Chapter 28

Wesladus

Ian came down to break his fast in high spirits. He hadn’t had much sleep the night before staying up with Elspeth, but that was okay. They talked, laughed, planned, made love, and had a wonderful time. He shook his head for being so stupid. Not going to happen again, he told himself.

He took his seat and noticed Larc was joining them. “So good of you tae be here,” he told Larc. “We need tae talk.” He looked at all his brothers sitting around the table. “I want tae tell you all, I’m sorry for the ordeal I’ve put ye through. It was a mistake tae behave that way, and I’m sorry. Now that I’ve said that, let’s get down tae business. Where’s Dougal?”

“He’s workin’ on the locator spell for Merlin, makin’ sure he has all the ingredients. He’s been at it day and night with Cameron on the grimoire.”

“Any luck Cameron?”

“I think I found a way tae locate Athdar, but I’m not sure. Athdar was created oot of crushed bone and a bairn sacrifice, using the bairns blood. He was returned to Elspeth’s parents tae be raised as their own. They ne’er ken. It’s true that Athdar’s bone was used, but it was the bairns blood, Elspeth’s brother. It’s a verra dark and demonic spell. It should have ne’er been used.” Cameron looked around, “Where’s Elspeth? Is she coming down tae break her fast?”

He knew she was tired and that she got sick mornings, but he wasn’t ready to tell everyone about the bairn yet. So, he answered with. “We were up late talking so she is still asleep.” The brothers laughed but didn’t say anything else. “I’ll have somethin’ sent up later.”

“Good,” Cameron continued. “Because what I have tae say I doona want tae say it in front of her. Since I believe her brother was sacrificed tae bring Seamus back tae life we may be able tae use some of her blood for the locator spell. It’s only Athdar’s soul in the body. The blood that runs through is still tied tae Elspeth and her parents. I’m not sure how tae ask her, so I’m leaving that up tae you, Ian.”

He felt concerned. “How much blood do you need?” he asked.

“Not much. A small prick on the end of her finger should do it.”

“Och, that shouldn’t be a problem. When she wakes up I’ll ask her. Larc,” he said, as he changed the subject. “Thank you and your men for coming tae our aid in battle. If not for you and them, we would have lost. Arthur would’ve lost his army, his men, and we would have lost our earth’s. We are in your debt.

“I’m going tae get right tae the point here. I made a big mistake in not going tae you a while back tae ask you for your help. If my pride hadn’t been so big, I would’ve. Many men died because of it, and it is a regret I will always carry with me. Now that I’ve said that. We need your help. If we have any chance for survival, we need the werewolves with us. That was proved at the battle.”

Larc smiled and tilted his head. “Thank you for that Ian. When Merlin told us what was happening, many of my men were ready to join your army. We were just waiting to be asked. Now that you have, we are more than happy to join forces. I of course want to be kept in the loop. I would ask to join with you and your brothers as one of you. My men are as important to me as yours are to you. I would ask to lead and train them alongside of you, make decisions alongside of you. If you can accept these terms we are ready to join forces.”

“I see no problem with that. Do any of you object?” he asked, directing his question to his brothers. Naes came across the table.

“Let me know how many men we need to start. I’ll make the arrangements and bring them here. We’ll come by the fort’s portal.”

“That sounds great, Larc. When we finish eating I will show you around and you can meet the men, see the long houses, and show you a room you can have here in the castle. Of course, you will want tae have your first here as well.”

“Yes, I also need to make arrangements for my brother to take over the pack while I’m gone.”

With that part of the conversation over, two maids started bringing the food to the table. He motioned for one to come over. “Could you have some biscuits sent up for Elspeth along with fresh water, and help her with a bath?”

“Yes, my lord. Would she want that now or should we wait a bit?”

“Now would be fine. She’s probably awake.”

“Och,” said Finn. “You starving the lady for some reason?”

“Weel, I guess now is as good as time as any to make my announcement.” He paused with a big grin. “Elspeth and I are going tae have a bairn. She gets sick when she eats like mither did and biscuits are all she can keep down.”

Finn was the first to congratulate Ian, but was soon drowned out by all the hooting, hollering, and jokes. Ian laughed with them and had a few of his own.

****

Elspeth was on her way down to join them and heard Ian’s laughter. She stood out of sight and listened, very happy to hear them having fun. Even at her expense. She started to giggle and held her hand over her mouth thinking about how she joked with Moira. If only they would have heard that conversation. She silently turned around and went back up the stairs, smiling.