Microsoft Word - LadyPendragon

by test

  “You are quite right, Collin. But we cannot tarry for long…Camelot is still in great peril.

  If they are attacked while we are absent…Morganna will have more than a challenge on her hands. With so many injured, they will be sitting ducks. “

  “Morganna can handle herself quite nicely, and I did leave my men and women behind at Tintagel. With our combined lucky rainbows, the castle will be charmed. “ Lachlan moved forward to stare up into Molly’s gaze.

  “I’m sorry to tell you this, Lachlan…but I fear that even leprechaun lucky charms won’t be enough to combat Lord Cardan’s evil. “ She winced as another flashback of the vision in which Collin died filled her head. “We shall celebrate our newfound alliance with the Rowan Clan tonight, but we leave first thing on the morrow. “

  “Molly, do you think we have a fighting chance now?” Collin asked. She sighed.

  “We did have a fighting chance before, but our odds have greatly improved. Puck, even though every fiber in my being is fighting against what I’m about to say, I must say it anyway.

  Thank you for guiding us here. “

  Puck studied her for a few moments. All of his smart-assed humor seemed to have been replaced by somber reflection. “I have seen too many dark parallel time lines…this one must be saved…it must be claimed by the forces of light. If it is not…all living creatures will be threatened. “

  “Well, on that chipper note, perhaps we should eat,” Lachlan muttered, rubbing his belly.

  “I’m ravenous! I’m so hungry I could eat a…. “

  “Lachlan, I happen to be quite fond of my horse, you know. “ Molly gave Lachlan a stern glare. He shrugged his shoulders.

  “My apologies, Molly. I’m so hungry I could eat a pig!” Molly groaned. She scanned the blue sky for Thaney and Redfaeme.

  “They disappeared behind that large dog-shaped cloud quite a while back,” Branden murmured.

  “And you didn’t tell me…because?”

  LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 172

  “I thought you would become angry. “ Branden’s calm gaze penetrated her own.

  “Are they initiating the mating ritual?” Adria asked, glancing between Branden and Molly. Molly bit her lip.

  “Not while I still have breath in my body. “ She looked around her. Then she eyed the pouch hanging on Lachlan’s hip. She took a step toward him. He backed away.

  “What did I do?” He stared at her as if she’d just sprouted a second head.

  “Well…nothing…today that I can remember anyway. But I want that. “ She pointed to the pouch.

  “Oh, no! Do you know how long it took me to get this? When we get back to Camelot you can get your own, Molly. “ He edged behind Adria and darted a furtive glance at Molly.

  “Lachlan, I need that pixie dust right now!”

  “No. “ His voice became flat and resolute. “This pixie dust holds sentimental value…Morganna got this for me. “

  “Since when did Morganna ever give you anything but a bloody nose?” She folded her arms across her chest. “You have to see reason, Lachlan. Since I can’t draw on my magic, I’ll have to sprinkle myself with some pixie dust…assuming it will still work in this protective area?” She turned her attention to Puck.

  “Mary, you astound me with your moments of genius. Merlin chose well, when he named you his champion. “ She didn’t have time to think about what Puck had just told her.

  “You are correct. Pixie dust will still work in this realm. “ His eyes sparkled. “If I wasn’t besotted with you before, you’ve stolen my heart now…I like my women to have a brain. “ She snorted.

  “That’s probably due to the fact that yours is on holiday so often. “

  “Molly,” Adria gasped.

  “You needn’t fear, Adria. As Molly has already pointed out, we are all on even ground here. I can no more turn her into a nymph than she could transform me into a toad. “ Puck grinned.

  “Actually,” Collin drawled out in his sexy accent. “I have an advantage over all of you. “

  Molly narrowed her gaze. Collin was right.

  “Oh, and how do you figure that?” Puck asked. Lachlan snorted. Molly sidled closer to Lachlan. Collin caught her gaze and winked at her. She knew what Collin was up to. He’d distract everyone while she moved in for the Pixie Dust. Yep, that’s why she loved Collin so much. When it came right down to it, they thought alike.

  “Well, since you obviously have bricks for a brain, I’ll put this to you slowly,” Lachlan murmured, turning his attention to Puck. Lachlan pointed an index finger at Collin. “He has not had control over his magic since his birth. So, he’s used to being normal more than we are. “

  Puck thinned his lips. “No magic?” He gaped. “Ah…yes…of course, I had forgotten.

  You had your powers bound …. “ Puck trailed off and eyed Molly. “I must say that was the stupidest decision you’ve ever made…denying Collin his birthright when he hails from such a talented family, you should be ashamed of yourself, Molly. “ Puck’s eyes fell on Adria and Branden. “Yes, a very talented lineage indeed. “

  Molly chose that precise moment to dart toward Lachlan, and pull the pouch off of his belt. Lachlan jumped back as if he’d been electrocuted.

  “Hey, you tricked me!”

  “If you can’t trick a trickster who can you trick?” Molly muttered, opening the pouch.

  Pixie Dust blew up in her face. She sneezed. The pouch went flying out of her hand, and LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 173

  Lachlan dived to catch it, before it hit the ground. Shaking her head, she blinked against the stars that exploded in front of her eyes. She’d never sprinkled herself with Pixie Dust before, and the resulting sensations were quite strange indeed. She looked down at her feet…she was floating. “I think it’s working…. “

  Collin looked up at her. “Do you know how to get down?”

  “Of course…I mean how hard can it be?”

  “Lachlan, how much do you have left of that?” Collin asked, closing in on him. Lachlan stepped away from him.

  “Molly got what she wanted. The rest is mine! I told you it has sentimental value!”

  “Sentimental value? Lachlan, I didn’t know you had such a soft heart,” Molly murmured. She was gaining altitude. Soon, she’d be out of earshot. She watched Lachlan’s face. She knew that look. Lachlan had fallen in love. She shook her head against the ludicrous thought.

  Lachlan carefully closed the pouch, kissed it and then reattached it on his belt. Yes, he was in love, all right. What made her do a double take was the fact that he was in love with…Morganna.

  She whirled around, and set her sights on the red figure of Redfeame. “How in the world do you make this pixie dust work faster?” she muttered.

  Oh great, Molly, now you’re talking to yourself. Next thing you know you’ll be seeing things that aren’t really there.

  She glanced down at the figures of Collin, Adria, Branden, Lachlan and Puck. They were getting smaller and smaller as she neared the canopy of clouds. She could just make out the tip of Thaney’s head. Strange. Thaney had not transformed herself back into the white dragon.

  “Thaney?” She called out. Thaney’s head tilted toward Molly.

  “Molly, what are you doing here? You should be down below feasting with the others. “

  Molly let out a shocked gasp when she finally noticed where Thaney was sitting.

  “Thaney! What are you doing?”

  “I’m riding Redfaeme. We are making plans. “ Molly’s stomach sunk.

  “Plans?” she croaked. “What kind of plans?”

  “Battle plans,” Redfaeme’s voice thundered out to her. She kept her ground so to speak against the torrent of wind that blasted against her. “What sort of magic brings you up here?

  You should not be able to fly. “

  Molly smiled. “Just leave it to the magic of Pixie Dust. “

  “Oh, so that is what is in your hair,” Thaney murmured. Molly loo
ked up to the setting sun. Molly blinked.

  “Man, that sun is setting fast…is it just me or is it getting awfully dark?” Molly murmured. She felt herself drop a few feet.

  “Molly?” Thaney asked. Concern flooded her voice. “Molly, you don’t look so good…what’s the matter?”

  Molly trembled. “No…not another vision, this can’t be happening!” She closed her eyes as another wave of nausea pounded over her. The last thing she heard was Thaney’s troubled scream. She could feel air rushing around her. Vertigo tore at her being. She was falling.

  In her mind’s eye the scenery began to change. Merlin stood next to her. They were standing on a hilltop overlooking all of Camelot. Tintagel stood by the cliffs. The awe-inspiring sight of it nearly took her breath away. But something wasn’t right…and then, she saw it.

  Tintagel was being besieged.

  LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 174

  “Merlin, why are doing this to me again? I’m trying to get help for Camelot. “ She turned to Merlin and waited for his reply. He riveted his all consuming gaze on her.

  “Molly, my dearest, this is not a vision of the future. This is a vision of the present. “

  Realization slammed her like a fist in the gut. She fought against the urge to buckle beneath the sudden pressure.

  “NO!!!” She tried to move forward, but found once again that her feet were rooted to the spot. Merlin gave her a sympathetic gaze.

  “You cannot move in this vision, Molly. You are only here in half-realized astral form.

  You must gather your newfound allies, and bring them here as quickly as you can. “ A familiar shout caught her attention. Her eyes fell on the ground surrounding Tintagel.

  “Father…” She tried to move again. Swearing, she turned her attention back to Merlin.

  “When did he…” She trailed off.

  “Arthur found his way back to Tintagel shortly after you left. He was dying…it was only Avalbane’s magic that had kept him alive. Beatrice healed him, and hours later Tintagel was attacked. “ She glanced down to her side. Excalibur.

  “He doesn’t have Excalibur…he’ll fall without Excalibur. “ Merlin eyed her knowingly.

  “Excalibur is where it is meant to be…you must trust in that, Molly. But we are wasting time…you must return to the waking world. Remember…do not waste any time. Right now time is of the essence. “ Merlin raised his hand in farewell. With another bone shattering jolt she was back in her body. She looked up at the concerned faces that were clustered around her, peering down at her.

  “Collin?”

  “I’m right here. “ She stared up into his anxious gaze.

  “Who caught me?”

  “Fortunately, for you…the Pixie Dust broke your fall,” Lachlan muttered, wagging his finger at her. “You, lass, scared us half to death. “

  “Sorry…next time I’ll make sure to tell Merlin that he can’t mess with my head any old time he pleases. “

  “Merlin?” Branden’s voice boomed out.

  “We need to get back to Tintagel. Redfaeme, we don’t have time for your feast. My people need me. “

  “Of course…we will leave in the morning. “ Redfaeme cleared his throat and thumped his tail.

  “No…you don’t understand! Tintagel needs us now! Lord Cardan has attacked in full force!”

  “Seriously?” Collin asked. She nodded her head, and sat up.

  “We have to leave, right now!” She accepted Collin’s arm and tried to focus her thoughts. “Please, Lord Redfaeme, if we do not leave right now, my world will burn. “

  Puck stepped forward. “In another timeline the downfall of Camelot led to your clan’s total destruction. “ Redfaeme’s eyes glittered.

  “Then we will leave, right now! Thaney, you and Lady Pendragon will ride me. “

  “We came by ship,” Molly interjected.

  “As soon as you entered my inner sanctum your ship returned to Avalon…it was called back for reasons unknown to me. The only way you will reach Tintagel in time is if you trust me. “ Molly bit her lip.

  LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 175

  “Molly, we have little choice in the matter…if we expect Clan Rowan to fight alongside us we must show them this little bit of good faith. “ Molly sighed. Again, Collin was right. He was on what seemed to be a winning streak.

  “I thank you, Lord Redfaeme, but I would prefer to ride with my husband. “

  Redfaeme inclined his head. “Not tonight, Lady Pendragon. You ride with me. Your lord husband may ride on Astrid, with your other Lady Knight there. “

  She was readying herself for an all out dispute, when Collin squeezed her hand. “We can’t delay…we must be off right now. All will be fine, Molly. “

  Molly stared up in his eyes. If everything would be fine, why did she have a mini fire burning in her chest? She clutched Collin’s hand for all that she was worth. Stepping so that their foreheads touched, she looked to the ground. “Just be careful…okay?”

  “I seem to remember the night that I told you to be careful,” he murmured. When she looked up, she could see the wistful look in his eyes. “Best damn day of my life. “ She grinned, as her heart skipped a long beat. Placing her head against his chest she smiled. She had to wrap this moment up and put it away for safekeeping. Something kept gnawing at her…she almost felt as if she were living on borrowed time.

  “We’ve come a long way since that first meeting, Remington,” she murmured. His eyes flashed.

  “Oh, aye. Fifteen hundred years to be exact. But then, I’d walk to the ends of the Earth for you. But even though you’re telling me to be careful, I want you take care of yourself as well…you are the most important person in my life. “

  Shaking her head, she met Collin’s fervent gaze. “I’ll be careful…if you promise to be as well. “ Collin smiled.

  “We will make a pact then. Both of us will look back upon this moment with gladness in our hearts. “ Oh, boy, did she hope what he said would come true. They kissed quickly, and then parted reluctantly.

  “All set, then?” Lachlan asked.

  “I’m about as ready as I’m ever going to be,” Molly murmured. She looked around at her group of brave warriors. Somehow they had all mounted a dragon’s back. Molly sat beside Thaney. Thaney exchanged a worried gaze with her.

  “I have the strangest feeling in my heart,” Thaney murmured. Molly nodded her head.

  “I feel the same way too. Thaney, promise me that you will watch out for danger. “

  “I’ll be fine, Molly. “ Thaney broke their locked gaze.

  “Lady Pendragon, we are ready. “ Redfaeme’s voice sunk into her head. She glanced around at the assembled dragon clan.

  “If you are ready, then so are we. To Camelot!” She cried.

  “To Camelot!” Everyone echoed.

  LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 176

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  As they rode to Camelot, Molly reflected upon her life. She had no regrets, only that she hadn’t met Collin earlier. The sound of dragon wings flapping had begun to soothe her. The sky had become dappled with glowing stars. The dragons of Clan Rowan could move faster than she had ever imagined. Soon, they would be at Tintagel.

  She rested her hand on the hilt of Excalibur. Electricity surged through her at the slight touch. Looking to the side, she met Collin’s gaze. He didn’t even seem affected in the slightest that they were riding dragons. How would this night turn out? Try as she might, she could not summon the seer magic that flowed through her veins. The path ahead of her looked darkened.

  What did that mean?

  “Lachlan, what are you doing?” Adria’s voice broke through her deep reverie. Molly searched the sky for the dragon carrying her leprechaun friend. “What is that you’re eating?”

  Lachlan gave her a gleeful grin. “It’s a corned beef sandwich, slathered with mustard. “

  “Corned beef sandwich?” Adria formed her words carefully. Molly groaned.

/>   “Lachlan, why did you have to summon something from the future?” she asked, closing her eyes against the sudden urge to laugh.

  “I can’t go into battle with an empty stomach…what if I was sneaking up on an enemy and my stomach let out a loud grumble? Why, think of it…that would give me away. We can’t have that, can we?”

  “Lachlan, sometimes…” She broke off. Her heart surged with hope. As long as life could carry on even in the face of the danger, then good could flourish in the world. She looked heavenward and muttered a silent prayer of thanks.

  “You were saying, Molly?” Lachlan called out.

  “Never change, Lachlan. Never change. “