Trial of a Warrior

by Mary Morgan

  She adjusted her cloak and tucked her blades in their respective places on her body. “Aidan gave me the parchments to study.” Stepping around him, Abela moved down along the river.

  “You seem to have been Aidan’s favorite,” he proposed, coming alongside her. “Or did you blackmail him? Do tell.”

  She was furious he would think she’d do anything so appalling. Ignoring him completely, Abela went in search of fresh berries.

  He darted in front of her, halting her progress. His eyes danced with mischief. “Is it your secret? Did Aidan share other information about the humans?”

  She gave him an exasperated snort. “Who are you? And where is the stern Fenian Warrior from yesterday?”

  “In front of you,” he responded dryly.

  “Humph! You’re behaving strangely this morning.” Pushing him aside, Abela continued on her path.

  Again he fell into pace alongside her. “I decided to embrace these next few days. It might be the last we have of our freedom.”

  Abela stole a glance at him. “Either your brain is addled from too much sleep or you have been drinking the O’Malley’s wine.” Halting abruptly, she grasped his tunic and searched his face. “That’s it. You’re drunk on the wine. I must find protection for you from the travelers.”

  He tugged on her hands. “No. Not one drop this morning. In truth, I did not get any sleep. My thoughts were of my life. Journeys I should not have traveled, and ones filled with contentment.”

  “Oh.” Slowly, she released her hold on him. “Did you draw any conclusions?”

  Liam bent and picked up a stone. He tossed it casually into the air. “That I have no regrets.”

  “Why?” she asked, surprised by his declaration. She thought he might have one or two.

  As he tossed the stone across the river, they watched it skip over the water. Ripples fanned out in a wide arc. “Each decision I made led to the next and had an impact on another life—be it human or Fae. I cannot undo the past. My destiny is linked to the destinies of others in this universe.”

  “But what about Aidan?” Her question barely a whisper.

  Frowning slightly, he answered, “I deem he understood the risks. Besides, I was his daughter’s guardian. He would have trusted no one else to assist him through the Veil. I had to put myself in his respective position. If I had a daughter, I would have moved the stars to protect her.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  Liam sighed heavily. “There are times when I think the man foresaw his own death. In addition, he had aged tremendously after the death of his wife, Rose. The moment Aileen came to Scotland he demanded I take extra care in watching over her.”

  She studied his features. “You came to this revelation all within a night?”

  “I made my peace long ago with what I did for Aidan. His death was an honorable one, though heartbreaking for his daughter.”

  Looking away, Abela watched several geese make their way across the river. Your death would have cleaved my soul in half. Closing the door on her emotions, she resumed her trek in search of food.

  Once again, Liam took his place by her side, and she fought the temptation to utter a groan. The sun had now risen and warmth flooded the area. A doe ambled through the trees foraging for its early morning meal. Inhaling deeply, she tried to detect any scent of fruit.

  “Why don’t you ask?” His tone was one of teasing.

  His joyfulness was irritating and amusing at the same time. “I can assure you I can find what I’m searching for.”

  “You’re wandering in the wrong direction.”

  Determined to ignore him, Abela kept on ambling along the side of the hill. Perhaps if she reached the top, the area would open to reveal fields of fruit. One could only hope. However, this was the human world and not her home.

  “I spotted a huge blackberry bush earlier this the morning,” announced Liam, strolling casually away from her.

  Blast him! “Are you certain that’s what I’m after?” She paused and sniffed the air again.

  Liam plucked a wildflower and held it out to her. “They are your favorites in the morning.”

  Startled he had recalled the memory, Abela tried to compose herself. “Your recollection is correct.” She walked slowly toward him and accepted the dainty flower. “Thank you.”

  He grasped her hand and tucked it in the crook of his arm. “Let me show you.”

  Instead of fighting the offer, she let him lead her to the area. Heat radiated off him. Abela found this side to the warrior fascinating. It reminded her of the man before he’d entered the Brotherhood. She tried to bring down the barriers of protection surrounding her heart and enjoy the moment. Nevertheless, Abela feared what would happen when they returned. It haunted her now.

  “You’re thinking too much,” observed Liam, pushing aside pine limbs for them to pass under.

  “What do you suggest I do?” she blurted out, furious he kept reading her thoughts.

  “You’re a priestess—”

  “Was,” she corrected.

  He shook his head. “Have you forgotten the teachings from the temple?”

  “No!” she affirmed, spotting the blackberry bush sprawled out beyond the cluster of pines. Quickly removing her hand from the warmth of his arm, Abela made her way up the hill.

  Smiling, she held her hands over the lush fruit and uttered a prayer of thanks for the bounty. After gathering as many as she could, Abela darted back down toward the water, passing Liam along the way.

  She settled herself on the ground, gazing outward while she ate the juicy blackberries.

  Liam returned with more in his hands and sat down next to her. “In case you’re hungry for more,” he explained.

  Chuckling softly, she fixed her attention on the water and scenery beyond. “Ireland is a beautiful land,” she admitted between bites of the fruit. Holding up one of the berries, she added, “Even the fruit is tasty.”

  Dumping the contents from his hands onto her lap, Liam leaned back on his elbows. “Much of Ireland is mirrored in our own world.”

  “I wish I could remember the time I spent here,” she mused.

  “You were an infant when we descended underground after the great battle.”

  Abela glanced at him, enjoying his leisurely posture. Again, he surprised her with how much he retained of their previous conversations. “Didn’t you mention they had to drag you away, since you fought leaving your home here?”

  “Ahh…yes. Not a fond memory. I screamed and kicked the ground, refusing to leave. A glorious temper-tantrum for all to witness. Rory was furious at my childish behavior and refused to speak to me for weeks.”

  “You were only two and Rory was how old?”

  “Four. Nonetheless, we were men of the world then.”

  She laughed. “Indeed.”

  Contentment filled her as they sat in silence. If only the peacefulness could last. For now, she would take Liam’s cavalier attitude and enjoy their brief time here.

  “Abela?”

  “Yes,” she muttered, keeping her gaze on the ripples of the river.

  “Thank you.”

  Casually brushing her hands on the soft grass, she asked, “For what?”

  “As much as I do regret allowing you to rescue me, I will be eternally grateful.”

  “Yo…you are?” she sputtered, turning to face him.

  He sat and brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. “Yes. Always. If anything, this has given us time for closure.”

  The word smacked of finality, and she placed her palm over his lips. “Stop. Use another word for closure.” Touching him sparked a wild frenzy in the pit of her stomach, but she was unable to resist. He smiled against her skin and prickling sensations broke out along her arm.

  When his tongue darted out and licked her fingers, Abela gasped. She was powerless to resist the temptation. Cupping his face, she pressed her lips against his and then gently covered his mouth. He tasted of the land, and she cou
ldn’t get enough.

  It was meant to be a simple kiss, but the heady rush of passion burst inside her. Liam swiftly turned her onto her back and thrust his tongue inside her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing the kiss deeper into her. His hand skimmed along the side of her waist and then up to fondle her breast. She arched against the possession, aching for more.

  Loud coughing brought them both out of their lustful trance. Liam broke free, but remained positioned over her. His eyes glittered like crystals.

  He lifted his head. “Is there something you seek, Adam?”

  “O’Malley wishes to inquire if ye would care to break your fast with him.”

  “Tell the man I’m occupied, but will join him later.”

  “Will do.”

  The man’s laughter could be heard as he left through the trees.

  Abela uttered a groan. “How embarrassing.”

  “Why?” asked Liam, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. “We are betrothed, remember?”

  She stewed on his words and looked away. “Right, only a ruse.”

  His grip was firm on her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. “Truth?”

  Abela’s chest heaved. “Always.”

  “I have constantly desired you—wanted you. This is no pretense.”

  “I know,” she admitted. “ Nevertheless, you and I long for more, and sadly, we cannot go any further.”

  Liam leaned his forehead against hers. “Then I will take your sweet kisses with me, even when I draw my last breath.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “I can only serve one master, and I chose the path of a warrior over love.”

  ~Chronicles of Liam MacGregor

  What a foolish notion Liam pondered as he kept his sight on Abela who moved from one wagon to the next. He desired more than her kisses and believed he would never be happy until he possessed her completely. A part of him had always remained fractured. Once she had spurned him, Liam was never fully the same. He sought release with those who never warmed his heart or burned a fire in his soul.

  Happiness? A whisper on the breeze—fleeting and inaccessible.

  Her laughter filled the camp, and he found himself grinning. The children clustered around her like honeybees, and they were spellbound. She radiated a beauty that could not be contained, filling the area with enchantment.

  He expressed his opinion to keep her hidden from these people, but it was not in her nature. She required the freedom to explore, and he doubted any would consider her to be of royalty. Liam had spent part of the evening surveying all the men and women within the camp—from old acquaintances to the new faces in the clan. And he sensed no threat here.

  In the twisted adventure they were on, he tried to grasp a sliver of peace. Liam deemed it was only a matter of time before they were captured, but last night came a revelation. A vow to treasure these last remaining days with Abela.

  “I have a riddle for you dear children,” her voice rang out through the camp.

  The children clapped their hands in glee, giggling with delight.

  Abela tapped her finger to her mouth. “This is one that was told to me long ago, so listen carefully. I was meant for the air, but love the ocean. I am from the land, but belong to the stars. Who am I?”

  Each of the children gazed at her with the light of youth, trying to determine an answer. Abela blew a kiss across her palm over them. “Ponder the puzzle and let me know if any can solve the riddle.” She moved along the path as the children trailed after her.

  “Ye are a blessed man to find a treasure in the woman,” noted O’Malley, nudging him on the arm. “She has honored us to walk among the children and women. The storytellers will spread the tales for years to come.”

  If only she was mine forever. “A gem among our realm,” he acknowledged.

  “A messenger arrived early this morning with news Peter is unable to get here until Midsummer or the next day.”

  The news squashed his contentment, and Liam glanced at the man. “Do you know where he travels? Perchance we can meet him part of the way.”

  “Ye forget. I am required to sign the parchment.”

  Liam wiped a hand across his brow. How could he have forgotten? His thoughts were on a certain Fae minx. “Of course.”

  “Ye can withdraw to your realm for your own feasting and return the next day,” suggested O’Malley.

  “Unfortunately, I cannot return until it is in my possession.”

  The man surveyed him skeptically. “Is there more ye want to share regarding your journey?”

  That my life is at stake, and we’re fleeing from the entire Fae kingdom? “No.”

  “Ye are most welcome to join in our celebrations.”

  “Thank you for the offer, but I judge it wiser to stay away from the merriment.”

  O’Malley inclined his head and started forward.

  Liam returned his attention to the princess wandering the area with her wee attendants following closely. Every now and then, one of the small girls would touch her dress in laughter, and their whispered words reached his hearing.

  Instantly his features hardened, and he strode across the camp. So focused on her bewitching Fae aura, he had never considered the small children. Reaching for her hand, he pulled her away from her admirers. Words and sighs of complaints were issued from the children, but he ignored their minor protests.

  “What is wrong?” demanded Abela, tugging to free her hand from his grip.

  He refused to answer her until they were away from prying eyes and ears. Rabbits skittered out of their path as he steadily kept on moving through the trees.

  “Liam, stop!”

  No! Now be quiet!

  Abela yanked hard, finally freeing herself. “How dare you speak to me within my mind. Did I ever give you permission? You’re behaving like a human.”

  Liam fisted his hands on his hips. “Humans cannot project their thoughts into each other’s minds.”

  “Obnoxious man,” she hissed out.

  “Forgive me. I judged it wise at the time.”

  Her eyes blazed with fury. “It was not appropriate.”

  “Then you will not accept my apology?” he challenged.

  “No, because you don’t mean it. Your actions are beneath you and your training.”

  Turning from her anger, Liam cast his sight to the valley below and the river. You’re losing control and she’s correct. Quit thinking of possessing her. He let out a frustrated breath and went to a nearby tree for support. He darted a quick glance at her. “The children know you are royalty.”

  Abela looked appalled. “You’re wrong.”

  “Trust me, they do know, and I’m in error for not realizing it sooner. I watched as some dipped a curtsy and whispered princess to each other. The human children tend to have the gift of sight until they reach a certain age. Then they choose to ignore the images, discounting them as childish faery tales when they are older.”

  She maintained her rigid stance. “Regardless, you had no right invading my mind.”

  “You are correct. I misplaced my control.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Do you require aid in maintaining your direction of what a proper Fenian Warrior should do?”

  He snorted. “I am positive you will be there to alert me of my misgivings.”

  She eyed him suspiciously. “It depends on if you’ll listen to me.”

  Pushing away from the tree, Liam shook his head. “I have never stopped.”

  She drew near him. “What do you propose we do now that the children suspect?”

  “Nothing.” He waved a hand outward. “I’m confident we are safe here with these people.”

  “The children are harmless, Liam.”

  He pointed a warning finger at her. “They are the young bards here. All listen to them.”

  Abela linked her arm through his. “We will have the treaty tomorrow. By evening, back in our kingdom.”

  “There’s a snag
in the plan.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “Do tell.”

  “O’Malley informed me earlier Peter will not be here until Midsummer day. Or maybe the next.”

  A horrified expression passed briefly over her features. “Then we must spend the evening before here?” Releasing her hold on him, she crossed to the edge of the clearing.

  “Would you be more comfortable with the women?”

  She shook her head adamantly. “Absolutely not. The heady mix of emotions will be too much for me.”

  “Tomorrow is Midsummer’s Eve. If you’d like, I can request that the wagon be taken across the river. It will provide more seclusion away from the festivities. In addition, I will ask for some bread and cheese. We can gather fruit from the land.”

  “Yes…yes, that would be more agreeable,” she responded quietly.

  He started for the camp. “Good. I’ll go inform O’Malley.”

  “There’s one more problem.”

  Liam halted his stride and glanced over his shoulder. “I believe we can manage anything, as long as it’s not the appearance of your brother and his guards.”

  Her features were strained. “I am unable to magically change my attire.”

  He was at her side in two strides. “When did you notice?”

  She wrapped her arms around her body as if she was cold. “Several hours ago.”

  “And the shields?” Liam held his breath, fearing the answer.

  “Holding. Do you think it has anything to do with traveling through the Veil?”

  “The magic we possess has no limits.” Liam rubbed a hand down the back of his neck, trying to sort out this latest crisis.

  “Apparently mine does here in the human world.” She touched his arm. “Have you ever experienced this weakness?”

  “Never. I have all my powers, except for the ones from the Brotherhood. And I cannot fathom why this is happening to you. I can draw no conclusions. Why didn’t you mention this at the time it occurred?”

  Abela looked away. “Actually I was stunned, confused, and frightened, Liam. When I was pacing back and forth within the trees after I ate a light meal, some of the smaller children came scampering toward me.” She laughed nervously. “They are so like our Fae children. Carefree, smiling, and full of light.”