share the knowledge. All made a pledge to the king and queen.”

  Standing abruptly, Abela pointed a finger at him. “Then I must not have been present when the order was given, for I made no such oath. I was only privy to the one Conn made to our parents. I had no knowledge of this proclamation.”

  Stephen went to his wife’s side. “You…you are related to Conn?”

  Smiling, Aileen took his hand. “Apparently so.”

  “Do ye have a title?”

  “No,” interjected Abela, and added, “since she is half-fae there is no title granted. Is it not enough for her to know her heritage?”

  “I have no words,” muttered Stephen, taking a seat beside his wife.

  “Nor I,” replied Angus, rubbing his hand down the back of his neck.

  Liam wanted to throttle the woman. “We can add another item to the list of broken laws.” He turned to Angus. “If you don’t mind, I’ll take that drink now.”

  “Agreed,” mumbled Angus, retrieving a pitcher. After pouring a hefty amount into the cups, he then handed one to Liam. “To your health, my friend.”

  Liam wasted no time in tossing back the drink. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he went to the farthest chair from Abela. He barely registered her question to Aileen regarding the children at Urquhart. His mind reeled with this latest disaster. Yet, it was not his fault the princess opened her mouth and deemed it necessary to spill the information. At least Aidan Kerrigan had kept his mouth shut.

  He brushed a hand over his brow and slid the cup toward Angus. “If you would be so kind.”

  “Have something to eat, Liam,” encouraged Aileen.

  Giving her a feeble smile, he reached for some bread and cheese. Even the aroma of the vegetable stew did not entice his appetite. Eating his meal in silence, he half-listened to the conversation. Reaching out with his inner Fae senses, he searched for any others beyond Urquhart. By the time he had finished, his head pounded.

  “I will stall Conn as long as I can,” Angus offered as he refilled his cup.

  Liam straightened. “Thank you. Our journey might come to a halt soon.”

  “Then ye best leave after the meal.” He shoved the rolled parchment across the table. “If ye succeed, I would be honored if ye were the one to return the document.”

  “I fear our rate of victory dwindles with each passing hour.” Liam retrieved the parchment and tucked it inside his belt.

  Angus’ expression stilled and grew serious. “And if ye recall, our path to redemption was a grueling one.”

  “Yet, victorious.”

  “Aye.” His somber tone was now replaced with one of mirth. “Stephen, I am going to go fetch my wife down by the loch. Ye are in charge.”

  “Wait,” Aileen protested. “I wanted to go, too.”

  Placing an arm around her shoulders, Stephen whispered into her ear. Aileen’s complexion turned to a rosy glow, and she giggled. She waved dismissively to Angus. “Tell everyone I’ve decided to remain here. I’m positive the children are having a wonderful time without us.”

  Peace and prosperity had reigned at the home of the Dragon Knights, and Liam uttered a silent prayer it would continue until their dying breaths.

  ****

  Saying farewells to new friends and family was difficult for Abela. There were no promises stated for return visits. In their brief time together, she had done her best to fill Aileen with good stories and memories of her father to be passed down to the children. Her heart ached at not being able to meet them, but for as long as she lived, Abela would treasure this time spent with her cousin and two of the Dragon Knights.

 
; She stole one glance over her shoulder as she crossed through the gates of Urquhart. Blowing Aileen a kiss, she imparted a prayer on the breeze. Long life, happiness, and may you always walk with the Fae. I shall remember you always, sweet cousin.

  Returning her attention to the downward path in front of her, Abela blinked to avoid the tears from spilling down her cheeks. No regrets. Remember your pledge, no matter the cost.

  Liam kept a steady pace ahead of her, and she judged it best if she walked behind him. His rigid stance told her everything. Nevertheless, his words earlier in Angus’ solar still ripped through her heart, and she pondered why it bothered her. It was the truth she had known for many years. She was only a passing fancy to fill the time before Liam entered the Brotherhood. Yet, the sharp pain of betrayal and emotions she once harbored continued to linger in the deepest part of her heart. Why did her heart refuse to listen to her mind?

  Onward they traveled. Liam avoided going near the water and kept them traveling along a path within the trees. A rabbit skittered past her and birds chirped in song within the branches. Golden sunbeams streamed down through the thick canopy of leaves. The late afternoon air was warm on her back. She inhaled deeply, trying to absorb the serenity of the place.

  When Abela’s gown snagged on a tree limb, she laughed at the absurdity. She had not changed into appropriate clothing for traveling. “Liam, wait,” she called out to him.

  As she waved her hand over her body, her gown was transformed into trews, tunic, and boots. Snapping her fingers, a belt was secured at her waist and a cloak was draped across her arm. She took her hand to her hair and magically transformed her heavy locks into braids.

  Abela surveyed the area and frowned. “Did the man not hear my words? Or did he choose to ignore me?”

  “Yes and no,” replied his low voice behind her.

  She twirled around so fast, her steps faltered. Liam was at her side in two strides, catching her before she could tumble down the hill.

  Placing her hands on his chest, she lifted her gaze. Worry reflected back from his silver blue depths. “How did you get behind me?”

  “I didn’t. I heard you calling my name and retreated to you. As you were magically changing, your body shimmered and shifted.” He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “Are you in control of your magic?”

  “Other than being slightly dizzy, yes,” she answered calmly.

  Liam eased back from her. “Perchance we ought to return to Urquhart and spend the night.”

  “I am all right,” she reassured, giving him a smile.

  He regarded her for several moments and then swept his gaze to the water. “The path by the loch will lead us to the stones in less time. I sought the trees for cover, and I had no wish to encounter the Great Dragon and banter words again.”

  Having no desire to spar words with him, Abela replied, “I think that is a clever plan, but I sense she is not in this part of the land.”

  Darting her a surprised look, he nodded. “I’ll lead and you follow in my steps.”

  “Perfect. If I take a tumble, you can soften my blow when I land on you.”

  Liam coughed into his hand to suppress the outburst of laughter. “My pleasure, princess.”

  With skillful ease, he maneuvered down the incline. Abela followed, grasping tree limbs for support along the way. As she neared the water, she slipped on a mixture of mud and leaves, but managed to quickly right herself. Stepping over a boulder, she kept stride with Liam as they made their way along the water’s edge.

  Silence became the companion between them, and Abela found it disturbing. Yes, the years had changed them both, but she recalled the ease of those earlier conversations.

  She tugged at the collar of her cloak. “Is the air always so warm here in the Great Glen at this time of year?”

  “Per Angus, they are having an unusual spring,” he answered with a chuckle.

  “What’s so funny?” She was happy to hear a thawing in his voice. Her stomach clenched when he spoke harshly.

  “Angus almost ordered Duncan to produce another storm to temper the heat before he left for Aonach.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “He’s the one with the power over the skies.”

  “Correct.”

  “Why didn’t he?”

  Liam waved his hand upward. “Angus determined it was a sign from the Goddess, and he deemed it wiser to keep to her plans, instead of interfering.”

  Abela smiled knowingly. “He is a great leader and sensible man.”

  “I can think of no one greater since the inception of the Dragon Knights.”

  “Truly?”

  Liam sighed, and his steps slowed. “Yes. He has mastered his beast, even in the darkest moments of his life. His own failing was his guilt at not steering a clearer and firmer course for his brothers after the death of their father.”

  “Hmm…It’s a shame we could not have prolonged our stay. I would have enjoyed visiting with the rest of the family. I do believe Aileen has chosen wisely with Stephen. She did share with me that he has the power of water.” She darted a glance at Liam. “Can you share something with me?”

  “Do I have a choice?” he asked, his tone resigned.

  She smacked at him playfully. “Yes. You may agree or not.”

  “What do you wish to know?”

  “Why did my parents forbid anyone speaking to Aileen about her heritage? Even her father remained silent.”

  His brow furrowed in concentration. “One does not question the commands of the king and queen. It was a joint decision on their part to issue the demand. Therefore, I’m sorry to state I don’t know the answer. How did you come upon the knowledge?”

  Abela hesitated, unsure how to answer the man without revealing too much. “When last I spoke with Conn, he shared the proclamation.” She held up her hand in warning. “Do not ask me anything further.”

  “As you have previously stated,” he responded dryly.

  She settled her gaze on the path ahead. What a pity to deny a beautiful person their right to a certain lineage of information. But this was a half-human. She knew little of the reasoning behind her parents’ decision. One day, I shall present the issue to you. If you’ll ever speak to me again.

  “May I ask you a question?”

  Startled out of her thoughts, she turned to Liam. “Of course.” Her heart pounded waiting for him to proceed.

  “Why did you not hear the decree?”

  Abela blew out an exasperated breath. She was hoping for something else. “Since I was a priestess in the temple, we were not allowed any news from the kingdom. As you are aware, the priestesses do not venture outside the temple unless there is a wedding or important ceremony to preside over.” Walking over to a boulder, she sat down. “However, there were times when the breeze carried the whispered conversations of others to me deep within the temple. They were fleeting, and often times I was able to grasp their meaning.”

  He approached and stood before her. “I apologize for my earlier behavior. I truly did not understand. You and the priestesses were surely the only Fae not to have received a summons to listen to the proclamation. The king and queen were adamant in their declaration.”

  “Nevertheless, you would have thought it important for all to hear.” Standing, Abela removed her cloak. She held out her hand. “Ready for me to transport us to the stones?”

  He shrugged. “If you are not too tired, I would welcome the journey back on foot.”

  “I am refreshed from my time at Urquhart.” She tossed the cloak outward, watching as the material vanished before their eyes.

  They remained quiet on their journey to the stones, and Abela took this time to settle her thoughts. Nature bloomed all around her. She drew forth from her training by noting every new leaf, flower, bumblebee, butterfly, and animal that darted or flew out in greeting. The effect was intoxicating, and by the time the stones came into view she felt one with the land.

  “Why the broad smile?” asked Liam.
>
  Abela stretched out her arms. “Quieting the mind with the beauty that surrounds us.”

  When he smiled fully, her pulse raced. His entire demeanor transformed into the Fae she knew from long ago. Playful, talkative, and giving her those smoldering looks. Being a warrior changed Liam, and her heart ached. Why must everything alter? Yet, Abela already knew the answer deep within her soul. In order to grow, one must accept each new transformation. The land had taught her this, as did her training with the other priestesses.

  “How did you hear about me?” he asked softly.

  She strolled over to a blackberry bush ripe with fruit. Plucking one from the vine, she held it out to Liam. His fingers brushed hers as he accepted the fruit. Abela tried to ignore the tingling sensations and glanced away. What harm would it be to tell him?

  “I first felt the brush of Conn’s energy when he entered the kingdom. As a twin, we have always had this bond.”

  Liam popped the berry into his mouth. “Yes, I do recall you mentioning the connection.”

  Nodding, she moved along the bush removing more of the berries. “He refused to acknowledge me and instantly sealed the door on our connection. Obviously, I was crushed. I had not seen my brother in over a hundred years.” She glanced at him sideways. “I bided my time with him. Nevertheless, messages from the kingdom of three Fenian Warriors doing battle with the Dark One reached us in the temple. Confusion filtered within the communications—ones of anger, rogue warriors, defiant Fae who had abused their powers. It tore the realm into a divided kingdom.” Abela turned to face him. “I knew if Conn had faced dire circumstances, you and Rory would be there to protect him. He might not have been the prince then, but you both swore an oath at your initiation into the Brotherhood to always protect him. Your pledge betrayed you with words of protection not only for the warrior, but for your prince. A part of you would always see him as the heir to the Fae kingdom.”

  Liam fisted his hands on his hips. “How do you know what pledge we made? You were not present.”

  She regarded him with sadness. “I was there, hidden in the back.”