Trial of a Warrior

by Mary Morgan

  Aileen quickly composed herself and took a step back. “You have the look of another.” She gasped as if coming to the conclusion on her own. “Conn MacRoich.”

  “Should we expect him to follow as well?” Stephen asked, sweeping his gaze around the bailey.

  “No,” replied Liam. “May I present Conn’s sister, Abela.” He turned toward her and added, “And this is Aileen and Stephen MacKay.”

  Abela dipped a curtsy. “I am honored.”

  Reaching for Abela’s hand, the woman said, “Please do not bow before me.”

  “The tales of you are written in verse and song. You are heroes among our people.” Abela squeezed her hand in return.

  Stephen gave a puzzled expression. “Why would the sister of Conn MacRoich be traveling with another warrior?”

  The Dragon Knight was observant. Liam shifted his stance. “We are—”

  “Betrothed,” answered Abela, taking Liam’s arm and darting him a reassuring smile.

  “Praise the Goddess,” Aileen uttered in a shocked tone. “You must confess everything, especially Conn’s reaction. Please come into the Great Hall.”

  Stephen took his wife’s hand. “Aye, agreed.” However, his tone sounded skeptical.

  They risked staying long at Urquhart, and Liam sought to soften the blow of their visit. “Sadly, our time is short. I must speak with Angus.”

  “He is in his solar going over a message from Alastair,” Stephen replied as he gestured him forward. “He seeks to alter plans on the building of Aonach Castle in the north. Both Alastair and Duncan are in agreement, but I fear Angus disagrees.”

  As they made their way into the castle, Abela’s steps slowed. “Aonach? Why would they flee their home?”

  Liam pulled her aside. “A request from a family member in the future when they were there helping to rid the world of the vile monster.”

  She shuddered visibly. “When we return, I intend on reading the scrolls of the last battle. There is much I would like to learn.”

  “It was horrific. Nothing can be gleaned from reading about a battle that saw many lose their lives,” snapped Liam.

  “Forgive me. I forgot you were also a witness at the battle.”

  His jaw clenched. “No, Abela. I battled alongside the knights. I fought the demon threatening to invade both realms. The stench of the conflict will always remain with me.”

  A frown marred her features. “You are more of this world than of our kingdom. I apologize for my ignorance.” Releasing her hold on his arm, Abela followed Stephen and Aileen.

  “How wrong you are, princess,” muttered Liam as he continued to stand in the cold entryway.

  Chapter Eight

  “A journey can be one of truths, revelations, and wisdom. My path with the Fenian Warrior is none of these, merely strained.”

  ~Diary of Princess Abela

  When Abela entered the Great Hall, she marveled at all the colorful tapestries that adorned the walls on either side of the room. These were the proud Dragon Knights. Powerful and descended from her own people. Her recollection of meeting the first clan heralded in a new beginning between the Fae and humans. Joyous celebrations marked the occasion for many months.

  She strolled along the side, touching each one in reverence. Four brothers and one sister. As she approached the last tapestry, she narrowed her eyes in confusion at the sixth tapestry.

  A woman and man stood together with hands joined. Behind them, a boy stood on a hill with a sword raised and the Fire Dragon hovering above him. His eyes blazed with the inner power of the beast. Abela lifted her hand, but drew it back at the last moment. “Your destiny is filled with shadows and darkness. Beware the power you possess,” she uttered softly.

  “They are the new bloodline of Dragon Knights,” stated Aileen, coming to stand next to her. “Some of the women at Urquhart and Brigid, Duncan’s wife, created this new tapestry.”

  “I recognized the woman from the younger version of her in the other tapestry. She is the sister of the Dragon Knights.” Abela studied the threaded image, trying to sense more.

  “The man is Margaret’s husband, Adam, and that is their son, James. He will become the leader of the Dragon Knights in the future,” offered Aileen. “We wanted to honor them. It is our only link to them.”

  “I can empathize. My brother and I were apart for many years.” Abela gave her a wistful smile.

  Aileen massaged her swollen abdomen. “Is Conn your only brother?”

  “Yes. He is my twin. There are no more in our family.” Abela studied the beautiful woman. “Does the babe bother you?”

  Aileen chuckled and shifted her stance. “Often, but not as much as when I carried my twins.”

  “I can’t even comprehend. Should you not be lying in bed?”

  “Absolutely not. Do the Fae women keep to their chambers?”

  Abela burst out laughing. “No. It is a time of celebration and honoring the women who carry the babe.”

  “I know you were privy to our earlier conversation in the bailey. All I wanted was to ride out to where the other women and children were having a picnic. I was late joining them this morning.” Aileen pointed to her husband’s tapestry. “I tried to sneak out and someone saw me leading my horse out of the stables. They dashed off to inform Stephen.”

  “Overprotective,” Abela mentioned.

  “Positively.”

  “Yet, he loves you, but I sense your inner strength and wisdom. The women here have traveled a great journey to be with the men they were destined for.”

  Aileen closed her eyes. “A path I have never regretted.”

  Reaching outward, Abela brushed her fingers over the woman’s cheek. “I believe your father approved as well.”

  When Aileen opened her eyes, they shimmered. “You knew him?”

  Abela linked her arm through her hostess and traveled along the hall to a nearby table. She motioned for Aileen to take a seat. Settling herself next to her, Abela straightened the folds in her gown. “I had the privilege of training with him for a year.”

  “You did? Why? Is this the custom in the Fae world?”

  “In truth, yes and no,” she responded dryly. “When my brother considered entering the Brotherhood, I sought to find a reason why the place held such a fascination. Of course, no females are permitted inside the inner chambers, but training with a Fenian Warrior is possible. We have other elite programs for the women in the kingdom.” Abela folded her hands in her lap. “Aidan Kerrigan was the elite—the best of all the warriors. At the time, he was also their leader.”

  Aileen sighed. “There are times when I wished my father would have shared his lineage earlier in my life. I only learned of his Fae blood months before he died.” She glanced away, placing a hand against her heart.

  “If he shared the knowledge with you from the beginning, would it have altered how you feel for him?”

  “No. I was privileged to know a fraction of his life, but nothing about my own past and where I came from,” she answered with staid calmness and turned toward Abela. “Even though the Fae banished him from his home, I know absolutely nothing about his world or family.”

  Abela smiled, reflecting on the knowledge she held and was about to impart to this woman. It was odd no one had told her before. “His family was vast, Aileen. He was one of the rare Fae not born here, but instead, on our home world of Taralyn. The royal bloodline flowed heavily within him. He was the firstborn. Two other siblings followed many years later—a brother and sister. Both his parents have passed over into the land of eternal youth.” She paused, letting this small fragment of information process within the woman.

  “Royalty,” she whispered. “He never mentioned anything.”

  “There is more, Aileen.”

  She blinked. “Don’t hold back now.”

  Abela’s mouth twitched in humor. “Aidan was my mother’s brother, and my uncle.”

  Aileen stared at her in shocked silence. Abruptly standing, she pace
d in front of the giant fireplace. “All this time…Conn never said one word.” She smacked her fist into her palm. “Not…one…bloody…word!”

  Standing slowly, Abela clasped her hands together. “Conn swore an oath to never reveal the information to you. A request from the king and queen. They understood he traveled the Veil of Ages, but I don’t fully understand why they made this demand. In truth, Conn revered Aidan as his leader and mentor. His admiration was vast, and not once did he call him an uncle. Conn saw our uncle as a great Fenian Warrior.”

  Aileen glanced up. “And you?”

  She approached the woman. Taking her hands, Abela tried to ease the tension. “I made no such vow, cousin. I judged it wise to share the knowledge. You should not be cloaked in the darkness without knowing the truth.”

  Letting out a choked sob, Aileen asked, “Are there any more secrets you need to reveal? I don’t think I can handle anymore.”

  Abela shook her head and released her hands. “Only stories to be shared about your father. Sadly, there isn’t much time.”

  “Wait until I tell Stephen.” The woman clamped a hand over her mouth to stifle the laughter.

  “Does this mean he’ll permit you to ride a horse in your present condition?” Abela arched a brow.

  Aileen rolled her eyes. “No. He believes the bloodline of the Dragon Knights is superior, as do his brothers.”

  “Truly? Now I am the one shocked.”

  Both women burst out in laughter. After composing herself, Aileen moved to another table. “I’ve completely forgotten my manners. Would you care for some wine? Food?”

  “Only if I may assist you in the preparations.” Abela held her hand up in warning when the woman narrowed her eyes. “I make this offer as a sign of respect and wanting to spend as much time with you before we have to leave. Not because you are heavy with child.”

  “Then I welcome your help.”

  As they made their way out of the hall, Aileen turned toward Abela. “Thank you for sharing this knowledge. Of course, if I ever see Conn again, I’ll have a few choice words to impart on my dear cousin.”

  Abela embraced the woman. “I fear you may never see him again. His duties require him to maintain his position within the kingdom.”

  Taking a step back, Aileen slowly moved along the corridor. “What exactly are his duties? I’m presuming his trial is over, correct?”

  Abela had shared so much, but there were certain facts best left unsaid. Liam was still on his journey. “I am not able to discuss his present circumstances. However, I can share that my brother is well and happy.”

  “And Rory?”

  The aroma of freshly baked bread greeted Abela as they entered the kitchens. “His journey has led him to happiness, as well.”

  “And now you’re here with Liam.” The woman smiled at a passing servant and pulled down two large trenchers from a shelf.

  “Correct.”

  Aileen pointed to a pitcher and cups. “If you could gather and place them on one of these, I’ll prepare the food items.”

  Abela busied herself with the task, praying Aileen would not pry with more questions.

  “What do your parents think of this engagement between you and Liam? Surely Conn is overjoyed since Liam is a close friend, right?”

  Abela shuddered. Conn might take a blade to his heart. She had never fully realized the extent of her decision. What her actions would do to her family. She sought to save only one person. It blinded her reasoning. “Yes, they’re jubilant,” she lied.

  “Are you all right?” Aileen stared so intently that she feared the woman’s vision found the lie.

  “Of course. I must return soon to make our plans for the ceremony.” She moved the cups to the side and set two pitchers on the trencher.

  “Weddings are always exciting, but nerve-wracking.” Popping a berry into her mouth, Aileen asked, “Can you share why you are here?”

  Abela shrugged and continued moving the items about. “It is a matter dealing with a treaty between all the realms. Liam is seeking to alter one of the laws. It cannot be done, unless the original documents are presented to the King of the Fae.”

  “Did you want to make this journey with him? I am stunned you’re traveling without guards or Conn. I’m sure he’s a very overprotective brother.”

  She could feel the scrutinizing gaze of the woman. You are intuitive, my cousin. Abela straightened. “This was my decision. I yearned to visit the human world before Liam and I are settled. Originally, our plans were to travel to another century, but I am happy our path led us to you. Never did I imagine meeting my human cousin.”

  “And never did I dream on being related to Fae royalty,” added Aileen.

  Sorrow reflected in her eyes, and Abela walked to her side. “I make no promises, Aileen, but I shall try to return and tell you more stories of your father.”

  Aileen hugged her arms around herself. “Part of me is angry—upset with the Fae for forcing him to make a decision. Of course, he chose my mother and love in the end. I can’t imagine never seeing my husband and children again, so I don’t know how he battled the emotions. My mother and father are dead, and the knowledge buried with them.”

  “My heart ached after Aidan left the realm.”

  Letting out a sigh, Aileen placed the bowl of berries on the trencher. “Did you know Liam worked with him in Scotland on archaeological digs? I’m sure there were other Fenian Warriors who visited him on occasion, too.”

  Abela shook her head. Her time had been spent deep within the Fae realm serving Mother Danu. She was unable to fathom Liam’s reasons for working with him. “I was not privy to any news pertaining to the warriors or your world.”

  Placing a hand against her side, Aileen slumped into a nearby chair and let out a groan. “Enough of the past. We only have this brief time, so share how you and Liam first met. Was it love at first sight? What will the ceremony be like? What will you do after you’re married? Will he still be part of the Brotherhood? And you must tell me more about my father.”

  Abela grew dizzy from the onslaught of the woman’s questions. Taking a seat beside her, she deemed it best to give her a skewed, but partial truth.

  ****

  The leader of the Dragon Knights leaned against the arched window, surveying him. Liam couldn’t detect if it was Angus searching for the truth in his words after requesting the Treaty of Feahan, or the Fire Dragon that dwelled within the man. Out of all the knights, Angus MacKay had mastered complete control of his beast.

  Did he know Liam was without his powers? Could the man sense his weakness?

  I walk a dangerous path with this one.

  Liam folded his arms across his chest. “By your extended silence, am I to assume you are calculating the risks? Or preparing an argument?”

  Stephen drummed his fingers on the desk. “Ye have yet to share what happened at your trial.”

  Why did this particular branch of the Dragon Knights believe they held the upper hand? Did they not understand the strength of a Fae warrior? Thank the Gods Duncan and Alastair MacKay were absent. He had no wish to battle words with all four Dragon Knights.

  Angus pushed away from the wall. He reminded Liam of a lion. “Because the trial is ongoing, correct?”

  Liam stiffened, but remained composed. “I can offer no information.”

  Smacking his palm on the oak desk, Angus blurted out, “Yet, ye arrive asking for our Treaty of Feahan based on your account? We ken the laws set down by our ancestors. Our father counseled us wisely. Is this to save yourself? Or another?”

  This time Liam narrowed his gaze in warning. “You are aware—”

  “We ken why,” Stephen interjected. “If ye recall, I was there. Ye took Aidan Kerrigan back through the Veil of Ages. Aileen has shared the knowledge that ye broke a Fae law in escorting her father back in time.”

  “It is no secret,” Liam protested. “I require the treaty to argue for an amendment. If you deem it unreasonable, you can voice
your grievances, and I will forward them to the Fae King.”

  Angus snarled. “Ye ken we are not the original signers. Why not journey back and have Alexander give ye the treaty?”

  “Does it matter?” argued Liam, unfolding his arms. “We are here, and you have in your possession the parchment. Nowhere in the bylaws does it state that in order to amend a law the original signers must be notified.”

  “Horse dung,” muttered Stephen.

  Growing weary of the discussion, Liam moved to a chair. Resting his hands on his thighs, he glanced at both men. Did not they battle for the same cause? How could he reason with them? “I have spoken the truth with you. Yes, I am doing this to save myself. Aidan Kerrigan was one of my closet friends and mentor. Did he see his death? No. He fully intended to return and give his account on why he required traveling through the Veil of Ages.” He blew out a frustrated breath and leaned back. “Perchance at the end of the battle we fought, he foresaw his own death.”

  “Dinnae forget your oath to me, too,” reminded Stephen. “I made ye swear a vow that if the fight were to turn brutal and not in our favor, ye were to return Aileen to the future.”

  Liam nodded slowly. “Let me be clear. I have no regrets. In addition, the politics of the Fae kingdom are complex—thorny. There is no assurance I will succeed in my world with my request.”

  Angus rubbed a hand through his beard in thought and walked back to the window. “Ye were outnumbered during the battle, especially with only Duncan and Stephen to help ye fight Lachlan.”

  “You and Alastair were still on your own quests for redemption,” noted Liam.

  Angus’s expression was of pained tolerance. “A dark time indeed.”

  “Aye,” agreed Stephen quietly.

  Liam had stated his plea more fully than he intended. He understood the risk if Angus decided against giving him the treaty. His and Abela’s journey would end at Urquhart. His hope was she would accept the decision and return back home with him.

  Silence permeated the small chamber as the earlier sunlight turned to gray skies, putting a damper on his already sour disposition.

  “I will give ye the Treaty of Feahan,” Angus announced.