“Though it may ruin your reputation?” Weylyn asked gently.
“Aye, even then,” she answered.
“’Tis much to ask, I ken, but I promise you I will tell you why after,” he swore.
“I ken you will,” she answered. “Weylyn,” she called when he turned towards the door. He looked back and she smiled slightly. “Be careful.”
“I will, lass,” he replied.
Chapter
Seventeen
Loeiza could not sleep that evening. The chief of the clan intrigued her, throughout their short time at Sutherland, he had sought her out. They would walk together through the bailey or the gardens. He even invited her to take supper with the clan and her pack within the keep, something only the leaders of her pack were allowed to do. She had spoken to Alexina about it in a hypothetical way, but never saying anything damning. After three days and nights she started seeking him during the day, either to watch him train with his men, or catch his eye at dinner. Occasionally she would force herself not to see him and take a walk in the gardens only to have him come in through the back gate, a frantic look in his eyes that calmed as soon as he saw her.
She had not reached wolf maturity yet and according to custom would not physically be able to mate with someone until she reached seventy, but Gregor’s eyes and the way he smiled when Tristan had introduced her as his sister, made her shiver.
Sleeping outside of the keep, in the smithy on fresh hay, with her brothers and sisters for the past few nights, she huddled under the blanket they had given her.
A short time later, sleep still eluding her, she heard the soft sound of someone crossing the bailey in bare feet and sat up. Going to the door of the smithy, she watched as a dark, cloaked figure made their way across the courtyard, out the door beside the gate and into the woods.
“Loeiza,” her brother called to her. She looked back to see Eion’s sleepy eyes on hers.
“Go back to sleep, I will return shortly.” Without another word, he nodded and fell back. Loeiza eased her way out of the stables and followed the fleeting figure. Already too far ahead for her to see them clearly, she let her eyes change to yellow and searched through the trees. There, just beyond human sight, she saw the person. Without another thought, she left through the same doorway and followed them into the woods.
***
“Eithne,” Weylyn knocked before he entered their room.
“Aye, I am here, Weylyn,” she replied and stood from her seat at the fire. He shut the door behind him. “Is all well?”
“I donnae ken,” he answered. “Tristan has called for Aedan and me to meet him in the bailey shortly. Are you well, lass?”
“Aye,” she replied. “Weylyn, I wanted to tell you, I did finally have a vision.”
“Of Loeiza?”
“Nay, but I was thinking about her when I fell into the trance. Three figures cloaked in black, hooded and hiding their faces stood outside the keep. The great hall was lit from within as if a celebration of some sort was happening inside. One of the figures opened the doors with just a flick of their wrist and proceeded inside. I donnae ken who they were, but they were evil. Perhaps if Chief Sutherland is friendly with any local druids other than the brothers we met earlier, perhaps one of them is the dark druid of the grove.”
“The dark druid?”
“It is said there is always one dark druid in a grove, one that practices the dark arts and communes with the dead. Do you ken the legend of Lucien’s dagger?”
“Aye,” he answered. “My father was a teacher in our pack, he taught me many things about druids.”
“Lucien was an immortal dark druid. They said he was bitten by a wolf.”
“What would happen in that instance?” Weylyn asked. “I ken an immortal druid bitten by a wolf does nae turn into a wolf. Maelogan was such.”
“Aye, you are right,” she answered. “But a dark druid bitten? It is said he became the most powerful being in all the land. Only one dagger that he cursed and forged with the iron from his own blood would be able to kill him. He always kept it on his person… Weylyn, I saw the dagger in my vision. Not on the person but a flash of it. We will be affected by that dagger one way or another.”
“It can kill us?” Weylyn asked.
“Aye,” she stated.
“Do you or anyone ken where the dagger is now?” Weylyn asked.
“Nay, it is said Lucien became a recluse when he was bitten and kept the dagger with him. Nae one has seen him since.”
“But it is merely a legend,” he said.
“A legend is steeped in truth.”
They were quiet for a moment, but finally Weylyn nodded and looked into the fire.
“Will you be well this eve? I will nae return soon, we believe.”
“Aye, I am well looked after,” she answered. “You be careful?”
“I will,” he stated. “Bar the door as soon as I leave. Do I have your permission to tell the others of your vision?”
“Aye, of course,” she said. “My only fear is they will become dependent on them and when we are mated I will nae be able to help them.”
“Why when we are mated?”
She blushed and looked down. “Because a seer can only retain her gift fully if she remains a maiden.”
Weylyn nodded slowly and took her hand. “Gift or no’ you will be my mate in all ways, Eithne.”
“Exactly what I want,” she answered.
“We will continue this conversation but now I need to go. Bar the door, lass and open it to nae one save the pack.”
“Aye, I will,” she replied and followed him to the door. Before she noticed, he stopped and turned pulling her into his arms and lowering his lips on hers gently demanding. He pulled away almost as fast and hurried down the corridor to the stairs
Chapter
Eighteen
Loeiza crept along following the figure she had seen leaving the Bailey. The person had only been a little way ahead of her when she started and, with the aid of her wolf eyes, she was able to catch up with them easily. The person weaved back and forth through the woods attempting to ward off any followers. Finally, the figure exited the woods and came to a stop at the ocean shore.
Even with the full moon, Loeiza could not make out the person. They simply stood at the ocean edge and stared up into the moon. Intrigued, she took a step forward and immediately regretted it. Her foot broke a twig lying in the undergrowth. The person at the loch dropped their cloak and snapped their eyes to the noise. Loeiza screamed.
***
There was a knock at the door. Rousing from a doze, Eithne stood and went to the entrance.
“Who is it?” she called.
“’Tis I, Eion,” the voice said.
“Oh,” Eithne breathed. Worried something was wrong with Weylyn, she opened the door. “Eion,” she came face to face with the young wolf. “What are you doing in the keep?” she closed the door a little hoping to distract him from the empty bed.
“I thought you might be cold,” he answered offering her a blanket. “I ken these keeps can be drafty.”
“How kind and thoughtful of you,” she accepted the blanket. “But I do have Weylyn to keep me warm.”
His young face fell and Eithne bit her lip hoping she did not say anything untoward.
“I saw Uncle Weylyn leave with Tristan,” he confided. “I thought I could keep you safe and keep you company.”
“Oh,” she debated. “That is very kind of you, Eion. But I am so very tired I honestly desire nothing more than to curl up with this blanket by the fire and sleep.”
He nodded and shrugged. “I wanted to make sure you were well,” he stumbled.
“And a very kind thought, I thank you,” she said. “You are much like your brother.”
“I am?” he asked looking up at her.
“Aye,” she answered. “Very kind and a skilled warrior. I saw you training today with the men of the clan.”
“You were watching me?” his e
yes lightened and his face glowed.
“Aye, you are well skilled,” she said. “I feel safe kenning you are part of the pack.”
He pulled himself up to his full height, slightly taller than she.
“’Tis my honor to protect such a beautiful lady,” he vowed. “If you are so very tired, perhaps I could wait out here and guard your door.”
“Do you think my door needs guarding?” she asked.
“I would feel better if I kenned ye were safe,” he replied.
“I thank you,” she smiled at him.
He took a step back and bowed to her.
“If you need anything, my lady, please donnae hesitate to call to me, but please bar the door,” he said. She nodded and thanked him once more. Shutting the door, she set the blanket down on the chest that stood by the window and went to the chair. Eion was sweet and she did not want to hurt him but she was far from tired and too warm with thoughts of Weylyn to wrap up in the blanket he had given her.
***
“What in the name of the gods are you doing here, lass!”
Loeiza could not believe her eyes. Two yellow wolf eyes glared at her from the figure at the loch. Turning full in the moonlight she could see the outline of a man, not just any man, a man she had grown to love.
“I asked you a question,” Gregor commanded. “What in the name of the gods are you doing here?”
“I… I,” she stuttered. The yellow eyes disappeared and without a moment to breathe the man stood before her. She looked up at him straining her neck to see him. Instinctively, she took a couple steps back. “You are a… you are a,” she did not continue as her heel caught a loose rock and she nearly fell.
Arms wrapped around her waist and she was pulled into a strong chest.
“Damnation, lass,” he growled. “The moon is full, ye ken what that means for me? Why did you follow me?”
“I did nae,” she panted. “I… am sorry. But you are a—”
“I am a wolf, aye,” he said.
“All of the clan?” she asked.
“Nay, merely the men,” he answered.
“H-how?” she breathed.
“My father’s line was bitten by a wolf centuries ago,” he began. “We are slaves to the moon.”
“Why?” she asked.
“You mean you are nae?” he asked. She shook her head. “But you are wolves.”
“If your ancestor was bitten he would have been turned into a wolf, he would nae have survived,” she said.
“He was a druid,” he answered simply.
“Then that would make you…” she breathed.
“Aye, love, I am immortal,” he said softly before his lips descended on hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she melted into him.
“Loeiza!” ’Twas Tristan’s voice. “Unhand my sister, you cur.”
The man’s eyes turned yellow when he looked up at Tristan, Weylyn and Aedan rushing from the edge of the woods.
“Stay back!” he shouted.
“Gregor, please,” Loeiza whispered still in his arms. “They are my family.”
“I cannae stop it, lass,” he shook. Turning to look up at the moon, the clouds parted and the full light shown down on him. Looking back to her, she saw a wildness in his eyes he had never shown before. “Run.” He ordered before dropping her. Loeiza stumbled and fell. Aedan rushed forward and pulled her back. Gregor convulsed. His body bent and twisted in a painful way. His skin fell away to reveal fur, his mouth and face broke into a wolf’s snout and claws grew from his hands. Once his transition was complete, he howled up to the moon and was greeted by howls all around him.
“Gregor!” Loeiza cried. His eyes turned back to her, sadness was replaced by a murderous glint.
“Fall back,” Tristan ordered. “Fall back!”
Aedan grabbed her up and threw her over his shoulder. She cried for Gregor but knew the wolf at the loch was no more Gregor than any other wild animal.
“Tristan!” she shouted when she saw Gregor bounding through the woods toward them.
“Go Aedan get her out of here!” Tristan shouted. Aedan hesitated for a moment but locked eyes with his father who nodded once. Aedan rushed off with Loeiza over his shoulder.
“Aedan, please put me down,” she begged. “I can run.”
“Promise me you will run,” he said.
“Aye,” she answered. “I donnae wish to die tonight.”
“Nae one is dying tonight, lass,” he promised. More howling echoed beneath the midnight sky. Aedan put her down and made sure she was steady on her feet. “Go now, lass,” he said. “Run all the way back to the keep and donnae look back.”
“Promise me you will take care of my brother and uncle,” she begged.
“All will be well,” he answered. “Now go!”
She turned, gathered up her skirts and ran. Aedan watched her go. A single howl followed her but she would never make it running as a human. Taking a few precious moments to remove her outer gown she set it aside and phased into her full wolf nipping gently at the wool gown, holding it in her mouth. She ran all the way towards the keep until she broke the tree line. Waiting a moment to listen, she did not hear anyone following her and the howling seemed to be far behind her. She phased back to her human form and donned her gown racing to the drawbridge.
“Loeiza!” she heard Alexina cry from behind the walls. The drawbridge was lowered and she raced across to the bailey. “What were you doing out there, lass?”
“Gregor,” she panted. “Gregor is a—”
“What do you ken about our chief?” his mother stood at the top of the keep steps glaring down at the two of them.
“Lady Sutherland,” Alexina turned and bowed slightly. “Forgive us for disturbing you.”
She said nothing, her features hard. Finally, she turned her gaze up to the moon.
“Every full moon,” she wrapped her arms around herself. “Same with my husband and brothers. One full moon they did nae return.”
“Where is the chief’s father, my lady?” Alexina asked.
Lady Sutherland finally looked down at her.
“Gone,” she said.
“Dead?” Loeiza asked.
“I ken no’,” she answered. “But ‘tis the fate of us all sooner or later the men donnae return. One full moon nearly seventy years ago my grandfather took a pack of twenty wolves to fight the alpha Marrock to the southeast, only he returned. On another full moon my husband left and did nae return. Now ’tis the same full moon, the solstice moon and my Chief is gone.”
“Gregor is nae gone, my lady,” Loeiza cried. “I just saw him.”
“Bless you lass for trying to give comfort to an old woman’s heart but ’tis true,” she said. “Gregor will nae return in the morning. Just as his father before him and his father before that and so many others.”
“Please donnae say that,” Loeiza replied with tears in her eyes. “I… I love him.”
“I ken ye do lass, I have seen ye two together,” she softened her features. “But he is wild tonight and with the other three fighting him… I doubt very much they will return.”
“My cousin swore none will die tonight,” but just as she said it a terrifying howl came from the woods.
“Aedan!” Isla cried from the doorway. She clutched her stomach and cried out. Alexina rushed forward to save her from falling. “Gods help him.”
“Remember, my dear he is immortal,” Alexina whispered in her ear. Isla stilled for a moment and nodded. Eithne rushed out of the keep with Eion following close behind.
“I heard the howl, what is happening?” she cried.
“Loeiza!” Eion cried and rushed to his sister. “Are you well? You have been crying.”
“Aye, brother, I am well,” she answered leaning on him for strength.
“Come, everyone, inside. Women!” Lady Sutherland called out. “Our men are at the mercy of the moon, let us pray for their safe return. Come inside and we shall wait for them.”
The w
omen who had gathered in the bailey followed the lady into the keep and shut the heavy oak door.
Chapter
Nineteen
Tristan was stroking her cheek. Alexina sighed softly and opened her eyes.
“Tristan, you are safe,” she clutched his hand and sat up.
“Aye, my love,” he stated and sat on the bed near her knees.
“What happened?” she asked seeing the concern on his face.
“The Sutherland Clan are wolves,” he stated.
“Only the men,” she answered. His brows furrowed in question. “The women gathered inside the keep and tales were told to keep us occupied. When the first ray of sunlight streamed through the windows I kenned you were no’ far. I waited up for you but Giorsal was sleeping in my arms so I brought her up here and must have fallen asleep myself.”
“I am glad you both are safe,” he said. She saw the weariness in his eyes and stroked his jaw.
“Come,” she replied tugging at his leather doublet over his tunic. “Disrobe and come to bed.”
“I am tired,” he answered.
“Tell me what happened as you undress,” she ordered.
***
Gregor slowly opened his eyes. He lay on rocky soil and the sun shone down brightly. His body ached as if he had trained for weeks without rest. His mind was foggy but he had experienced that before. It was not the same feeling as being heady with wine or with love, but a bone weariness clouded his mind as if half of him was still wolf and the other half a reasoning man. He rolled up, his body protesting the movement, looked down and realized he was nude.
Around him several of his clansmen were in the same situation but they were still asleep; all but two whose bloody throats looked to have been torn out. He raced to them and cradled their heads. Two of his men, not his best warriors but still he felt the loss keenly. Rearing back, he cried out but the sound came partly as a howl. The moon had yet to let go of its hold on him completely. At the sound of his despair his men began to awaken.
Midnight Sky (The Wolf's Bane Saga Book 3) Page 9
