Dragon Knight's Medallion (29 page)

His brother’s words were not making sense. “
Beloved
?” he croaked.

Duncan slowly turned to face him. “Lachlan took the woman I love, Brigid, in order to attain this.” He brought forth his sword.

Stephen lowered his blade. “The Dragon Knight sword,” he uttered low. “Your quest?
Brigid
?”

Duncan smirked. “Aye. We are now married, and it would seem ye have found your
stone
. Good God brother, what has happened to it?” His eyes went round when he noticed its color had changed.

Stephen rubbed a hand over his forehead. Uneasiness quelled in him. He realized Aileen was part of his quest, but how would it all end?

Glancing back at his brother, Stephen said, “We have much to discuss. Yet, my question to ye”—pointing his blade at Patrick—“why are ye involved?”

“I can answer that,” interjected Duncan.

Patrick held up his hand. “Nae, let me. It would appear Lachlan has betrayed all of us. His evil has twisted the two clans for some time. In truth, I have never trusted the druid, but Alex has just found this insight. Yet, our Laird still heeds his counsel.”

“His magic grows,” grumbled Liam. “It is good we have more to help in the fight.”

Stephen remained silent. Suddenly, he felt Aileen’s hand slip into his. A sense of calm washed through him. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed her palm. Gazing back at Patrick, he said, “Come, we have much to discuss before nightfall.”

Hours later, they had formulated renewed plans. Patrick went to stand guard and sent Sean to keep a watch on Lachlan. It would be a long night, but one that had a renewed sense of energy.

Stephen eyed his brother. He detected a sense of peace within him. Did redemption bring that to him? How was he able to forgive himself? He dismissed the uneasiness of never finding peace.

“Have you no news regarding Angus and Alastair?” asked Stephen, taking a rock and flinging it out in the distance.

“Aye. Angus is on tourney and Alastair...well, our little brother has taken up with the Northmen.”

Stephen gaped at Duncan. “Bloody hell! He
loathes
the water. Why?” He shook his head in frustration. Peering over his shoulder as he leaned against the tree, he noticed Aileen watching them.

“For the same reason ye went to a monastery. To run from the very part of ye that ye scorn,” replied Duncan.

Stephen ran a hand over his face. He realized Duncan’s words held truth—a truth he was still trying to fathom. “Did ye run?”

“Nae.” Duncan strode over to Stephen, motioning to the dark clouds on the horizon. He took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. “I battled with myself and the elements. At times, even daring them to destroy me.”

“How did ye endure?” Stephen’s voice barely a whisper when he asked.

“I was almost consumed by darkness...” Duncan paused. “...and then Brigid walked into my life.” He closed his eyes, smiling.

Stephen nodded in understanding. “And the sword?”

Duncan chuckled. “She brought it with her.”

“It would appear the Guardian has sent all of our relics through the veil,” grumbled Stephen.

Duncan’s eyes narrowed. “Your stone...” He glanced at Aileen. “The fae brought it with her?”

“Aye,” smirked Stephen. “Should I daresay that Brigid traveled the veil, too?”

“In truth, eight hundred years.”

“Sweet Danu!” exclaimed Stephen. “Aileen as well, though, she did not ken she was part fae until a short time ago. Her father kept much from her.”

“Do not all Fenian Warriors?” scoffed Duncan.

“But not all challenge the Tuatha De Danann and marry a mortal. Aidan was the only one. He and her mother shielded her from her identity, fearing for her safety.”

“From the
fae?
”

Stephen waved his hand in the air. “Nae. From a vision her mother, Rose Kerrigan had before her birth. She saw her life ending in Scotland. ’Tis complicated.”

Duncan pointed to his relic. “And this?”

“Courtesy of the Great Dragon. She joined both my stone and the one Aileen wears.”

“Cleansed, brother. Part of your quest.”

Thunder rumbled in the distance, and Stephen arched a brow at his brother.

Duncan’s smile turned wicked. “Only if needed. A warning to Lachlan. This time we will fight as one, Stephen.”

“To avenge our sister,” he declared.

“Not only Meggie, but for Brigid, and the others, too.” Duncan’s look was positively sinister.

The last rays of sunlight quickly faded in the west and both brothers knelt. Heads bent, they uttered their prayers for courage and strength. And in his final prayer, Stephen reached out with his inner sight, seeking those he had banished from his being. When the light of the fae entered his mind, Stephen MacKay asked for forgiveness.

In that moment, the words whispered to him were as gentle as the breeze.

“
We are with you, Dragon Knight
.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

“It is said that when the fae shed tears the rivers will overflow.”

Lachlan watched and waited as the men finished setting the wooden logs into the ground. His lip almost curled in glee anticipating the first to catch fire. Their burning flesh would fill the night sky.

Giving the signal to one of the guards, he brought forth his sickle. Cries uttered forth from one of the women, and he smiled. She tried to break free from the guard’s hold, but was greeted with a smack against her face.

“Tie her to the stake,” ordered Lachlan.

“Should we not question them further?” asked one of the guards.

It was always the same with this one—a litany of questions and disregard for his authority. Twice, he wanted to speak to Manus and have him remove the difficult guard. However, that would present another host of problems from the others.

Lachlan tapped a finger to his lips in thought. “Hmmm…but what do ye think the bishop would counsel? Did he not tell me to do all that was deemed necessary? Would ye rather I torment them until their flesh falls off?”

The guard blanched at his words. “No.”

“As I thought,” snapped Lachlan. No sooner did his words leave his mouth than he frowned at the sight in the distance.

“What is it, Lachlan?” asked the guard, shifting uneasily.

Lachlan’s jaw clenched. “Storm’s brewing.”

The guard looked in the direction of the horizon and saw the ominous clouds heading their way.

“Gather the rest and tie them to the wooden poles. I will make final preparations,” demanded Lachlan.

Instantly, Manus strode over to him.

“We have another problem. Duncan MacKay is near,” grumbled Lachlan.

“Will he pose a threat?” asked Manus.

“It is hard to say, though, his powers will be empty once he steps inside. I am more worried with the men he may bring.” Peering over his shoulder to check on the progress, he glanced back at Manus. “Ye deal with Duncan and warn me the instant ye sight Stephen MacKay.”

Manus gave a slight bow and as he was leaving, Lachlan stopped him. “When ye have killed Duncan, bring me his sword.”

“Done,” he replied.

****

As new plans were finalized, Aileen stood alone staring out ahead to where the battle would take place. Squelching the uneasiness knotting her stomach, she tried to maintain her focus. Her job was simple. Free the women and children and get them to safety. Yet, that wasn’t why her insides were twisted. It was fear for the men she loved, and those they held dear.

Grasping her pendant, she gazed up into the sky. “Oh Great Mother, watch over us all. Help us to fight this evil.”

“Are ye ready,
leannan
?”

Taking a deep breath, Aileen reached out for Stephen. His arms came around her and she reveled in the warmth and security, unsure of when she would be within them again. “Let’s get this over.”

Stephen tilted her chin up, so he could look into her eyes. “Always believe in my love for ye, Aileen. Do ye hear my words?”

Her eyes misted, and she swallowed. “I will hold your love in my heart.” She gave him a weak smile, adding, “But you can show me just how much
after
this is over with…
my love
.”

Stephen captured her lips in savage intensity. She responded with equal fervor, grasping a hold of his head to deepen the kiss, fearing it would be their last.

Finally breaking free, he took her hands in his. “Forever, Aileen,
evermore
.”

She placed a finger on his lips. “Say the words to me, when we wed.”

Grasping her firmly against him, Stephen spoke softly in her ear, “Och, what ye do to my heart…”

“It is time, brother,” whispered Duncan, standing a few paces back.

Giving her one more passionate kiss, Stephen turned to Liam. “Guard her with your life, Warrior.”

Liam cocked a brow. “You forget, her father would slay me first before you.” Then in a more serious tone, added, “You have my word and vow, Dragon Knight.”

Duncan’s brow furrowed.

Stephen glanced at his brother. “Is it not always wise to have a second plot?”

“Aye,” replied Duncan slowly. “One that Angus taught us all. But with a Fenian Warrior?”

Stephen glanced over his shoulder at Aileen. “My quest, my plan.”

Rubbing the back of his neck, Duncan nodded. “I sure hope ye understand the consequences of dealing with their kind.”

“Always,” replied Stephen.

When they were out of sight, Aileen and Liam ventured forward. The sun disappeared quickly, leaving just enough light for them to proceed. She had removed her
sgian dubh
and followed in Liam’s wake.

Crouching down behind the oak she had been at earlier, she waited until Liam gave the signal. Then she would advance to the first group. The minutes ticked by, and her palms became sweaty. Sounds of the nocturnal creatures scurried past her, almost causing her to jump out of her skin.

Immediately, her thoughts went to Stephen and the others. What would they encounter? They were extremely fortunate to have Duncan and the extra men. For if this druid, Lachlan, was as powerful as they claimed he was then they would need any and all help. Even from the men they rescued.

An owl’s screech pierced her thoughts. She waited. Another few minutes passed before she heard it again. Liam’s signal. They had changed from a falcon’s cry to one of an owl for night.

Squashing her fear back down, Aileen took a deep calming breath, and moved forward. Each step made with quiet stealth. Instantly, seeing the outline of the first group, she cautiously crept forward.

“Hello.” Her voice barely a whisper.

“‘Tis ye, lady?” asked one of the women quietly.

“Yes.” Aileen inched closer until she could feel the woman’s bonds. “Sit still,” she murmured.

Afraid she would slit the woman’s hand, it took longer than she anticipated. Finally, the ropes came free. The woman practically threw herself into Aileen’s arms.

“Thank ye, lady,” she sobbed.

Moving quickly to the next, she had more luck in removing the bonds and shifted to the next person, a child. After freeing her, she swiftly moved on.

“It is I, Lady Aileen,” said Ian, softly.

After releasing him from his bonds, she embraced him. “Where are the druids, Ian?” Fearing his answer, she held her breath.

“They went to the hills to thwart the black magic from the evil druid.”

Exhaling deeply, she wanted to jump for joy. “We feared they were dead,” she whispered as she freed another child.

“Nae. They understood ye and Sir Stephen would return, and that ye would need their help.”

Liam approached with a group of women and children. “We must move quickly, Aileen. I fear the other guards will return soon.” He turned toward the group. “I want you to make for the cluster of oaks in that direction. Follow through until you find our horses. They are near a copse. Stay there until either myself, or Aileen comes for you. When all are freed, she will lead you away from here.”

Silently, the small group took off, but not before Ian grasped Liam’s hand. “What ye have done will not go unpunished, that I ken. But ye will always be our champion and your name honored.” Releasing his hand, Ian sprinted off into the night.

Liam stood in shocked silence watching as the lad made it safely out of sight.

“Master druid in the making…ponder his words later,” whispered Aileen. “Come, let us finish.”

“Aye, later.” Snatching his dirk, he moved to the next group.

****

Stooping low over a large boulder, Stephen and Duncan surveyed the area. Aidan, Patrick, and the rest of the men kept hidden among the pines. At Stephen’s signal, they would descend on the guards, waiting until they spotted Lachlan.

Seeing Betha on the ground with two other women, they also noticed the men were face down, hands and feet bound. If they could just free some of the men, it would be to their advantage and strength.

As if sensing his thoughts, Aidan tilted his head to a group of men furthest from the guards. Stephen gave him a quick nod, letting him know to proceed. Aidan slipped silently toward the men.

Instantly, a shrill scream pierced the night. Stephen grasped his sword firmly, scanning the darkness. It was not long before light blazed forth in the night sky.

“Will ye lay down your heathen ways?” he demanded.

There could only be one person who the voice belonged to…
Lachlan!
Stephen gave the signal, lunging forth. Rushing forward, he thrust his sword into one of the guards. Caught unaware, the man didn’t have time to even raise his weapon.

Stephen heard the others approaching and energy surged forth.

Keeping his focus on the man in the center, Stephen and the others continued to battle those that would keep them from him. What bothered Stephen was Lachlan stood there smiling. He countered a blow and swiftly moved to the next. A prickling sensation of unease started at the base of his spine. Why wasn’t the druid afraid? They were taking the guards down, inching closer to him.

Ducking to avoid a blow, he took his sword to the side of the guard, eventually standing before Lachlan.

“Ahh…here is the
Dragon Knight
,” mocked Lachlan. “Pray tell me, ye have brought your brother, too?” Glaring at Stephen, he took the torch he was holding and moved to his first victim, Betha.