Chapter 35

Two and a half months later

Angus shook his head. It had been hell looking for The Peacekeeper. They still had no idea of who he could be. His brothers were back at Wesladus getting ready to make the sword anyway. They had the metal Merlin retrieved, from where he wouldn’t say. It lay glowing in the corner where Merlin dropped it. Merlin had given them protective gloves that he swore would protect them, but no one had been brave enough to touch it. The glow and the heat that radiated from it had them all a little on edge. They’d never seen a metal like it before. They all glanced at the strange Dhara metal often. The time was coming that they wouldn’t have a choice, it needed to be forged.

It had taken two and a half months to find a plant they needed. Cameron didn’t recognize it and Merlin finally found it on top of a mountain in Asia, but only after seeking help from Junius. Now that they had the final plant ingredient, he was in Mystic Kingdom seeking out the Queen.

He walked to where he knew he’d find her. Walking in unannounced as the guards were used to him by now, he found her sitting alone staring out a window. She turned to look at him. Instead of yelling at him, like she usually did, she simply stared at him. “I have come tae ask you a favor,” he said, finally.

“That’s unusual, coming from you.”

“The God of Dark has made a son and he is walking in Athdar’s footsteps. The only way tae stop him is by making The Godslayer longsword. The only way it can be made is by using herbs and certain species blood in the makin’ of it, but we also need the blood of a virgin, and…”

“Okay,” interrupted the queen. “I’ll give my blood.”

“Just like that? You’ll give your blood? No yelling, sarcastic remarks, jabs?”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned about you McGregors is that when you have something in your mind you don’t stop until you get what you want. It’s for a good cause, so, yes, I’ll agree to it. Simple as that.” She flashed her brown eyes at him.

Damn but she was beautiful. He wished there was some way to melt her icy interior. He felt a throbbing hard on hit him and he moved to reposition himself. The queen looked back out the window. He didn’t know how to handle this version of her. Who stole the ice queen and replaced her?

“What do I need to do?”

“I have a vial that we can put some…” Suddenly there was a crash and he looked toward the door. He pulled his sword. “Get under the desk!” he shouted. Dedrick burst through the door wearing a wicked smile and leading six Kearals in his wake. “I told you I’d make you pay.”

“You just made the biggest mistake of your life, Dedrick.”

“Turn over the queen and she won’t get hurt.”

“I doona think so,” he said, his voice low and deadly. His eyes spit fire and his incisors dropped as the green fae glow surrounded him. Dedrick reared back with a horrified look on his face. “What the hell are you?” he asked in a shaky voice.

“I’m the man who is goin’ tae kill you for what you have just done.”

He attacked like a bull gone mad. He didn’t have time for a pissin match, not with kearals heading toward the desk, he was long gone, done, with Dedrick. He’d had enough. He quickly grabbed Dedrick, and without giving any quarter, he ripped the flesh from his screaming neck. Spit it to the floor, dropped him, then he turned to the kearals. He beheaded the first, ripped out the second’s throat, fought the third with his sword, and when the last three came at him he blasted them with wind.

Surprise gone, he knew he couldn’t take the last three by himself. He ran behind the desk where Edina huddled. “Merlin! Now would be a good time!” he shouted.

He grabbed the Queen’s hand. “You’re coming with me it’s not safe here.” He pulled her to her feet and at the same time sending more wind at the Kearals and pushing them away.

“Merlin, get your arse here!” He yelled.

A portal opened and before Merlin could come through he jumped through pulling her with him. They landed in a heap in Merlin’s library. “Great,” he said, “saves me the trip back.”

The queen pushed against him. “Get off me!” she screeched.

“I see your back tae your old self and you’re welcome,” Angus said standing, holding out his hand to help her up. Lauren, Conall, Cameron, and Dougal looked up from the grimoire at the scene in front of them. Merlin jumped up and exclaimed, “What happened?”

“Six Kearals just tried kidnapping the Queen. I think they were new and didn’t expect me to be there or be who and what I am. Why would they want you Queen?”

“I…l…honestly don’t know. I’m nobody special.”

He was still angry. “Come on, King Rulm buys you from your father, spending gods ken what to get you, marries you, doesn’t touch you when he’s kenned to violate and kill women, what am I supposed to think?” he asked, flustered.

“I’m telling you I don’t know!” she cried and then began to sob.

He grabbed her and held her while she broke down. “Come and sit down. Maybe we can figure this oot.”

“Thank you, Angus, for saving me. I haven’t been easy to get along with, I know, but you haven’t either. It doesn’t excuse my behavior, but you do have a habit of bringing out the worst in me.”

“Perhaps you’re right. What we need to concern ourselves with right now is why they want you.”

“I will see what I can find out,” said Merlin. “But until we figure this out you are to stay here in Wesladus. No arguments. I will see to Mystic Kingdom and make sure it is safe and taken care of temporarily, until you can return.” With that Merlin opened a portal and left.

Edina looked at the brothers. “How can I help? You need my blood, take as much as you need.” She sighed.

“Come,” said Cameron. “We need just a small amount. Enough to fill this small vial. If you sit here, I will make a small slice in your finger and that should do it.”

After he finished he marked the vial and put it in a cold locker. “That’s all we need. The rest will be easy. We should have the sword finished soon. Ator will be bringing a gargoyle in the morning and the rest of the items on the list are here.

“Merlin will be getting the fairy dust. We have all the rest of the species needed on site. We can’t use our blood because it’s mixed and we don’t want to take the chance of it contaminating the sword. The only thing now is finding The Peacekeeper.

“I wish you all luck,” said Edina.

“Are you hungry?” he asked. “Let’s find you somethin’ tae eat, shall we?” He reached his hand out and grasped hers, and they walked out together.

Conall looked at his brothers. “Are you all thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?”

“Aye,” they said in unison and then broke out in laughter.

“Angus just may be following in Ian’s footsteps,” said Lauren. “He…just doesn’t ken it yet.” They all laughed again.

****

McGregor Keep

Ian and Elspeth were playing with the babies. The two bairns were awake and happy at the same time. Ian laughed at his son cooing and blowing bubbles. Elspeth was nursing their daughter. Akira came running in out of breath and shouted. “There’s four dragons in the yard. Saphira and Ator and two smaller ones. Hurry come see!”

“They must be here to see the bairns. Come Els.”

“I bet Sorrilth and Kalon are with them.”

When they reached them, Elspeth noticed how big Sorrilth and Kalon had grown. They were a bit bigger than half their parents size. They were beautiful.

“We have brought you a gift for the babies,” Ator said. “It’s unusual but considering what you have done for us and what you have done for all, this will be the best gift we can give you.”

“A gift from a dragon?” laughed Ian. “I can only guess what it could be. But, whatever it is, I’m sure it is wonderful. Come my friend, any gift from you is appreciated. This is my son Domnall,” he said, holding him up for Ator to see.

Ator leaned down and nuzzled the top of the boy’s head and Domnall squealed. “Come Kalon and see Domnall,” said Ator.

Kalon waddled up and sniffed the child and smiled a dragon smile. “You saved me, Ian McGregor, as Darlath was sure to kill me. Now I will do for you.” He leaned back and blew fire of blue directly at Domnall. Leaving his dragon mark on Domnall’s small chest, the child giggled. “He will always have my protection. You saved us as babies, only fair we protect yours.”

She and Ian stood speechless.

Saphira waddled up to Donella. She nudged her forehead and smiled her dragon smile. “She’s beautiful, Elspeth. Come Sorrilth, meet Donella.”

Sorrilth came up and sniffed Donella, repeating her brother’s actions, leaving the replica of herself on Donella’s chest. “She will be like a sister to me and a friend. I shall watch over her forever.” Sorrilth smiled.

“I doona ken what to say, Ator,” said Ian. That is the most wonderful gift a father could ever ask for.”

After handing Donella to Ian, she ran and hugged Sorrilth, then Kalon wrapping her arms around their necks. “You are all my family,” she said with tears. “I doona ken how tae thank you, but I do.”

They stayed together for most of the morning. Saphira gave Akira another ride. Ator, Kalon, and Sorrilth gave Brenna, Fiona, and Catriona their first ride, being careful and gentle with them. Moira laughed and watched her daughters with delight. Ator and Saphira nuzzled the babies whenever they could. She and Ian laughed at them and with them. The visit was wonderful and so was their gift.

****

The next morning Moira was very tired and ached over her entire body. She felt drained. Domnall and Donella were her greatest joy. She noticed Ian was strangely quiet of late and worried about him.

She tried talking to him and whenever she did, he would make an excuse to either leave the room or the castle altogether. She was walking down the stairs and listening to the cries of one of the babies, when darkness closed in on her vision.

She made a grab for the wall but it was too late she tumbled most of the way down the stone stairs and dropped in front of a screaming Catriona.

Ian came running to the stairs, Bradana and Elspeth following each with a bairn in their arms. Ian leaned over to pick up his unconscious mother. He carefully raised her in his arms. “I have to get her into bed. Merlin! We need you!” he shouted, and a portal opened.

“What is it, Ian?” he asked.

“It’s Mither, she fell down the stairs. I need you to check her. I doona think she’s healing and she’s growing old very quickly. See if she has any broken bones. Follow me.” He ascended the stairs carefully carrying his mother.

****

After Ian laid her on the bed, Merlin looked over Moira and then left his body to enter hers. It was something he didn’t normally do, invade another, because to do so he’d tap their minds as well and to him that was an invasion, but this was Moira.

He had to make sure she was all right and not suffering. He tried to avoid the rush of her memories, but they were instantaneous. He felt what she felt for Lachlan, her children, and him. He knew the pain and lengths she went to remain alive for her family. He truly admired her strength and courage.

“Oh Moira,” he inwardly sighed, “I know your pain.” He carefully searched her bones, arteries, and blood vessels. Finding everything intact, he retreated to himself and a waiting Ian. The rest stood outside the door waiting.

“How is she, Merlin?” Ian asked, worry etching his face.

“Well.” Merlin sighed deeply, “her bones and vessels are intact. That is the good news. The bad news is her aging rate is intensified, but not surprising knowing she lasted as long as she did. She isn’t going to last much longer. She’s in a sleep that she won’t wake up from, Ian. You need to know. We need to have the boys come home.

“In a few days, it is the fall equinox, the time the fairies celebrate. I must go that day to acquire some dust for a project we are working on in Wesladus. When I get back I’ll bring them here. I think Moira will last at least a week, maybe two.”

“Two weeks? Doesn’t seem possible, och, mither,” he said gently raising her hand to his.

“I will leave you with your mother, Ian. If you need me call.” He opened his portal and left.

****

Hearing about a project at Wesladus made Ian cringe. He wanted to know more. He missed his men and his life. There was no way around it, but he wouldn’t go back on his word, not against his family who meant everything to him. He lovingly looked at his mother and sighed inwardly.

After a while of sitting with Moira, he stood to go and relate the news to those waiting outside. He paced a bit in his grief and pulled his hand through his hair and over his face. He knew there would be a lot of crying from the girls, Bradana and even Elspeth, he hated tears from those he loved, it was hard for him to see, but it had to be done.

Even though everyone supported Moira’s decision, he knew the devastation it would cause them, especially the girls. He opened the door to face them with the news.

****

Wesladus

Merlin stood in his library with all the McGregor boys, save Angus. He was with the Queen. Of course, Ian was also absent. When Merlin finished telling them about Moira, they sat in silence.

Finally, Cameron spoke up. “Do we abort making the sword?”

“No, your mother will last a couple of weeks. In three days’ time is the equinox, only twice a year this happens. This day makes the fairy dust the strongest and it is the day I will go and retrieve some.”

Lauren spoke up. “That’s a suicide mission, Merlin. No one is kenned tae have crossed the Scarlet Sea and through Vision Valley and live. I’ve read about Lanenia. The fairies are well guarded in so many crazy ways. You also want tae go when their magic is strongest? Why is this day so special tae them?”

“It’s only one of two times a fairy can choose a mate. I’ve heard it takes but a kiss from both fairies to initiate the bond then mate for life, but both must feel it, if only one does then the bond doesn’t take, kiss or not.

“It’s a full day party and the fall equinox is one of two longest days of the year with the planets aligned. Their magic is at its maximum capacity then. I must go. We need the dust and it is the only way.”

“Merlin, you could die. We canna have that. Too many people depend on you. Let me go in your stead,” said Dougal. “I ken magic and you can tell me what I need tae do.”

“No, you couldn’t survive Vision Valley. I have some tricks up my sleeve. I’ll go and I’ll have Ator fly me. That will help.”

“You will not go!” bellowed the God of Light’s voice as He appeared before them surrounded by an almost blinding brilliant light. You will not survive the trip. Besides you won’t have to, if the future plays out as I see it.”

“If I don’t and it doesn’t play out as you see it, we cannot make the sword,” said Merlin.

“If it does not play out, as you say, I will take you there myself before dark. But I usually know when something will be as it should, and so far, it is. You will not attempt to travel there, Merlin, unless I take you. Am I clear?”

“Yes, you are clear. I will not go without you.” Merlin snarled, “You know we need the Godslayer Longsword, speaking of which are you ready to tell us about The Peacekeeper?”

“I told you, in due time he will come to you. Now back to work.” The God of Light disappeared.

“Ken what I like aboot that guy?” asked Finn, not expecting an answer. “He’s a man of soooo many words, always beating around the bush, and never saying anythin’ straight forward, you ken hangin’ around and liking tae drink the mead and party.” They all laughed at his sarcastic comments.

****

Three days later

It was the morning of the equinox and Edina felt restless. She always did during the equinox. It always had a strange pull on her. She was grouchy and didn’t feel like being led around today by Angus. Why did that man crawl under her skin so? She wasn’t attracted to him, we’ll maybe just a little, all right she admitted to herself, maybe a lot. His eyes always drew her in, his body sculpted better than any statue she’d seen, and she’d seen many.

Perfection, the man was perfection, and when he was close? She shuddered. He could make her feel things no one else ever had. But he also brought out her worst. No, you bring out your worst, she chided herself, he makes you feel, and it scares the heck out of you. She rubbed her arms and continued her walk along the beach.

“Mornin’!” came a shout and she looked up to see him walking toward her. Her heartbeat raced, gods he was gorgeous. He was in his kilt, chest bare, bronzed by the sun, his muscles glistened, and his black hair free in the wind blew across his square jaw. “Angus,” she said.

“It’s a bonnie day, is it not?” he asked, strolling toward her. She was at a loss for words. Was he bewitching her? She certainly had feelings she never knew existed coursing through her veins, and it immediately scared her. “What are you doing out and about, Angus McGregor. Can’t a person walk quietly on the beach anymore?”

Angus laughed. It seemed every time she tried to cut him down, or stop him, or really try and stop her feelings for him, he laughed at her. “What do you find so funny?” she asked.

“You, you are a very funny woman, you hide your feelin’s behind your armor better than any soldier I ken. But nae, you doona fool me. I can see how you look at me. I can feel the intense emotions coming from you,” he said coming closer. She instantly felt her mouth go dry. She gulped as she saw his sparkling gaze sweep her body. She shuddered at the scorching look he gave her and suddenly felt completely naked in front of him.

For the life of her she couldn’t put two words together, sarcastic or otherwise. When he got so close she could feel the heat of his body, she lifted her eyes and gazed into his. He put his hands on her shoulders and pulled her closer. She lost the ability to breathe. Her body instantly betrayed her mind. Her blood suddenly ran hot and pooled in her midsection, without thinking, she wanted this man, this infuriating, boisterous, self-assured, handsome man. She leaned in for the kiss wanting it more than she had ever wanted anything.

Their lips touched and a trembling Angus groaned, he teased her lips to open with his tongue, when she sighed he entered her mouth. At first, she was dumbstruck by the action, but she liked it, so she teased his tongue with hers. Warmth invaded them, then became something altogether different, explosive. She had never felt such a thing in her life.

Suddenly rainbow colors surrounded them, and they were lifted up in the air and slowly spun, colors swirling around them, she heard voices around them, somehow joining them. Light shot from within her into him and from him into her. She suddenly knew his entire life and he hers. Breaking away they landed in a pile of sparkling dust. She opened her eyes to him and he to her.

“You sparkle!” They said in unison.

“Of course, you sparkle!” came the loud voice of the God of Light standing next to them. “Now you’ve gone and done it Angus McGregor.”

“Done what!?” he said confused. “Kissed a beautiful woman?”

“Yes, you two have bonded you are now mates. You, Angus, just kissed a fairy on the equinox, and not just any fairy, but the queen of fairies, and she kissed you back, making you king. The voices you heard, are the voices of your people recognizing you’ve taken a mate, and that you are indeed alive.”

“You are now mated for life and you Angus have made a change by bonding with the queen. You are now fae, vampire, and fairy.

“Edina, you were sold at birth by a nefarious fairy to the one whom you’ve called your father, but was not your true father, then he later sold you to King Rulm so he could use you on this very day for your powers. After meeting Athdar, they joined forces. They were both going to use you. Which thankfully they did not accomplish. Today in your kingdom you would come of age and fully gain your powers and if all was as it should be you would have also chosen your mate.

“You have done that unbeknownst to you. You accepted Angus. You will be mated for life. Now you will give your fairy dust to your brothers for the sword and then go to Lanenia, Land of the Fairies where you will rule together and learn your powers.

You will fight the fairy who killed your parents and sold you. Lanenia has needed you for a very long time, there’s a lot of strife and a lot of work to be done. Your bonding and your light shone bright in fairyland. They now know you exist and that hope will bring them here if you do not return.

“I will take you two there and I’ll make a stationary portal from Pendragon, Angus, because you will need the help of your brothers in this…”

“Now wait a god’s minute!’ shouted Angus. Are you saying I doona have a say in this? Over a kiss?”

“You made your decision, Angus, and you did it with the Queen of the Fairies. So, no, you don’t and can’t change your mind. Search your heart, you’ll find your answer. Now we go to your brothers, they need the dust for the sword. Oh, and the portal to Lanenia, even though it will be invisible to all fairies save you and Edina, be careful. If they find it, it could be trouble.

Edina, your true name is Eladrin, the mortal world could not use it, because to use it would also call upon the Fairies. Get used to that name, it is the first of many names you will carry, and things you will find out when you get there. Now let’s go.” The God of Light touched them and they were transported to Merlin’s library.

“I’ve brought your fairy dust!” bellowed the God of Light.

The men all stopped and looked up. “You’re glittering, Angus,” said Finn trying to hide a smirk. “You too, Edina. You two downright sparkle, just like a fairy.”

Angus groaned. “Shut up, and doona ask.”

“I will tell them,” the God of Light said, with humor, and he did. When finished all the men laughed. Finn snorted. “All is as it should be,” said the God of Light. “Now they must go.” And they disappeared leaving a pile of fairy dust behind.