by Mary Morgan
Confusion furrowed her brow. “Does this mean…can she take away the pain? The ugly scars?”
Smiling, he removed her from his lap and stood. “Trust me. Show me your legs.”
She bit her lip, but complied and placed her legs on the bench. Bringing her gown above her knees, Rory emptied a portion of the dust into his palm and sprinkled it over her damaged skin.
“What a pretty color—” She winced and brought a fist to her mouth.
“Aye, she told me there would be itching and pain. Ye must wait for a bit.” Rory dropped the pouch onto the ground and brought her into his arms.
She clenched her eyes shut. “How long is a bit in your world?”
Chuckling softly, he kissed her brow and strode toward the stream. “Remember, time moves more slowly in this realm.”
She made a garbled sound as he entered the water.
Opening her eyes, she glanced around. “And why are we in the water?”
“I am in the water,” Rory corrected.
“Oh for the love of the Goddess,” she complained, though a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Gently, Rory lowered her into the river. The water came only to her knees as she clung to his shoulder. Soon her features relaxed.
A choked sob escaped from her lips. “I dinnae feel any more pain.” Erina bent over and inspected the skin. “Sweet, beautiful Goddess! The scars are gone!” She covered her face with her hands and burst into tears.
Rory lifted her back into his arms, cradling her against his chest. His heart constricted with joy and love for her.
Time passed and her tears lessened. She hiccupped and wiped at her nose. “’Tis wondrous, but I must confess, I have ye to thank for healing me. Though the fire left me in pain most of the time, ye made me feel beautiful.”
“Your beauty steals the breath from me.” He sought out her lips and kissed her passionately.
She nipped on his lower lip. “Your turn for healing.”
Making his way from the river, Rory countered, “After I make love to ye.”
“Nae,” she protested, wiggling to free herself from his arms.
Rory placed her onto the ground. Picking up the pouch, he handed it to her. “If ye would do the honors?”
“Aye, most assuredly.” Erina removed a small amount and smoothed it over Rory’s scar.
Instantly, he let out a hiss and waited for the allotment of time to pass. In the meantime, his lovely wife had walked to the table and returned with a pitcher of water.
“Ready?” she asked.
“Aye.”
He watched as she poured the water in a steady stream down his side. Within seconds, the scar had vanished, and the skin lay smooth beneath his markings. Rory’s fingers trembled as he wiped them over his skin. “Now we are both healed.”
Erina dropped the pitcher onto the ground and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I love ye.”
Rory skimmed his hands down her back. Cupping her bottom, he grazed his teeth along her neck. “As I love ye. Let me pleasure ye out on the land.”
After breaking free, Erina slipped out of her gown in a seductive dance. “First, I must choose the perfect spot.”
He arched a brow, and his cock tightened in pain. “A new game?”
“Aye, and this time ye cannot use magic.”
She sauntered away, giving Rory a luscious view of her bottom. “Ye are torturing me, mo ghrá!”
Casting a glance over her shoulder, Erina’s eyes glittered like the sea on a calm day. “Nae, my husband, only pleasure.”
“I shall give ye one minute to reach your destination. And then prepare yourself, wife!”
Her laughter filled the air when she took off running toward the field of opulent wildflowers, and Rory stood transfixed by the beauty that had captured his heart and soul forever.
Glossary of the Fae Realm
CATHEDRAL OF TREES: A place of worship and where royal ceremonies are held.
COURTS OF THE FAE: Special chambers where the Fae Order discuss and advise on the laws of the land.
FAE APOTHECARY: A special healer and a place where one can purchase or create medicinal herbal remedies.
FAE COUNCIL: A group of nine Fae members who proceed and advise over the laws, especially those governed by the Fenian Warriors.
HALL OF REMEMBRANCE: A place where the Fae can visit to reflect on their life’s journey through mirrored images.
KEEPER OF KNOWLEDGE: Archibald McKibben, Bard of the Fae. He is responsible for keeping a historical record of all events pertaining to the Fae within both words—human and Fae.
LIBRARY OF THE ANCIENTS: All the knowledge the Fae brought with them to Ireland.
PLEASURE GARDENS: A vast, luscious, sensual garden where the Fae may find others for sexual pleasures.
REALM OF SORROWS: When a Fae becomes trapped in his own misery and sorrow. Ultimately, they become a shadow of their former self and go mad.
ROOM OF REFLECTION: The Fae prison.
Note from the Author
In doing research for Oath of a Warrior, I came across hundreds of cases pertaining to witches and the witch trials in Scotland. The records of Scotland’s witch trials spanned over a period of 200 years during the 16th and 17th centuries. However, I did find evidence of several women being burned, or executed in the late 15th century. This was a dark period in Scottish history, exposing a culture of fear and panic that cast a cloud over much of Scotland.
Some of the charges brought against these individuals ranged from belonging to a coven, receiving herbs from the Queen of the Faeries, and using charms against another person. It did not matter if you were a servant or upper class, either. If you wanted to rid yourself of someone, all you had to do was accuse them of being a witch.
Erina was a wonderful character to write and one I knew who would appeal to Rory. She loved her garden and animals, tended to those who required healing, made love charms, and believed in the old ways. A perfect combination for any to accuse her of dealing in the black arts. Yet, she never saw herself as a witch. Only someone who was different. Sadly, even in this century, we tend to look at others who don’t walk the same path as the majority as odd.
I hope you’ve enjoyed Rory and Erina’s story. It was a tale of healing, renewal, and a second chance at love. Next in the Legends of the Fenian Warriors is Liam MacGregor’s story—Trial of a Warrior. If you recall, Liam is awaiting trial for breaking a high Fae law by taking Aidan Kerrigan back in time to help rescue Aidan’s daughter, Aileen in Dragon Knight’s Medallion. I’m calling Liam’s story adventurous!
A word about the author…
Award-winning Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books, where Mary worked, that she found her true calling—writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.
Visit Mary’s website where you’ll find links to all of her books, blog, and pictures of her travels.
http://www.marymorganauthor.com
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Also available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc. and other major retailers
Quest of a Warrior
by Mary Morgan
"You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!"
Fenian Warrior, Conn MacRoich has traveled the earth for thousands of years, guarding the realm between mortal and Fae. His deeds are legendary. Yet, one mistake will force him on a journey to fix a broken time-line. However, on Conn’s quest, he must face a human female who will eventually bring this ancient warrior to his knees.
When Ivy O’Callaghan inherits her uncle’s estate, she never imagines there will be more secrets to unravel, including the one she hides from the world. With the help of a mysterious stranger, she learns to trust and step out of the shadows. However, nothing prepares Ivy when she learns Conn's true identity.
As the loom of fate weaves a thread around the lovers from two different worlds, will the sacrifices they make lead them to love? Or will their secrets destroy and separate them forever?
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In defiance of her father, Caledonian tribeswoman Barta leads a daring raid against invading enemy warriors. But the fight goes badly, and her beloved war hound, Loyal, is killed. Unable to imagine existing without her dearest companion, she nevertheless must return home and accept blame for her terrible blunder.
For the first time in his life, Loyal is unable to rise and follow his mistress. When he appeals to the Goddess for mercy, she grants him leave to return on one condition: it must be in the form of a man. And only if Barta recognizes him for who he truly is will he be permitted to stay.
Loyal never suspects that, as a man, his connection with Barta will deepen, becoming passionate enough to transcend nearly any change. Will Barta recognize him before he’s lost to her forever?
