Dragon Knight's Ring (Order of the Dragon Knights Book 5) (17 page)

She placed a hand over her heart. “I wish I could remember.” Tears filled her eyes. “Why won’t ye help me, Mother Danu? I have this ache of longing, which I cannae explain.” Letting the tears fall, she shook her head at the silence. No answers were forthcoming, and Meggie feared they were ones that only she could unlock.

“How can I give him more than one day? One night? I’m scared,” she whispered into the darkness.

The tea kettle whistled, the sound startling Meggie. As she prepared her cup, she prayed that perhaps tonight she would sleep deeply without any thoughts of
him
. Sitting down at the table, she drew her feet under her. As she sipped her tea, Meggie let the warmth flow through her, soothing her tired limbs and spirit—closing off her thoughts.

Time moved slowly, and her muscles relaxed. The stars winked at her from their velvet cocoon. Soon the moon slipped past the window, leaving her in semi darkness.

Wipe the slate clean. Begin anew. Do not be afraid.

She smiled. “Instead of fighting to remember the past, I can find a new path to start,” she murmured.

Finishing the last of her tea, she cleared away everything and made her way slowly down the corridor to the stairs. Pausing, Meggie turned around, her steps leading toward Adam’s door. Her hand stilled on the rough wood.

“Will ye be mine one day, Adam?” She almost giggled at her question. For reasons she could not fathom, believing the Fae were guiding her, Meggie put aside all doubt and fear. Turning around, she deemed that sleep would finally beckon her as she made her way back to the stairs.

****

“Why can’t I practice in the lists with Adam?” moaned Jamie, as he wielded his wooden sword in the air.

“Because the men are using
real
swords,” replied Meggie as she pulled some carrots free from the dirt, tossing them into a basket. Seeing Skye inch closer, she pointed a finger at her. “Don’t ye even think of snatching one. I’ve given ye plenty already.”

“But Adam will need my sword arm. Lucas was wearing his fierce scowl when he left for the lists, Mama. I fear for Adam.”

Meggie rolled her eyes. “I’m positive Lucas will do naught to cause Adam any harm. He’s just upset. Besides, I believe Adam can manage against Lucas without your sword.”

Jamie snickered. “’Twas funny when Adam pushed him in the horse muck.”

“James William,” she scolded. Yet, Meggie turned her face to hide the laughter that threatened to spill forth. “If Lucas heard ye, I believe he would nae longer take ye fishing. Show some respect.”

Meggie could still hear her son chuckling, causing her shoulders to shake from trying hard not to join him. Recalling the sight yesterday of Lucas covered in horse dung was priceless. Her cousin had been relentless in his barbs toward Adam. It was only a matter of time before fists were thrown.

“See, ye thought it was funny, too,” giggled Jamie as he ran around in front of her.

“That may be, but again, I caution ye to not mention the incident in front of your cousin.” She batted the sword out of the way. “And a knight does not use his sword to point at a lady. Especially his mother.”

Jamie dropped the sword and wrapped his arms around her. “Sorry, Mama. Can I watch them from the knothole in the fence?”

Meggie ruffled his hair. “Nae. Ye have not finished in the herb garden. There is no basil in your basket.”

He stomped his foot. “The leaf smells funny and ’tis a woman’s job.”

Leaning back on her legs, she gave him a warning look. “At Castle Aonach, we all learn the jobs to keep the place running. No job is beneath ye, Jamie.”

“One day I shall be Laird MacKay,” he proclaimed as he walked over to the herb garden near the kitchen.

“Oh, Sweet Brigid,” she muttered.

After only a mere ten minutes, Meggie looked up. Swatting away a bee, she shook her head. Seeing Jamie using his sword to bat at the basil, she deemed he was done helping her in the garden for the day.

Standing, she brushed off the dirt from her jeans. “Bring me your basket,
Laird
MacKay. I believe we have enough to fill the kitchen.”

Giving a gleeful shout, he ran over with the basket in one hand and the sword sheathed in his belt. Dropping it next to hers, he fisted his hands on his hips. “I have a question, so may I go down to the loch?”

“Why do ye need to go the loch for your answer?” Meggie asked as she bent to retrieve the baskets. Moving past him, she headed for the kitchen, Skye ambling along beside her.

“’Tis a secret and only the dragon can help me.”

Meggie paused, glancing down at Skye. “This should be interesting.”

Skye thumped her tail in agreement.

“Are ye referring to Nessie? Some think he’s just a giant fish.”

“
She
is not a fish, Mama! She is the Great Dragon.”

Turning slowly, Meggie shivered, though not from the late afternoon chill. Awareness? Knowledge? As if, she should know this information. “Tell me more, Jamie.”

“She is full of kindness and kens everything. And she tells me stories of the Fae.” He ran over to her and grasped her hand.

Seeing the serious look he gave her, Meggie truly marveled at her son. Wise beyond his years, she almost believed him. “Ye may go, but Skye will keep ye company. Go no further than the gray boulder. Do ye hear my words, Jamie?”

“Aye, Mama. But the Great Dragon will keep me safe.”

She bent and brushed a kiss along his brow. Looking at Skye, she cupped the dog’s face. “No more than an hour. I’m off to gather some mushrooms.”

Skye let out a bark and off the pair went.

Shaking her head, she headed back to the kitchen and placed the baskets by the back door. Her mind full of questions, she hoped the walk in the woods would give her answers. Picking up an empty basket, she ambled slowly along the path leading toward the trees, whistling an old tune.

The late afternoon sun slanted through the thick canopy of pines, their crisp autumn scent filling her soul. With Samhain approaching, Meggie felt the worlds thinning. As with each season, she made a silent plea to the Fae that they would honor her request to restore her memories. Yet, this time, she decided to toss out the old and embrace the new. And Adam MacFhearguis was the new. Would he be the light on her new path?

“Give me a song of the old and the new. Where past and present weave together, I will dance in its web of desire. Around the bonfires, the Ancients will come forth, singing a song long forgotten, and so the seasons circle once again.”
Meggie hummed the rest of the song, stopping every now and then to forage for mushrooms.

“Beautiful song.” A male voice interrupted her singing.

Startled to find anyone in these parts, she dropped her basket, the contents spilling everywhere. “I’m…I’m sorry,” she stammered to the stranger sitting against one of the trees.

The stranger stood and rushed to her side. “Pray forgive me. I dinnae mean to scare ye.” He bent and helped her retrieve the mushrooms.

Gathering as many as she could find, Meggie shook her head and stood. “’Tis no need. There never has been anyone in these parts, and I was in my own thoughts. Who are ye?”

“Just a traveler,” he stated rubbing a hand over his brow.

“In the woods?” Meggie could tell by his clothing, which had seen better days, and other belongings that the man probably had no home.

He waved his hand over him. “The forest can provide all I require.” Glancing at her basket, he plucked a mushroom out, tossing it away. “Poisonous one.”

“Goodness, I’m always so careful. Thank ye,” she mumbled. “The
forest
can be a cold and wet place, especially this time of year.”

The man gathered his cloak and satchel. Reaching around the tree, he brought forth a walking cane. “Aye, I ken it well. I am sorry to have disturbed your walk.”

Meggie watched him stride away, and she bit her lower lip. Obviously, the man was in need of a place to stay, food, and a bath. She couldn’t turn him away. Lucas, Scott, and Bruce would surely have words about her new rescue.
At least he wasn’t another injured animal.

“Wait,” she shouted. Running after him, she pulled on his arm. “My name is Margaret MacKay. Ye are more than welcome to stay at Castle Aonach. There’s plenty of room.”

His face broke into a lop-sided grin. Patting her hand, he said, “Nae. I would not want to be a burden.”

She started to protest, but he shook his head. “I shall make do with some tree branches and such.”

Her shoulders slumped as he walked away. Tapping her foot in thought, she smiled. “There’s a cottage nearby. It’s vacant and hasn’t been occupied in decades. I believe it was the home of the gamekeeper or gillie. I was told about it some months ago. No one need ken ye are using the place, so feel free to stay as long as ye need be.”

He angled his head to the side as if debating the situation.

“At least let me show ye the place. If it does not suit ye, then leave.”

Leaning on his cane, the man nodded. “I am humbled by your generosity. Show me this cottage.”

“Wonderful,” she exclaimed. “Follow me.”

Taking a path that hadn’t been used in some time, Meggie pushed aside large pine branches. Every so often, she’d glance over her shoulder, making sure the man hadn’t collapsed or tripped. Stepping over a fallen log, she came to a clearing. The cottage looked bleak, especially with one of the windows broken and the roof sorely requiring new thatching.

“’Tis perfect. Quiet,” he said.

“I’m glad ye think so, for it looks a mess. I fear what’s behind the door,” Meggie stated.

“Never fear the darkness. It can bring the light.”

She chuckled. “Aye. Shall we?”

“Lead the way, Mistress MacKay.”

Stepping toward the door, Meggie lifted the mat. Snatching the key, she unlocked the door and flung it open. Musty smells greeted her, and she sneezed. Swiping at the cobwebs overhead, she glanced around the place. Walking over to the lone table, she set the basket down. Wood was stacked in a basket by the hearth, looking as ancient as the place. Dust covered everything.

“I wish ye would reconsider staying at Aonach. At least it’s clean and warm.”

The stranger stood at the entrance, blocking what little light filtered inside. “I prefer the solitude.”

“Then it’s yours. I’ll fetch some food and clean linen. There’s a room to the right and a place to wash. If I recall, the well is in back. Naught has been done to the cottage to make it modern, so I apologize.”

The man came forward. Reaching for her hand, he clasped it between his two. “Thank ye for your kindness.”

Meggie shivered from his touch. “If I were ye, I would get a fire started in the hearth.”

“My thoughts as well,” he said releasing her hand.

She grabbed her basket on her way out. “I’ll return shortly.” Meggie paused at the door. “Do ye have a name?”

He gave a slight bow. “I am called Lachlan.”

Chapter Sixteen

“The lovers walked along the path strewn with crystals, only to realize they had traveled the road to oblivion.”

Adam pushed open the window in his chamber, welcoming the brisk breeze. Glancing up at the late night sky, he rested his arms against the ledge. Sleep never came easy. In the quiet stillness of the night, his body and mind craved another. Working in the lists and training with Conn before daybreak did naught to quench his desire or his concerns. They had become his daily companions.

With each day that passed, Adam feared all would be lost.

“I want all of ye, Meggie. Did I ask too much?” He rubbed a hand over his weary face. “Dear Lord, what if she cannae remember? Are we doomed? Show me a way, I beg ye.”

Each night it was the same request. A plea. Some sign that would show him the way to help her. As always, his prayers were met with silence.

Running his fingers over his wooden cross, he bent his head and let out a sigh. Concern clawed at him, especially when she came running in late for the evening meal. She brushed aside her cousin’s questions and chatted non-stop with Jamie. Walking to the table by the hearth, he picked up the jug wishing it to be that delicious drink she called Irish beer, instead of water.

Growling, he slammed it down on the table and left his chamber, heading toward the kitchen. Maybe a couple bottles would help to calm his racing heart and troubled mind. However, when Adam opened the door, he froze. Sitting by the window, her feet curled under her body, was Meggie—fast asleep. Her head was propped against the wall as if she had been gazing out at the night sky.

Leaning against the wall, he drank in the vision. “If only ye ken how my heart yearns for ye, Meggie—my love is all for ye.”

Walking over to her, his hand shook as he swiped away a curl from her eyes. The mere contact caused her eyes to flutter open, and the look she gave him, pierced his soul.

“Adam,” she whispered. “Is it really ye, or am I dreaming again?”

“Och, my
leannan
.” Lifting her into his arms, his lips brushed lightly over hers. “’Tis real if ye so wish.” Adam’s heart pounded against his chest, fearing she would nae longer want to be with him.

Meggie wrapped her arms around his neck. “Make love to me Adam. Now. Tonight. I want to feel again.”

His heart shattered at her words, and silently Adam carried her out of the kitchen and up the stairs. “Which is your chamber?” he murmured against her ear.

“The one at the end of the corridor,” she whispered, nibbling on his chin.

When Adam reached her door, he nodded for her to open it while keeping her tucked against him. He did not want to part with her in any way.

Stepping over the threshold, he kicked the door shut. “Bolt it, Meggie,” he ordered.

As soon as he heard the latch click, Adam’s mouth descended over hers, taking her moan deep within his body. He needed Meggie as much as he needed the air to breathe—no longer caring about the future, only this moment.

Lowering her body until her feet touched the floor, his hands roamed across her shoulders, pulling down the flimsy material of her gown to reveal her full breasts. “Ye are a vision, Meggie, and all mine.”

Giving her no time to react, he took her taut dusty pink nipple into his mouth, savoring her sweetness. She gasped as he teased first with his tongue and then his teeth. Cupping her other breast, he lavished the silken globe. He growled when she took her fingers and dug them into his hair, all the while gasping his name. His mouth lingered a bit longer, before his lips seared a path to the other breast, teasing and tormenting her with his mouth. Her taste filled him, and he longed to savor more. Picking her up, he strode over to the window bench.