by Mary Morgan
“Ye are driving too fast,” protested Adam.
“What?” Bringing her focus to the present, she nodded. “Thanks. My mind was drifting.”
“Drifing? By all that is holy! I have no wish for us to die in some forsaken metal beast.”
Giving him a sidelong glance, Meggie then resumed her concentration on the road ahead. “For your information, I have nae trouble with thinking and driving. And if we are going to remain in this century, ye must learn how to drive.”
“Never,” he stated gruffly.
“Humph! Never is a verra long time.”
“Agreed, so it will nae happen.”
“Stubborn man,” she chided.
“I have known worse,” he countered.
“If ye mean my brothers, then we are of the same mind.”
Adam stared out the window. “’Tis our bonny Scotland without as many trees.”
Meggie could hear the sadness in his voice. “Aye. I’m now looking at the country with fresh eyes and see the difference.”
He placed his hand on hers. “Though the beauty of the land shines, its past will always remain in our hearts.”
“Do ye think we can go back, Adam?” She knew without a doubt that he surely wished to return. Planes and cars were not a part of the man beside her.
Squeezing her hand, he shrugged. “I cannae say for certain. ’Tis a question for Conn.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting the warrior for the Fae. How did ye meet?”
Releasing his hand, he crossed his arms over his chest. Seeing how his demeanor quickly changed, she regretted asking the question. A frown now marred his features, and he turned away.
“He came to me at the standing stones. I was angry and babbling. The warrior appeared to me.”
Curious, Meggie asked, “Why were ye angry?”
His sigh sounded tormented to Meggie’s ears. “I wanted to return to my own time.”
Meggie swerved and then brought the jeep to a halt beside the edge of the road.
The sudden movement caused Adam to slam onto the dashboard. “Sweet Jesus! Why did ye stop in this manner?”
Fury infused her words. “Why did ye want to return? Would ye have truly left me? Our son?”
Adam’s shoulders slumped. Turning fully toward her, he grasped her hands. “I had just learned that ye had a son. Forgive me, but I believed Jamie had another father. My only thoughts were selfish ones. The pain of ye bedding another man caused me to deem I had no right to be in your life, nor did I wish to be. Conn showed me how foolish my thoughts were when he told me I was Jamie’s father.” Bringing her hands to his lips, he kissed them. “Forgive me, leannan.”
“Conn is correct. Ye were verra foolish. I wondered how ye knew Jamie was yours. I’m happy to hear Conn knocked some sense in ye.” Meggie reached out and cupped his cheek, warm and rough in her palm. God how she loved this man. “Ye are my life, Adam. Even without my memories, I don’t believe I could love another. Did ye ever consider that even when I could not remember, I named our son after ye—Adam James MacFhearguis?”
“I have been a fool.” His lips came crashing down on hers, hot and demanding. She twined her fingers in his hair and savored the taste—all male and her Adam.
They both jumped when a passing car beeped at them.
“Och, aye. I have the bruises from the warrior,” drawled Adam.
Meggie started the jeep and veered slowly back onto the road. “Bruises? Goodness, why? I was only teasing.”
Adam leaned back in the seat and once again, his hand went to the handle above the window. “Conn helped to train me as a Dragon Knight. I lacked the knowledge of my powers and as my guardian he was able to aid me in learning.”
“What exactly are your powers?”
“I can cloak one’s mind or body with shadows. Apparently, I had been living with them for a few years. When I became angry or upset, the darkness caused me to go blind, though not for long.”
“My brothers mentioned how at times their powers were uncontrollable, especially during times of great anger. Duncan could throw a mighty temper tantrum with his lightning and thunder when the rage took over him. And don’t get me started on Alastair. The tale was he nearly brought Urquhart Castle to a pile of stones over his lack of control.” She glanced at Adam and gave him a smile. “Actually, I’m glad Conn came to you. Not only to stop ye from going back, though I don’t know how ye could have, but in helping ye with your powers.”
Adam rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Ye ken I have been helping Jamie with his power.”
Rolling her eyes, Meggie gave him a sidelong glance. “How did ye ken?”
“The moment I saw his eyes flash when we first met, and he smacked me with his wooden sword. He has the look of Angus.”
Meggie reached for his hand. “Now ye ken why I protect him. We live in different times. We could shield ourselves more effectively in the past than now. Each time a newcomer arrives at the castle, my gut instinct is to find Jamie and hide him away. He’s not your normal two and half year old. Fae blood flows strong in his veins, making him taller, and far wiser. He adapts and learns quickly.”
Adam’s hand, warm and safe, soothed her worries. “What about your cousins?”
“They know the stories of the Dragon Knights and believe. ’Tis in their blood, too, though they have told me that it is not as strong as it is in Jamie and me. You really should thank them for taking me in, Adam. They have protected, cared, and loved us.”
Adam’s mouth tightened in disgust. “Lena is a good woman.”
“And Scott, Lucas, and Bruce are good men,” she shot back.
“Aye,” he grumbled.
They spent the next few hours in silence. Several times, Meggie wanted to ask more questions of Adam about his experience in the Crusades. What had he seen? Seeing his features finally relax, she put aside her questions, especially when he released his death grip on the handle.
The late afternoon sun glinted off the loch and slowly, Meggie could see the looming ruins in the distance. When she had visited Urquhart Castle with Lucas, she had nothing to gage her reaction. After he guided her along the ruins, pointing out specific details, she’d left feeling melancholy and only returned one more time with Lena.
Now, overwhelming emotions of grief ripped at her heart. This was her home! Quickly pulling into the parking lot, she couldn’t get out of the jeep fast enough. Tears fell freely down her cheeks. “My home,” she muttered.
Adam was at her side in two strides. She buried her face in his chest and sobbed. His arms encircled her as she poured out her anguish. “I am sorry, Meggie, it does not look like your home.”
Hiccupping, she wiped at her face and glanced up at him. “Many changes were added or removed over the centuries.” She pointed. “The tower was built by the Grants—”
“The Grants?” Adam interrupted.
“Aye,” she added solemnly. “Yes, the Grants. They had it built in the early sixteenth century. And the smithy was on the far right. Stables stood down further along, where I kept my dear loving horses.” Turning her head, she gazed out at the place that was once her home. “Ye are correct, Adam. ’Tis nae longer my home, but seeing it for the first time with all my memories created this powerful surge of emotions.”
He cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I dinnae ken your words, but I can only gather that upon seeing your Urquhart, it brought ye great pain.”
Meggie laughed softly. “Oh, Adam, how I love ye. We must get ye a dictionary—in Latin.”
His lips came down on hers, tender and soothing. As he broke free, he took her hand. “Let us fetch your book, so we can leave this place.”
She sighed and squeezed his hand. “Ye are my home, Adam.”
As she led him down a tunnel, she placed a finger over his lips when he started to protest. “I have to buy us tickets to gain entrance. Not one word,” she pleaded.
He bit lightly on her finger, but rewarded her with a smile.
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Approaching the counter, she gave the woman her money. “Two, please.”
“You do realize we’re getting ready to close,” the woman responded.
“We shall move quickly,” stated Adam, drawing Meggie close to him.
Meggie cringed, especially when the woman narrowed her eyes. “We want to take a picture before we leave. We’re on our honeymoon,” she lied in an attempt to persuade the woman.
“Young love,” she snorted and handed Meggie the tickets.
“Thank ye.” Taking the tickets, she steered Adam down the path.
Adam leaned close. “What is a honeymoon?”
“’Tis a trip—journey two people make right after they’re married. A time to have to themselves.”
“Hmm… And where would ye like to journey after we are married?”
Meggie halted. “I don’t need to make any journey with ye, Adam. The greatest one would be to marry ye and start the life we were meant to have.”
“Aye,” he uttered softly, bringing her hand to his lips.
Picking up her steps, she led him through the lower courtyard and past the Grant Tower. The sun started to dip into the west, and Meggie quickened her pace. Within several moments, the oak tree loomed large in the distance.
“Thank ye, Goddess.” She ran up to the giant and placed her hands on her hips, gazing upward. “My how ye have grown.”
“And your plan?” drawled Adam, standing back.
Meggie rubbed a hand over her forehead. “First, I must retrieve the Staff of Knowledge.”
“Bloody hell,” hissed Adam.
She tried not to giggle at the absurdity of their situation, considering what she was about to tell him next. “You’re going to have to lift me high to the first branch on the right.”
Pushing her aside, Adam started to climb the tree.
“Nae,” she hissed, pulling him back. “Ye will not be able to find the staff. ’Tis protected by Fae magic and the tree.”
Grumbling another curse, Adam grabbed her around the waist and lifted her high. Struggling, Meggie managed to take hold of one of the limbs and hoist herself up. “Keep a watch for anyone.”
“’Tis better if I keep my sight on ye.”
“Stubborn man,” she hissed, moving along cautiously to the other branch. Closing her eyes, she whispered, “Keep me steady, Fae, keep me safe, ancient one.” Rubbing her hand along the rough bark, Meggie calmed her breathing. Instantly, the energy traveled up her arm and spread throughout her body. Smiling, she continued making her way upward, ignoring the mutterings of Adam.
Seeing the crevice in the trunk, Meggie whispered the ancient words and placed her hand deep within. Her fingers tingled with anticipation, sensing the power all around her, until they came upon a smooth round surface. “I am the daughter returning home.” Grasping with all her might, Meggie pulled the staff free.
Placing her head on the trunk, she kissed the tree in thanks. “I thank ye for keeping this safe.” Twisting slightly, she tossed it down to Adam, and made her way down.
Jumping the last few feet, Adam caught her in his arms. “Sweet Mother Mary, ye scared the life out of me up there.”
Meggie kissed him. “I was completely safe.”
“What if ye fell?” he barked out.
“Ye would catch me…or the Fae would break my fall. How soon ye forget, Adam. Do ye not remember how I used to hide from my brothers in the trees?”
“I have nae forgotten.” Placing her down, Adam handed her the staff. “Please tell me ye are not climbing another tree.”
Laughing, Meggie shook her head. “Move aside, Dragon Knight, and please be silent. Ye are about to witness what no other has before.”
When he complied, Meggie raised the staff high, chanting the words of old. Slamming the staff down upon the ground, she knelt. “Open for me, air, fire, land, and water. North, east, south, and west—the gates shall release what is mine and thine. I, Margaret Aine MacKay, keeper of the Book of Awakening, discharge ye from your service.” Holding onto the staff in front of her, she waited.
The ground rumbled beneath her as she bent her head. The air became thick, and the mists swirled around them. Standing, she walked to the center of the tree and placed her hand upon the base of the trunk. The energy pulsed, vibrated, until the ground opened. Kneeling down, Meggie picked up the heavy book, bound in a golden cloth. Clutching it to her chest, she wept silently.
Soon, Adam was behind her. He gently laid his hand on her shoulder, and she reveled in his comfort.
“’Tis the most wondrous beauty I have ever witnessed,” he said softly.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Time is as elusive as the mists that descend over the Highlands.”
They had returned to Castle Aonach well after midnight. Adam carried an exhausted Meggie upstairs to her chamber. Summoning the power to retrieve her book had left her weak, and he feared for their safety on the road. In an effort to stay awake and focused while driving, she had requested all the windows to remain open. The icy air caused her teeth to chatter, and he kept a steady hand upon her shoulder for heat.
Adam asked her many questions about her life in this century. The day Jamie was born. His first step. What was his first word? Why was his language more old than new? How did she learn to drive, cook, and read the books in the library? The latter he was striving to learn, since he enjoyed reading. And in turn, she asked him questions of his life as a Crusader. What was it like traveling in strange countries—from the people, the weather, and the food? He told her as much as she could handle. The atrocities and barbaric killings, he chose to leave out. Perchance, one day he would share those horrors, but now was not the time.
By the time they returned, their voices were raw from the cold, talking, laughing, and at times, Meggie’s weeping.
Stripping her clothes free, he gently tucked her under the covers. Her eyes remained closed the entire time. Kissing her forehead, he murmured, “Sleep well, my bonny leannan. I will look after our son in the morn.”
A small moan was her only response.
As he stepped quietly out of the chamber, his hand froze on the handle. “Never will I part from ye, Meggie. Please God, hear my prayer, and always protect her and Jamie.”
Walking down the corridor, Adam crept silently into his son’s room. The embers from the fire had died down low, giving him a partial view of his sleeping son. Skye lifted her head from her resting place at the end of his bed. Smiling at the scene before him, he understood what Meggie saw the night she realized Jamie was his son. The lad had his arms flung outward, sword at his side. “Ye are my heart, too, wee Jamie,” he whispered.
Grabbing a blanket from the chair, he curled up by the hearth and fell instantly asleep.
****
Pain stabbed into Adam’s side. Warrior instincts took over his brain, and he woke in a crouching stance, ready for attack. Blinking several times, he glanced around at his surroundings. Sitting on the floor in front of him were Skye, and Jamie holding the weapon that most likely caused him pain—his wooden sword. Now would be a good time to teach his son some manners.
Standing to his full height, he fisted his hands on his hips and glared at his son. “Pray tell me why ye were stabbing my side with your sword? Am I now the enemy ye must slay?” His words a bit more gruff than he intended, especially when he noticed the lad’s lip quiver for a brief moment.
Jamie stood, but he did so without his sword. “I am…” He swallowed. Lifting his chin, he said with more force, “I am sorry, Adam. But ye were snoring loudly and ’tis late in the morning. Mama is still sleeping and my cousin—”
“Which one?” interrupted Adam.
“Scott. He told me to wake ye. Even if I had to use my sword.”
Adam rubbed his hand vigorously over his face. He wanted to take a fist to the MacKay. “Scott was wrong in telling ye to do so. Have ye not been listening to my words about the proper handling of a sword? Did I ever mention that ye should wake an
yone with the blunt end?”
Jamie glanced down at his sword and then shrugged. Returning his gaze to Adam, he replied, “It’s only wood, so no harm came to ye.”
“James William MacFh…MacKay. I am training ye as if this”—Adam picked up the sword—“is as real as my own blade. Do ye ken my meaning?”
“I said I’m sorry,” Jamie protested.
“Did ye mean the words ye spoke with a full heart?” countered Adam.
The lad pursed his lips in thought and then straightened. “Nae. I am truly sorry, Sir Dragon Knight.”
Adam fought the smile forming on his mouth. Turning away, he walked to the window. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground. Perfect, he mused. Time was slipping by, and he wanted to spend a few hours not worrying about ancient battles and evil. For a brief time, he wished for his son to be able to play as he did when he was a young lad.
Looking over his shoulder, he noticed the rigid stance in his son. Already a warrior. “Your mother is tired from her long day out at Urquhart Castle. I deem it would be best to let her have a day of rest.” Walking back to him, he placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I have yet to break my fast. Would ye care to join me, Jamie? Afterwards, we can take a walk in the snow. Build a fortress.”
“What about your chores?”
Adam chuckled. “I shall speak with Scott. I am sure he would nae mind in doing them for me this once.”
Jamie’s eyes went wide. “Can I watch when ye speak with him?”
This time Adam roared with laughter. “Aye.” Tossing Jamie’s sword onto the bed, he picked up the lad.
“We aren’t going to take our swords with us?” asked Jamie.
“Nae. Today we shall not be doing any battles.”
Walking out of the room, Adam whistled for Skye. “Come lady. Your mistress needs her rest. All will be well.”
Skye dashed ahead of them and bounded down the stairs.
When they all reached the kitchen, Lena was packing a basket. “Good morning, Adam. If you’re looking for a meal, you’ll have to fix something on your own.”
