by Donna Grant
* * * *
By the time Frang returned to the stone circle, the sun had risen. Exhaustion pulled at him, but he refused to give in. Too much was at stake for him to fall asleep now.
He'd planned to take a quick nap for an hour or two this morning when no one would miss him. Preparations were already underway for the great celebration. Already a sensual feel had overtaken the Glen. It was always so on Beltane, and Frang had joined in the coupling through the years as did nearly every Druid.
Just thinking of being with Kenna again left him aching and hard. One taste of her hadn't been enough. He wanted, nay needed, her again.
With his mind so preoccupied he was more than surprised to find Conall in his chamber. Frang paused at the doorway before shutting the door and continuing into the spacious chamber carved out of the rocks.
His large bed stood against the far wall covered in green and black material. He glanced at Conall who sat on the bench at the foot of the bed, his elbows on his knees.
"What brings you here, Conall?” Frang asked as he walked to a small table near the right corner that held a bowl and a pitcher of water. He poured the water in the bowl and splashed it on his face.
Few people ever came inside his chambers, and the fact that Conall hadn't waited for him to enter told Frang Conall might very well know what he had planned.
"You know what brings me here,” the laird said softly.
Frang dried his face and turned to face Conall. The soft tone bespoke anger. Frang leaned his hip against the table and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I'm afraid I don't."
Conall straightened. “You've been gone all night."
"Since when do I answer to you?"
"You don't, damn you.” Conall stood and raked a hand through his hair as he turned his back to Frang.
For several moments Frang watched his friend. Finally, he lowered his arms and moved to the bed. “I cannot help you if I don't know what bothers you."
Conall turned back to Frang. “You might have changed since your return, but there is one thing that has never altered about you, you never go back on your word."
"Nay."
"You must fear Wallace greatly to plan on attacking him yourself."
Frang blinked, unable to believe Conall knew his plans. “What makes you think I'd do something so daft?"
"It's what I'd do."
Frang sighed. “It would have been better had you thought otherwise."
"Why? So you could get killed?"
Frang sank onto his bed and leaned back against the headboard. “He's powerful, Conall. Very powerful. I went to his camp last night to attack, but he has a shield of some kind up where nothing can get in."
Conall's jaw slackened. “He cannot be more powerful than you."
"I don't know,” Frang admitted. “I haven't tested my powers against him, and I didn't want to. I'd rather have killed him last night to save everyone the trouble of an attack."
"What's your plan now?"
"He has more men arriving this afternoon. I stayed near his camp all night trying to find his weakness."
Conall brightened. “Did you?"
"It appears he has two."
"That's better for us,” Conall said with a smile. “We'll use the weaknesses against him. What are they?"
"Kenna and the Book of Magic."
The smile dropped from Conall's face. “Shite."
"Exactly,” Frang said and dropped his head back to rest on the headboard. “Nothing was said, but I have a feeling he'll attack tonight."
"Tonight? Why?"
Frang raised his head. “He knows there are Druids here."
Conall blew out a breath and leaned against the wall. “Our best defence is to attack him first, before his men arrive."
"You'll never get through his shield."
"And if we draw him out?"
Frang shook his head. “He won't fall for it."
"What if we use Kenna as bait?"
He clenched his jaw. “Nay. I don't want her near him."
Conall stared at him a moment before he shrugged. “It may be our only chance."
"Between Glenna and I we should be able to handle Wallace."
"Maybe I should have sent for Fiona and Moira. The three sisters combined magic is a powerful thing."
Frang chuckled. “That it is, but there isn't time for them to get here."
"Do you have a plan then?"
"I do."
Conall leaned a shoulder against the wall. “And I suppose this plan doesn't involve Kenna?"
"Do you remember when MacNeil came here for Glenna? Do you remember the fear you felt when you thought your wife might be taken from you?"
"I will never forget that, aye."
"Then you'll understand why I need to keep Kenna safe. I gave my vow to her that the Wallace would never harm her again. I cannot go back on that vow. I won't go back on that vow."
Conall nodded. “I trust you, Frang. So, what is the plan?"
Frang smiled and leaned forward as he began to explain his intricate strategy.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The day went by too fast for Kenna. She had been with the other Druids getting ready for the great celebration of Beltane, which occupied her entire day. The joyfulness that ran through the land of MacInnes was only overshadowed by the sensual vibration that seemed to surround everyone. Kenna had heard of Beltane from Brigit, and she was anxious to experience it firsthand.
Her gaze moved to the sky to find the sun well past its zenith. She took a deep breath and went over the spell again in her head. Every time she thought of facing Wallace her palms began to sweat and her stomach fell to her feet.
"Come, Kenna,” Malina called as she raced towards the loch.
Kenna picked up her skirts and raced after her new friend, Malina. “What are you doing?"
"Preparing for tonight,” she said as she took Kenna's hand and pulled her faster down the rocky slop of the hill to the loch.
Kenna lost her footing and slipped, but with the help of Malina managed to catch herself.
"Careful,” Malina said. “You wouldn't want to be injured for tonight."
"What exactly happens?” Kenna asked.
Malina smiled wistfully as she reached the edge of the loch and began to disrobe. “It's beautiful and magical, Kenna. The veil between our world and the Realm of the Fae is so thin that the Fae cross over. The magical fire is lit and there is much dancing and merrymaking."
"Sounds lovely.” Somehow Kenna knew there was more to it, but she didn't ask as she pulled her gown off and tossed it to the ground.
Malina laughed and took her hand as she pulled her into the water. “Come on and I'll prepare you."
"Prepare me?” Kenna echoed as the water surrounded her. She sunk beneath the water and swam a ways before she surfaced. “Now tell me what you mean by preparing?"
Malina leaned back to wet her head, her breasts thrusting upward. She wiped the water from her face as she straightened and sunk into the water until it reached her neck. “If you're lucky one of the Fae will choose you for the night."
"Choose me for what?"
"To make love to,” Malina said with a giggle. “Last Beltane I spent the most glorious night with a Fae. I've never been loved like that before, and I don't think I ever will again."
"Do you think he'll find you again tonight?"
Malina shrugged. “It doesn't matter. You haven't met a Fae yet, so you don't know."
"Don't know what?"
"How sensual they are. Just to look at one makes most women want to take them right there."
Kenna bit her lip at the image Malina's words gave her. “And if you don't want to bed a Fae?"
Malina looked at her as if she'd suddenly grow a fin. “Who wouldn't want a Fae? Besides, it is in their makeup, this sensual side of them. We cannot ignore it. It's one of the reasons you don't see the Fae walking among us."
"I see."
Malina threw a
bar of soap at her splashing Kenna in the face. Kenna reached for the soap and began to bathe, her mind on Frang and if he would find a Fae to join with that night.
She didn't like the jealousy that sprang up in her, although she tried to tell herself she didn't have the right. One night did not make him hers.
But you want him.
Oh, aye, she most certainly did want him. Even now her gaze searched for him, hoping to catch a glimpse of his plaid or dark hair and bright blue eyes.
But Kenna and Malina weren't the only ones readying for Beltane. The loch was soon swarming with Druids and clans people alike, each eager for the coming of the night.
Kenna finished rinsing her hair and watched as Malina walked out of the water as if she walked naked all the time. Kenna looked around but found that no one was paying any attention to Malina.
"It's all right,” Malina said as she motioned Kenna to follow her.
Kenna moved into shallow water and wrung her hair dry before she stood up and walked out of the water. She tried not to sprint to her gown but she didn't walk either. She had just snatched up her gown and held it to her body when a shiver of a gaze raked over her.
Her eyes looked around her before her gaze moved towards the castle. Atop the hill overlooking the loch stood Frang. Staring at her.
She raised her hand in a silent greeting and smiled when he returned her wave. She started to move towards him when Malina took her arm.
"We're not finished,” she said and tugged Kenna away.
Kenna glanced back only to find that Frang had disappeared. Reluctantly, she went with Malina, but her thoughts were on Frang and how she could get him alone before a Fae found him.
* * * *
Frang cursed as he turned on his heel and walked away from the loch. He didn't know what brought him to the loch, but once he'd caught sight of Kenna, he hadn't been able to turn away.
She was easy to spot with her deep red hair that looked like fire in the water. And when she had left the loch to walk naked to her clothes he had been glad to get a glimpse of her lithe body.
But that glimpse had only made him hunger for her more, if that was possible. It didn't take much at all to remind him of the loving they had shared, the kisses, the caresses, the complete and total surrender on his part.
He frowned and continued to the stones. It was time for him to ready himself for the celebration. Once inside his chamber, he stared down at the white robes laid across his bed. Ever since he had become high priest he had worn the white robes. Never once had he considered not wearing them. Until now.
How long he stared down at the garment, he didn't know. So far everyone had accepted that he had returned looking much younger than when he'd left. Few had questioned him, as they all suspected it had something to do with the Fae.
But could he face them all without the robes? And did he want to?
He was still Frang the Druid High Priest, but he wasn't the same man who had lived within the stone circle for three hundred years. The warrior in him had been released, and it didn't want to be put away.
Especially not when Kenna was in such danger.
Conall and the Druid Warriors can easily protect her. Why are you so adamant about doing it?
Frang clenched his jaw as he struggled to answer his own question. Why was he so intent on making sure he was the one to protect Kenna? It wasn't just about his vow, of that much he was sure.
But the real reason? He wasn't even sure he could answer that. Or wanted to for that matter.
As much as he wanted to dwell on his feelings for Kenna, he couldn't. There wasn't time. Already he felt the pull of the nemeton on him. He snatched the white robes from his bed and hurriedly jerked them on over his tartan.
He was both warrior and high priest. He would wear the robes and his tartan. His gaze moved to his sword that rested near the door. Though he longed to wear it in case he needed it, he chose to leave it for the time being. There would be time enough to get it before he went hunting for Wallace.
Frang left his chamber and stood amid the circle of stones. To anyone looking in, the inner circle was barren and empty. Only the ones that truly believed could see through the fi-fiade.
It was magic within the stones brought to life by the Fae that granted the Druids their home and safety. It was magic that gave them the chambers.
He placed a hand on one of the stones that reached high into the sky and closed his eyes as the magic pulsed under his palm. His hand tingled and warmed as the magic pooled and seeped into his body.
When he removed his hand he opened his eyes and looked at his palm. He could still feel the magic moving inside of him, and he wondered if that was how the Fae felt in their realm where magic existed in everything.
For five years he had lived without the magic that was so evident here. It was going to be very difficult to leave it behind again.
The shadows around him lengthened and caused him to move his gaze to the sky to find the sun all but gone over the horizon.
It was time.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Glenna looked out over the land. The call for the Druids to gather in the nementon was strong and she couldn't ignore it much longer.
"Ready, my love?"
She turned to find Conall at the doorway to their chamber, a wicked grin on his handsome face. It had been Beltane five years ago that had made both of them realise the passion between them couldn't be denied. It was a special time for both of them, and each year they celebrated the day to the fullest.
"I am,” she answered and walked towards him.
When she reached him, he took her hand and stopped her. “What bothers you?"
"Frang. I worry that, despite what he told you, he will do something alone."
Conall led her out of the chamber and down the hallway. “It isn't Frang I worry so much over as Kenna."
"Kenna?” She hadn't given much thought to Kenna doing anything other than hiding. “She's very fearful of the Wallace. I cannot see her doing anything that might endanger herself."
Conall smiled ruefully. “You forget one important fact, my dear wife. She cares for Frang."
"She does, but enough to risk her own life?"
He shrugged. “I cannot answer that."
Glenna sighed loudly as they walked down the stairs. “Both Frang and Kenna are willing to risk their lives for the other. Do you think they know how deeply their feelings run?"
"Nay,” Conall said as he led her out of the castle and into the bailey. “Frang tells me he made a vow to her and that he must protect the Druids, but even I can see that he does it solely for Kenna."
"I hope he doesn't wait too long to realise it,” Glenna said as they entered the caves. “You would think after all this time I wouldn't still shiver each time I enter these caves."
Conall chuckled. “I've got my sword and can easily slay any spiders that dare to venture near you."
"Thank the saints for that,” she whispered while her gaze darted about looking for any eight-legged creatures that might scurry at her.
By the time they reached the forest, Glenna began to feel sick. She placed her hand over stomach and smiled. She had a secret she would share with Conall this night, a secret she had carried for several weeks now.
She stopped near a tree and rested. Conall was immediately at her side, his face lined with concern.
"Glenna? Are you not feeling well?"
She smiled up into his silver gaze. “I'm just a little tired."
"You haven't been sleeping well? Have you had more visions you haven't told me of?"
"I tell you everything.” She laughed and tried to move away, but Conall held her.
"You're not moving until you tell me what is wrong? I know you too well, my love, for you to tell me nothing is wrong and expect me to believe it."
"I'm tired is all,” she lied.
His face set in hard lines as he looked down at her in his most sever expression. “Glenna."
"You're
impossible,” she hissed. “I was going to surprise you later, but since you have to know now, I'm carrying our child."
His face froze in surprise. “Are you sure?"
"Positive."
He crushed her to him and swung her around raining kisses on her face.
When he finally set her down the world was still spinning. “I gather you're happy."
"You know I am,” he said as he leaned down and kissed her. “Thank you."
"You're welcome, though you did have something to do with it."
He took her hand laughing. “Come. I want to share this news with everyone."
Frang stayed a moment longer after Conall and Glenna had walked off. He was very happy for them, but he also found that he was sad, sad because he had never known until that moment that he wanted to share that kind of joy with someone.
The love that shown in their eyes amazed him each time he saw it. It was the same with Fiona and Gregor as well as Moira and Dartayous.
He began to wonder if he'd ever feel that way about a woman, and no sooner had that thought entered his mind than an imagine of Kenna flashed in his head.
Frang pushed her from his mind and started towards the nemeton. He had just entered the clearing and walked to stand behind the huge pile of wood atop the mound when he felt the air shift around him.
He looked over his shoulder to find Rufina and Theron behind him. He nodded to the king and queen of the Fae before he turned back to the fire. He raised his hands over the wood as the crowed quieted and with just a thought the pile was engulfed in flames.
Through the crackling flames, he spotted a face in the crowd of Druids, a face that haunted him night and day. Kenna. She was breathtaking with her red hair loose and flowing about her shoulders and back. The hair at her temples had been pulled away from her face and held in place by small white flowers.
He watched as she moved through the people, her cream gown being replaced by the simple robes of a Druid priestess. Hers were pale blue, signalling her a healer.
Of their own accord, his feet moved towards her. The need to be near her, to hold her in his arms was overwhelming. Their gazes caught and held as she stopped and faced him.
