Highland Fires

by Donna Grant

  Just the mention of Ahryn’s name made Lugus began to doubt his leave taking. “Ahryn doesn’t realize who I am. As soon as she does, her thinking will change. I know I deserve a lot, but I would rather not be around when she discovers the truth.”

  “You don’t give her enough credit,” Aimery said as he caught up with Lugus.

  Lugus stopped and turned to the Fae commander. “Stop using Ahryn for this has nothing to do with her. Tane thinks he needs me, but he doesn’t. Theron does need saving, and if the Fae and Draconian unite powers you will be able to find him yourself. What good would I do with no powers.”

  “You opened the doorway, something you shouldn’t have been able to do.” Lugus signed louder this time. “I know, but you needn’t worry. I will not venture into the realm again.”

  There was something in Aimery’s gaze that stopped Lugus from speaking. Maybe it was the worry or the underlying fear, but he knew Aimery was more concerned than he let on.

  “I ask you to stay. If you will not do it for your brother, I ask you to do it for the friendship that used to be between us.”

  Lugus turned away and looked at the gateway. “Understand that my wanting to leave has nothing to do with Theron. He is my brother and regardless of how he feels, he is my only family. I wish to leave because I...fear my presence will make things worse.”

  As Lugus expected, Aimery walked until he stood in front of him. “I’m not totally convinced you are the man Tane proclaims you to be, but because my king is in need and my queen cannot help him, I am asking you.”

  Lugus knew he had no choice. Tane had convinced Aimery that he needed Lugus, when in fact Lugus knew Tane could most likely find Theron himself.

  “I will stay then.”

  In a blink, Aimery was gone. Lugus didn’t want to walk back to the dwelling and see Ahryn’s mystical blue eyes filled with doubt so he began to walk towards Caer Rhoemyr to see his sister-in-law and face a fear he had thought he had buried deep within him.

  Chapter Twenty

  Ahryn hurriedly wiped her eyes as Tane walked into the chamber. “Thank you for releasing the bracelet.”

  He smiled and nodded. “How are you feeling?”

  “Much better. I should be healed in a few hours and Aimery is to return me to my family.”

  Again Tane nodded thoughtfully. “What awaits you there?”

  “Endless questions. I would rather venture to my grandfather’s. At least I know he would tell me the truth.”

  “About Lugus?”

  She blinked and nodded. “Do you read thoughts as well?” Tane smiled. “Not exactly. As with any powerful being you have blocked anyone from reading your thoughts, I just see things others do not.”

  “I just want to know what Lugus is hiding.”

  “Why?” Tane asked. “Is it because you do not think it is as bad as he thinks it is, or because you fear it is worse than you think it is.”

  Ahryn hated that he knew her feelings. “I’ve only heard whispers of rumors. Everyone feared for our lives when we were captured and held prisoners. It wasn’t until we were suddenly released that we saw the destruction across the Fae realm and the first rumors began.”

  “What were the rumors?” Tane asked.

  “That someone had tried to take over the realm and released the Death Dragons.”

  “Death Dragons are a dangerous thing to play with,” Tane murmured.

  “Someone else harnessed the Death Dragons and released us. Only then did we learn of Lugus’ banishment.”

  Tane tapped his finger on his chin as he paced in front of her bed. “How do you think Lugus was involved?”

  “I think he must have helped the person responsible for releasing the Death Dragons.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  She licked her lips and glanced out the windows. “He spent countless years in the Realm of Shadows. None even knew he had managed to leave. Some say he was powerful enough to escape, I think Theron finally realized he had been punished long enough and released him. After the banishment we learned that he hadn’t, in fact, killed his father and he had been wrongly accused, which would explain why he helped the person free the Death Dragons.”

  “A plausible theory,” Tane said softly. “So, you don’t think he had a bigger role in the near destruction of your realm?”

  “Nay,” she said vigorously. “He is a good man, a man that deserves to be respected as a prince of our realm.”

  Tane suddenly smiled at her words. “You must care about him a great deal.”

  “He saved me. His home was burned, and he can never return to his isle because of me. He’s lost another home, and I wish to make right what was wrong.”

  “You will do nicely,” he said before he turned on his heel and walked away.

  “Do nicely for what?” Ahryn called after him, but she knew he wouldn’t answer.

  The more time she spent with Tane the more she learned of their differences and likenesses. While both the Fae and Draconians were matched equally in power, there were some in her race just like Tane that had an exceptional gift.

  Tane was planning something, and Ahryn wished she was privy to it. She would gladly give him her aid if it meant that Lugus’ banishment would be overturned.

  She made the decision then that she would go to her grandfather’s first since she had a sneaking suspicion that Tane, Lugus and Aimery would be going to Caer Rhoemyr.

  ~ ~ ~

  Aimery found Tane leaving Ahryn’s chamber. “I’ve convinced Lugus to stay. We need to make haste to the palace. I want Queen Rufina to hear your words.”

  “Where is Lugus?” “He started walking. I wanted to deliver Ahryn to her family first. Catch up with Lugus. He will lead you to Caer Rhoemyr.” Tane nodded and disappeared. Once he was gone, Aimery turned to enter Ahryn’s chamber and found her standing beside the bed. “Are you ready to see your parents again?”

  “Not just yet.”

  He was startled to hear her words. “Why not?”

  “I have a need to see my grandfather first.”

  “He is in Caer Rhoemyr.”

  “Exactly,” she said and cocked her head to the side.

  Aimery silently cursed. “Did Tane tell you that is where we are going?”

  “Tane told me nothing.”

  “You really need to see your parents,” Aimery argued.

  Ahryn shook her head. “My powers have returned. I will go to my grandfather’s one way or another. I have already sent word to my parents that I am once again in the Fae realm.”

  “You get your stubbornness from your grandfather.”

  “It’s why I love him so,” Ahryn answered with a smile.

  ~ ~ ~

  Lugus spotted Tane leaning against a tree about twenty paces ahead of him. “I suppose Aimery sent you.”

  Tane nodded and fell into step with him. “Aimery is trying to bring Ahryn to her parents.”

  “What do you mean trying?” Lugus asked and stopped. “Is something wrong with her? Is her injury not healing correctly?”

  “She is fine,” Tane answered with a knowing smile. “You are wounded.”

  Lugus touched the material around his throat. “It’s nothing.”

  “Let me see,” Tane said before he reached over and untied the strip. “The arrow barely missed you.”

  Lugus shrugged. “It will heal in time.” Before he could move away, Tane placed his hand on the wound and closed his eyes. Lugus felt the magic flow through him and found himself lightheaded.

  When Tane stepped away, Lugus reached up and felt the healed skin. He threw aside the soiled material. “Thank you. Now, you were saying about Ahryn?”

  “You worry greatly for someone you proclaim to think of as a responsibility.”

  Lugus turned back to the path and began walking. “Tell me why Aimery is having difficulty with Ahryn.”

  “She wishes to see her grandfather.”

  Lugus frowned and tried to ignore the feeling of despair t
hat settled around him.

  “You have no response?”

  Lugus shook his head, unable to find his voice. He knew why Ahryn wanted to see her grandfather, she wanted the truth about him. Lugus now regretted not telling her when he had the chance.

  Now she would hear all the ugly details and know him for the monster he really was. In a way, it was better that she finally heard the truth. Then, he would have to stay away from her. As it was, he was finding it difficult to keep his distance from her.

  His rod still throbbed with a need to be buried inside of her. Their pleasuring each other had only wet his appetite for her, and he feared he would never get enough.

  He stopped in his tracks. “I am meant to walk the realms alone, a monster that everyone turns away,” he said softly.

  “One never really knows what the future holds,” Tane said.

  Lugus looked at him and saw something in Tane’s copper eyes. “But you can see my future?”

  “I see many different paths that you can take. Which one you journey is your choice alone.”

  “Why go to so much trouble to bring me back here if you won’t tell me what I need to do.”

  Tane smiled sadly. “It isn’t that easy, Lugus. I saw what was to happen to your brother and who has done it. I also saw what would become of your realm if King Theron wasn’t returned.”

  “And that in itself made you come to a realm where Draconians haven’t been welcomed in millennia?”

  “Nay. I came because I had to. Like you, I have no choice.”

  That’s when Lugus understood. “Someone sent you?”

  “Something like that,” Tane said and glanced away.

  “I will not delve into your secrets,” Lugus said, “for we all have them.”

  No sooner had the words left Lugus’ mouth than Aimery appeared before them. “The queen wishes to speak with both of you.”

  Lugus inhaled deeply and waited for Aimery to transport them to the palace. He was afraid he would see the palace and city still destroyed. When they arrived in the palace throne room, Lugus hastily made his way to the balcony and looked out over his precious city.

  All traces of destruction were gone. It was as though the Death Dragons had never come to the city.

  “You always did love to look at the city.”

  Lugus jerked at hearing Rufina’s voice beside him. He moved his head and found her usually smiling face full of despair.

  “I’m sorry, Rufina,” he said.

  To his utter surprise, a single tear slipped down her face. “I’m trying to be strong,” she said, her voice soft as though she was afraid someone might hear. “But I’m failing miserably.”

  Lugus turned to her as she faced him. “I will be strong for you.”

  At his words her face crumbled, and he pulled her into his arms as she cried. He clenched his jaw and knew then that he would gladly give his life to find Theron.

  He didn’t know how long he and Rufina stood together as she cried and he offered her his strength. When her tears began to dry, she pulled back and looked into his eyes.

  “I’m glad you are here. I feel as though I am losing my mind.”

  Lugus took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm as he led her back to the throne room where Tane and Aimery waited. As he drew closer he spotted Michyl, Theron’s High Chancellor, and Ahryn beside him.

  He stopped and stared at her. When she gave him a hesitant smile, he returned it with a nod and continued to Rufina’s throne.

  Rufina leaned close, “I see how you two looked at each other. I’m anxious to hear the tale.”

  “There is nothing to tell because there cannot be anything between us.”

  Rufina’s brow creased. “Lugus, haven’t you lived in punishment long enough?”

  He nearly laughed at her words. “The first time I was punished it was undeserved. This time, however, I deserve it and much more.”

  “Anyone would have wanted revenge.”

  “Not Theron,” Lugus answered, and with Rufina’s silence, he knew she would argue no more.

  She sighed softly. “I still wish to hear the tale if for nothing more than to take my mind off Theron for a little while. I feel so helpless.”

  Lugus seated her and moved down a few steps. “Maybe one day.”

  “Tonight,” she said.

  He knew better than to argue with her here. Tonight he would explain why he didn’t wish to speak of Ahryn or their time together.

  Lugus turned and walked to stand beside Tane. Regardless that Tane was a Draconian, he had risked everything and saved Ahryn, and Lugus would trust him with his life.

  Rufina raised her hand, and Tane walked towards her. He knelt on the steps below her and placed his right hand over his heart. “Your majesty,” he said softly, and he bowed his head.

  “Rise and tell me what you know,” Rufina demanded.

  Tane rose then and squared his shoulders. “As I told your commander, it was not our king who sent the gift.”

  “Who did?” Rufina asked.

  “Daveth. He is a powerful Draconian that is trying to usurp the crown.”

  Rufina folded her hands in her lap. “How do I know you are speaking the truth?”

  “May I approach?” Tane asked.

  Lugus watched Aimery step near Rufina.

  Tane threw back his black cloak over his shoulders revealing the intricate gold material that lined the inside. He held his arms out and palms up as he moved toward Rufina. Once he stood in front of her he turned his palm down.

  Lugus watched as Rufina leaned forward and stared at Tane’s hand. She nodded, and he stepped away. Lugus knew the only reason for Tane to show Rufina his hands was if he had the Truth tattoos on him. The Truth tattoos had been implemented several millennia ago, and it had worked well for not only the ambassadors, but also the realms.

  “So, you speak the truth, and it is Daveth that is trying to take the crown from your king. What has that to do with us?”

  “Theron is a very powerful king. Despite the Draconians and the Fae not mingling, Daveth knew that if Theron ever discovered his treachery, Theron would make sure and stop him.” Rufina nodded sadly. “You are correct. My husband would have done just that, however, I don’t think you are telling me everything.”

  “I am not,” Tane answered honestly. “I am what my people call a Diviner, able to see not just into the future, but to see all the different paths a person can take.”

  “So, you saw some path my husband would take and you came to save him?”

  Tane glanced at his feet before he shook his head. “Nay. I came because of Lugus.”

  Lugus met Rufina’s gaze and knew she worried that he might try and take over the throne while Theron was gone. He needed to set her straight on that when they talked. There were too many people, namely Ahryn, in the room that didn’t need to hear everything.

  “I thought you came to save my husband,” Rufina said, her voice low and tight as if she were about to lose the single thread that held her together.

  “King Theron plays a large role in this, Queen Rufina. Once the details are sorted out, we can try to find him.”

  “Nay,” Rufina said as she rose to her feet. “You will find him now. He is somewhere out there suffering. I won’t sit here and wait for you to do something. I will go after him.”

  Lugus saw her wobble and began to make his way to her. He passed Ahryn and felt her eyes on him, but he was too worried about his brother’s wife to spare Ahryn a glance.

  Tane’s voice rose and filled the throne room. “If you do, you seal yours, your babe’s and Theron’s fate to death. He was sent to the Realm of Shadows.”

  Lugus caught Rufina just as she crumpled. She pressed her head onto his shoulder as her body shook.

  “I’ve lost him,” she said softly.

  Lugus lifted her in his arms and met her eyes. “Nay. I am going after him.”

  Tears filled her eyes, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he wa
lked to her chamber.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Ahryn knew she shouldn’t be jealous of her queen, but with Lugus carrying her, Ahryn felt a jab of emotion hot and true rush through her.

  She had hoped Lugus would be happy to see her, but when he had looked at her, she thought she saw...resignation in his blue depths. She hadn’t had time to ask her grandfather about Lugus, and now she feared there might never be time.

  “Follow Lugus,” her grandfather said. “Queen Rufina is going to need you.”

  Ahryn lifted her white skirts and hurried after Lugus. It had been a wonderful feeling to shed the awful garments of the humans and don the Fae dress.

  Her soft soled shoes made no sound as she stretched her legs and caught up with Lugus. Rufina still had her arms locked around his neck and her face pressed into his shoulder. Ahryn could only imagine the pain and heartache her queen felt with her husband betrayed and trapped in a place that she couldn’t reach him.

  She ran ahead of Lugus and opened Rufina’s door. His eyes met hers as he passed, but they didn’t speak. When he laid Rufina on the massive bed, her eyes were closed. Lugus stepped back and pulled the silver cloth around the bed closed. Ahryn did the same on the opposite side and waited for Lugus.

  He walked to her and gently touched her face. “How is your shoulder?”

  “I feel nothing, like I never had an injury,” she said and smiled.

  He didn’t return the smile. “I thought Aimery was taking you to your family?”

  “He did.”

  “I wasn’t speaking of your grandfather. Though I know how valuable Michyl is to Rufina and Theron, I’m sure your parents would wish to speak to you.”

  “I’ve sent my parents a message.” She watched as his jaw clenched.

  “You need to be far away from me,” he whispered, his expression pained as though he wanted to be away from her.

  “I know, but I can’t.”

  “You came to find out the truth,” he nearly shouted.

  Ahryn covered his mouth with her fingers to silence him. He let out a low moan and closed his eyes. When he opened them they burned with desire.