by Mary Morgan
Giving him a look over, she chided, “Did ye clean the muck from your ears, too?”
He shrugged. “Da helped me wash, so ye can blame him if ye see muck.”
Meggie burst out in laughter and hugged her son. Taking his hand, she led him to the table. After getting her son settled with his bowl of soup and bread, she handed Adam a bowl. “Eat. I can see by the look ye are giving the food, ye are famished. Besides, I can hear your stomach rumble.”
Adam gave her that queer look whenever he didn’t understand a word she used. He started to open his mouth to ask the inevitable question, and then thought better, snapping it shut.
“Mama means you’re starving,” pronounced Jamie between mouthfuls of soup.
“Thank ye, son.” He winked at Meggie and filled his bowl.
“Dinnae speak with food in your mouth, James,” she scolded, moving to the other side and filling her own bowl.
Jamie bent his head. “There ye go again calling me James.”
She bent and placed a kiss on his head. “Eat your supper.”
Taking a seat next to Adam, she proceeded to eat. The flames crackled in the hearth, and she tried to focus on eating, but Archie’s earlier comment had stirred her curiosity.
Meggie reached for her glass of whisky and took a sip. Savoring the peaty flavor, she sat back in her chair. “What did ye mean when ye said we should all be together until after Samhain? And where did my cousins disappear to? The last time Lena and I spoke, she was organizing a feast for tonight.”
Archie glanced at Adam and then to Jamie.
Adam nudged Jamie. “Why don’t ye go and fetch your sword. Ye can finish your bread and cheese by the fire with Skye.”
Her son jumped down from his chair. “I almost forgot.”
“Wait—” she protested.
Adam reached for her hand. “Let the boy get his sword. I would rather he not hear this conversation.”
Meggie pulled her hand away. “Now you’re scaring me, Adam. What’s wrong?”
He rubbed a hand over his face. “Remember when I told ye about an evil presence the night ye died?”
Frowning, Meggie vaguely recalled his words. She just assumed he meant her brothers. “Explain,” she demanded.
“A vile druid sought to capture the relics and the power. His plan was to stir the beasts within your brothers. He succeeded. Aye, they were already angry from the knowledge of us together, but I deem it would not have come to bloodshed if this druid had not used the dark magic against them. Since that night, they have fought many battles and won, though not without costs.”
A chill crept into her bones, and she reached for a small blanket off the back of a chair. “I cannae fathom what all they have been through.” Then she laughed. “To think this happened hundreds of years ago. ’Tis long over.”
“That may be, but the evil has come across time,” interjected Archie.
“Sweet Mother Danu,” muttered Meggie. Holding out her glass, she ordered, “More.” As soon as Archie filled the dram, she downed the entire contents. The fiery liquid seared a path down her throat and settled like a ball of heated coal inside her stomach.
Clutching the glass to her chest, she looked at the two men. “Let me try and understand your words. This monster has traveled the veil of time and is now, what? Here?”
“Aye,” answered Adam, taking the glass from her hand. Pulling her toward him, he gently tugged her onto his lap. “We are waiting for his arrival. To fight the final battle. He is undertaking a task to bring the ancient dark one into this world. I dinnae ken he was here until Conn MacRoich told me.” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear, and Meggie could see the painful look etched across his face. “I am sorry, my leannan,” he whispered.
Instantly, Meggie understood his pain. “Ye believe ye brought him here?”
His sigh was agonizing, and she cupped his face with her hands. “Ye did naught wrong. If it’s a battle he seeks, we shall give it to him. Though, we could use more magical help.”
Archie stood. “I believe it’s time I sought out Conn.”
“The Fae are helping? Since when do the Fae interfere?” Her tone was one of shock. Adam had told her everything about the Fenian warrior.
“Evidently, three Fenian warriors have decided to defy the laws of the Fae and are aiding in the final battle. It is a choice that I oppose.”
Jamie came rushing inside, brandishing his sword. He slid to the furs by the hearth and giggled when Skye licked his face.
“Why would they? Can we truly defeat this demon with only us and them?” Meggie glanced at her son. What if something were to happen to him? Or Adam? Adam’s hand caressed the tightness in her shoulders, as if he sensed her worry. The gentle strength of his touch helped to soothe her.
As Archie walked to the doors of the library, he paused. “The warriors will not fight. Theirs is another purpose, for which they most likely will pay a price. They bring others through the veil of time.”
“Others?”
“Your brothers, Meggie.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“As the maze of life untangles, those who were once separated, are now reunited.”
Urquhart Castle—Day before Samhain, 1207
The embers burned low in the Great Hall, but Angus had no wish to leave even to find comfort in the arms of his beloved wife. He had sent, nae ordered her to bed hours ago after seeing the dark circles haunt her eyes. His proud, warrior lady. As the days drew nearer to Samhain, no one wanted to part from the other, for fear their lives would all end abruptly.
Yet, he found that sleep would not come to him. Time slipped by, like a thread through a loom and try as he might, he would not depart to his chambers until the last possible moment. When all hope would vanish, then and only then, would he seek out his wife. The thought of dying lodged within his being, and he swiftly pushed aside the feeling.
Bracing his hand on the stone hearth, he heard one of his brothers, Duncan, snoring softly in a chair. His brother’s presence was a comfort on this night. Instead of celebrating, they were awaiting any sign of a Fenian warrior, or worse, their doom.
Remembering his father’s words, Angus pounded his fist against the stone. “We are Dragon Knights, descendents from the first MacAoidh. We fight with a strong fist and the Fae by our side. Defeat is nae option. Courage, strength, wisdom, and love until our last breaths.”
He waved his hand outward, letting the power flow down his arm. Immediately, the embers ignited into flames and he took a step back. “Until my last breath, Deirdre,” he whispered. A vow he had made many moons ago, and now the day he dreaded was upon them.
“Go to bed,” yawned Duncan, stretching from his chair. “Ye have had no sleep in days. If the battle comes, ye will be too weary to fight a hound.”
Angus glanced over his shoulder. “Dinnae worry, I shall be ready when the time comes. Furthermore, if naught happens, it makes no matter. Our lives will surely end.”
Duncan strolled over to him. “I have cherished this time as a family once again. To see the re-building of Urquhart. If our lives must end, then I pray Meggie will remain and no harm comes to her.”
Pushing away from the hearth, Angus grabbed a pitcher, grateful it was one of water. In recent days, he had kept his mind sharp by not dulling his senses with ale or wine. Filling his mug, he drank deeply. “Do ye really believe the Fae would keep her safe? What world would she live in if the Dark One enters?”
“One filled with gloom and despair among a people where there is no joy,” interrupted Conn.
“Lugh’s balls!” Angus slammed the cup on the table. “Ye could have simply walked through the doors, instead of appearing out of the air.”
Conn arched a brow. “Saves me time.”
Alastair and Patrick soon entered, and Angus nodded to the two men.
Though seeing Conn, a spark of hope entered Angus’s mind. “Meggie remembers all?”
“Yes, finally.” Conn turned to the others. “Go
wake Stephen and Alex. We will need to leave soon.”
“Do you honestly believe that any of us would stay behind and not come with our husbands?” protested Deirdre, walking into the hall. “You will all have to re-think your plan. We—the women and children have all voted to come with you, Conn. How could any of you ever think we would all just sit to wait out a battle in another time?”
Angus started to argue, until Deirdre halted his words with a scathing look.
“We are now a strong clan,” argued Brigid, holding Nell’s hand as she entered the room with Finn following behind them.
Duncan groaned and rubbed a hand through his hair, but reached out and drew her near. “Always yours, Brigid,” he whispered.
“Forever yours, Duncan,” she replied.
Alastair shook his head as he walked passed Deirdre. “I’ll go wake Stephen and the others.”
“Fiona is nursing Hugh. She’ll be down shortly,” declared Deirdre.
Alastair gave her a mock salute as he left.
Angus held out his hand and she quickly went to him. Tears misted her eyes. “I’m sorry, Angus, but I won’t stand by and do nothing. I would die slowly waiting.”
He held her close, and rubbed a hand down her back. Glancing at the Fenian warrior, he said, “We all go as one clan.” Tipping Deirdre’s chin up, he gazed deeply into her eyes. “I believe Meggie would want to meet her brothers’ wives.”
“Did I tell you how much I love you, husband?”
“Aye, my Lady Warrior. Often. As I do ye.”
“I fear this will alter our plans,” argued Conn as he approached Angus and Deirdre.
“How so?” demanded Deirdre.
Angus placed a finger on her lips. “Please. Let me ask the questions.” Giving her no time to protest, he kissed her soundly. When Angus broke from the kiss, he led her to the table. “For the moment, let us sit and wait for the others.”
Muttering a curse, Deirdre sat down. However, she grasped Angus’s hand under the table, placing it on her thigh.
Brigid had left and shortly returned carrying a trencher of food and drink.
“I should have helped you,” suggested Deirdre, taking a cup and filling it with water.
Laughing, Brigid only shook her head. “You, helping in the kitchens? Not in your present condition.” She leaned near Deirdre, but Angus could still hear her words. “Quick to anger and quick to break into tears. I think not, my friend.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.”
Soon, the others came into the hall. Stephen carried Aidan in his arms and Aileen held a sleeping Margaret. Alastair and Fiona followed closely behind them, with Hugh snuggled against his father’s chest.
As they all took their places at the table, Angus waved Conn over to take a seat near him. “Liam and Rory?”
“Standing guard at the stones,” replied Conn. When the murmurs of the others turned to silence, Conn placed his arms on the table. “If you all insist—”
“You’ve got that correctly,” interrupted Deirdre.
Conn held up his hand to halt her from saying anything further. “As I was saying, since the entire MacKay clan insists on traveling the veil of time, I must summon another warrior. I will not leave the women and children unprotected.” He glanced quickly at Deirdre. “Yes, I understand you are a great warrior, my lady. However, the Dragon Knights are the only ones to fight this battle. Your knowledge of the magical Dark One is limited. Myself and the other Fae warriors shall keep the doors to both realms closed until Lachlan is vanquished.”
Angus squeezed his wife’s hand. “’Tis a wise decision, Conn. Who is this other Fenian warrior? Can he be trusted?”
“Aye,” interjected a giant of a man walking into the Great Hall. Towering over any other in the room, the warrior strolled over to Conn. Crossing his arms over his chest, he cast his gaze at those present. “’Tis an honor to be in the house of the Dragon Knights.”
Slowly, Conn stood. “You realize what I ask, my brother?”
The Fenian warrior shifted his stance. “I will not be the one to part the veil of ages, Conn MacRoich.” He waved his hand out toward the crowd. “If the Fae deem to punish me for protecting women and children, especially ones so greatly esteemed, then I would gladly give my life.”
Conn grasped the man’s forearm. “I have no words, only my gratitude.”
The warrior chuckled. “If ye live, ye will owe me.”
Turning to the others, Conn said, “This is Ronan MacGuinness. One of the most ancient Fenian warriors.”
Angus stood. “Ye are most welcome, Ronan.”
“Thank you, Dragon Knight.”
Frowning, the warrior moved to the other side of the table. Kneeling down by the side of Aileen, he placed his fist over his heart. “My deepest sorrow over the loss of your father, Lady Aileen. The man was a true warrior, even after he left the Brotherhood. Your mother and ye brought him great joy. His name is revered in the Hallowed Halls of the Fae.”
Aileen touched his face. “Thank you for sharing this about my father. Perhaps after all this is over, you can tell me more about him.”
Grabbing her hand, Ronan placed a kiss along her knuckles. “There are not enough lifetimes to tell the stories of the great Fenian warrior, Aidan Kerrigan. But I shall share a few.”
Standing, he nodded to Conn. “I will await you on the other side.”
All eyes watched as the Fenian warrior left the hall.
“Wow!” exclaimed Fiona. “How did Ronan know that he was needed, Conn? You just found out yourself.”
Conn clasped his hands behind his back. “Knowing the women in this room, I approached Ronan. If I needed him, I would call him forth.”
Alastair leaned near Fiona. “Dinnae ask how he called him forth.”
“Mind powers,” she chuckled, and touched her sleeping babe.
“Make yourselves ready to travel to the standing stones. Dress warmly, for it is snowing on the other side,” suggested Conn.
“We shall see ye soon,” stated Angus.
****
Castle Aonach—Day before Samhain, Present day
Meggie paced the room in the Great Hall, pausing once to wrap another fur over her sleeping son by the fire. Skye had curled up by the boy’s side, and she smiled at them. Her body tingled with apprehension and excitement.
“Ye must try and rest, my leannan,” urged Adam, as he placed an arm around her shoulder.
Nervous laughter bubbled forth, and she clamped a hand over her mouth. “Ye have to realize how absurd that sounds to me at this moment,” she whispered. Noticing Adam’s confused look, she added, “Absurd, meaning strange, since the last time I saw my brothers was on a battlefield three years ago.”
Moving her along the room and away from their sleeping son, Adam paused by the window. “Ye are uneasy to see your kin. But ye must try to relax.”
“I’m worried, Adam.” Wrapping her arms around him, she gazed into eyes she loved so well. “Not only are they going to see ye here, but our son. If they were angry with us together three years ago, I wonder what they’ll say when they see him.”
He brushed a tender kiss over her lips, causing Meggie to sigh. “Did not Archie say they were much changed? Even my own brothers stated this to me.” Adam glanced at his son. “How could they not love ye, or the child ye brought into this world?”
“I love ye, Adam.”
He cast his gaze back to her. “There has never been another. Ye have my heart forever.”
Sealing his pledge with a soul-searing kiss, Meggie reveled in the feel and taste of the man. She quickly banished all negative thoughts and gave over to the pleasure of the moment. When they broke free, she brushed away a lock of hair from his face. “After this is all over, we must get married.”
“Agreed,” he murmured against her cheek.
“A marriage that is long overdue, Margaret,” stated Angus from the doorway.
Meggie turned from Adam and on a choked sob, rushed into th
e outstretched arms of her oldest brother. “Angus!”
“My wild, beautiful sister. ’Tis good to see ye once again,” he muttered. “Forgive me.” His arms held her tight, but she could feel his own grief by the sound in his voice.
Meggie looked up into his eyes, seeing the tears stream down his face. “I forgave everyone the moment I regained all my memories. Ye are my brothers. The time for harsh words is over. This is a time of healing.”
“I cannae accept your forgiveness,” stated Duncan soberly.
Releasing her hold on Angus, Meggie grasped Duncan’s hands. The pain of guilt was written all over his features. “Aye, ye will. I ken it was your sword, but there was another evil that night. If I can forgive ye, then ye will do so. Dinnae bring this guilt to your death, Duncan. ’Tis a burden ye would not want me to carry.”
“I dinnae feel worthy,” he said quietly.
Meggie stood on tiptoe and wiped his tears away. Kissing his cheek, she whispered, “Ye have always been worthy of my love and forgiveness, Duncan.”
He hugged her fiercely, murmuring words of endearment.
Stepping back, Meggie’s lips trembled. “Stephen. Dinnae say one word. I already ken them. Your mind screams with them.” She tapped her head with her finger. “Remember, we share more than the others with our connection to the Fae.” Walking over to him, she cupped his cheek. “Your visions were clouded. There was naught ye could have done. In telling me what ye had witnessed, I believe I would have still sought out Adam. I was following my heart.”
“Nonetheless, I am sorry, Meggie.” His eyes shifted colors, and he took her into his arms. “We shall never ken if they could have saved ye, though.”
“Dinnae try and start guessing what Fate had destined for us, Stephen MacKay.” Glancing to her left, Alastair stood apart.
Kissing Stephen, she went to Alastair. Her heart broke at what she saw. Handsome features that were the talk of many in the villages now were marred with a deep crescent scar down the left side of his face. She lifted her hand and traced a path along the scar. His eyes bore into hers. “I pray ye did worse to the person who took a blade to your face, Alastair. Though, if I may say, it makes ye look even more handsome.”
