Dragon Knight's Ring (Order of the Dragon Knights Book 5) (35 page)

He strolled over to the table and grabbed two mugs. Filling both, he turned and froze. Standing at the entrance to the Great Hall, stood Meggie’s cousins. None of them looked shocked or angry. How much did they actually know? Or understand? Adam set the mugs down and nodded to them.

Scott was the first to move forward, the others following behind him. The hall became quiet as they made their way to Meggie and her brothers. Adam walked to his wife’s side and placed an arm around her.

“It is done? The battle finished?” asked Scott.

“Aye,” replied Meggie slowly. “How do ye ken?”

Lena gave them a reassuring smile. “We are not your cousins, Meggie.”

Meggie touched Adam’s hand. “Explain.”

Her brothers’ wives had gathered around their husbands, each gripping their hands.

Scott stepped forward. “We are the descendants of the Dragon Knights. It was prophesized that a woman by the name of Meggie MacKay would travel to the future, and she would be found within the standing stones. She would bring about a new Order. The circle has been broken for over eight hundred years.”

The hall became eerily quiet. Stunned, Adam said, “Ye have known all along? But why did ye treat me thus?”

Scott rubbed his jaw. “I am sorry, Adam. We were never told of your coming. In fact, I thought you some crazed madman, bent on using Meggie. We had to be sure of your intentions.”

“Ye say you are the descendants of my brothers? All of them?” asked Meggie.

Scott looked at Duncan when he replied, “Yes. Nell and Finn became part of the Order when Duncan and Brigid adopted them.”

Brigid’s eyes widened. “Oh, Duncan.”

“I am their descendent,” stated Lucas. “I have the power of storms and the sword.”

“Mine is fire and the shield,” replied Scott.

Bruce smiled. “And I control the power of the land and have the axe.”

“All this time…And ye, Lena?” chided Meggie.

The woman reached out and took Aileen’s hand. “The power of water and the Fae are strong within me.”

“Great Goddess,” laughed Aileen, touching her face.

“We have only been the keepers of the relics,” commented Scott. “There is a new Order and with it, a stronger destiny.” He turned to Adam. “The relics are now yours—for your children. The shield will now become Jamie’s. In a thousand years, the Dark One will try again, and this time he will face a force stronger than anything possible.”

“I have nae words.” Adam glanced at those surrounding him and Meggie. He could see the shock of the man’s words etched on their faces, but also pride.

“There is one more item that you need to have,” said Lena as she rushed out of the hall.

“I dinnae think I can take any more surprises,” laughed Angus. He moved toward Scott. “This I can say, ye honor us today. To see one’s future is a blessing. There is strength in each of ye. I will not forget what ye have done to uphold the Order.”

“Nor will we,” stated Scott. “You are legends among those that still believe.”

Adam frowned. “There are others?”

Scott nodded. “Yes. Mostly those of the druid based order, but there are also the true MacKay cousins. We are not the only ones, only the keepers from the direct line of the four MacKay brothers.”

“Do you ken what this means, Adam?” uttered a shocked Meggie.

“Aye,” he chuckled. “Our son will have others.”

Lena ran back into the room. Holding out a scroll to Angus, she said, “The story of Meggie’s arrival must be told in this bardic tale. Pass it down from generation to generation.” She looked at the druid. “Have the druids memorize the tale, as well. We must have this knowledge. There is no date, only the century. Do you understand?”

Angus took the scroll. “Aye. I ken your meaning.”

“What about me?” demanded Adam.

Lena shook her head. “We can’t alter what has already occurred. We must stay true to the original. Trust me, Adam. I have seen the original, too. It’s strange to see my own writing frayed and worn after hundreds of years. I had to keep all the wording perfect. We keep the original scroll safe in a vault.”

“We shall honor and treasure this account,” replied Angus.

“’Tis time, Dragon Knights,” pronounced Ronan, standing at the entrance to the hall.

“I did not realize how difficult this moment would be,” said Meggie, a tremor filling her voice, and Adam could see the tears already spilling down her cheeks. “I will remember ye always, my stubborn, brave, honorable, brothers. I love ye with all my heart.” She opened her arms wide and each brother surrounded her, giving her their own words of comfort and farewells.

Adam turned toward his own brothers. Placing a hand on each of their shoulders, he said, “I wish ye both well. May ye each find your own path to happiness. I shall miss ye fiercely.”

“Be well,” replied Alex and embraced him. Leaning back, he added, “Ye now carry the sword of our family. May ye forge a new life, and I pray ye never have to use it again.”

“I pray for peace, as well. Thank ye, my brother.”

“By the hounds, Adam,” Patrick hugged him tightly. “Ye are on a journey none of us could have fathomed. Ye will be sorely missed at Leomhann.”

“Take care of yourself. Protect our
laird
. Love ye both.”

Adam fought the wave of emotions as he watched his brothers go to embrace Meggie. As soon as they finished, she turned to say a quiet good-bye to the women and children. It was then that Angus picked up Jamie. Saying something only for him, the lad smiled and wrapped his arms around his uncle. A silent message from one Fire Dragon to another.

Angus, Duncan, Stephen, and Alastair came over to him. “Ye have honored the Order, Adam,” stated Angus. “The circle is now sealed. Ye and Meggie have healed the land with your love. Take care of our sister
and
our nephew, Dragon Knight.”

“Always,” responded Adam.

As they started to make their way toward their respective wives, Meggie yelled, “Wait! There is one last thing ye must do.” She looked to Ronan and held up one finger. “Just grant me a few more moments. ’Tis important that they hear this.”

Adam strolled to her side. “There is more?”

“I feel so foolish that I did not say something earlier.” She touched Angus’s arm. “Ye must start building Castle Aonach as soon as ye return.”

Angus frowned. “Why, Meggie?”

“Ye are the builders, Angus.” She looked at her other brothers. “Ye must all work together to build a new home for the Order. I cannae say anything else about your future, but ye will need a new home.”

“Meggie…” warned Angus. “What are ye
not
saying?”

She smacked him. “Dinnae ask me anything more. It will not involve war or the burning down of Urquhart, but there will come a time when the castle will nae longer belong to the MacKays. I make this one last parting request.
Trust
me on this, Angus.”

Her brother glanced over her shoulder to Scott. The man nodded.

“Hmm…” grumbled Angus. “Ye say we are the builders of Aonach. Ye do ken the meaning of the word?”

“Gathering place,” she replied.

“We shall start on the plans as soon as we return. I give ye my word.”

“Aye,” her other brothers responded in unison.

Meggie sighed and gave Angus one last hug.

Adam drew her into his arms as they watched everyone depart from the hall. When Ronan closed the doors, Meggie turned into him, pouring out her grief in tears. He found he could no longer hold back and cried with her, as well.

“They will always be with us,” said a small voice.

Glancing down, he released Meggie. Picking up his son, Adam wiped away the lad’s tears. “Ye are correct. They live in our hearts and blood. We must remember to honor them with tales of their courage.”

Meggie reached for his hand. “I say we need to take a walk along the wall of the Dragon Knights.”

“Can ye tell me a story about them?” asked Jamie.

She smiled. “Indeed, my son and maybe a bit more.”

Epilogue

Loch Ness—Early spring

Meggie watched as Jamie burst out laughing at something Adam said to him. She leaned against the tree, marveling at the blissful scene before her. She did not want to disturb father and son. For days, Adam had attempted to teach Jamie to skip the stones across the water. Yet, the boy could not master the technique. His frustration grew one day, and he sent one rock spinning into the air, followed by a trail of fire. It was the first time Adam had to be stern with his son. She deemed it had hurt her husband more than their son.

Husband
. How wonderful the word sounded in her mind and heart.

For weeks after everyone had left, Meggie had wandered the hills and loch feeling forlorn and lost. She knew Adam felt the same, but she could offer no words of comfort. Each day, her husband would surprise her with something new he had learned—from how to change a light bulb to learning to read. And in that time, Meggie had learned to heal and embrace her new life with Adam and Jamie.

Now, it was time to repay her husband for being so patient and loving.

“Ready to go join them, Skye?”

The dog thumped her tail in response.

Stepping away from the tree, Meggie pulled her plaid over her shoulders. Though the day was brisk, the sun was a soothing balm on her face. Making her way toward them, Jamie waved to her.

“Mama, I’m learning.”

“Ye sure are,” she yelled back.

Skye took off barking, and Jamie rolled on the ground in fits of laughter.

Adam turned and their gazes locked. He gave her a wink. Obviously, the man thought the air far too warm for a shirt. His muscles rippled as he picked up a stone and flung it outward across the water. “What ye do to me,” she said softly.

As if he heard her words, he turned and smiled. Strolling along the water’s edge, he met her halfway. He wrapped his arms around her. “Ye are a bonny sight, wife.” His lips seared a path along her neck and she moaned, craving more.

Meggie wrapped her fingers in his thick hair. “I have something to say to ye.”

“Hmm…” His hands moved up and along the sides of her breasts.

She closed her eyes, reveling in his touch. “Ye must stop, Adam.”

“Stop what,
leannan
? Giving ye pleasure?” The burr of his voice thrummed deep and sensual.

“I cannae think when ye are tormenting me.”

“Precisely.”

“For the love of Danu.” She sighed and leaned against the ridge of his erection.

When his hands stilled, Meggie opened her eyes. His eyes were compelling, magnetic, and she wanted to lure him away and strip the rest of his clothing from his body. “What do ye wish to say?”

Taking in a deep breath, she let it out slowly. “Ye have been so good to me these past months, and I’m sorry if I caused ye to fret.”

Adam started to object, but she placed a finger over his lips.

“I ken ye had your own pain of loss, but ye were always there for me.” Cupping his face, she continued, “I have several gifts for ye, my love. The first, I have secured a deed for Castle Leomhann with the help of Scott and Lucas. Apparently, money was set aside for me. A gift from my brothers, should I ever need any, stated Scott. I have used it to purchase your home. Perhaps over time, we can re-build the place. It would take a considerable amount of money. Yet, ye could transform the rubble into a place for other Dragon Knights.”

He released his hold. “Ye are saying Castle Leomhann is ours?
Mine
?”

“Every last bit of stone and rubble.”

He raked a hand through his hair. “I have nae words. Thank ye.” Pulling her close, he lightly kissed her lips. “And the other?”

“The greatest gift I can give ye.” Taking his hand, she lowered it to where the babe was beginning to grow. “A child.”

Stunned, he dropped down to his knees and placed the other hand over her womb. “Greetings, my son.”

Meggie burst out laughing. “Adam MacFhearguis, how do ye ken it’s a boy?”

Adam stood. “It was my first thought when I touched ye.”

“Humph! I’ll probably be surrounded by males all of my life,” she protested while smiling.

“And we shall treasure and always love ye.”

Giving her no time to utter a retort, his mouth descended over hers. The kiss sent her body swirling, and she sank into the glorious sensations. When he broke free, Adam took her hand within his.

“Ye do understand that ye will have to get inside the beast for me to take ye to Leomhann,” teased Meggie.

“Dinnae remind me,” he groaned.

“Mama, Da!”

They both turned at the sound of their son’s voice. Meggie shielded her eyes from the sun, and the intense glare of the bright colors. “Sweet Brigid, ’tis the Great Dragon.”

As Meggie and Adam approached, the dragon rose even further in a magnificent arc of jeweled colors.

“Ye honor us with your presence, Great One,” greeted Adam.

“It is I, Dragon Knight that is pleased to see you, Lady Margaret, and young James.”

Meggie moved to the water’s edge, letting the water touch her feet. “Welcome.”

The dragon moved slightly with the breeze, her colors dazzling against the blue of the loch and sky. “So life begins anew, Lady Margaret.”

Meggie touched the life growing within her. “Aye.”

“Happiness fills me. Though, I see sadness cloak the edges of your light.”

She could not lie to the Great Dragon. “Part of me longs for my brothers.”

“They are long gone, my daughter.”

The dragon’s words slammed into Meggie. “True. I never stopped to consider they have been…dead for hundreds of years,” she said, her throat thick with emotion.

The Great Dragon sighed. “Life and death are the same paths. Although, death forever, and this life fleeting.”

Spreading her massive wings wide, a golden burst of light appeared across the loch. Standing on the shore stood Angus, Duncan, Stephen, and Alastair. Youth and health shown on their faces. As each took a fist and placed it over their hearts, they smiled at her. “Ye are in the land of forever, my Brothers.”

A warm breeze touched her face. Within those smiles, a part of them entered her own heart, and the healing touch of their love settled inside her own, warm and sure. Meggie wiped away the tears of joy as she realized the Great Dragon had bestowed this gift of seeing her brothers one last time.