Dragon Knight's Axe (31 page)

“How can it be more powerful? The first was crafted by the Fae. This”—Alastair held it out—“by my own hands.”

“Och, my son.” Cathal chuckled. “Do ye not have Fae blood? Perchance, the Fae witnessed your devotion, and then deemed ye and the relic worthy.”

Could he be correct? Alastair marveled at his handiwork, but he never believed it would resemble the original. Rubbing a finger down the handle, he said, “I have yet to finish it. When I am done, I shall return to Urquhart.”

Cathal leaned forward. “Ahh…what will ye carve?”

“Why a dragon, what else?”

“Ye do her great honor and that of the Fae. Would ye want me to pass along any messages to your brothers?”

“Nae. And do not tell them of our meeting.”

Cathal smiled broadly. “I shall not discuss seeing ye.”

After taking another swig of the wine, Alastair wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and passed the wine skin to Cathal. “Can ye tell me about this druid, Lachlan?”

Cathal let out a groan and rubbed a hand across his eyes. “My brother has chosen to walk a path of evil, one that I was not aware of until last Samhain. He was forthcoming in his revelation to Duncan that it was
he
that stirred the storm of discord around ye and your brothers. With each passing season, I fear his powers increase.”

“
Brother
?” Alastair asked, stunned. “My brothers did not mention ye were kin.”

“Sadly, ’tis true, though I have requested his heart, so I may burn the evil from his soul.”

Alastair nodded in understanding. “Where did he escape from?”

Casting him a side glance, he replied, “King William had him imprisoned at Stirling.”

“By the hounds! King William is assisting us?” Alastair scratched his beard. “When did this happen?”

“He came upon Stephen and Duncan in Grenlee. And a good thing he did. Your brothers were unable to use their powers against Lachlan, and Stephen was severely injured. Lachlan never saw the blow coming when King William approached from behind. The Gods were with them on that night.”

“Hmmm…” Alastair’s mind reveled at this new information. That his brothers had fought this evil together made him anxious to return and learn more. “Patrick MacFhearguis told me his brother, Michael, was controlled by Lachlan.”

Cathal’s eyes narrowed. “If his magic is strong enough, it can be possible. How did ye come upon the MacFhearguis?”

Alastair stared into the flames. “We were captured by Michael, and Patrick helped us to escape. I told him Michael was not all there.” He tapped his finger to the side of his head.

“Then if he’s being used by Lachlan, I fear we have more enemies.”

When Alastair spoke, his voice was low. “The MacFhearguis will no longer be a problem. He is dead by my hand.”

Standing abruptly, Cathal roared, “Sweet Mother Danu! This news will not travel well.”

Alastair held his hand up to stay Cathal’s words. “I met the new laird, Alex, when I was there last. He soon left to bury his brother.”

“It is grave news, indeed,” said Cathal sitting back down.

“There was naught I could do. The man was clearly mad—
controlled
, and it was his life or mine.” Alastair fisted his hands on his knees. “Why would your brother walk a path of such evil?”

Cathal crossed his arms over his chest. “I can only believe it is for one purpose.
Power
. With it, he can rule entire nations.”

“Then he must be stopped!”

“Aye, Alastair. We ken this well.” His voice sounded weary.

Tossing another branch into the fire, Alastair spoke, “Let us speak no more of this evil. Ye shall tell me all that has happened at Urquhart since I have been away.”

Chuckling softly, Cathal smacked his hand on his knee. “Gathering information? I see the old Alastair has returned.”

“Och, ye wound me, druid. I would never betray a confidence, nor use it against them.” His tone playful. Then in a more somber voice, added, “I will never be the man I was, nor do I wish it, for I can only accept and heal.”

“A wise approach, Alastair. Furthermore, it is good to see your spirit for life return.”

Alastair cocked an eyebrow. The druid understood him well. And as they conversed, the night deepened, until they both drifted off to sleep.

When the first drops of rain landed on his face, Alastair woke. Glancing around, he noticed Cathal had already departed. He was grateful for the company, food, and talk. There was much he gained from the information Cathal provided, and Alastair found he longed to return and assist his brothers.

However, there was one brother still missing.

“Where in the blazes are ye, Angus?” He rubbed at his face and stood. Staring at the gray sky, he quickly gathered his axe and moved to his shelter in the forge.

Lifting the axe, he muttered, “First, I shall make ye whole. Then…I am coming for ye, Fiona.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

“The Dragon watched the two lovers walk along the road leading them in separate directions, each oblivious to a path that no longer contained their love.”

Fiona shivered and pulled her shawl firmly around her shoulders as she made her way across the walkway leading to Nell’s shelter for the animals. It had become her favorite part of the day, gathering food to take to Nell and helping with her menagerie. She had enjoyed spending time with Desmond, learning more about her family, but the man practically growled whenever Duncan or Stephen walked into the room. Mealtimes were becoming increasingly tense, and she feared her brother’s temper would unleash any day now.

When Desmond had arrived and heard the news, he wanted to depart the very next day for Ireland. Yet, Aileen and Brigid refused to hear of such nonsense, stating it would not be wise, since Fiona was recovering from her head wound and the trauma of being captured. He threw a fit when it was suggested they should not travel for at least a week, and in truth, she was glad the MacKays took a hand in her affairs. She was too weak to argue with her brother.

In truth, those wounds are already healed. It is my heart that will never mend.

Her thoughts a million miles away, she nearly collided with Duncan. “Sorry,” she muttered.

Catching her by the arm, he placed it firmly in the crook of his. “Off to tend to the animals?”

“Yes. I promised Nell I would help as much as I can before I leave.” She heard him heave a sigh, but kept her eyes forward.

“And when might that be?” His steps slowed.

“Desmond would like to leave in the next few days. We were to return by the autumn equinox, which you call the Harvest Moon, but considering it’s only ten days away, I fear we won’t make it back by then. Besides, we have to consider the weather.”

“I could send a message to your brothers in Ireland.”

Fiona halted, bringing Duncan to a stop as well. “You can do that? How?” she asked incredulously.

His eyes held mirth when she looked into them. “’Tis simple. And I am due for a favor or two from certain Fenian warriors.”

She cupped a hand over her mouth to stop the laughter.

“You do not believe me?”

“Oh, no.” She patted his arm in reassurance. “I still find this all so fascinating.”

“Ahh…yet, ye speak to the animals.”

Fiona shifted her stance. “I can see your point. In spite of that, this is all new
and
there’s a lot to comprehend.”

Duncan moved them along. “And ye are learning to settle in.”

“True. I’ve adjusted to this century far better than the future one I grew up in.”

As they paused in front of Nell’s shelter, she sensed there was more Duncan had to say to her. “After I speak with Desmond, I’ll let you know when we’ll be leaving.”

He squeezed her hand before releasing it. “As I have stated before, ye will always have a home at Urquhart.”

Her heart heavy, she shook her head. “
He
…is not coming back. There is nothing that holds me to this place any longer. My home is with my brothers in Ireland.”

When she turned toward the door, Fiona heard him say, “Will ye be content without
Alastair
in your life? Can ye find another?”

His words were like blows to the shield she had started to build around herself. Fiona took a deep breath in and out. “I have no choice.”
But there will never be another
, her mind screamed.

With a shaking hand, she pushed open the door and walked on through, praying he would say no more.

Fiona spent the next few hours chatting with Nell and helping her pass out food. Kittens needed tending to along with their wounded mother, and several birds required extra care with their splints. But for the most part, Nell told her how she came to Urquhart, and the love she bore for her new mother and father.

Fiona’s hopes of carrying Alastair’s child faded when she got her period. She realized how foolish it would have been to carry a child by a man who had abandoned them both, and then having to risk losing it on a perilous journey across the sea.

Part of her mourned that day. The next, she vowed to fortify her shield.

Cuddling one of the kittens, she didn’t hear Nell’s question. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“Are ye staying for the feast?”

“The one Aileen and Brigid are planning for the equinox?” she asked, prying the kitten’s claws from her gown.

Nell smiled broadly. “Aye, that’s what they called it. ’Tis the Harvest Moon. We are going to have a huge feast and dancing. Even the children can stay.”

“Sadly, Desmond and I must return to our home. He fears the weather could change and wants to leave in a few days.”

Seeing the sadness in Nell’s face, Fiona placed the kitten back with its mother. Reaching out, she brushed a strand of hair away from the child’s forehead. “I will miss you, too, my kindred friend.”

Nell swallowed and wrapped her arms around Fiona. “Mayhap, someday we shall meet again.” Tears stood in the child’s eyes. “When I saw my mother die, I did not believe she would ever return to us. The Fae sent her back.”

Not having the heart to tell the young girl that she would never return, Fiona could only smile and nod in agreement.

****

Descending the stairs, Fiona noticed her brother waiting for her at the bottom. As usual, he wore a scowl, and she thought he might have had another argument with the MacKay brothers. When they left, she was going to lay out some rules for the return trip home. He would definitely have to ditch his attitude, or she was going to bash it out of him.

“Good evening, Desmond. Did you have a pleasant afternoon?” she asked disarming him with her smile.

“What is so good about spending part of the day in the lists with men who want to do harm to me?” he grumbled, walking alongside her as they made their way into the hall.

“Honestly, Desmond? I believe it may be the other way around.”

“It is not true!”

Fiona rolled her eyes. “You’ve been itching to fight since you walked through the gate and found out what happened in your absence. You’re angry at Alastair and since you can’t fight him, you’re seeking to start one with Duncan or Stephen. I would have thought working in the lists would have done you some good. Even with one arm.”

He muttered a curse and paused at the entrance. “Ye are correct, Fiona.”

“Did they both fight you?” she asked looking for any injuries.

The look he gave her was of contempt, though she believed it was directed elsewhere. “Nae. They deemed it unfair. Although, I challenged them both at the same time.”

She looped her arm through his. “I think it would be wise to leave the day after tomorrow. I’ll start preparing for our journey first thing in the morning.”

He looked down at her. “Are ye sure, Fiona? This is what ye want, aye?”

“It’s time to go home.
Our home
.”

Placing a kiss on her head, he moved them into the hall. Glancing around, Fiona spotted Aileen and Stephen. Letting out a chuckle, she pinched her brother’s arm. “For a man who only has one arm, I’m proud of you.”

“What do ye mean?”

“Did you not give Stephen his black eye?”

His smile turned wicked. “Aye. Wait till ye see Duncan.”

Fiona burst out laughing. “Oh, Desmond. And they have powers.”

“I am shocked at ye, Fiona. We fought as men. Honorably.”

“Do tell me that if you had any gifts, you wouldn’t hesitate to use them on the MacKays.”

He arched a brow in query, but remained quiet. She shook her head, as they walked over and took their place beside Aileen and Stephen.

Stephen was the first to speak. “O’Quinlan.”

Desmond nodded. “MacKay.”

Ignoring the men, Aileen asked, “So, Fiona, how was your day?”

“Great. Spent the day with Nell. Can’t begin to tell you how impressed I am with her.” She held out her mug as Aileen offered her some wine. “She truly has the gift of speaking and healing.”

“Yes, she’s a remarkable little girl. It was only recently that I discovered her ability to heal. She does it while she whispers and pets them. There are times when I have found her singing to them also. I believe her voice is the key in the healing.”

“I will miss her,” sighed Fiona. Instantly regretting her choice of words, she saw a look of sadness pass over Aileen’s face.

“When are you leaving?” whispered Aileen.

“The day after tomorrow.”

“Will you not stay until after the equinox festival? We’re planning a huge feast, and we would love for you to join us.” She reached out and grasped Fiona’s hand.

Fiona wanted to scream at her. Why could she not understand how miserable she was here? Every day at Urquhart without Alastair was another day spent trying to fight the deep melancholy. Squeezing Aileen’s hand, she drew her own back. “This is for the best. Besides, we have to consider the weather. I don’t know if Desmond has mentioned this, but I’m not fond of traveling by sea.”

“Strange how ye and Alastair have no love for the sea,” drawled Duncan, striding forth with Brigid on his arm.

Fiona shrugged and placed her mug on the table. “Just a coincidence.” Leveling her gaze at Duncan, she tried to hide her smirk at seeing his face. A bruise mottled the right side, and she noticed he was walking with a limp. “Rough day in the lists?”