Dragon Knight's Ring (Order of the Dragon Knights Book 5) (27 page)

Tapping her foot in frustration, she hoped Skye’s efforts were more gainful. The dog appeared by her bedroom door when she woke but dashed off as soon as Meggie came close. Giving a sharp whistle, Meggie waited for the dog to appear. Moments ticked by and the snow started to fall more heavily. Pulling her hood over her head, she started to make her way back down to the loch when she heard barking and laughter.

Turning around, she opened her mouth in shock and then snapped it shut. Her son was sitting on Adam’s shoulders, both faces red from being out in the cold, brisk air. Skye pranced alongside them as Adam sang a tune—one she remembered well. He’d often draw her near when her temper was fierce and would sing the melody.

Meggie pointed a finger at him. “Dinnae think ye can charm me with that old song, Adam MacFhearguis. It didn’t work years ago, and it won’t now.”

Adam ignored her rant and continued singing. “
And when I take my bonny lass into my arms, she has eyes for only me
.”

She narrowed her eyes as he approached. “By the hounds! Where have ye been?” She poked a finger at her son’s clothes. “Why are his clothes wet?”

“We’ve been playing and making a fortress.” Jamie flung his arms out wide. “First we took Scott’s wood―”

“Scott will be verra upset,” Meggie interrupted.

“Aye.” Adam smirked.

Meggie glared at him. “You’re incorrigible. And don’t tell me ye dinnae ken the word.”

“Mama, don’t be upset. Da wanted to have fun with me. Sometimes Dragon Knights need time alone.”

“James William—” Meggie paused realizing what her son had just said. “
How
…why did ye mention anything without me being there?” She directed her question to Adam.

“He told me he loves ye, Mama, and I asked him if he was my da.” Jamie wrapped his arms around Adam’s neck and peered down at her. “A Dragon Knight must always tell the truth.”

Meggie saw Adam wince at Jamie’s last remark. Her heart melted at her son’s words as she brushed away a wet lock from his forehead. “Ye are a wise knight, my son. But I believe we need to get ye indoors before ye catch a cold.”

“I’m never cold,” her son boasted.

She rolled her eyes. “So ye have told me often. Although, there is always a first time.” She knew the fire beast dwelled within his body and kept him warm, but Meggie was not about to let her son have the last word.

As they all strolled back to the castle, Skye leading the way, Meggie smiled inwardly. For as long as she lived, she would never forget the scene of father and son ambling forth from the trees. It was a blissful, treasured memory.

Walking inside the castle, she saw Archie leaning against the library door. He pushed away from the entrance. “Welcome home,
Lady
Margaret MacKay.”

Meggie reached for his outstretched hands. “How did you ken my memories had returned?”

Archie inclined his head toward Adam.

“I spoke with him before leaving with Jamie,” answered Adam.

“I have the Book of Awakening,and the Staff of Knowledge,” she stated. “Would ye like to see the book, Archie?”

“Bring them both into the library. I deem it wise we should all be together until after the feast of Samhain.”

Meggie frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Adam placed his son down and wrapped an arm around her. “I will tend to our son. Ye go fetch the items.” He then placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

When Adam released her, he gave her a smile that warmed her insides. “All right. But first, I’ll bring us something to eat and drink.” Meggie tussled her son’s hair before he dashed off.

“Do ye still have some of that fine
uisge beatha
, Archie?” inquired Adam.

“Most definitely.”

Going to the kitchen, Meggie quickly prepared a cart, laden with a tureen of soup, bread, fruit, and a selection of dried meats. The latter becoming one of Adam’s favorites.

Pushing the cart into the library, she placed the bowls, utensils, and linen on the side table. She noticed Archie had lifted the lid on the tureen. “Left-over chicken soup,” she said, while holding out a bowl for him.

“A perfect meal for this cold night,” he replied.

“I’ll go grab the book and staff.” Meggie moved past him and ran up the stairs. When she entered her room, she gathered the items, all the while making new plans to find a safe place for her treasured items. The book and staff were far too important. Perhaps tomorrow, the Fae could show her a sacred place to hide both.

Dashing back downstairs, she placed the book on Archie’s desk. Propping the staff next to the blazing hearth, she went to stand by the bard’s side. Watching as he swept his hand over the cover, the book opened to the first page. Written in gold and silver lettering were the words that only Meggie and the Fae could read.

In the beginning…

“So long ago,” he whispered.

Meggie placed a reverent hand over the glided edges. “I used to sit and read the stories for hours. My mother used to pry my hands from the pages to bring me back to this world. I was so absorbed in the Fae realm that she often feared I would disappear within the stories.” She smiled sadly at the recollection.

With a wave of his hand, Archie closed the ancient tome. “The Fae would not have allowed any harm to come to you. The Book of Awakening is for your wisdom only, and the Staff of Knowledge is to illuminate the words for you. You are the keeper of the Fae’s knowledge. The chosen one. Although, one might be tempted to enter within the pages, such as a young lass like yourself.”

“Trust me, Archie, there were times when I wanted to fling myself inside, especially after the death of my parents. Angus became so controlling.” Meggie walked over to the hearth, gazing deeply at the glowing embers. “He ruled with an iron fist over my brothers, though at times, it was needed. They were hellions and caused him much grief. As for myself…” Her thoughts drifted back to the last argument she had with Angus. His fury so great at finding out she’d been seeing Adam, he locked her in her chambers. “I had never seen Angus come so close to losing his temper. His eyes flashed with those of the fire dragon, and for the first time ever, I feared my own brother.”

“He would never harm you, Meggie,” he stated, moving to her side.

She bent her head. “If only he had listened to me. So much anger.”

Archie wrapped a comforting arm around her. “No longer. Your brothers are much changed.”

Raising her head, she stared back into the flames. “Adam has told me everything. They suffered greatly from my…death.” Though the fire was warm, Meggie shuddered visibly.

“Yes. Each walked a long and rough road to seek their redemption. A quest was given to each from the Fae.”

“They were cursed. How horrific.” Concern filled her voice.

Archie wandered back to his desk and sat down. Removing his glasses, he sighed. “The Fae may have banished them, yet, the words from the Guardian were filled with wisdom at a time when anger, remorse, and vengeance no longer clouded their minds. They all had to find their way back to home and…
love
.”

Meggie walked away from the hearth. “Since ye are a Bard for the Fae, how much do ye ken of my brothers?”

“Everything,” he replied.

Looking into Archie’s eyes, she saw the wisdom of the Fae reflected within. So many questions burned in her mind to ask him.
How were they? What were their wives like? Did any have children? Were they finally at peace?
She rubbed a hand over the ache in her heart.

He stood and clasped her hands in his, the warmth spreading throughout her body. “They are well and very happy, Meggie.”

Before she could acknowledge his act of kindness, Jamie came bounding in with Adam and Skye following closely. She squeezed Archie’s hands and then reached for her son.

Giving him a look over, she chided, “Did ye clean the muck from your ears, too?”

He shrugged. “Da helped me wash, so ye can blame him if ye see muck.”

Meggie burst out in laughter and hugged her son. Taking his hand, she led him to the table. After getting her son settled with his bowl of soup and bread, she handed Adam a bowl. “Eat. I can see by the look ye are giving the food, ye are famished. Besides, I can hear your stomach rumble.”

Adam gave her that queer look whenever he didn’t understand a word she used. He started to open his mouth to ask the inevitable question, and then thought better, snapping it shut.

“Mama means you’re starving,” pronounced Jamie between mouthfuls of soup.

“Thank ye, son.” He winked at Meggie and filled his bowl.

“Dinnae speak with food in your mouth, James,” she scolded, moving to the other side and filling her own bowl.

Jamie bent his head. “There ye go again calling me James.”

She bent and placed a kiss on his head. “Eat your supper.”

Taking a seat next to Adam, she proceeded to eat. The flames crackled in the hearth, and she tried to focus on eating, but Archie’s earlier comment had stirred her curiosity.

Meggie reached for her glass of whisky and took a sip. Savoring the peaty flavor, she sat back in her chair. “What did ye mean when ye said we should all be together until after Samhain? And where did my cousins disappear to? The last time Lena and I spoke, she was organizing a feast for tonight.”

Archie glanced at Adam and then to Jamie.

Adam nudged Jamie. “Why don’t ye go and fetch your sword. Ye can finish your bread and cheese by the fire with Skye.”

Her son jumped down from his chair. “I almost forgot.”

“Wait—” she protested.

Adam reached for her hand. “Let the boy get his sword. I would rather he not hear this conversation.”

Meggie pulled her hand away. “Now you’re scaring me, Adam. What’s wrong?”

He rubbed a hand over his face. “Remember when I told ye about an evil presence the night ye died?”

Frowning, Meggie vaguely recalled his words. She just assumed he meant her brothers. “Explain,” she demanded.

“A vile druid sought to capture the relics and the power. His plan was to stir the beasts within your brothers. He succeeded. Aye, they were already angry from the knowledge of us together, but I deem it would not have come to bloodshed if this druid had not used the dark magic against them. Since that night, they have fought many battles and won, though not without costs.”

A chill crept into her bones, and she reached for a small blanket off the back of a chair. “I cannae fathom what all they have been through.” Then she laughed. “To think this happened hundreds of years ago. ’Tis long over.”

“That may be, but the evil has come across time,” interjected Archie.

“Sweet Mother Danu,” muttered Meggie. Holding out her glass, she ordered, “More.” As soon as Archie filled the dram, she downed the entire contents. The fiery liquid seared a path down her throat and settled like a ball of heated coal inside her stomach.

Clutching the glass to her chest, she looked at the two men. “Let me try and understand your words. This monster has traveled the veil of time and is now, what? Here?”

“Aye,” answered Adam, taking the glass from her hand. Pulling her toward him, he gently tugged her onto his lap. “We are waiting for his arrival. To fight the final battle. He is undertaking a task to bring the ancient dark one into this world. I dinnae ken he was here until Conn MacRoich told me.” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear, and Meggie could see the painful look etched across his face. “I am sorry,
my leannan
,” he whispered.

Instantly, Meggie understood his pain. “Ye believe ye brought him here?”

His sigh was agonizing, and she cupped his face with her hands. “Ye did naught wrong. If it’s a battle he seeks, we shall give it to him. Though, we could use more magical help.”

Archie stood. “I believe it’s time I sought out Conn.”

“The Fae are helping? Since when do the Fae interfere?” Her tone was one of shock. Adam had told her everything about the Fenian warrior.

“Evidently, three Fenian warriors have decided to defy the laws of the Fae and are aiding in the final battle. It is a choice that I oppose.”

Jamie came rushing inside, brandishing his sword. He slid to the furs by the hearth and giggled when Skye licked his face.

“Why would they? Can we truly defeat this demon with only us and them?” Meggie glanced at her son. What if something were to happen to him? Or Adam? Adam’s hand caressed the tightness in her shoulders, as if he sensed her worry. The gentle strength of his touch helped to soothe her.

As Archie walked to the doors of the library, he paused. “The warriors will not fight. Theirs is another purpose, for which they most likely will pay a price. They bring others through the veil of time.”

“Others?”

“Your brothers, Meggie.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

“As the maze of life untangles, those who were once separated, are now reunited.”

Urquhart Castle—Day before Samhain, 1207

The embers burned low in the Great Hall, but Angus had no wish to leave even to find comfort in the arms of his beloved wife. He had sent,
nae
ordered her to bed hours ago after seeing the dark circles haunt her eyes. His proud, warrior lady. As the days drew nearer to Samhain, no one wanted to part from the other, for fear their lives would all end abruptly.

Yet, he found that sleep would not come to him. Time slipped by, like a thread through a loom and try as he might, he would not depart to his chambers until the last possible moment. When all hope would vanish, then and only then, would he seek out his wife. The thought of dying lodged within his being, and he swiftly pushed aside the feeling.

Bracing his hand on the stone hearth, he heard one of his brothers, Duncan, snoring softly in a chair. His brother’s presence was a comfort on this night. Instead of celebrating, they were awaiting any sign of a Fenian warrior, or worse, their doom.

Remembering his father’s words, Angus pounded his fist against the stone. “We are Dragon Knights, descendents from the first MacAoidh. We fight with a strong fist and the Fae by our side. Defeat is nae option. Courage, strength, wisdom, and love until our last breaths.”

He waved his hand outward, letting the power flow down his arm. Immediately, the embers ignited into flames and he took a step back. “Until my last breath, Deirdre,” he whispered. A vow he had made many moons ago, and now the day he dreaded was upon them.