Julie and Tiernan glanced at each other, not doubting their love was strong enough. Yet, could such a thing really happen? Had a unicorn come to their rescue in the end? She liked to think so. In fact, the more she thought about it, the truer it became. They looked at Grant, knowing it was his magic that allowed them to see clearly. To feel the truth. After all, not only was he a powerful wizard but a direct connection to the afterlife and in turn, the unicorn.
She also knew without question that her ancestors' magic had very much been present in that stream of sunlight that followed her. It had not only guided her where she needed to go but guided her true love back to her.
“What about the need for a sacrifice, though?” Julie said softly, sure she was right about this. “A sacrifice that will be needed at every Stonehenge in the end.”
“Sacrifices come in many forms, lass,” Tiernan said softly, sensing something. “’Tis not always a life.”
“Nay, ‘tis not,” Adlin concurred, his eyes wise as he too sensed the truth of it. “Something must always be forfeited to be gained in this.” His gaze went to the faces on the mantle. “What that is only time will tell.”
“Time,” Grant murmured. “Yet another telling factor in all this.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Julie said softly. “Sunset.”
“Aye,” Grant replied. “When combined with Guardian Witch magic, ‘tis the source of power in what lay ahead for the others.”
“’Tis also the ticking clock,” Tiernan murmured, understanding. His eyes met hers. “We’ve started building the bridge, but ‘twill be up to the others to keep building.”
“Until they reach the end.” She narrowed her eyes. “I haven’t a clue what that is, though.”
“You will in time,” Adlin said, his gaze a little haunted. “We all will.”
“So five Claddagh ring’s, five friends, four MacLomains that I know of,” she murmured, mulling it all over. “Plus, the power of the solstice at sunset...each at a consecutive Stonehenge.” She narrowed her eyes in contemplation. “Three Stonehenges left in Scotland now, maybe one in New Hampshire.” She shook her head and looked at everyone. “If my magic’s right in how this is supposed to go, we’re still down one Stonehenge...unless we include the stones in Ireland.”
“Which I suspect we do considering the dream you’ve all had about it,” Adlin said softly. The look in his eyes told her he had, in fact, saved Tiernan and Julie from their dream.
“’Twas a hell of a dream.” Tiernan eyed his father. “And one where the stones didnae appear as they had been but instead like my mysterious tattoo.”
“Yet another unsolved mystery in all this,” Adlin murmured. “Though I suspect I’ve figured out why we witnessed the Stone of Destiny at the beginning. Our beloved coronation stone.”
“Aye,” Grant said, of the same mind it seemed. “A connection to all kings of Scotland and as I mentioned before magical in its own right.”
“Much like the unicorn,” Adlin went on, “the Stone of Scone, or Stone of Destiny, is a symbol of this country and as such, could only ever lend Scotland protection.” He looked at Julie. “I believe it helped guide you to the Calanais Stones because you supported the true king, the rightful king, and meant to protect him.”
“Well, I’m grateful.” She cocked her head. “Do you think it will help again?”
“’Tis verra likely,” Grant murmured, gazing into the distance as though seeing something no one else could. “’Tis important in all this. Important in all the changes that lie ahead for we MacLomains and Scotland itself. What those changes are will reveal themselves eventually.” His eyes met Adlin’s. “Until then, we must continue on the journey laid before us and keep a vigilant eye on wee David.”
Adlin nodded in agreement.
“Do you think ‘twill be like this every time?” Ethyn asked, having been caught up on everything and clearly wondering what lay ahead for him and his fellow wizards. “Do you think those of us with MacLomain blood will end up killing a regent possessed by the Disinherited?”
“’Tis impossible to know, but I dinnae sense it will be that cut and dry.” Grant sighed, likely thinking about Aidan and the guilt he undoubtedly carried. “The fact remains, however, to keep David on his destined path, regents must die as they will.”
“Who’s the next one?” Julie asked. “When and where is he supposed to die?”
“His name is Donald, Earl of Mar,” Adlin said. “He’ll be elected by an assembly of the magnates of Scotland at Perth, on the second of August in our Lord’s year, thirteen thirty-two.”
“And die but ten days later,” Grant added gravely. “Battling Balliol and his Disinherited at the Battle of Dupplin Moor.”
“That’s awful.” She frowned yet knew things were happening the way they were meant to. They were right on track for now, and her and Tiernan’s magic was intact.
“What about my sword?” Tiernan asked. “’Tis clear it played a big part in all this.” His brows swept up. “Should I assume it found its way to Aidan.”
“Aye,” Grant confirmed. “But I will double-check on that once I leave.”
“You know we never did figure out why Thomas heard my accent as local,” she remarked.
“’Twas always your magic protecting you,” Grant said. “’Twas trying to keep the Disinherited possessing Thomas from figuring out the truth about you.”
“Though it already had when it possessed me,” she countered. “No matter how brief.” She shrugged. “So, what’s the point of me continuing to sound like that to him?”
“Magic like yours is much like your immune system fighting off an infection,” Adlin explained. “’Twill keep trying to fight off anything that means to harm you even if ‘tis too late.”
Milly perked a brow at him. “Interesting analogy, husband.”
He grinned at her. “I thought so.”
“So, what’s next?” Ethyn asked. “Should I join Aidan?”
“Soon but not yet,” Grant murmured, clearly sensing something. “Eventually, though, for I fear a dragon will not be far behind.”
“Cray.” Julie narrowed her eyes, listening to her magic. “Following Maeve.”
“Aye, Maeve,” Grant confirmed. “Or so we assume.”
When everyone looked at him in question, he merely shrugged. “As Julie and Tiernan just discovered, ‘tis not always easy to know who’s who when dealing with dark magic.” His eyes went to Adlin. “Especially magic determined to manipulate us before we even had a chance to begin.”
Manipulate not end.
Begin not be born.
“They wanted it, didn’t they?” she said softly, figuring out what Grant and Adlin already knew. “The Disinherited didn’t want to end Adlin before he was conceived in another life, but be part of the process itself. Take what they felt they had a right to for whatever reason.”
“Aye,” Adlin said darkly, his gaze momentarily haunted again. “They wanted the Druidess...and then they wanted the power to do with Scotland what they would. Much like Balliol's nobles want their Scottish land and power over this country even though they turned traitor.”
He shook his head, then continued. “Both groups consist of greedy, lecherous souls, so ‘tis no wonder they're aligned in this though ‘tis yet to be discovered precisely how. My guess is by possession as that seems to be the brotherhood's way.” His eyes met Julie’s. “Now, they want the Brouns and the extra power they bring with them. But they will have to go through a MacLomain to do that.” He shook his head. “And my bloodline willnae allow it any more than the magic of the Claddagh ring will.”
She nodded, feeling his certainty. His very strength.
“So, what’s next?” She looked at everyone. “Probably best that I get back to New Hampshire, I'd think.”
“Oh, I think you still have time, lass,” Adlin replied. His haunted expression was swiftly replaced by a smile and a twinkle in his eyes.
“Most definitely,” Milly kicked in,
meeting his smile.
“I couldnae agree more.” Tiernan swept Julie up into his arms, his brogue thickening with his emotions, his joy at finally having her where she was meant to be. “I think ‘tis far past time ye finally see my chambers, our chambers, then we will marry and get back to the future.”
She perked a brow and chuckled. “Aren't we supposed to marry before you whisk me away to our chambers?”
“Aye, mayhap if we had gone about things in the proper order.” He met her chuckle. “But ‘tis too late for that, and I grow impatient.”
There was no need to ask why because she felt the same. Not just impatient to make love again, but to spend every waking moment together. To finally not just be friends, but much more. So he carried her to their chambers, and at last, showed her precisely what to expect in his bed every night.
And every morning.
Hell, every day into the unforeseeable future.
They hadn’t defeated the enemy yet, but they were one step closer. Tiernan had seen through his pledge to kin and country, Balliol’s Disinherited had been weakened, and they would weaken them even more until they ended them once and for all.
Until then, it was time to bask in what had been denied them for so long...
Love that had been theirs from the moment their eyes first met.
Coming Soon
Pre-order Now
TORN BETWEEN THE LASS he still loves and the Broun destined for him, Aidan sets out to protect wee King David from Balliol and his disinherited only to end up at The Ring of Brodgar Stonehenge, then soon after America’s Stonehenge in the future. Having been unknowingly summoned by Chloe and her ring, his arrival there does not go unnoticed. An ancient brotherhood is watching.
Pursued by darkness that can be anywhere at any time, he returns to protect David with Chloe in tow, determined to do right by his kin and country. Yet his level nature is soon tested when his overly inquisitive Broun takes them down a path that tests his resolve and challenges his lonely heart. Will he remain devoted to his long lost love? Or will defeating evil mean embracing someone new? Find out in A Scot’s Devotion (The MacLomain Series, End of an Era, Book 2). Available now for pre-order.
Just Curious?
First off, I’d like to thank all of you who have kept reading my books and followed my characters over the years. As I always say, without you they’d be voiceless, their stories forever untold. I’d also like to thank those of you who just found me. I hope you’ve enjoyed spending time with all my various characters. Enough so that you might share your experience.
To that point (and it’s taken me over a decade of writing to work up the nerve to ask this), if you enjoyed this story, would you consider leaving a review? Just a line or two. It would mean the world and would make such a difference when it comes to reaching more readers and continuing the craft I so love. If you’re up for it, thank you in advance. I appreciate it more than you know as do my characters.
Fondest Regards,
Sky
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Stonehenge & Stone of Destiny
America’s Stonehenge (Mystery Hill)
Salem, New Hampshire
United States
WHILE THE FIRST MENTION of the site was in 1907 and no pre-Columbian artifacts have been found, some still believe that the site is over 4000 years old. On the equinoxes and solstices, people flock to the area to watch the sun rise and fall over the huge chunks of granite, deciding for themselves whether or not they're standing amid relics of prehistory.
Calanais Standing Stones
Callanish, Isle of Lewis
The Outer Hebrides
Scotland
ERECTED BETWEEN 2900 and 2600 BC, the Callandish (or Calanais) Stones are an arrangement of standing stones placed in a cruciform pattern with a central stone circle or tomb. They’re on a low ridge above the waters of Loch Roag with the hills of Great Bernera behind them.
Ring of Brodgar
The Orkneys
Scotland
Erected between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, the Ring of Brodgar stands on a small isthmus between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray.
Machrie Moor Stone Circles
Machrie
Isle of Aaran
Scotland
Erected around 2030 BC, the Machrie Moor Stone Circles is a collective name for six circles formed of granite boulders, while others are built of tall red sandstone pillars.
Clava Cairns Stones
The Highlands
Scotland
Around 4000 years old, the Clava Cairns Stones are a cemetery complex of passage graves; ring cairns, kerb cairns, and standing stones.
Stone of Scone (Stone of Destiny)
ACCORDING TO ONE CELTIC legend, the stone was once the pillow upon which the patriarch Jacob rested at Bethel when he beheld the visions of angels. From the Holy Land, it purportedly traveled to Egypt, Sicily, and Spain and reached Ireland about 700 BC to be set upon the hill of Tara, where the ancient kings of Ireland were crowned. Then it was taken by the Celtic Scots who invaded and occupied Scotland. Around 840 AC, it was taken by Kenneth MacAlpin to the village of Scone.
Stone of Destiny
Modern Day Scone Abbey (Monastery of Scone)
FOUNDED BETWEEN 1114 and 1122, Scone Abbey was a house of Augustinian canons located in Scone, Perthshire, Scotland. Originally named Scone Priory, its status was increased in 1163/64 to Scone Abbey.
AUTHOR’S NOTE- THE abbey my characters visited in this book no longer exists but in July 2007, Archaeologists pinpointed the location using Ground Penetrating Radar technology. The Abbey’s structure was revealed to be larger than had been imagined. The exact location was what is now a garden area in front of Scone Palace and Moot Hill.
Stone of Destiny
Coronation Chair
The Coronation Chair was made by order of King Edward I to enclose the famous Stone of Scone, which he brought from Scotland to England in 1296, where he placed it in the care of the Abbot of Westminster.
The MacLomain Series
End of an Era
A Scot’s Pledge (Tiernan’s Story)
A Scot’s Devotion (Aidan's Story)
A Scot’s Resolve (Cray's Story)
A Scot’s Favor (Ethyn's Story)
A Scot’s Retribution (Marek's Story)
Previous Releases-Best Reading Order
~The MacLomain Series- Early Years~
Time Travel Fantasy Romance
Highland Defiance- Book One
Highland Persuasion- Book Two
Highland Mystic- Book Three
~The MacLomain Series~
Time Travel Fantasy Romance
The King’s Druidess- Prelude
Fate’s Monolith- Book One
Destiny’s Denial- Book Two
Sylvan Mist- Book Three
~The MacLomain Series- Next Generation~
Time Travel Fantasy Romance
Mark of the Highlander- Book One
Vow of the Highlander- Book Two
Wrath of the Highlander- Book Three
Faith of the Highlander- Book Four
Plight of the Highlander- Book Five
~The MacLomain Series- Viking Ancestors~
Time Travel Fantasy/Shifter Romance
Viking King- Book One
Viking Claim- Book Two
Viking Heart- Book Three
~The MacLomain Series- Later Years~
Time Travel Fantasy Romance
Quest of a Scottish Warrior- Book One
Yule’s Fallen Angel (spin-off novella)
Honor of a Scott
ish Warrior- Book Two
Oath of a Scottish Warrior- Book Three
Passion of a Scottish Warrior- Book Four
~The MacLomain Series- Viking Ancestors’ Kin~
Time Travel Fantasy/Shifter Romance
Rise of a Viking- Book One
Vengeance of a Viking- Book Two
A Viking Holiday- Book 2.5
Soul of a Viking- Book Three
Fury of a Viking- Book Four
Destiny’s Dragon- Book 4.5
Pride of a Viking- Book Five
~The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning~
Time Travel Fantasy Romance
Sworn to a Highland Laird- Book One
Taken by a Highland Laird- Book Two
Promised to a Highland Laird- Book Three
Avenged by a Highland Laird- Book Four
~Pirates of Britannia World~
Historical Romance
The Seafaring Rogue
The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning Spin-off
The Sea Hellion
Sequel to The Seafaring Rogue
~Viking Ancestors: Rise of the Dragon~
Time Travel Fantasy/Shifter Romance
Viking King’s Vendetta- Book One
Viking’s Valor- Book Two
Viking’s Intent- Book Three
Viking’s Ransom- Book Four
Viking’s Conquest- Book Five
Viking’s Crusade- Book Six
~Once Upon a Christmas Wedding~
Historical Romance
Highland Yule (A MacLauchlin and MacLomain Hogmanay Tale)
A Scot's Pledge (The MacLomain Series: End of an Era, #1) Page 20
