Dragon Knight's Medallion (28 page)

“What?” they all asked in unison.

“Lachlan has resorted to using dark magic. He has become so powerful he can block out any powers or gifts that others may have. Aileen can no longer contact Betha. Lachlan has sealed them all inside his cloak of power.”

Stephen stood slowly, unsheathing his sword. The hiss of steel filled the air. “I’ve always preferred bodily strength over magic any day.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

“And the cry of the Celts rang out across the land, awakening those who were lost.”

Stars twinkled in the early morning sky as Stephen stood gazing out over the land, his keen warrior senses on alert. They’d spent most of the night going over their final plans and what each one would be doing, including Aileen.

His stomach clenched at the thought of her going anywhere near Lachlan, but he had to squelch those feelings. It would do him no good if he went into battle not fully prepared. She was brave and strong. Perhaps, more so now than ever.

Words from the Guardian—words he had just recently remembered drifted into his mind...

Across the sea their destiny awaits...A love will meet through time and space...To right a wrong within this place...Beneath the gate to test your fate.

His destiny. His love. His fate. All linked to one.
Aileen
.

He was fully prepared to do anything to keep her safe. Some part of him was relieved that he had her father and Liam at his side. They were her protectors, too.

An owl hooted in the distance as the last glimmer of stars faded quickly. An omen of ill will? He would not dwell on its meaning.

Bending down on one knee, Stephen placed his sword on the ground. Removing his water skin, he poured the cool water over his head and across his sword. “Water, the mark of my life—the mark of my power. Bless me on this day, Gods and Goddess. St. Michael, give me your sword arm. Cuchulainn, your courage and cunning. And if I may include in my prayer, send those that would watch over the people in Grenlee. Great Goddess Danu, let my love act as a shield over Aileen to keep her safe.”

His eyes shone brightly as his words floated across the early morning sky.

Picking up his sword, Stephen made his way back to the group. He wasn’t surprised when Aileen was the first to greet him. Her smile stole the morning chill from his bones, and he gathered her into his arms. Tipping her head up to stare into those eyes he loved so much, Stephen let his lips brush over hers. His kiss was not one of goodbye, but a promise of more to follow.

“Braid my hair, tightly,” she said huskily against his face.

Stephen placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her away from him. Taking the long strands, he braided them as tight as she could stand. He took the end and kissed the silken strand.

Twirling her back around, he slipped his hand under her gown up along her thigh. A slow wicked smile curved his features, when he found what he was searching for.

“Did I place the
sgian dubh
high enough?”

“Aye, verra well. Now show me the other leg.”

Aileen moved to a log, and placed her leg on it. Lifting her gown so that she gave Stephen a full view of her entire leg, she smiled wickedly. “See for yourself.”

In two strides, he was in front of her, checking the placement of her dirk on the outside of her leg. He would have preferred to have her belt it around her waist, but she insisted on doing it her way. Pleased with it, he took his hand and stroked her inner thigh. His blood was hot. His need for her fierce.

“When this is over...” he rasped low into her ear, raking his tongue down her neck.

“I will find you, Stephen.”

After sealing their bargain with a crushing kiss, Stephen led her over to Buttertwill. “Ride close to Liam.”

She placed a hand against his cheek. “I will. Be safe, my love.”

Liam walked over to his horse, giving a nod to them. Quickly mounting his horse, Stephen watched as he kept his sight on the valley below. They would ride south of the village where the women and children were kept. Once they were freed, Liam would join Aidan and him.

“Keep her safe,” said Aidan, emerging from the trees. Taking a hold of his daughter’s hand, he pressed a kiss on it. “Keep trying to reach Betha.”

“I will, Dad, and you be safe, too.”

Aidan snorted. “I may be human, but I still have a few fae tricks up my sleeve.” Taking his leave, he mounted his horse and they were off.

****

Hours passed with the sun now peeking out through clouds, the air warm. Each rider on alert as they passed through the valley. Stephen held up his hand to signal they were coming near the crossroad where Liam and Aileen would part. His eyes sought hers and waited until she had ridden next to him.

Fear swamped her thoughts, but before she could utter a word, Stephen grasped her and silenced her worry with his lips.

“Courage, my love.” His voice thick with emotion.

Gathering the reins on Grian, he nodded toward her dad. Glancing at Liam, he held his gaze. Finally, he spoke, “If all goes well, we shall meet at the old oak come nightfall.”

“May you walk with the fae,” Liam uttered softly.

Aileen waited until her father and the man she loved were no longer in sight. She squelched the uneasiness flaring inside. Time was their enemy, and they had to move quickly.

“I’m ready.”

They rode silently through the trees, crossing a small stream. Instead of clearing the water, they rode along its bank. Nearing the end of town, both dismounted.

“Can you see anything, Liam?” She scanned the area, but couldn’t make out anything. Huge oaks blocked most of her vision, so she stepped away from Liam. Bending down near the water, she let it trickle through her fingers and closed her eyes.
Talk to me, Betha...

Silence greeted her.

Standing, Aileen shook the water out of her hand in frustration. “Nothing,” she stated when she saw the look on Liam’s face.

“We’ll leave the horses here. See the oak on the far left?”

She nodded.

“Go forth to that one. Stay there and wait for my signal.”

“Two short bursts of a falcon’s cry,” she replied.

“Aye.”

As Aileen stepped forward, Liam grabbed her hand. “Remember, you have the blood of the fae in you. Call out to them if you need to.”

Aileen frowned, but just nodded.

They crept forward cautiously, parting ways halfway to the trees. When Aileen made it to her destination, she crouched down against the old oak. Bile rose instantly in her throat at the scene in front of her.

Woman and children were tied together in groups of five and six spread out in the open. Some of the children were weeping quietly, or their eyes were wide open in fear. What fueled her fury more was apparently no fires had been lit to keep them warm at night.

A baby’s sharp cry shook her out of her contemplation.

Inspecting the area, she noted only three guards. One was sitting on a log and the other two were deep in conversation. There was no way she could get to the group without being seen. They would have to wait until night before they could attempt a rescue, unless Liam could take out the guards.

Now focusing her gaze on the hostages, Aileen tried searching for Betha. Instantly, she spotted Ian. He was sitting with a group of other young boys, rocking back and forth with a odd look on his face. Was he meditating?

Aileen had to get his attention.

Closing her eyes, she reached out to him in her mind, but the first image that came to her was one of a red fox. Keeping her eyes shut, Aileen smiled and concentrated with all her might.

The voice was but a whisper on the breeze.
Shhh, Aileen. He will hear ye.

Aileen’s eyes snapped open to find Ian smiling at her. He took a finger to his lips in silence, and then tapped them on his temple.

Understanding flared in her and she swallowed. Settling back against the oak, Aileen waited.

****

Their plan had been simple. Take out as many guards as possible. However, a group of them stood near one man—
Lachlan
. It was as if he was conducting a meeting, waving his hands about. Stephen couldn’t hear his words, but a response from one of the guards was greeted with a backhanded slap across his face. One of the other guards hesitated, his hand instinctively going for his sword.

Stephen glanced at Aidan, who also witnessed the interaction between the men. Making a sign to Aidan to move back within the trees, they crept away.

When they were a safe distance away, Stephen spoke low. “There might be discord among the guards.”

Aidan grunted. “Aye, and that can be an advantage.”

“I need ye to stay and find out more. I will check on Liam and Aileen. If we can free some of the others, we can worry about the rest come nightfall.”

“Agreed,” responded Aidan.

Quickly scrambling through the foliage, Stephen made his way out of anyone’s vision. Snaking his way carefully, he spotted the horses, and proceeded on foot. Taking his time, he went out as far as possible. If he was seen, the element of surprise would be lost.

Aileen nearly bolted when a hand clamped over her mouth.

“’Tis me, Aileen.” Stephen’s voice low against her ear. Pulling her back, against him, he added, “Let’s move away for a moment.”

She nodded and followed his lead.

As soon as they were discreetly behind a group of oaks, Aileen lunged into Stephen’s arms.

“Och,
mo gradh
.” He placed a kiss along her brow. “What have ye observed?”

“They have the women and children clumped together in groups of five and six, scattered some feet apart. There are only three guards. I won’t be able to help any of them without being seen.” Her gaze snapped back to Stephen. “How many when you and my father scouted the area earlier?”

“We saw only one guard, believing ye would be able to free them while Liam took out the guard.” Stephen backed away from her. “Bloody hell,” he snapped.

She stepped in front of him. “There’s another problem.”

He rolled his eyes. “And that would be?”

“I recognized Ian in the group and attempted to make contact with him.”

Stephen grasped her arms firmly. “It is a good sign.”

Aileen shook her head slowly. “No. He quickly told me
he
can hear and to be quiet.”

Stephen uttered a curse, nodding to Aidan as he stepped through the trees.

Liam had silently made his way to them. “The druids are not among the others. From what I can gather, they are dead,
or
they have left for the hills to convene.”

“Did you see Betha?” asked Aileen.

“Yes. She and a few of the others are being kept near Lachlan.”

Stephen grimaced. “For what purpose?”

“If we are to save any of them, we must act as soon as the sun descends over the horizon,” Liam answered with deadly calm.

Stephen arched a questioning brow.

“Lachlan plans on lighting the night sky with the burning of their bodies.”

Aileen gasped, “
No
.”

“Not if I can stop his vile plan,” said Duncan MacKay, stepping forth from the trees.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

“Have no fear, for there is more than one door that will lead you to your destiny.”

The two brothers faced each other with wary expressions on their faces.

“So ye were the first,” stated Stephen, still stunned at the man before him.

“Aye. In truth, it had to start with the most grievous of sins.” Duncan’s stance shifted ever so slightly.

Stephen nodded slowly. “True.”

“I see ye travel with Fenian Warriors and a fae,” Duncan remarked, his eyes never leaving Stephen’s.

Aileen’s mouth fell open, and she glared at Duncan.

Stephen cocked a brow. “Liam, Aidan, this is my brother, Duncan.”

Liam stepped forward to greet Duncan, but Duncan remained unmoving.

“Still angry at Conn?” Liam inquired.

Duncan’s eyes narrowed briefly. “Nae. All debts have been paid.” He shifted his gaze to Aidan. “Would ye be the great Aidan Kerrigan?”

“Aye,” replied Aidan.

“Clarify on how ye can be in this time if ye are no longer part of the royal guard?”

“It is thorny, brother,” Stephen interjected.

It was Duncan’s turn to arch a brow.

Aileen coughed loudly and moved forward. “It’s really simple, Duncan. Liam brought
my father
back through the veil to find me. And just to set the record straight, I’m only
half
fae.”

“Truth?” whispered Duncan, his question aimed at Stephen.

Reaching for Aileen’s hand, Stephen replied, “Duncan, this is Aileen Kerrigan, daughter of Aidan.” Placing a kiss along her fingers, he added the last, peering into her eyes. “And the woman I love.”

Duncan gawked at his brother. “Clearly, your fate was the daughter of a Fenian Warrior. I would expect nothing else.”

He made a slight bow before her. “I am honored,
Lady
Aileen.”

“Please, call me Aileen.” Stepping away from Stephen, she embraced Duncan, who was caught off guard. “It’s good you are here to help us, and to reunite with your brother.”

Duncan glanced at Stephen when he spoke. “It is just the beginning,
brother
.”

It was Aidan who interrupted the trio. “It would be wise if we took shelter back within the trees until night.”

“Agreed,” replied Liam.

They approached the trees and instantly Stephen drew forth his sword. His blade held against the throat of Patrick MacFhearguis with a look of fury.

“Lugh’s balls!” Stephen growled. “Do ye ride with these bastards, Duncan?”

The hiss of steel could be heard everywhere as all the men, save Duncan, unsheathed their swords.

Patrick glowered. “Duncan, I believe ye had better explain to your brother that we are
now
on the same side.”

Duncan clasped a firm hand on Stephen’s sword arm. “Aye. We work together.”

“Since when?” spat out Stephen, his eyes never deviating from Patrick.

“The night when Lachlan took my beloved. They helped to free her and stand with me
against
him.”