Lokai's Curse

by Coulter, J. Lee

  She shook her head. “Nay…there is nae need to hide. You are nae a criminal to skulk about your home! Why would you do this?”

  Garrick gave her a stern stare. “Did nae Lokai or Alred speak of the danger? Natasha has ill will toward ye and your sister…and Lokai believes that Athor still lives. They must accept as true that I died so that we may stop them from their evil plans.”

  “But the passages…?” Her brow furrowed in deep thought. She turned a worried gaze toward him. “I am certain that Natasha kens these pathways! You could be killed! I will nae have it! Nae again.”

  Garrick’s eyes softened with tenderness as he debated on whether to tell her everything. He did not wish her to worry for him. She had suffered enough already. He decided to skim over the details for the moment. “Nae, mo cridhe, they can nae harm me. Lokai made sure of that before I came back. I will appear slightly different when ye see me, though, love. He put a spell on me so I look more like a spirit. I did nae wish ye ta be frightened so I came ta ye like this.”

  Seonaid peered at her husband as she trailed her finger absentmindedly through the curly black hair on his bare chest down to his groin. “What will this charade accomplish, Garrick? There have been nae attacks on anyone else…nae even Da. I see nae point for the deception.”

  He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. How much should he reveal? “Ye must trust me, lady wife. There is grave danger ta ye, the bairns, your father…everyone linked ta the throne.”

  Seonaid gave him a tender look. “Aye. I may nae ken all the reasons but I trust ye, husband. Now…prove to me that this is nae a dream.” She smiled coquettishly as she threw out the dare.

  Garrick grinned craftily accepting the challenge. “Wake up, mo cridhe. Open your beautiful emerald eyes and look at me.”

  She was startled…and a bit fearful. What if this was but a dream and he would not be there when she awoke? She did not wish to be separated from him so soon. “I am afraid.”

  He hugged her trembling body close to him. “There is naught ta fear, me love. I would never hurt ye so. Trust me.”

  Seonaid slowly awoke from her dream-like state, savoring every moment she had spent with her husband. She did not wish to forget a single moment of their time together. As she reached the summit of wakefulness she realized that his scent was stronger than usual, mixed with the musky odor of sexual pleasure. Heat emanated from a source close to her in the bed. Her heart began to pound as hopes soared. Could it be true? She struggled for breath as she reached out with her shaky hand, keeping her eyes closed tight, and connected with a bare chest. Her eyes flew open in wonder.

  Leaning over her, Garrick’s intense sapphire eyes peered deeply into hers. She gasped as she threw her arms about his neck. They held each other tightly drawing strength from the bond.

  “You really are alive! Thank God!” She finally pulled back to check him for wounds. “Other than a small scar near his heart she could find none. Her glance jerked to his face as she realized that it would have been a mortal wound. Seonaid was afraid to ask the question that he had already heard echoed in her thoughts. “Y-you were…killed?”

  Garrick swore an oath under his breath. He should have known that he could keep no secrets from her. Cautiously, he nodded. “Lokai brought me back within moments of me death…with Fae nectar.” He watched her reaction to the revelation.

  “Then…then…you are…immortal now?” Her heart lurched as her mind wrapped itself around the possibilities. Her head began to ache. She needed time to sort this all out. At least he was alive! That was most important for the moment. Seonaid noticed a luminescence surrounding his form. “Is this glow about you part of that?”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. There was hope. Garrick grinned as he shook his head. “Nay, mo cridhe, tis the spell Lokai cast.” He stared at her intently. “Listen well now, wife. Until all is settled, ye must refer ta me as a spirit. Everyone here must believe that is true. Ye can speak of seeing me. Twill help ta spread that around…but do nae refer ta me being alive. Can ye do that, wife?”

  A wide grin filled her face. “Aye, twill be fun to act the crazy lady who sees her husband’s ghost!” She rubbed her hands together in glee.

  Garrick chuckled. There was his lovely spirited wife! He gave her a big kiss.

  “Your sister will be returning in a day or so ta help draw out the scoundrels. She kens of this ruse but I caution ye, do nae speak about me unless it be about me haunting this place. The walls have ears and ye never ken who is listening.” He gave her a long seductive kiss and then rose to dress.

  “You are leaving?”

  “Aye. Mary will be here soon. I do nae wish ta frighten her. I will see ye this eve. If ye need me, call me with your thoughts, Seonaid. Tis the only safe way ta speak.”

  She gave a brusque nod as he disappeared behind the wardrobe into the passage. Moments later, Mary came scratching at the door. Seonaid smiled to herself, anticipating her new role.

  * * *

  Lokai brought Diedre to Castle Brodie the following day. He scowled with displeasure as they entered the great hall. He did not relish the thought of her being exposed to danger. She was six moons into her pregnancy and did not maneuver very well at this point. What if she had to run? It was not possible.

  Diedre pinched him when she saw the expression on his face. He gave her a black look as she smiled sweetly up at him.

  “Diedre!” Alred boomed. “It is good that you have come! Your sister is in need of comfort.”

  Lokai helped her to a seat next to her father on the dais. Glancing around the hall, he sat next to her and began peeling an apple he had snatched from a bowl on the table. He handed her a slice and she ate it without thought as she searched for her sister.

  “How is Seonaid faring, Father? Is she well?”

  He grunted. “If you had asked me that question a couple days back, I would have said ‘as well as could be expected’, but now…?” He shrugged his muscular shoulders.

  “Why not now? Is something amiss?” She could not let her father know what they planned. He would not be pleased and he certainly would not appreciate the fact that he was not told.

  Alred leaned in closer to Diedre lowering his voice. “I think the loss was too great. Her mind is leaving her.” His myriad eyes twinkled with mirth. “She claims that she has seen her husband’s spirit about the castle.”

  Diedre choked on her apple as she saw the truth in her father’s face. He knew! Oh bother! Why could she never fool him? She washed the food down with some water before she attempted to speak. In a louder voice she answered. “She has seen his ghost? Do you think it could be true?”

  Several clansmen in hearing distance tensed. Good! The rumor needs to spread quickly to reach Athor and, possibly, Natasha! Lokai watched the people surreptitiously as he continued eating his apple.

  “Whether true or not…Seonaid believes it. I hope that it is, otherwise she has taken leave of her senses. They were bonded closer than anyone I know. I would not rule out the possibility.”

  Alred fought a grin as he heard the nearby clansmen begin whispering to each other. They were a superstitious lot and it did not take much to set them off. It was not long before several of them finished their fare and left the hall in due haste…probably to spread the rumor. He glanced at Lokai with mirthful eyes.

  “Yes, they had a deep affection for each other but I would hope that they are still connected rather than have her imagine seeing him in her mind.” She searched his handsome Fae face for a sign of what he knew. He diverted his eyes quickly from her. Aha! He does know! I knew it! She turned her attention to Lokai for a moment to see if he saw it, as well. He met her glance with a look of innocence but he could not disguise the sparkle within. She should have known that her father would be wise to their plan. Lokai told him everything of importance. Her eyes hardened as she turned back to Alred.

  “Father, where is Seonaid this morn? Has she broken her fast yet?”

  H
e shook his head. “I expect she will be down shortly. She tends to the bairns before she eats each day. Be patient, Diedre.”

  Lokai served her a portion of bread and cheese followed with a mug of milk. She ate without thought as her father and husband discussed mundane matters over their ale. She felt a slight twinge in her womb as the babe pressed against her. Lokai’s hand immediately covered the spot, as if he had felt it, and massaged the tenseness away absently. She glanced over at him through her dark lashes, wondering how he knew the exact spot to rub. He had not even looked her way. She smiled to herself. Mayhap Seonaid and Garrick are not the only ones with a close bond. Her hand covered his as she gave a gentle squeeze.

  He gave her a startled glance, then a soft smile. Her show of tenderness a mark in her favor for the love she had avowed. Perhaps her feelings were genuine after all. He truly hoped so. It was getting harder every day to hide his emotional state from her. His shaft began to thicken at the intimate contact.

  As his thoughts began turning toward bedding his wife an excited cry echoed in the hall. “Diedre!” His head shot up as Seonaid hurried into the great hall. “When did you arrive? Da, you should have called me.”

  Lokai could not believe that this was the same lass he had visited a few days past. Her cheeks were aglow with vibrancy as her emerald eyes sparkled. Her auburn hair bounced in time with the spring in her step. The dark circles had disappeared. He knew then that Garrick and Seonaid drew their life-force from each other. Neither one could survive without the other. The men stood as she approached the dais, bowing, then aided her up the steps.

  “You look wonderful, Seonaid! You are better now?” He raised his blonde brow quizzically.

  “Oh yes, Lokai! I am much improved now that my husband has returned…if only in spirit. We chat until the wee hours of the morn…” she giggled, “among other things.”

  “I see.” He noticed some maids giving her an odd look then scurrying away nervously. He grunted in approval as he saw their plan unfolding. “And the bairns…they are well?”

  Her expression twisted for a moment in consternation. “You ken? They seem much improved as well. Perhaps they ken that their father is home? Mayhap they are linked to him also.”

  Diedre pulled Seonaid’s attention away from her husband. “Do tell me all, sister! Is he still as dark and handsome as always…or is he mutilated from his death? Can you call him out to show us you have not imagined his presence? I would hate for your clansmen to think you have gone daft!”

  She shook her head. “Nay. He is nae ready to show himself yet. He does nae wish to frighten his clansmen…but he is just as handsome as ever, except he has a new scar over his heart.” She gave Lokai a stern appraisal, letting him know that she understood what he had done to save his life.

  He met her disapproving gaze and held it. Would she have preferred that I not save him? No, I will never believe that. He arched his brow in question as she mouthed “thank you” when no one was watching. A smile twitched the corner of his lips as he gave a brusque nod in answer.

  “So Garrick’s spirit wants his people to believe you are a lunatic? That seems a trifle unkind.” Diedre winked mischievously.

  Seonaid grinned at her sister. “I do nae mind. This way I can have him all to myself.” She sighed as the memories of last eve were recalled. Heat rushed through her body at the thought of him stroking her feverish skin, his seductive lips demanding fulfillment. Her body quivered.

  Thinking of me again, mo cridhe? She gasped, then chastised her mate as he chuckled.

  Husband! Please behave yourself when I am entertaining. I must concentrate on what I say.

  Very well, wife, I will leave ye be for now. I should get some sleep afore I go haunting this eve. Call if ye need me, love.

  Garrick strode through the dark passage marveling at how his luminescence removed the need of a torch. Something was not right about the tunnel. He stopped, perusing his environment. Cobwebs! There were none in this section! He knelt down to study the dust-covered floor. There he found a woman’s footprints had disturbed the powdery substance. One distinct print was the same size as he had seen in the mud at Hagar’s hut. Could Natasha have been the one who murdered his old nursemaid? One thing was certain…she was stalking his wife. A dark scowl crossed his countenance.

  He stood and walked to a hidden chamber near the master’s bedroom. Only he knew it existed. After checking for signs of any disturbance, he hurried inside, closing the wall behind him. The pallet looked inviting as weariness entered his bones. He yawned deeply stretching out on the hard floor. He had stayed awake for almost two days keeping a watchful eye on his family and satisfying his wife’s needs. He smiled as he closed his eyes wearily…it had been worth it. He was instantly asleep.

  Chapter XII

  Garrick was surrounded by a white mist. His eyes darted around him as he strained to see where he was. Had he died after all? His heart began to beat a tattoo within his chest as panic threatened to engulf him. He drew in deep draughts of air trying to comprehend what was happening. As he attempted to calm himself he heard a muffled sound just out of his sight. Instinctively he reached for the sword strapped to his back…it was gone! He checked for his dirks and sgian dubhs…they, also, were missing. Why was he unarmed?

  “Because ye are dreaming, boy!”

  “Hagar? Twould that be ye in the mist?” His voice shook with emotion. If he was meeting Hagar, then, surely he must be dead.

  “Aye, laddie, tis me. But ye are nae dead so get that foolishness from your mind. Ye are merely sleeping. Tis the only way I could reach ye from the netherworld. There are things ye must ken, being as ye are the last adult Ancient that lives.”

  Garrick’s eyes widened in surprise as she appeared from out of the fog. He had expected to see Hagar slightly bent with age, with flowing white hair dressed all in black, but before him, standing straight and tall, was a beautiful young woman with violet eyes and ebony hair to her ankles. He gasped.

  “What? Did ye think I would show me age after I died?” She cackled. “Why should I want ta hobble around like that for all of eternity?”

  “It…it…is just unexpected.”

  She gave a curt nod. “Aye, I suppose it was. So, boy, what did ye bring me…any ale?” Hagar asked with a twinkle in her eye. She knew that he had brought naught for her. He shook his head sadly. “Never mind, me laird. I should nae tease ye. Ye have been through much this past fortnight…including your transformation.”

  “Do nae let me death trouble ye so, Garrick. It was me time…that is all. Although I would have preferred something a little less painful,” she muttered as she shook her fist at the sky. She glanced back at him. “I should tell ye a few things before ye wake.”

  “What would that be, Hagar? The name of your murderer?” His sapphire orbs darkened with anger as he clenched his fists.

  “Nay…nothing as mundane as that. Besides, ye already ken who did the deed. I have a need ta inform ye of your ancestry.”

  Surprise lit his face. What else was there to know?

  She eyed him warily. “As an Ancient ye were born with inherent powers… your children have been as well. I was hoping that they would emerge before I passed on but they appear when the time is right.”

  “What kind of powers? I have noticed naught.”

  She twirled her hand in the air causing the mist to dance and swirl about. “Ach! It varies. Some could prophecy…others had magic. Ye, though…I ken ye will have all of the power of the Ancients so ye can pass it on ta the generations ta come whether ye be able ta use them or nae. Some had great strength and agility. Others could transport themselves with a thought…like the Fae.” Hagar glanced at him. “Ye have already crossed two realms with your thoughts...something the Fae have nae mastered. There will be nae limit ta what ye can do once the power emerges…whatever it might be. Just be aware that it will come ta ye soon. Use it wisely.”

  A deep sadness swept through him. Hagar had filled the gap l
eft by his mother’s death when he was a bairn. Throughout his life she had always been there for him…but that was about to change. His eyes misted as he fought the lump building in his throat.

  “Will I ever see ye again?”

  “Perhaps…who can say?” She stroked his hair. “I will be watching ye though, boy. On that ye can be assured.” She hugged him close then disappeared into the fog.

  ***

  Another sennight had passed since Garrick’s dream. The castle was abuzz with rumors of seeing his spirit prowling the corridors while others believed Seonaid was losing touch with reality. Neither was true.

  Diedre grew restless as she waited for something…anything to happen. Mayhap they needed to plan something more. She slipped a robe on over her chemise and donned her slippers. A few moments later she was scratching at her sister’s door.

  The bolt slid noisily as Seonaid opened her door. Diedre swept in, glancing around quickly.

  “Is he not here?” She pouted as she glanced at her sister. A soft scraping spun her around to find Garrick emerging from the wall. She grinned at his glowing body. “Ah, you are frightening indeed.”

  “What brings you here, Diedre? Surely tis more than curiosity.” Seonaid smiled as she fussed with her hair.

  She blushed as she realized that she had interrupted their bed sport. “Oh do forgive me! I cannot sleep so I thought that perhaps we should think of a new plan to find these villains. Do you not think it strange that they have not tried anything?”

  Garrick nodded. It was peculiar for certain. What were they waiting for anyway? “I have already planned to make myself seen this eve. I propose on walking the battlements. Nae one will miss me there.”

  “True…but you are not the target any longer. I believe that Father and I are the ones they are truly trying to catch alone. I just do not understand what Natasha’s purpose might be.”

  Garrick and Seonaid exchanged looks. Alred had told them of Diedre’s mother but it was not their place to inform her.