Dragon Knight's Medallion (36 page)

He angled his head at her. “Liam.”

Her eyes went wide. “I thought he had lost all of his powers?”

“We are blood brothers, Aileen. Liam may have lost all of his powers, but we will always have a bond. He notified me the moment ye passed through the stones.”

Aileen shivered when she looked out passed Rory. Had she just traveled through time again?

“Would ye care to rest before our journey? Liam has told me of your condition.”

Snapping her eyes back to his, she responded with a firm, “No.” She looked up into the sky to determine the time. “How far to Urquhart?”

“If we ride steady, we shall be there late afternoon.”

Aileen frowned. “I’m confused. When I left it was already
late afternoon
.”

Rory stood. “Time has no fixed schedule, especially when one travels the veil. ’Tis only early morning.”

Nodding, she reached for his outstretched hand and stood up.

“Our horses are this way,” he said.

Aileen took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Following Rory, she stopped suddenly when she saw one of her father’s horses. “How is it possible that
Pegasus
is here?”

“Och, Aileen, anything is
possible
with fae magic.”

As she walked over to the white mare, Aileen nuzzled her face against her mane. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she murmured.

Rory’s smile was dazzling when Aileen looked up.

“I realized ye would need a gentle spirit while ye are traveling in your condition, and I have proper clothing for ye, too.”

“Thank you, Rory.” Goodness, he went from twenty-first-century man to thirteenth overnight, including his speech.

After helping her onto to her horse, Rory directed her out of the clearing and up along a path.

“I’m home,” she whispered. Then abruptly her thoughts reached out to Stephen.
I’m here, my love
. Pain stabbed at her temples and she lurched forward.

“Rory,” she gasped.

He was immediately at her side. “Aileen?”

“Head hurts,” she muttered, taking a hand to shield the sun.

Rory grabbed the reins of her horse. “I’m sorry. It is my fault for not telling ye. Until your energy has a chance to settle, ye will not be able to use your powers for awhile.”

Aileen’s shoulders sagged. “Do you know how long?”

“Each one is different. Ye are part human, so it may take longer.”

“Let’s get going, then,” she replied.

Rory raised a finger at her in warning. “Do not hesitate to let me know if ye need to rest. I can understand your need to see Sir Stephen, but he would have my heart if I endanger ye or your babe. Understand?”

Aileen gave him a salute. “Yes, my captain.”

Rory snorted. “Be careful in these parts of using that word. They may mistake me for a spy.”

Aileen laughed and ruffled Pegasus’s mane.

****

The heat in the kitchen was stifling. “If only I had a fan,” grumbled Brigid, wiping the flour from her hands. She was helping the cook, Delia, with making the breads and being inside a medieval kitchen in June was proving to be a challenge for her. For a brief moment, she considered transforming her long gown into a mini skirt.

You’d like that, Duncan.

Wiping the perspiration from her forehead, Brigid walked outside. It was definitely going to be a warm day. However, with midsummer approaching next week, there was much preparation and no time for rest. Duncan had given her a list of the items he wanted along with Nell, Finn, and everyone else.

She waved at Henry, tending to one of the lambs, which had broken free, as she meandered over to Nell’s home for her wayward critters. Cuchulainn greeted her instantly with licks on her hand. Brigid responded in kind with a scratch behind the ear.

“Where is your mistress today, Cuchulainn?”

He gave a short bark and trotted off around the back of the structure. Following, she found Nell crouched on the ground, trying to coax a squirrel into her outstretched hand. Brigid stood still, waiting to see how this would play out.

Several moments passed, and the squirrel ventured forth, scooping out the nuts in Nell’s hand. Soon, she had the tiny one sitting next to her, looking like long lost friends. Not wanting to disturb the scene, Brigid crept silently away.

Hearing shouting at the gate, she picked up her pace, and frowned when she saw one of the guards positioning an arrow at whoever was at the entrance.

“Henry, put down the lamb and go get Duncan,” she said in passing.

His shoulders sagged. “Do ye ken how long it took to find this one?”

“We’ll worry about it later. I’ll get Nell to help. We need Duncan, now!”

Nodding, he reluctantly put the animal down and scowled when it scampered off.

Brigid rushed to the entrance, pushing aside one of the guards. “Who is it?”

“He claims to be a MacGregor, but I do not recognize his plaid. And what business would a MacGregor be doing here?”

Brigid stepped forward and froze. “
Oh my
,” she gasped. “Let me pass, Blaine.”

“My lady, it would be wise to wait for Duncan,” he replied, blocking her path.

Brigid placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. “I believe I may know who they are, and
they
are most welcome.” However, she had doubts about the Fenian Warrior.

Grumbling something incoherent, Blaine let her pass.

Walking over to the woman on the white horse, Brigid smiled. “Welcome to Urquhart, Aileen. I’m Brigid, Duncan’s wife.” Turning to the man, she asked, “And you must be a Fenian Warrior, correct?”

Rory smirked. “Aye, Lady Brigid. And may I say, it is a pleasure to finally meet
ye
.”

Aileen’s mouth fell open. How could Brigid possibly know, unless she also had gifts? The woman was beautiful. Her dark red hair was having trouble staying in its braid, the curls escaping wildly around her face. Aileen could not help but smile and got down off her horse.

Brigid held out her arms. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you, Aileen.”

She went into Brigid’s arms, engulfed in the smell of bread and warmth. Angling her head, she asked, “How did you know?”

Brigid laughed. “My husband, Duncan, went into great detail explaining your looks. If I didn’t believe how much he loved me, I would have been jealous.”

“I must thank him, for if you had not recognized us, I fear they would have let loose one of those arrows.”

“Humph!” snorted Brigid. “Let’s get you inside and away from all the gawkers.”

Aileen frowned when Rory remained seated on his horse.

Brigid half-turned, saying, “I can offer you some food and drink before you depart.”

“He is not welcome,” growled Duncan, striding quickly toward them.

Aileen’s knees went weak, but Brigid rolled her eyes.

Duncan placed himself between them and Rory.

“Oh for the love of...I thought your issues were with Conn,” snapped Brigid.

He stood there with his arms crossed over his chest. “
None
of them are welcome at Urquhart.”

When Brigid started to offer another retort, Rory held up his hand to stay her words. “My lady, it is true. I thank ye for your offer, but I must be on my way. It is a long journey where I am heading.”

Sweeping past Duncan, Brigid held out her hand to him. He eyed Duncan warily, and then took her hand. “Perhaps another day,” she said giving him a broad smile.

“Until that day, my lady.”

Aileen moved past Duncan. “I would like to say something before Rory leaves.”

“Of course.” Grabbing Duncan’s arm, Brigid said quietly, “Let’s give them some privacy.” Duncan let out a soft curse, but complied with her.

Rory dismounted from his horse. No sooner did his feet hit the ground than Aileen immediately took his hands in hers. Her eyes held sadness. “What is it, Aileen,” he whispered.

She bowed her head slightly. “Please tell Liam I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated him these past few weeks. Some of it was warranted, yet, for the most part, I was cruel in my behavior. I never had a chance to tell him.”

Rory took his finger and tilted her chin up. “Ye were filled with grief, and as a Fenian Warrior, we are owed no apologies. It is what we do, be it right or wrong in your eyes. Ye may not understand the decisions we make, and we don’t expect ye to.”

“I understand, but I was wrong.” Concern filled her voice.

He nodded in understanding. “I will pass along your message, considering his fate is still undecided.”

Aileen wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Rory.”

He kissed her on the forehead, proceeding to get another curse from Duncan, which only made Rory smile broadly. Releasing her, he quickly got back on his horse. Chuckling softly, he shook his head. “I do not want the Dragon Knight unleashing his sword on me.”

Giving her one last look, he said, “Be happy,
Lady
Aileen.”

“I will.”

Watching as he departed, she waited until he was out of sight before walking over to Duncan and Brigid. Her stomach was in knots. “Where is Stephen?” she blurted out, fearing the answer.

It was Brigid who spoke first, “Aileen, won’t you come inside. I’m sure you must be tired.”

Aileen gaped at her. “Honestly, Brigid, can you tell me that you would want to eat
first
before finding the man you thought you would never see again?”

Duncan stifled a cough. “She has a point,
wife
.”

Brigid narrowed her eyes at her husband.

“He is not here,” Duncan said quietly.

Aileen clutched a hand to her chest. “Is...is he
dead
?”

“Nae!” exclaimed Duncan. “He lives, though his injuries were harsh.”

Taking a hold of his arm, she looked into his eyes. “Where is he?”

Duncan placed a hand over hers. “He is on an island out on the loch. He wanted some time to be alone.”

“Take me to him,” she demanded.

Backing away, she gathered the reins on Pegasus preparing to leave, when she sensed Brigid near her. “You would do the same, Brigid, so don’t try and stop me.”

“I wasn’t, Aileen. Only, let me put together some more food and drink. I believe he doesn’t have much left.”

Aileen nodded. “I’ll give you fifteen minutes, and then I’m gone.”

“Hell, I would have said five,” snickered Brigid as she swept past Duncan and ran for the kitchens.

“Have Finn bring me my horse,” shouted Duncan.

He glanced back at Aileen, a frown marring his features. “I must prepare ye, though, Stephen is much changed. Your loss has distressed him greatly.”

“And that is why I can’t prolong seeing him another minute.”

True to her word, Brigid returned within fifteen minutes with food, and Finn followed with Duncan’s horse. Duncan kissed his wife hard before they left, commenting on the taste of cinnamon on her lips, forcing Aileen to look away.

Nell came running forth and halted before Duncan, though she looked up at Aileen. “Before ye return with Stephen, will ye have him bring some of the water from the well?”

“I will ask him,” replied Aileen, glancing at Duncan for an explanation.

“’Tis a magical well that Stephen created. Nell believes it helps to heal her wounded animals and birds.”

“Thank ye, Lady Aileen,” smiled Nell. She went and stood next to Brigid, waving.

“Shall we?” Duncan gave a nudge to his horse.

It did not take long for them to reach the bank across from the island. If Aileen had to guess, she would have said under an hour. Just looking at it, she sensed an unusual energy around it. Loch Ness was full of surprises, and this was another one to add to her list.

After dismounting from Pegasus, she helped Duncan gather the supplies, placing them in the boat. Her nerves were taut with anticipation. Breathing deeply, she closed her eyes and reached out in her mind toward Stephen. Several moments passed and when she finally opened her eyes, she let out a sigh.

Why won’t you answer me, Stephen
?

Duncan was quiet as they settled into the boat. He kept his gaze out beyond her. After some time, he spoke. “Is your father well?”

For a man who despised the Fenian Warriors, Aileen was shocked at his question. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “No. He died shortly after we returned.”

Duncan stopped rowing and heaved a heavy sigh. “I am sorry for your loss. He was a great warrior.”

“Yes, he was,” she whispered. Dipping her fingers in the water, she marveled at the thought that earlier in the day, in the future, she had placed her parent’s ashes in this very loch.

Duncan resumed rowing and Aileen was grateful he had no more questions. Her strength was fading, and she only had enough for one purpose.
Stephen
.

Upon reaching the shore of the island, Duncan jumped out and helped Aileen. Giving her hand a squeeze, he said, “Keep to the path, and it will lead ye to the cottage. In truth, he favors the area near the well under a tree. It is not far from the cottage. There is a stone path which can take ye there.”

Seeing the worry in his face, she squeezed his hand back in reassurance. “We’ll be fine.”

“I believe your love will help to heal my brother.”

Her eyes were wet with tears when she replied, “Don’t worry, Duncan. I will bring back our Stephen.” Placing a kiss on his cheek, Aileen stepped onto the path.

For better or worse, her destiny was with Stephen. Now to make him realize that together their love would heal both their souls.

Chapter Forty-Eight

“True love’s kiss will surely break the spell. But only if the warrior wants to be released.”

Stephen, I’m here...where are you?

With each step, Aileen’s stomach clenched. There was no sign of Stephen anywhere, and he still was not answering her. She couldn’t determine if her frazzled nerves were from fear, or anticipation of seeing him.

“Why won’t you answer me?” she shouted. Her only response was a sparrow, frightened by her outburst.

She stopped to catch her breath before the small stone cottage nestled against a cluster of birch and rowan trees. Dotted along the front were patches of bluebells, foxgloves, and roses. A woman planted these. Stephen’s mother?