Chapter 33

Pendragon Castle, Wesladus Veil

Cameron was deep in the Grimoire in Merlin’s library. He was thinking about how peaceful things had been these past few months since Angus took over leadership and didn’t need to guard the queen any longer.

Ian was restless of late and his brothers worried about his quiet countenance. But he was also anticipating the birth of his two bairns. The first was always the most worrisome, his mother had said. He was worried about her too. She was aging and becoming forgetful. He didn’t like to see it, but he understood it.

He was reading about how to make magical swords when a portal opened and Merlin came through. “We have major problems,” Merlin said breathlessly. “You need to get your brothers and meet me here.”

Cameron looked up. “Merlin, what now? I knew peace was too much of a good thing.”

“Get your brothers. You think Athdar was bad, you haven’t seen bad. Now go get them.”

“Right away, I’ll be right back.”

The men came through the door while Merlin sat looking at what Cameron was reading, waiting. “Sit boys, we have a big problem. First and foremost, the Grimoire to the Dark is missing, good news is I know who has it. When I did a spell, a certain person was holding it, and I saw him. Juppar Heiwynn. But that’s not the half of it. He is the one who stole the Kearals from Athdar, about a hundred of them. He’s making more as we speak. The thing is, he isn’t like my brother…”

“That’s good then, isn’t it?” interrupted Dougal.

“No, I’m afraid it’s worse. I saw his eyes and they weren’t just red like a demon’s. They had flames in them.”

“What does that mean?” asked Flynn.

“Nothing good. He’s the God of Dark’s son. He was created by him. It means Juppar Heiwynn has god-like powers. We must stop him. I’m not even sure the God of Light knows about him yet. This is bad, very bad,” said Merlin.

“It’s funny you should mention that,” said Cameron. He pushed the book aside and looked up. “I was just reading about swords, and the only way to kill a god is with Godslayer, The Longsword.”

He continued. “It explains how to make it minus one ingredient, blood from a specific individual, The Peacekeeper. It doesn’t say who that is. Of course, the answer to that is in the other Grimoire. We canna make it, Merlin. It calls for a metal I ne’er heard of afore, called Dharan metal, it comes from the Dharan ruins, from the extinct Dhara race. Do you know where these ruins are?

“They were the only ones to mine it and made many technical gadgets from it. It’s the strongest metal ever made, rare, and holds magical properties. When properly forged it has a golden glow to it. It also calls for fairy dust. The fae don’t have fairy dust. It’s a myth. The fae come from the ancient Fairies, but they don’t match the stories in the myths.”

“Yes, they do,” said Merlin. “You don’t know it, but there are different species of Fairies. Not in the sense of what we know fae to be. Don’t ever call a true fairy a fae, they see it as an insult. These Fairies live in a land cut off from everyone. Their powers have evolved tremendously and are unlike what we know or expect of our fae. Your part comes from the ancients, Tuatha De Danann, these fairies are completely different from you.

“They are Aos Si. Evolved from centuries of change. You are nothing alike. You have the basic power, they have incredible power and magic. I’ll see about the fairy dust. Now what does it say about the blood?”

“The blood needed to complete the final step can only come from this one man who always exists. It says he incarnates over and over bringing peace to the worlds. The man’s soul is titled the Peacekeeper and he was started from a spark, from the One Great God Himself.

“The Grimoire doesn’t tell us who that person is or how to get the Peacekeeper’s blood to put on the sword, yet he is the only one who can wield it and its magic. We can make it, if we can find the metal, but how do we find the Peacekeeper? How do we get fairy dust? Where do we get the metal for the sword?”

Merlin frowned. “I can ask the angels, maybe Junius would have some answers. You boys get what ingredients you can to make this sword and I will scour around and ask questions.” Merlin opened his portal and turned to the boys. “Don’t dally, this one is dangerous.”

The boys looked at each other after Merlin left. “How do we stop a dark god?” asked Finn.

“Even a better question, how do we find the Peacekeeper?” asked Taryn.

“We better make the sword,” said Conall. “What all do we need?”

Cameron looked back at the book, “Several herbs to burn in with the Dharan metal. The metal canna be held by human hands. Only the Dharans have used it. I’ll have tae research more. I doona ken what it is, or even where it is. Most all the other ingredients we’ve got. Hmmm, there’s another one I’ve never heard of afore. Some weird weed. I must ask Merlin about it. The dreaded fairy dust. Blood from fae, vampire, werewolf, gargoyles, dragons, and from a virgin for purity.”

“I know where I can get the virgin blood,” said Angus. “If she lets me anywhere near her,” he mumbled. “I’ll leave now and get it. I need to check on her anyway.”

“Nae, you should wait, Angus, until we have all the herbs. We will need fresh blood.”

“The Queen?” asked Lauren. “Are you sure she’s a virgin?”

“No one can be as cold as that woman, and not be. Besides, King Rulm bought her, and the only way her father gave her up was with the express purpose that he would never touch her or he would die.”

“Sounds a little crazy to me,” said Cameron. “What father wouldn’t want their child to know the joys of lovemaking?”

“Moreover,” said Angus, “What kind of father would sell their daughter to King Rulm in the first place. What price did Rulm pay to have her and why?” Angus scratched at his beard with a frown.

“Och, shite,” said Cameron. “How the hell do we get fairy dust. Ancient fae? Different types of fairies? I can’t wrap my head around that piece of information.”

“If Merlin canna get the fairy dust, we’re in trouble,” said Lauren grabbing the book. “Wait here’s information about the fairy realm. Wow. It says there are no portals to Lanenia, Land of the Fairy and Merlin can’t open one. One would have to travel over the Scarlet Sea and through Vision Valley to get there. If the Scarlet sea doesn’t eat ye alive, visions from Vision Valley would turn you mad. We have tae speak aboot this tae Merlin. I think fairy dust is oot of the question.”

****

Merlin at the Light Angel’s Court

“I cannot answer you, Merlin. I know not who the Peacekeeper is, only the God of Light knows, and the One Great God. I don’t think either is going to say,” stated Junius.

“Doesn’t the God of Light know about Juppar Heiwynn?” asked Merlin.

“He does know,” came a bellowing voice as the God of Light appeared. “I’ve known since his conception, he exists.”

Junius bowed his head to the floor. “My God, what brings you?”

“I’ve come in answer to Merlin’s plea, but I will not tell you who the Peacekeeper is. In due time, all will be known, if the future is as I predict.”

“What if it is not?” asked Merlin. “Future can change. If Juppar wins, it could be devastating for the worlds. Are you willing to take that risk?”

“For the Peacekeeper, yes.”

“How can we find him?”

“He will find you,” said the God of Light. “For the Dhara metal, see Tepu.” The God of Light disappeared.

“Well that was certainly helpful,” Merlin said sarcastically.

“I’m just sorry I couldn’t help,” replied Junius with a frown.

“I guess it’s back to the drawing board then.” Merlin opened his portal and stepped through.

****

McGregor Keep

Ian couldn’t concentrate on fishing, lately he had trouble concentrating on anything. He thought constantly about the men in training, and his brothers. He knew he should be happy with the new-found peace and it was great for a while, but now he kept thinking about Wesladus and Pendragon, and the men…his men.

But he couldn’t change his mind, he promised his wife peace, for her and the bairns. He also promised his Mither he would control McGregor Keep, and Ian never went back on his word. Ever. He sat in his boat and let the waves move him about when Bradana came running out.

“My Lord! The bairns are coming. Moira and Elspeth need you, hurry.”

That brought him out of his reverie and he quickly rowed to shore. Throwing the small boat on the bank he went running through the castle and up the stairs. He ran through the door to their room and knelt at her side.

Moira smiled. “It will be awhile yet, Ian. It always is the first time, but her water came, and the pains are coming on time. She asked for you.”

“I’m here, dearling. Do you need anythin’?”

“Just you.” She smiled. “I thought you should ken you are goin’ tae be a father today.”

He kissed her hand then her forehead. “I will be right here with you, Els. We’ll do this together. Mither what do we need?”

“Bradana is bringin’ hot water and cloths. She’ll need tae have her brow and face wiped often. Can you handle that job, Ian?” Moira smiled at the two lovebirds. “I remember the day you and Eoghan were born. Lachlan was in worse shape than me. I thought he’d pass oot and I’d have tae take care of him. You are not going tae pass oot are you?”

“I doona think so,” he replied chagrined.

Bradana entered all smiles, placing the water and cloths on the table near the bed. “Isn’t this wonderful! Bairns today. It’s been years since this place has heard the cries of bairns.”

“Yes,” said Moira. “It’s very excitin’. You may want tae keep it down a little so Els can concentrate. Remember what it was like for you?”

“Goddesses yes, I thought the pains would never cease.”

“Bradana! I think you need tae check on things for dinner.”

“Och, aye, I see. I just…need tae…check on things for dinner,” she said hurriedly. “You ken where tae find me.” She sauntered out the door.

Elspeth let out a yelp and grabbed her sides. “I need tae move.”

“Ian,” said Moira. “I think she needs tae walk a bit. If you can squat it will help the bairns tae come quicker. Help her, son, tae walk some.”

****

Bradana stood at the foot of the stairs listening to Elspeth’s screams. She sent up a silent prayer that the bairns would come soon. It had been all day, and night was quickly coming. She took up food, but no one ate. Ian was sweating as much as Elspeth. Bradana wanted to wipe his head. She smiled and went to turn away when she heard the first cry. She ran up the stairs and up to Ian holding his first born, a son with very dark black hair, and lots of it. The bairn was wailing and Moira was encouraging Elspeth to push.

Elspeth let out another loud scream and bore down. A red-headed bairn showed its head then come flying out, landing in Moira’s hands. “It’s a girl!” she shouted. I thought for sure it would be a boy after the first one. Bradana take her and clean her up while I work with the after birth.

****

Elspeth watched Ian with their son as he walked over to peer at their daughter. “She’s beautiful Els,” he said in his husky voice. He walked over and handed Elspeth their son to nurse. He latched right on and Ian bent to kiss them both.

“We did good dinna we Ian?” Elspeth asked her glowing husband.

“Yes, we certainly did.” A feeling of protection for his children surged through him. He heard a voice, “Remember who you are.” He recalled hearing the same voice at the cave and again at the wedding. He pushed a hand through his hair as if that would help. “I must be goin’ crazy,” he said out loud not meaning to.

“What?” asked Elspeth then she cried out. The after birth came out and she fell back suddenly, exhausted after the long birth. Moira picked up their son and Bradana gave Elspeth their daughter to nurse.

“Have ye picked their names?” asked Moira.

“Yes,” he said. “Our son’s name is Domnall, it means ruler of the world. Our daughter’s name means the same, Donella. We thought it fitting for such young ones who saved their mother’s life at such a young age.”

“Hmm,” said Moira. “Donella and Domnall. I like their names, yes very fitting. I’m so happy for you!” she said. With tears, she hugged him.

She then took the quiet Donella from her sleeping mother and Ian took his son and they walked together down the long staircase. When they reached the bottom, a portal opened and out walked Merlin and all his brothers. The girls came screeching down the stairs and he stood proud.

He held up his son. “Domnall our son!” and everyone clapped.

“Let us see your other son!” said Conall.

Moira held up their daughter and shouted, “Donella their daughter!”

Everyone cheered. “May I hold her, Mither, please?” asked Akira.

Donella cried out and her face got red. Domnall was quiet now after eating. Moira pointed to a chair. “Be careful her tiny head.”

Akira beamed as she sat and cooed to the tiny one. He hung onto his son as the men came close to see him, while the girls gathered around Donella.

Moira looked at her family, “I wish your father could be here.” He smiled at her but his attention quickly returned to his children. He heard his mother excuse herself and thought that she was tiring more easily now.

Bradana came to help with the bairns. Finally, he thanked everyone for coming but insisted he return to Elspeth. Merlin left with his reluctant brothers and his sisters headed to bed. Bradana helped him take the babies back upstairs, where they found Elspeth awake and waiting.

He put their daughter to breast because she was fussy and he laid his son in the cradle for the first time as he slept. He covered him and made sure the fire in the room was warm, leaving the door open so they could listen in. When he could, he lay with his wife during the night, but couldn’t sleep.

Something in the back of his mind nagged him and he couldn’t relax. He spent most of the night carrying bairns to Elspeth or returning them to their cradles.

Bradana showed them how to change diapers and he did most of that as Elspeth was worn out. At one point both bairns lay asleep in their cradles and he took turns watching them sleep.

He finally lay down next to Elspeth early in the morning and dozed off, when Bradana came in cheerfully with breakfast. He quickly covered his head and groaned, then both bairns awoke with a wail.

Elspeth got up and moved slowly to the nursery. Bradana followed. Each carrying a baby, Elspeth settled back in bed and learned the fine art of how to hold two crying bairns to nurse them at the same time. One cradled in each arm she leaned back and watched them with an amazed look. He watched her and smiled.

“I love you, my bonnie wife,” he said.

“I love you, my handsome husband, Ian McGregor.”