by Mary Morgan
The druid cupped her face. “Keep believing Meggie, for the darkness can be verra powerful.” He then turned to Adam. “Greetings, Dragon Knight.”
Adam bowed slightly. “Welcome, Cathal. I have heard many tales about ye. Although, there is one that I have only recently learned during my training with Conn.”
Cathal stroked his beard. “Aye, aye. Lachlan is my blood brother.”
“Nae,” sputtered Meggie.
“I daresay, ’tis the truth, Margaret.”
“Blood against blood. Brother against brother.” Adam sighed heavily.
“Ye are wrong, Adam,” argued Cathal. “’Tis good battling evil. And there are many.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“In the beginning there was light. But it grew lonely and asked the darkness to join her. Yet, soon thereafter, the darkness became jealous and tried to rid the world of her brilliance.”
Meggie sat in the chair by the hearth, listening to another tale from the women on how they met her brothers. Each woman unique and different, but a perfect match to the men. They all laughed, chided, joked, and shared their stories. She cried upon hearing Brigid’s tale and that she could not carry any children. However, Brigid’s love for Nell and Finn were evident. And when she stated that a life without Duncan would have made her a walking ghost, they all wept together.
Not one person wanted to leave the Great Hall for sleep. Therefore, Meggie and the women gathered furs, blankets, and pillows for the children. They spread them out in front of the hearth and instantly, the cousins were bonding, followed by fits of laughter. Soon, most of them were fast asleep. Finn had declined to sit with the children and sat next to Duncan. Every so often, she would watch her brother clamp a hand on the lad’s shoulder and give him a nod.
Her heart ached at the scene. Forging this beautiful moment in time to her memory—forever. None of the women spoke of the upcoming battle. Their worries and fears would only frighten the children. Although, she deemed the men were preparing their own strategies.
As the afternoon slowly faded, Meggie could feel the shift even stronger. The Fae whispered to her, keeping her strong. If they failed, she, Adam, and her brothers would vanish into the mists of Scotland.
And if they won…
Great Mother Danu, hear my prayer. I ken what will happen. Ye have shown me in a recent vision. I ask only that ye watch over my brothers and their families. Comfort them in their time of grief. Heal the wound that will never heal within their hearts and mine. Grant them long and fruitful lives. If I have forgiven them, so I ask this request of ye, as well. They are good, honorable men. Please hear my plea.
“Earth to Meggie,” teased Aileen.
Blinking, Meggie just shook her head. “Sorry, deep in a prayer.”
Aileen squeezed her hand. “The Fae are always listening.”
For a moment, Meggie thought that maybe Aileen might ken the outcome if they did indeed win. Yet, the woman said naught, and Meggie returned the gesture. “Do they speak to ye?”
“Often,” responded Aileen.
Meggie studied the woman but asked no more questions. It would do no good to discuss what had yet to happen.
Tiny Hugh woke fussing, and Fiona swept in and gathered him to her chest before he roused the other sleeping children.
“His temperament reminds me of another,” whispered Meggie.
“If you mean his father, then you’re correct,” giggled Fiona. “He burst into the world screaming so loud, the guards by the gates could hear his wailing.” She crooned to him as she placed him near her breast to feed. “He really is a good babe,” she uttered softly.
Meggie leaned in and touched his head. “He’s so handsome with his thick, black curls. Just like Jamie’s.”
“Thanks, Meggie, but your wee one is going to be a charmer when he’s grown.”
“He does have a way with people, though I fear for him here in this time.”
“Banish those fears,” ordered Aileen. “I come from magical parents and never once did I worry about others. It is what we are. Does it make us special? No, because I believe everyone is truly remarkable with their own gifts. Some are stronger, that’s all.”
She nodded. “You’re right.” Meggie glanced at the group once again. “I’m so honored to have met you all. My sisters.”
Deirdre stood. “I believe it’s time.”
Sighing, Meggie removed her blanket. Standing, she noticed Angus looking her way. “My laird,” she uttered softly.
He nodded and smiled at her.
Deirdre motioned to Jamie. “He will be safe with us. Ronan will protect us all, and we can stay nearby until it is time to leave. No harm will come to him until the battle is over. When we return to the castle, he will let us watch the battle through the flames. I feel in my heart we’ll win. Yet, if something happens, Ronan will bring us all to our husbands. It may only be brief…” She paused and composed herself. “But we will all be with our loved ones in the end.”
Meggie shivered. Though, if they lost, then her dear, sweet boy would be lost to her. The thought of Jamie vanishing sent chills down her spine.
Adam strolled over. He took her hand and placed it against her heart. “Come with me, leannan.”
She leaned into him. “We have nae more time.”
His voice was warm when he whispered in her ear. “I ken the time draws near, but I would like to hold ye without the prying eyes of everyone. Our son sleeps. Let us withdraw for a brief moment.”
“Then let us go to my room. I need to retrieve the Book of Awakening and mine and Jamie’s coats.”
“’Twas where I was planning to lead ye.” The warmth in his smile filled Meggie and hope surged forth once again.
Quietly slipping out of the Great Hall, Adam pulled her along the corridor and up the stairs. Once inside her room, he closed the door and drew her to his chest. His mouth covered hers hungrily, and his tongue plundered deeply. Her body shook as his moan entered her, and Meggie grasped his head, giving him all she had. Feeling the length of his desire, she rubbed against him.
The kiss was for her tired soul to melt into and she craved more.
Desire burst forth within Meggie. Her hands tugged at his shirt, needing to feel the skin underneath. At the first touch upon his hot skin, she felt the rumble of her own growl. Her fingers trailed across his taut abdomen and through the curling hairs on his chest.
Breaking free, their breathing was heavy, and his gaze mirrored the lust within her own body.
Meggie wanted Adam—needed to feel his touch on her own skin. Time had become their enemy, and if there were nae tomorrows, she wanted this one last moment.
She rubbed a finger across his lips. “Take me swiftly, Adam. Now. I want to feel ye inside me—cherished, loved, yours. If we—”
Adam silenced her words by placing his finger on her lips. “Dinnae speak those words. Victory shall be ours. Then, I will make ye mine—my wife. I will not lose ye again, Meggie,” he vowed. Sealing his pledge with a blazing kiss that stole the breath from her lungs, she let him strip her clothes from her body. Her own hands fumbled as she undid his pants.
When they were both completely free from their clothing, she stood back. Taking in the view of her Adonis, she said, “Ye are magnificent.”
“As ye have told me many times,” he teased, stalking toward her. His hand lightly traced a path over her skin, and Meggie trembled.
Lifting her in his arms, Adam brought her to the bed. Her body no sooner touched the blankets than he thrust deeply inside her, filling her body and touching her soul. Meggie called out his name, the exquisite pleasure so blinding. He kissed her ravenously, leaving her body burning with fire. And with each thrust, Adam paused and whispered his love for each part of her body—the curve of her breast, the swell of her bottom, the small place behind her ear, stroking the fire within her with his words.
Everything faded. No thoughts of battles or endings, only his love for her spreading its wings around he
r heart. It was enough. This moment was short, fleeting, as she moved with him.
The pleasure built until she could go no higher. When his lips brushed over her nipple, she shattered into a thousand glowing stars.
Adam soon followed with his own guttural cry of pleasure. Holding on to each other, he placed his forehead against hers. “This was nae my plan,” he said between gulps of air.
She rubbed her hands down his back. “If ye thought I only wanted a kiss, ye thought wrong, my Dragon Knight.”
“I did.” He laughed softly, moving inside her again.
“Well, in the future, if ye only want a kiss, ye best make sure it’s chaste.”
Now Adam laughed fully. Rolling off Meggie, he brought her against his chest as they lay on her bed. “I shall strive to remember, my lady.”
“I love ye, Adam. No matter what happens, believe in our love.”
“I always have, leannan, since the verra first day. There was never another, only ye.” He wrapped a curl around his finger. “I hate to leave this quiet haven, but we should gather our clothes and finish this. I plan to vanquish this evil. We have a wedding to plan.”
Meggie curled up beside him, sated and content. “Five more minutes…just give me five more minutes, please.”
****
The first drop of power crawled, slithered inside Lachlan’s body as he gazed out toward the loch. Time no longer mattered. The elements no longer concerned him. The Dragon Knights were not a problem. Years he had wasted trying to claim the Dragon Knights’ relics, now it came down to this one moment, this final battle.
Battles lost were only a journey to the greater cause.
Finally the Dark One had found him worthy, and he would be the one to bring the boy to him. He was the key to call forth the Great Dragon. Once she was here, he would bleed her himself, and the blood of the Fae would belong to the one and only master.
All would perish and a new world would be born. How he had waited. Endured pain and the loss of one eye.
All for this moment.
He lifted his hand upward. Tiny sparks of light danced from his fingertips. He flicked them outward as he slowly made his way to the water’s edge. Kneeling, he brushed his hand over the cold surface. Lachlan taunted those within.
“I ken ye are nearby.” His tone rumbled menacing. “This would be so much easier, if ye came willingly. Show yourself beast. Make yourself known and your death will end swiftly. For the time is coming. The Fae have ruled far too long. They should have remained hidden.”
Lachlan waited, trying to sense her presence. Again he sent the sparks of power across the water, causing the surface to ripple.
“Ye should fear me, dragon,” he spat out in disgust and stood. “Take heed, for as my powers grow, I shall pull ye forth from your dark shelter. Ye and your kind will see the full wrath of a new order. Death will come to all. Your beloved Dragon Knights will perish.”
Tilting his head to the side, he waited again. The whisper of a breeze brushed against his face, and an owl hooted in the distance, but naught else.
Closing his eyes, he lifted his hands upward, searching for the whisper of any power. He stretched and pulled, seeking the creature. Emptiness greeted him, and he curled his fingers back into his palms in frustration.
In truth, he deemed it would be difficult to pull the dragon forth on his own. Furthermore, as his powers grew, they did so slowly. And his patience waned as the hours slipped by.
He required another. But how was he to lure a wee lad from the safety of his family, and bring him to the loch?
Lachlan tapped his finger against his head. “Think of all the stories Meggie shared. Somewhere there is useful knowledge,” he mused.
Pacing back and forth by the water, the snow crunched under his shoes. When his toe smacked into a hard object, Lachlan kicked it out of the way. However, something in the late afternoon light caught his attention.
Walking over to retrieve the item, he frowned. “What do we have here?”
Bending down, Lachlan picked up the offensive article. His smile became sinister, and then he roared with delight.
Clutching the wooden horse to his chest, he marveled at his new-found fortune. “Ye have visited the dragon, my small friend. Did ye form a bond with her? If ye hear her sorrow, will ye come? What would ye do to save her?”
How easy to bend the mind of a child to his will. A simple task, but one he would be cautious in doing, for he did not want to kill the child outright. Nae. He would leave that for the Dark One.
Rubbing a finger across the polished wood, he walked back through the trees.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Among the many roads one may venture in life, the path of death is not an option. It is the destination.”
Kneeling, Adam lowered his head in prayer. “Hear my prayer, Lord. Ye see everything and by your grace, I pray ye can help us. I once proclaimed myself unworthy of your love and peace. But I was wrong. Thank ye for showing me the gift of love again.” Clutching his cross, he brought it to his lips.
Then he placed his hand upon the snow covered ground. “I ken ye hear my words, my plea, Fae. Do not let us fail. Do not let our world—and yours tumble into the abyss of bleakness and despair. Yours is one of love. Show us your love, I beg ye.”
Warmth surged into his hand and up his arm. Letting it seep into his body, he smiled.
We are with you, Dragon Knight.
Standing, Adam brushed the snow from his trews and adjusted his tunic. Gone was the clothing he had finally become accustomed to wearing. He had chosen to fight as he done so in the past and pulled from a trunk the items he wore when he arrived in Meggie’s time.
As he glanced across the clearing through the trees, he saw Meggie near the standing stones, surrounded by her brothers. Never did he believe his love for her could grow. Yet, it had these past few weeks. The druids walked slowly around the outside of the stones, casting their magic as they passed. Meggie might be surrounded by her brothers and magic, but it would be his body and blade that protected her.
He cast his gaze to where his son was huddled with the others beneath a giant oak. Soon, Ronan would remove them to the protection of Castle Aonach and shield them from harm until the end.
“I did not have enough time to prepare ye, my son,” he whispered into the breeze.
“Dinnae fear. Ye shall have all the time in the world for him,” stated Patrick, coming alongside him.
Adam rubbed a hand over his face. “’Tis all happening so fast. I grow weary of battles.”
Patrick nudged him and then pointed to Jamie. “Ye say this because ye are now a father.”
“Aye,” he muttered, realizing his brother had spoken true. He wanted a world for Jamie without fighting. Although, he deemed there was no such place. “A father’s wish for peace, then?” He glanced sideways at his brother.
“We can only pray,” replied Patrick solemnly.
Adam watched as Alex approached. “What news?”
Alex shrugged. “We wait. I thought it best to stand with my brothers.”
Lifting his head, Adam glanced at the early evening sky. “’Tis clear.”
“But for how long,” commented Alex. “We have seen the destructive power of Lachlan, and he can wield the elements like the Dragon Knights. His power is building as we speak.”
“He wreaked havoc with Michael, too,” added Patrick.
“Do ye believe Michael was weak?” Adam feared asking the question.
Alex nodded. “His desire to possess the relics goes back to his younger days as a lad. He would listen to the tales from our grandfather. Whereas, ye, Patrick, and I, only listened with half a heart. Even our own father was not tempted to seek the relics, though he found nae favor with the MacKays and listened to Lachlan’s counsel.” Alex rubbed his jaw. “Michael’s soul was corrupted by the power to own what was not rightfully his. In the end, it was easy for Lachlan to weave his way into our brother’s mind, more so than our father’s
. His verra soul became twisted. His life ended with a mind gone mad.”
“By the hand of a MacKay, as well,” stated Adam.
“But ye dinnae ken the whole story.”
“Aye, Alastair gave me his account. This is not the brother I ken. However, I have seen the dark side of him.” Adam turned fully toward his brothers. “As ye recall, I was not his favorite.”
“He had none, but himself,” snarled Alex.
“Fortunately, we did not come under his influence.” Adam glanced upward at the sky. Dark clouds suddenly loomed overhead, which did not bode well for them.
“I wonder if Duncan can prevent the oncoming storm?” suggested Patrick.
“I shall go find out,” replied Alex.
Adam placed a hand on Patrick’s shoulder. “If I have not told ye so, I want to say that I am proud to call ye my brother.”
“As I ye,” whispered Patrick.
Patrick rubbed at his jaw. “I believe it’s time to join the others. We are not permitted to fight this battle, and ’tis a shame. Alex and I were hoping at another chance to put a blade in the druid.”
“From the tales the MacKays told me recently, ye and Alex have fought your share with this evil.” Adam unsheathed his sword. “Now it is my turn.”
“Nae!” screamed Meggie.
Her grief pierced Adam’s soul, and he ran to her side by the oak tree. Deirdre held her firmly as she shook with rage.
“Why did ye not watch over him?” Meggie shouted.
“We were,” argued Deirdre. “One moment he was talking to Skye and the next, he vanished.”
“Vanished?” asked a stunned Adam, dropping his sword. Quickly taking Meggie into his arms, he held her quaking body.
“He wanted to warn the Great Dragon. He could hear her weeping.” Nell’s lips trembled and tears slipped down her cheek. “I told him not to go, but then he was gone.”
“It’s not your fault,” murmured Brigid and took her daughter into her arms. “Shh…sweetheart.”
“We have to find him,” Meggie pleaded.
A loud crash of thunder burst overhead, and the sky turned black. The mists that descended the hills now slithered around like black snakes. Adam retrieved his sword and put a comforting arm around Meggie.
