by Mary Morgan
Snorting, Liam tossed the bottle aside. “Advice from one who almost entered the Realm of Sorrows?” He snapped his fingers and a fresh bottle appeared. “I think not.”
“Are you drunk?”
Liam cast his brother a suspicious look. “If I am, are you going to give me a lecture?”
“Aye, most assuredly.”
Ignoring his brother, Liam opened the bottle and guzzled deeply. Afterward, he handed the bottle to Rory. “Either join me or leave.”
Rory hesitated and then took the wine. Taking a sip, he held the bottle outward. “You’ve taken a bottle from the private stash of the council members? You do realize it’s mixed with ambrosia from the Pleasure Gardens?”
Liam shrugged. “I figured it was within my rights. I have yet to be given a formal apology.”
“Seneca has convened a meeting with the king. Until a new member has been chosen, she has requested Elder Loran to take the vacant position. In addition, he will oversee the new member. There shall be stricter rules within the order.”
Waving a hand dismissively in the air, Liam spouted, “I say banish them all.”
Rory took another sip of the wine. “No wonder you’re drunk. This drink is potent. Remember when we spent a week in the gardens, sipping ambrosia?”
“Among other pleasures, too.” He sighed. “At the time I was trying to wipe a certain Fae minx from my blood.”
“Why didn’t you ever mention your attraction?”
Liam darted a glance at him. “Seriously? As I recall, you mentioned the story of how Conn took a fist to your jaw when you followed the princess one afternoon. I had no intention of spouting anything to anyone.”
His brother chuckled and rubbed a hand over his chin. “Yes, but mine was lust. Yours, I believe was emotional.”
“Years ago,” muttered Liam, attempting to reach for the bottle of wine.
Rory held it away from him. “I think we’re done with spirits and the past. Time to move forward.”
“Leave me alone,” he groaned and stood. The landscape blurred, and Liam scrubbed a hand over his face. “I believe it’s time for me to leave.”
“I agree.” Rory stood and clamped a hand around his shoulders. “It is time for you to take a wee trip with me.”
He eyed his brother warily. “I am not returning to the Brotherhood.”
“We’re not going there. When you are ready, you shall return.”
“Never,” countered Liam, attempting to free himself from Rory’s grasp.
Rory gazed outward. “I have been overseeing the training of a certain young Dragon Knight.”
“Jamie?”
“Aye. I am teaching him battle techniques and honing his powers. The fire dragon is strong within the lad. The time has come for him to further his studies.” Rory glanced at him and tapped Liam on the head. “He requires a scholar.”
“Me? What about Archie?”
Releasing his hold, Rory replied, “The Bard of the Fae has taught the young Dragon Knight as much as he is able. In truth, he should not be the one schooling the lad. You are a wise choice, Liam.”
“It’s too soon,” he complained and moved away. There would be love and laughter in the home of Adam and Meggie MacFhearguis.
As if understanding his thoughts, Rory mentioned, “It would only be for a few days and then you can return home. Meet with the lad and discern what he requires in his mental learning. I understand you have yet to accept your Fenian powers. I can take you through the Veil until you’ve made a final decision, and arrangements can be made for you stay above without harm to your body.”
Liam continued to watch his niece play as butterflies flitted in a dance of beauty around her. “When will…” He placed a hand over his heart in an effort to ease the pain. “When is the funeral procession?”
“They have left the ceremony to the priestesses in the temple. All deemed this would be for the best, since they still considered her a priestess. There will be no formal one within the kingdom.”
Turning abruptly, he stared at his brother. “She should be honored, not hidden.”
Rory nodded solemnly.
“When do we depart for Aonach Castle?” asked Liam.
“Tomorrow at dawn.”
“Good.” Liam strode past Rory, retrieving the bottle of wine as he made his way back to his own chambers. He required something to dull his senses further, especially during the long, bleak night hours when Abela’s image haunted him.
****
Shielding his eyes from the intense glare of the morning sunlight, Liam surveyed the landscape around Aonach Castle. Peace had once again resided in this home of the Dragon Knights. The last time he visited was before the great battle to rid the world of the vile druid, Lachlan. It was a volatile time and required the Dragon Knights from the past—Meggie’s brothers, and her husband, Adam, to help defeat the evil that was threatening the world. Liam, Conn, and Rory defied their own people by assisting the Dragon Knights. After achieving victory, they were bound in cuffs and sent to their respective prisons.
“A different view than the last time you were here, right?” Rory came alongside him and folded his arms over his chest.
“Most definitely. Though how is Adam adjusting to life in present day Scotland?”
Rory shrugged. “One day at a time with the help of Meggie and their children. He will never fully become one here. As a 13th century Scottish warrior, I believe his soul would rather return there.”
Startled, Liam asked, “Is he not happy with Meggie?”
“Absolutely! If given the chance to return to the past, he would swiftly decline. His true heart and soul is Meggie. He lost her once and vowed to never part from her again. I must confess, he is extremely happy to be finally working on the ancient ruins of his home.”
“Leomhann,” mused Liam.
“Yes. Meggie gifted him the castle with the proceeds of the money her brothers had stashed away for her. After the battle and the MacKay Dragon Knights returned to the past, Angus made a pact that each new generation of Dragon Knights would set aside their profits for Meggie and her descendants. She had amassed quite a sum and bought Leomhann Castle, and the MacFhearguis land surrounding the ruins.”
“Ironic how this all came to fruition, don’t you think?”
Rory sighed. “Considering Meggie’s brother’s sword was the catalyst for her death and each of her brothers had to seek their own redemption, yes I find it ironic and amazing.”
Watching a hawk make lazy circles in the sky, Liam studied its flight. The bird appeared to take its own course, instead of drifting along in the warm draft of air. A flicker of awareness prickled along his senses. Liam clasped his hands behind his back and shielded his thoughts. He continued to watch with intent as the bird flew closer to them.
“Return to the Dragon Knight,” ordered Liam.
“He has spoken to you?” asked Rory, stepping aside. “He did so on my first meeting here.”
“I never gave him the chance,” replied Liam. “If he tried to enter my mind, he might not like what’s inside. His first lesson will be manners when it comes to entering one’s thoughts. In addition, he used the hawk’s vision to study us. The lad’s magic is strong.”
Rory barked out in laughter and pounded Liam’s back. “This is exactly why you are needed here. Not only did he speak within my mind, but he has scared his own mother by entering her thoughts.”
“You should have thwarted his attempt with a blast of energy,” suggested Liam, keeping his focus on the retreating hawk and not the agonizing loss he felt within his soul. It was a darkness that consumed him daily.
“He’s only a child.”
“Then you’re the fool, Brother. His mind and dragon are ancient. They have united.”
“By the hounds! It is impossible.” Rory fisted his hands on his hips.
“Contrary to what we’ve been led to believe in the legends, this young Dragon Knight has mastered the beast within. They made a pact. No o
ne has ever done so at an early age. It takes years of training and respect.”
“You were able to grasp all this knowledge from here? In such a brief time?”
Liam pointed to the sky. “Jamie may be strong, but he’s young, inexperienced, and leaves a trail of mental power. He is wary.”
“Of whom?”
“Two Fenian Warriors converging on a hill? I cannot say, yet, his concern is there.” Liam nudged his brother. “Let us go greet the MacFhearguis clan.”
In a whisper of light, both warriors vanished and appeared in front of the portcullis to Aonach Castle. Striding forth across the open gate, Liam glanced in all directions. The darkness that once clouded this place was replaced with beauty. Flowers grew in abundance near the entrance.
Dogs greeted them in welcome, and Rory responded with firm pats on the side. “This young wolfhound is Zeus and the other one is known as Odin.”
Chuckling softly, Liam said, “Greek and Viking under one roof.”
“Better them than the Celts, right?”
“Agreed.”
The clang of steel halted their conversation.
“Should we venture to the lists?” recommended Rory.
Liam gestured outward. “Lead on.”
When they approached, Liam was unprepared for the sight. Jamie MacFhearguis had grown tremendously since the last time he saw the lad. “How old now?”
“Six winters.”
“He looks like a lad of twelve.”
“There has never been a recorded account of any other Dragon Knight to have aged so quickly, either,” remarked Rory. “Archie is keeping a daily record of Jamie’s progress.”
Liam examined father and son sparring in the lists, marveling at the strength of the younger knight. Adam was the stronger, but Jamie was holding his own against his father.
“And how is Adam adjusting to his dragon?”
Rory leaned near him. “Considering he only found out a few years ago, I can honestly say his is superior, as well. They united much sooner than we expected.”
“Amazing.” Liam’s attention was soon directed to a younger lad standing on the bench and waving a wooden sword high in the air. His language was garbled, until Liam detected it was in ancient Latin.” He nudged his brother. “Who is the newest Dragon Knight?”
“Alexander Conn MacKay MacFhearguis.”
“Impressive.”
“According to Meggie, the next two bairns will each have our names as well.”
Liam folded his arms over his chest, content to observe the younger Dragon Knight. “Where did this knowledge of future children come from?”
“Jamie, through the Great Dragon.”
Thunder rolled in the distance, and Liam narrowed his eyes. “Alexander has the power of the skies.”
“Correct.”
“Powerful,” remarked Liam.
“I’ve deduced these Dragon Knights will become the most powerful in history. Archie is in agreement with my conclusion.”
Uneasiness settled within Liam as he recalled the last time the Dragon Knights were the most powerful. It was during the 13th century with the MacKay clan, Jamie’s uncles. “Has anyone mentioned this occurrence with the king or the seers?”
“Yes. Conn held a meeting after I met with Jamie. He wished to have another opinion before alerting the king. The seers have often stated this is a new bloodline of Dragon Knights.”
“A new order,” added Liam and brushed a hand down the back of his neck. “Do you think evil will try to enter this world sooner than in a thousand years?”
“I pray not,” stated Rory in a hushed tone. We thought we were done when we vanquished the bastard several years ago.”
Liam glanced at his brother skeptically. “A new order. A new bloodline. A new evil?”
“Gods and Goddesses protect us.”
A burst of shouting brought their conversation to a halt, and they turned their attention to Adam leveling his blade to Jamie’s chest. The lad had enclosed them both in a ring of fire, and his fire dragon hovered behind him. Adam was yelling at his son in Gaelic, ordering him to withdraw his dragon back into his body.
“Sweet Mother Goddess, what is Jamie doing?” Liam started forward, but Rory held him back.
“Let the older Dragon Knight command him. If we interfere, it will show Jamie’s dragon that his father is weak and needs outside assistance.”
“It’s madness!” hissed Liam, but remained standing by his brother.
They continued to watch the battle of wills and strength unfold before them, until Adam’s dragon emerged at the tip of his blade. The shadow dragon was furious—eyes flashing silver. Liam watched in stunned fascination as Adam grew several inches, towering even more over his son. Jamie relented and clenched his hand. The fire dragon retreated into his body, and the lad slumped to the ground.
“I have never witnessed a display of power so great,” commented Liam. “I am relieved to know Archie is keeping an account. Even Adam has grown in strength and power.”
“Yes. Especially since he is the elder,” acknowledged Rory.
“But not the leader. Jamie will lead the next battle.”
Rory gestured him forward. “You are ever observant, Brother. Let’s go greet them.”
Alexander jumped down from the bench and raced to Rory. “Greetings! Yippee, ye have brought another warrior!”
Rory ruffled the lad’s hair. “Alexander this is my brother, Liam.”
Alexander gave him a mock salute. “Welcome to Aonach Castle.”
Liam gave him a curt nod. “And how goes the training, Alexander?”
“Magnificent. I tried to force my dragon out to help my brother.”
Liam arched a brow in disapproval. “Your first lesson, Alexander, is to control your emotions. Your dragon should never be unleashed in anger.”
The lad narrowed his eyes as if trying to discern Liam’s message. He tapped his chest. “If I am angry, he must stay inside?”
“Precisely.”
Alexander tapped the sword on the ground. “But what if the enemy is attacking? Should I not release my dragon?”
A cold tendril of fear snaked down Liam’s spine, and he refused to continue this path of conversation. “I pray you will live in peaceful times here.”
The lad nodded slowly. “It is what we all wish for, also.” He pointed to his brother, who was embracing his father. “Jamie says the darkness is coming.”
Liam swiftly glanced at his brother, who remained silent. Returning his attention to the lad, Liam said, “I hope he is wrong.”
“’Tis good to see ye,” remarked Adam, striding forth with Jamie by his side.
Liam embraced the man. “And you, my friend. As well as Jamie.” He reached for the lad, noting the uncertainty in his eyes. Liam attributed his sullen behavior to his verbal thrashing by his father.
“Are you here to oversee more training?” inquired Jamie, shifting uneasily.
“Yes. Rory thought it would be best if you acquired more knowledge from the Fae realm. Archie has taught you as much as possible, but you require more warrior wisdom.”
Humor softened the lad’s features, and his eyes grew bright. “It would be an honor for ye to teach me.”
Smiling, Liam held out his arm. “Let us shake like warriors of old.”
Jamie puffed out his chest and took Liam’s outstretched arm. “I welcome your knowledge, Fenian Warrior.”
Adam placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Take Alexander into the castle and wash the stench of dirt off both of ye.”
“Aye, Father.”
Liam watched the two brothers depart the lists and then turned toward Adam. “What is this darkness that Jamie is referring to?”
Adam blew out a curse. “He speaks of another battle—one where I cannae fathom if it is within him or another threat of evil. This is all the knowledge he imparts to us.”
“Then it is wise there will be two warriors enlisting in his training. His strength as a Dr
agon Knight is impressive in one so young, but his mind has yet to harness the power. He rules by emotion.”
Adam raked a hand through his hair. “Ye are spouting nothing new.”
Liam placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Do not worry. Whatever evil he must face, he will not be alone.”
“Aye,” affirmed Adam. “Let us go greet Meggie.”
Liam gave the man a weak smile, trying to ignore the snaking fear of yet another battle to be fought by both Fae and humans.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“As a Fenian Warrior, my deepest strength came from the power to control my emotions. After Abela died, I found myself adrift in a sea of misery and agony, unable to shake free from my wretched companions.”
~Chronicles of Liam MacGregor
“I have heard ye are leaving us,” commented Meggie, stepping alongside Liam near the loch's bank.
“I believe having two Fenian Warriors, especially ones that are brothers for a few months can be exhausting on Jamie. He requires time to digest the information I have taught him. I judge it best he train physically for several months and then have scholar lessons. Rory and I have deemed this wise, switching out his training and lessons.”
She eyed him skeptically and pulled the shawl over her shoulders. “Is it true?”
Confused by her question, Liam asked, “What truth are you referring to, Meggie?”
“The darkness you hide within yourself. We all ken of Jamie’s, but he has mentioned yours.”
Liam muttered a curse. “Mine is different. Deep sorrow fills me over the loss of my wife. The lad knows nothing about loss and suffering, unless he is channeling those who have suffered from his ancestors. Yes, he witnessed pain from the evil druid, Lachlan, but his father saved him.”
Meggie touched his arm. “I am sorry. Please forgive me. Ye never mention anything about her, except to say ye married and she died shortly afterward. The loss of a loved one is terrible for anyone, be it Fae or human.”
A surge of pain shot through Liam, and he stepped away from Meggie. Each day the darkness of pain chipped away at his soul. Often he woke in the early morning, gasping for breath. As if someone was strangling him in a vice grip, punishing him for falling in love. His focus was faltering, and it was time to return home and attempt to heal. If not, his sanity might slip into a chasm of eternal pain.
