by Mary Morgan
Blowing out a frustrated breath, he pleaded, “Nuala, wait.”
She halted and glanced over her shoulder. “I have no wish to banter harsh words before you depart.”
He chuckled softly. “You’re so sure I’m going to leave?”
Mirth replaced the anger in her features. “Yes. Of that, I am positive. You have never retreated from a challenge, especially one that involves you. Stop using your title of leadership over the Fenian Warriors as an excuse to step back from a quest.”
Aidan rubbed a hand down the back of his neck. Though his sister was younger than he was, she often proved herself the wisest one in their family. “Any parting words of wisdom, my queen?”
Nuala smiled fully. “Look between the dark and light. Find the colors of your life, Aidan. And remember, out of the ashes of destruction, a new life is always born.” Blowing him a kiss, she vanished in a colorful arc of lights.
“Farewell, dear sister.”
Chapter Five
“Do not disregard a weed as ominous to the garden. The very plant could be your salvation in cultivating a new flower.”
~Society of the Thistle
Rose drew her coat more firmly around her body, surveying the excavation in the early morning light. The damp, cool air swirled around her, and a tremor of unease settled like a lodestone within her body. She crouched down and scanned the area where many of the standing stones were positioned in a horseshoe pattern facing toward the east. “They greet the rising of the sun and moon,” she explained softly.
“I agree,” Lily acknowledged, bending down next to her. She pointed to a stone slab partially exposed in the dirt and positioned flat on the ground. “A witness stone to the ancients?”
“Possibly, though we need to further inspect the writings and the stones in Corridon.” She mentally noted the land around the stones—from grasses, wildflowers, and the subtle sloping of the ground.
Lily glanced at her watch. “We have one hour before the team arrives.”
“Are you certain Kevin can be trusted? He won’t demand anything in return for this favor of allowing us to survey the dig?”
Her sister stood. “One drink at the Raven Pub.”
Standing, Rose thrust her hands in her pockets. “By the smile on your face, I say you got off easy.”
Lily rocked back and forth on her feet. “I would not mind buying him several.”
Snorting, Rose dug into her satchel and pulled out her notebook and pen. “A new conquest for you?”
“He has dreamy eyes.” Lily sighed.
“Too handsome for my tastes. And his hair is always so neat.”
Her sister shrugged. “He’s the professor’s assistant and has to look respectable.”
Rose wandered carefully between the standing stones, avoiding another patch of ground that had been sectioned and roped off. “Take as many pictures as you can.”
“I brought several canisters of film, so we’re good,” responded Lily. “What about the foliage around the area?”
“Definitely.” She frowned in concentration. “I wish we could take samples of the dirt beneath the stones.”
“Your wish is my command.”
Rose stared at her sister in disbelief. “You brought specimen bags?”
Lily gave her sister a wink. “I think of everything.”
Excitement flared within Rose, and she went immediately to the tallest standing stone. She glanced over her shoulder and then back again. “This one faces directly centered to the slab on the ground.”
“There are nine stones, including the one still in the ground,” remarked Lily. “I heard they mirror the ones in Corridon, though smaller.”
Smiling, Rose examined the faint markings on the standing stone. “The number nine is sacred to the druids. Part of this resembles the ancient writing of Ogham.” Taking her finger, she traced the pattern in an attempt to discern a vision, message, or even an image.
Leaves swirled in a dance around her and the stone. Rose continued to inspect the strange markings. Graffiti marred the surface from those who wanted to carve their lasting imprint into the stone with their names, and she bit out a soft curse. These were sacred, and she found the idea of anyone taking a blade, pick, or any other tool to the stone offensive.
“Hallowed,” she muttered, brushing her fingers over the cool stone. When no visual image came into her thoughts, Rose jotted down her first impressions in her notebook. Drawings of animals, along with an odd Ogham letter flew across the page.
Moving along to the outermost standing stone, Rose scanned the area from the bottom up. Trying to discern ancient writing mixed with graffiti was frustrating and time consuming. Then an idea struck her.
“Thirty minutes,” announced her sister.
Rose made a mental note of the time and hastened to the back of the tallest stone. She gasped, almost dropping her notebook. Three circles appeared in an arc toward the top. The markings were more distinct than the others, though faded from time. Her skin prickled with awareness as she scribbled down a few notes. “Photograph the back of all these stones, Lily.”
“The back?”
Rose pointed. “Yes, especially this stone.” Bending down on one knee, she pulled back the shrubs and grasses hiding more of the markings. This time, her hands shook. Three circles were carved in a reverse fashion. However, her fascination was not so much the circles, but the figure of a man standing below them.
The blood pounded in Rose’s ears, and lights glittered all around her. The landscape faded away, and in its place stood the man from her dreams. His voice rang loud as he lifted his hands to the night sky. The air was warm and sweet, beckoning Rose to join him. She found herself one within the vision and stood. Her gaze was directed to the rising of not one, but three moons. Each shimmered with a radiance so blinding, Rose had to shield her eyes. Mesmerized by the scene unfolding before her, she longed to join the man and started forward. Though she could not comprehend his words, she understood the meaning. Love, peace, reverence, and power. He drew the energy of the moons into his body, illuminating the markings on his back and arms.
As she approached, Rose lifted her head in awe of his height. Her hand reached outward, aching to brush her fingers against his skin and over the strange tattoo markings. Shouting filled her mind, and she shook her head to clear the disturbance. Yet, the intensity of the words increased.
Rose cupped her ears with her hands. “Stop calling my name!”
Pain seared into Rose’s body, and she let out a guttural cry. Gasping for breath, she blinked in confusion. Rolling on her side, she fought the bile burning her throat. Sweat beaded her brow as her hands dug into the soft grasses.
“For the love of the Goddess, what happened?” she demanded, her voice sounding hoarse to her ears. Attempting to sit up, the pain slammed back into her. She leaned her head forward, clenching her jaw.
“You had a seizure,” sobbed Lily, wiping strands of hair out of Rose’s face. “Does it have anything to do with these images on the back of this standing stone?”
Rose squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force the pain away. It had been a decade since she’d had any, so why would they return now?
“We’ll continue this conversation later. We need to leave,” whispered Lily, tugging gently on her arm. “I’ve got your notebook.”
Unable to acknowledge her sister further, Rose simply nodded and partially opened her eyes. With Lily’s help, she stood on shaky limbs.
“Keep your arm tucked within mine and walk slowly,” encouraged her sister.
When they made their way safely out of the archaeological dig, Rose’s shoulders slumped. She didn’t utter one word until Lily packed their items into the car. Massaging her temples, she fumbled for her thoughts and words. “No…nothing…disturbed?”
“No,” clipped out Lily. “The site is preserved the way we found it.”
Silence descended like heavy mists as they drove away from the site.
Trying to c
ontrol the shaking in her body was futile. Eventually, the tremors would cease, so Rose tried to steady her breathing.
Lily flipped the heater switch on, and Rose held her hands over the vents. The blessed heat seeped into her skin as her body began to relax.
“Here, take a nip.” Lily shoved a flask into her hands. “Afterward, you can clean the dirt from your hands with wipes in my bag.”
Rose gave her sister an incredulous look, but took the offering.
“I always carry the flask for medicinal purposes,” stated her sister, and quickly added, “It helps to ward off the early morning chill.”
Opening the flask, Rose took a small sip of the whisky. The liquid seared a path down her throat. The heat flared quickly throughout her body and calmed her racing heart. Settling back in her seat, she focused on the passing scenery. Sheep grazed along the rolling hills, many with newborn lambs at their side. Wildflowers sprouted in abundance, reminding Rose of the renewal of spring. A time of new beginnings, hope, and adventures.
When the first drop of rain splattered against the window, Rose watched the drop of water trail down the windshield. A trickle of water in time, followed by more.
“Can you talk about the vision?”
Lost in her thoughts, Rose barely registered her sister’s question. After taking another sip of the delicious amber liquid, she tucked the flask inside her coat pocket. She drew in a huge breath and exhaled slowly. “It’s the same one I’ve been having for over a week. Except this time at the dig, I felt the sensation of being there.”
“Well that explains why you’ve been cross lately.” Lily slammed on the brakes. “Sweet Brigid, keep on moving!”
Rose braced her hands on the dash as she gave her sister a dubious look. “They’re only sheep with their babes. And we are on a country road.” Reaching for her sister’s satchel, she retrieved the package of wipes and cleaned her hands.
“And who is tending to them?” demanded Lily, waving her hand outward. “Since they’re taking their time trekking across the road, explain this vision.” She turned off the engine and leaned back.
Between the heater, whisky, and the thought of the man in her vision, Rose immediately rolled down the window. “I’m standing—”
Her sister grabbed her arm. “You’re in the vision? This is a first.”
Rose nodded. “As I was saying, I’m standing at the bottom of a hill. There is a man—”
“Man,” echoed Lily.
Rose glared at her sister.
“Sorry,” mumbled Lily. “Please continue, and I’ll remain silent.”
Returning her gaze to outside the window, Rose resumed her thoughts, and then repeated everything she had explained to Maeve days ago. Rose glanced sideways at her sister. “When I saw three moons and an image of a man carved on the standing stone, I went into the image—literally. I could feel the grass under my feet and the warmth of the night air brush against my face. His words lured me toward him.”
“A message from the Goddess?” asked Lily softly.
“That’s what Maeve said, too.” Rose leaned out the window and brushed her hand over a passing sheep.
“You spoke with Maeve, but not me? Your sister?”
Hearing the hurt in Lily’s voice, she turned around and grabbed her sister’s hands. “At first, I thought these visions were dreams, so I didn’t think to mention them to you. When I was rude to Maeve the other day, I told her I had not been sleeping well and explained why.”
Lily squeezed Rose’s hands. “You’ve never had a recurring vision, so I can understand why you would believe it’s a dream. It’s definitely connected to the standing stones, and you’ve been led to the place within your visions. But a man? What is his purpose?”
Rose drew back and leaned her head on the back of the seat. “Maybe I’m supposed to observe the Beltaine festival? This was Maeve’s suggestion.”
Tapping her fingers on the steering wheel, Lily pursed her lips. “That might be true. Then again, the similarities between the standing stones and your vision, is a connection you cannot ignore. This goes much deeper. Could the man be a leader of the tribe who erected the stones? A chieftain or druid? The dig has a significant purpose, and we need to study this further.”
“So I’ve gathered,” Rose responded dryly.
“Any descriptive qualities about this man? Young? Old?”
The heat blossomed in Rose’s neck and traveled up to her cheeks. Once again, she turned away from her sister, allowing the cool rain to sprinkle her face. “Huge, massive in stance and physique with shoulder-length ebony hair. His back and arms are covered in tattoos.” She swallowed. “And in this recent vision, they glowed with the power of the full moons.”
“Can’t be a Pict then. Too big. Maybe a God honoring the Goddess?”
“With tattoos?” Rose drummed her fingers on the car door.
“You keep referencing these tattoos. What do they look like?”
“Tribal, ancient—”
Lily poked her in the arm. “Not the meaning, but the visual.”
“Celtic spirals and jagged designs. There is part of a dragon’s body across his back. At least this is my first impression. The tattoos travel down the length of his back.” Rose’s face prickled more with heat, recalling the image of his fine ass in the pants he wore. The material molded his body to perfection.
“If I hadn’t seen the images on the standing stone, I would have believed this to be a lustful dream,” proclaimed Lily.
Rose glanced sharply at her sister. “Lustful? Whatever do you mean?”
“Ahh…look. The sheep have cleared to the opposite side of the road.” Starting the car engine, Lily replied, “Your face says it all, dear sister. But what do I know? I wasn’t there.”
Silence became their companion on the journey back to their hostel outside of Glasgow. Both considered it wiser to be closer to the dig, instead of traveling the long roads and traffic from the Society.
The sun broke free from the dreary clouds as Lily maneuvered the car into a space near their room. When Rose stepped out of the vehicle, she lifted her head to the warmth. Sunlight graced the area, and she smiled.
“Are you feeling better?” inquired Lily, taking her arm.
Concern reflected in her sister’s eyes. “I know you’re worried about the seizure, but I’m all right.”
“You haven’t had one in a decade.”
Rose patted her sister’s hand. “You don’t have to remind me. Though I’m grateful you were there to pull me back. I have to pay more attention to the sensations before I attempt to force a vision.”
“Good.” Releasing her hold, Lily added, “Care for a pint and a meal after I go over some notes? Maeve is joining us, along with Alex from the university.”
“Unsure. I’m going to take advantage of the sunlight and take a walk. There’s a bookstore down the street, and I’d like to pop in and see if they have historical books on the area or surrounding town.
“You do realize Alex is smitten with you?”
Rose gave her sister a speculative glance. “It’s Maeve he’s interested in, not me. And he’s not my type.”
“I wonder if you’ll ever find your type of man, Rose MacLaren. Would you like my opinion?”
Rose snorted in disgust. “As if I could hold you back from spouting your views.”
“You spend far too much time drifting in and out of old books and the past. Ancient knights no longer exist in this century. Quit being so particular.”
Her sister’s words stung. Rose held back the barb she longed to fling out, gripping her purse more firmly. “I’m quite content without a man in my life.”
Lily sighed and checked her watch. “If you don’t show in a couple hours, I’ll claim your pint.”
“Perfect.”
“And see if they have any information regarding the castle near the Aberdeen dig in Corridon,” recommended Lily as she walked away. “We’ll drive out there tomorrow.”
“Castl
e?”
Lily gestured a hand in the air. “Any castle located next to an ancient dig is worth investigating.”
“Intriguing, and here I thought I was the only one interested in ancient ruins,” commented Rose as she made her way across the street to the row of shops that dotted the lane.
Scents of fresh-baked bread and cinnamon teased her as she strolled along. Temptation beckoned her for one warm bun, and she quickly went inside the shop to make a purchase. As she left the bakery, she savored the sugary treat. Humming a tune while she ate, Rose’s steps slowed. The gentle breeze stilled, and the sky darkened.
“Not more rain,” she complained, licking the last of the cinnamon and sugar from her fingers.
Continuing on her path to the bookstore, Rose sang a light tune. Women smiled in passing, and one elderly man gave her a wink as he stepped out of a shop. She refused to think of the oncoming rain, her vision, or the dig. The fresh air lifted her spirits, banishing the earlier weakness and tremors.
Regardless of her good mood, the day receded into a cloak of darkness, and Rose lifted her gaze. “Sweet stars,” she gasped. “How did I forget about the solar eclipse?”
Doing her best not to look directly at the sun and moon as one, she shielded her eyes, captivated by the event.
So engrossed in a blur of thoughts and not paying attention to the road, Rose stumbled on the curb and pitched forward. Her only thought was to protect her face as she squeezed her eyes shut, preparing for the impact. Yet, it wasn’t the hard pavement that greeted her.
Strong, warm arms lifted her high into the air, crushing her to his chest. She inhaled sharply. The scent of woods filled her, and her head spun. She blinked in an attempt to recover her senses.
“Sorry,” she mumbled. When Rose lifted her head, her mouth slacked open. Lavender eyes flecked with silver stared back at her.
“Are you unwell?”
The soft burr of his question brushed over her skin in a warm caress. She snapped her mouth closed and shook her head. She pointed behind him. “Solar eclipse.”