by Mary Morgan
“What is this?” he demanded, his question aimed at Duncan.
“Not my doing, but I will attempt to ward it off,” replied the man.
“It has begun,” stated Conn. “Ronan, take the others to the castle.”
“And our son,” shrieked Meggie. “Ye would leave him?”
“We can help find him,” argued Deirdre.
“No!” Conn’s eyes shifted to silver. “Remove them now, Ronan, or I shall do so.”
“Ye bastard,” snarled Adam. “Then I will go find my son.”
“You are needed here, Dragon Knight!”
Adam placed Meggie behind him. “Dinnae dare to think ye can or will stop me.”
Meggie stepped out of Adam’s embrace and stood before Conn. Cupping his face, she asked, “After everything I’ve gone through, ye would deny me this?”
The warrior flinched.
For the first time since he met the Fenian warrior, Adam saw conflict within the Fae’s eyes.
“Go,” he muttered to Adam.
“Thank ye,” she whispered.
Adam pulled Meggie against him. His mouth crushed down on hers, filling his soul with her taste, committing everything about her to his being. Breaking free, he brushed his fingers over her cheeks, bringing her hand up to their faces. Rubbing the ring around her finger, he said, “Remember, I am with ye always. I will find our son, dinnae fear, leannan.” He kissed her hard one last time, and then walked her to Angus.
“I place her in your care, Angus.” Looking at the other MacKay brothers, he added, “Duncan, Stephen, and Alastair. If so much as a hair is harmed on her head, your lives are mine. I will not see Meggie die again.”
Angus stepped forward. “And we will freely give ye our blades to do the deed. Go, find your son. For if Lachlan finds him first…”
Adam understood the man’s unspoken words and nodded.
He whistled sharply, and Ciar trotted over to him. Mounting his warhorse, he watched the storm gather, build, and spread across the land. With no time left, he gave a smack to Ciar, and the pair galloped off through the trees.
Lightning splintered the dark sky, leaving a putrid stench in the air. It filled his nose and clogged his throat. Swallowing, he pushed his horse onward. Adam’s only thoughts were of his son. He gave no care to the evil trying to enter this world, only to the life he must save. Gathering the strength of training and those of Conn’s words, he forced the shadows away and tried to still his racing heart and mind.
Another bolt of lightning slashed through the sky, landing dangerously close to him. Hearing a tree crash behind him, he refused to be swayed to see the damage. Guiding Ciar through a rough descent, Adam could barely make out the loch below. The mists snaked around the edges and his vision became clouded. Urging Ciar carefully, they finally made it to the bottom.
Dismounting quietly, he stroked the horse’s mane. Unsheathing his sword, he steadily made his way through the trees. Brushing aside a pine branch, his steps slowed. His heart slammed against his chest at the sight by the water’s edge.
The druid stood with one hand on Jamie’s shoulder. The other hand which he held behind his back clenched a blade.
Time slowed for Adam, and his fury grew along with the shadows. Crouching down, he took in deep cleansing breaths. He had to get Jamie away from the monster. If he went charging in, the druid could do great harm to his son.
He had only one solution. Trade his life for that of his son.
Standing, Adam made his way down to the water’s edge. As he approached, he noticed the druid’s grip moved from his shoulder to Jamie’s neck.
“Why don’t ye join us, Dragon Knight,” suggested Lachlan.
Adam halted mid-stride.
“Please, come forward.”
Adam had only taken a few steps, when Lachlan stopped him. Leveling his sword to his left, he ordered, “Nae. Drop your sword and come stand by my side.”
Gritting his teeth, he dropped his sword and walked to the side of pure evil.
Lachlan turned his hideous gaze toward him. “Welcome, Adam MacFhearguis. ’Tis many moons since I have seen ye. Did ye find what ye were seeking on your travels? Or was there more blood shed in the name of the One God?”
“And ye have wreaked more blood in my absence.” Regardless of what Meggie had told everyone, the druid’s features resembled a terrifying monster.
“Might I remind ye, I was not the one to kill your brother, Michael. Your laird,” he hissed. “Shocking how ye and the MacKays are now loyal friends. Your grandfather would be sorely disappointed to see what has become of the Clan MacFhearguis. A shameful lot of cowards.”
Adam’s thoughts blurred. A vision of how his brother died at the hands of Alastair came unbidden into mind. The image seared a path inside. Screams and the clang of steel blared so loudly, he felt as if he was there, witnessing all. Blood oozed out of his brother, spilling onto the ground.
Whispers crowded Adam’s mind. Save me Adam. Seek vengeance on the MacKays. Take up your sword and become the rightful leader.
Bile lodged in Adam’s throat, and he swallowed. He forced the images from his mind. Ye are not my brother! Be gone!
Lachlan’s laughter filled the night air. “Your mind is easily swayed. Ye could be of great use to the Dark One.”
“Never,” growled Adam.
“’Tis a pity. Ye all will die.”
Jamie let out a slight gasp.
“What have ye done to my son,” demanded Adam in a harsh voice.
The druid’s mouth turned into a sour grin making his face more hideous. “Why naught. The lad is…what was the word Meggie used? Ahh, yes! Your son is concentrating. Attempting to call for the Great Beast. I have had the most difficult time explaining to him why I want to see her. Either he is lame and cannae call her, or he is unwilling. If the latter, I will be forced to take measures. An eye for disobedience?”
Adam heard a slight whimper escape from his son. Clenching his fists tightly, he longed to take the head of the bastard. He needed a plan and quickly. Scanning the loch, he longed for any light. Suddenly, an idea simmered, glowed, and grew.
“Let him go, Lachlan.” He shifted slightly and glanced at his son. His eyes were wide in fear. “Take me, instead. I will call the dragon forth from the loch.”
“Truly?”
“On my honor as a Dragon Knight, Crusader, and the father of Jamie.”
“There is no honor among the Dragon Knights and Crusaders. They spill blood without thought and spread lies.” Lachlan pulled Jamie in front of him. “However, the bond between a father and son is precious…for some.” He angled his head toward Adam. “I tell ye this. If ye can call forth the dragon, I will free your son. Yet, your life is mine, Dragon Knight.”
“Done.”
“Nae,” protested Jamie on a strangled cry.
“May I have words with my son?”
Lachlan snarled. “Feel free.”
Adam came around and knelt before Jamie.
“Remember, it only takes one flick of my wrist to snap his neck,” warned Lachlan.
Ignoring the druid, Adam tried to give his son a reassuring smile. “Remember who ye are, Jamie. Ye will ken the time.” He nodded to his son, and then Adam let the shadows swirl and build within his body, until he knew the power of his dragon blazed in the blackness of his eyes. “Heed the call.”
Jamie’s face relaxed, and Adam prayed his son understood his meaning. If not, they would be doomed and both would surely die.
Standing, he turned toward the loch. The force gathered, commanding more. Adam raised his hands, realizing he had one opportunity to make this work. “Release the power of the dragon!” he roared.
Swiftly turning around, Adam unleashed the shadows around Lachlan’s head. And in the same moment, fire flew from Jamie’s fingers and struck his captor’s hand. The druid screamed, clawing at his face and releasing his hold on the boy. “What have ye done?”
The wind slashed at Adam’s face as
Lachlan’s powers increased over his own. Fearing for both their lives, he yelled, “Fortress, Jamie. Now!”
His son never hesitated and took off running.
Adam’s arms shook holding the druid in place with his power. He pushed against the darkness as he stumbled forward in slow steps toward the man.
“Ye will die, Dragon Knight,” the druid shrieked. “Do ye not ken the power of the Dark One is filling inside me? Ye fool!” He waved his arms about, fighting the shadows.
The muscles in Adam’s arm started to cramp, his lungs gasping for air, and with each step, his fingers sought to find their way around the druid’s neck. Beads of sweat trickled down his face. With a great roar, Adam lunged, but Lachlan was swifter.
The druid stepped to the side and made an arc, slicing into Adam’s side with his blade. Staggering forward, he fell against a boulder in blinding pain.
“Your powers are useless against me,” bellowed Lachlan. “Time to die, Dragon Knight.” He yanked Adam’s head back, his breath foul against his face. “Yet, before I rip your heart out, ken this. I will personally remove your son’s head from his shoulders and mount his skull on my staff.”
Breathing heavily, Adam waited for the final blow.
However it never came. A great howling filled his ears. The ground rumbled and water splashed his face. As Lachlan released his hold on him and moved away, Adam turned toward the loch. A brilliant arch of light in dazzling colors shimmered, slicing through the darkness. Adam blinked, wiping the water from his face and leaned against the stone.
Never before in all his life did he behold such beauty. The Great Dragon came forth from the water, her radiance blinding. She lifted, soared, and with a great flap of her wings flew off into the night.
Lachlan’s laughter filled the air. “Ye are nae longer safe out of the water,” he shouted, running after her.
As the last glimmer of her crystal light faded in the distance, Adam stumbled away. Quickly retrieving his sword, his one thought was to get to Jamie. Breathing heavily, he clutched his hand to his side. The wound was deep, but closing his eyes, he blocked the pain. Shadows clouded his vision, and he pushed them away. Upon opening them, Adam carefully made his way back to Ciar.
With all his strength, Adam forced himself onto his horse. The pain burned into his body, almost causing him to black out, but again, he pushed it aside. Urging his horse onward, they took off. “Jamie…we must get to Jamie,” he gritted out.
His fear grew. The stars faded. Tree limbs smacked against his face. But Adam continued his relentless pursuit of getting to his son. He only prayed that Jamie understood where to go. When a flash of lightning almost speared him, he smiled. For it gave him a glimpse of where they were heading.
As they approached the place, Adam dismounted carefully from Ciar. Walking slowly, he partially leaned against the fortress he and Jamie had built.
“Jamie, are ye there, son?”
Silence greeted Adam. “Jamie, ’tis your father. I’m wounded and cannae come inside.”
Fear seized Adam. Where could ye have fled to?
“How do…do I ken it’s ye?” stammered Jamie.
Adam wanted to weep for joy. “Ask me a question. Any question only I can answer.”
Again, silence filled the night, and Adam waited.
“What did ye show me the first day I trained with ye?” Jamie’s voice much stronger.
“I showed ye the scar on my back from my verra first battle. I warned ye that if one goes into battle, they will emerge with a scar either on their body, within their mind, or both.”
“Da,” sobbed Jamie coming forth from the fortress.
Adam grabbed a hold of his son with one arm and lifted him to his chest. Immediately, Jamie wrapped his arms around his neck and let the tears fall. “Ye are safe, my son…ye are safe.”
Jamie wiped his nose on his sleeve. “I thou…I thought I heard her calling me. So I ran to the loch, but he was there. He was a bad man. He told me he was the Great Dragon’s friend, but I dinnae believe him.”
“Why is that?”
His son narrowed his eyes. “His face kept changing.” Jamie patted his chest. “My dragon told me he lied.”
“Ye are wise, and so is your dragon. Now, we must get ye to safety.”
“Home,” stated Jamie.
“Aye, son.” Looking around, Adam could barely make out his surroundings. Recalling that a large tree stump was to the right of their fortress, he led Ciar over to the spot. The pain from his wound now slamming into him. “I need ye to cling to my back, Jamie. I have been injured, so I require your aid.”
“Da?”
“Strength and courage, son. No time to explain.”
His son nodded, but he could sense the wariness within the lad.
As soon as Jamie was secure, Adam managed to step onto the stump and mount his horse. Wincing from the pain, he grabbed the reins. Pain reared its ugly head and dizziness overcame Adam.
Blinking to stay focused, he muttered, “I cannae see.”
“I can help, Da,” replied Jamie. The lad reached out over his shoulder and opened his hand. A tiny ball of fire grew. Jamie tossed it out in front of their path. “Now ye can see.”
“Praise be to God,” said Adam on a sigh. “Lead us to the standing stones.”
“We’re not going home?”
“Nae. Dinnae fear, son. When we get there, I will call forth Ronan to come fetch ye. There is nae time to waste. I believe the Great Dragon is leading Lachlan to the stones.”
“Ye called her out of the loch? Ye ken the words?”
“Nae, Jamie. She saved my life by coming forth.”
“I was too scared to speak, and I didn’t ken what to say,” muttered Jamie.
“I was scared, as well. But ye were brave when I told ye to flee.”
Jamie squeezed his neck. “That was a good one.”
“’Tis not over, yet. Be strong and hang on, son.”
As they took off, Jamie whispered in his ear. “End this, Da, so we can all get married.”
Chapter Thirty
“No matter how long evil grows. No matter the years that pass. No matter the feeling of helplessness. In the end, good will be victorious. The key is…patience.”
Bracing herself against the largest standing stone, Meggie fought the stench in the air as the wind slapped against her face. Twice, she wanted to vomit onto the ground, but she would not defile this sacred place. She would not let evil see her fear, nor her weakness. It was coming—dark and ominous, along with Lachlan. Her Fae senses felt the shift within the worlds.
Conn, Liam, and Rory stood on the outside of the stones. They had stripped to their trews, their arms upward. Celtic tattoos and spiral patterns blazed forth down their massive arms and body. The power of the Fenian warriors had transformed each. The power built, grew. Blue light surrounded each warrior as they chanted the ancient words to seal the realms of all worlds.
She glanced down. The book lay at her feet, safe, protected. Magic guarded the ancient tome, and she clung to the Staff of Knowledge, waiting.
Her brothers stood in a circle around her, and she watched the druid Cathal walking around them, saying a prayer of protection. When he finished, he nodded to them and retreated with the other druids to the trees.
Layers upon layers of fortification. Awaiting the final battle between good and evil.
Clasping her hands tightly around the staff, she tried to calm her racing heart. Where are ye Adam? Why have ye not found our son? Oh, please Goddess, watch over, and guide them.
“Sweet Mother Danu!” shouted Angus. “Look upward!”
Lifting her head, Meggie gasped. Luminous colored lights shimmered and danced in the darkness and began to grow. She watched as it trailed in a circle above them. Colors of the rainbow glimmered around them. Were they jewels of hope—a beacon of light in this final hour?
“’Tis the Great Dragon!” stated Angus.
“Why is she here?” blurted out Step
hen.
She looked over her shoulder at Stephen. “Could someone have called her forth? Jamie?”
“Then I praise your son, for she has brought us more light,” said Stephen.
“He is coming!” yelled Duncan, raising his sword higher in an attempt to keep the storm from unleashing. “Alastair?”
“I am doing all in my power to keep the land from breaking apart,” he shouted as he held his axe firmly on the ground.
Glancing back up at the sky, Meggie’s eyes grew wide with fear when she saw the Great Dragon extend its wings to fly higher. “Nae! ’Tis not safe! Go back to the safety of the loch!” The sounds of her cries were smothered by the roar of the storm.
She quickly knelt on the ground. “Fae of my blood, hear my plea. Dinnae let her die! Send her far from here.”
“They can be of no help to ye now,” shouted Lachlan, walking toward them from the trees. “How I have waited for this moment.” He threw out an arc of lightning at the dragon, but she swiftly dodged the blazing light and flew off.
“Your time is at an end, beast!” raged Lachlan.
Meggie stood slowly. Never had she seen the face of evil so hideous. Her hands trembled, but she would not look away. This was not the man she’d befriended in the forest. Nae, this was a monster and her fear stirred so great, she could not move. Did not Angus tell her once to use fear as a shield? Doing her best, she kept her focus steady, trying to take in deep calming breaths.
Lachlan took a step toward her, but Angus quickly stepped in front of her.
The druid waved his hand about, the power slamming into her brother, but he kept his stance. “Do your worst, Dragon Knight. Soon, your time will come to an end.” He spat onto the ground. Then, he turned his grotesque gaze to her. “Greetings, Margaret. How fortunate to see ye again.” He strolled around each of them, taunting them.
“Ye have wrought enough destruction, Lachlan. We shall end this,” growled Angus. Stretching out his hand, he threw out the ring of fire, enclosing them within the fiery blaze.
“Surely ye jest?” His voice laced with sarcasm, Lachlan moved away. Stepping closer to the flames, he let his hand pass through them. He arched a brow. “My powers grow as the Dark One continues on his path to enter your world through me!”
