Trial of a Warrior

by Mary Morgan

  The High Priestess inclined her head toward Abela. “Royal daughter of King Ansgar and Queen Nuala, you were born under the ninth star, of the ninth month, in the ninth year of your parents’ reign. Though you were born second, your path will lead to greatness. As for you Fenian Warrior, your strength and wisdom shall exceed those within the Brotherhood. With this marriage bond, a new responsibility is tasked upon you. Though this woman is no longer a priestess, she is a favored one by the Goddess. May you both visit the sacred waters near the temple for guidance.”

  Liam glanced at Abela, trying to discern if she knew anything about this special gift. “Did you know?”

  She shook her head, confusion marring her features. “I understood I would never be allowed near the temple again.”

  High Priestess Meena gave a slight smile. “It is our wedding gift to you both.”

  Fisting a hand over his chest, Liam bowed. “My thanks.”

  “With mine, as well,” uttered Abela softly.

  They watched as the High Priestess departed from the area, making her way to the other priestesses.

  Turning Abela around to face him, Liam placed her hand over his heart. “Do you feel the beat of my heart? This is where my love for you resides. Safe, warm, secure. We were fated so many moons ago, but were not ready for the journey. I now ask you to walk beside me. My body will shield and protect you. My heart shall forever cherish and love you. And my soul will seek yours at the gates of Tir na Og, only when it is time.”

  He lifted his hand high, whispering the ancient words of star fire. In a flash, a tiny star crystal appeared inside his palm. Presenting it to her, he said, “From the nine ancient guardians who grace the night sky. I asked and they have graciously given you this gem as protection on all your travels—be it in the human or Fae realm.”

  Abela let out an audible gasp, as she took the gift. “It is warm.”

  “To always remind you of the breath of fire and that you are never alone.”

  Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. “A treasured keepsake.” She blew across the crystal and a silver chain magically appeared, securing the gem in place. “Once I place this around my neck, it shall never be parted from me.” Slipping the chain over her head, she gazed up at him.

  After removing her hand from his chest, Abela took his and placed it centered to her heart. Her gaze never wavered as she spoke, “My warrior, my husband, my lover, my friend. It was our friendship in the beginning that built the foundation of our love. My soul called out to yours in a spark of light. I kept my love hidden until it was time for it to mature and blossom. The candle of my love for you will never extinguish. It shines as bright as the stars in the cosmos. Even when their light fades, mine shall continue to illuminate. May our roots grow deep in love and the branches of our journey reach out in harmony as one.”

  She took another step closer. “In front of all these witnesses, I present you with the obsidian dagger of light and dark.” Abela removed her hand from his chest and blew across her palm. The blade appeared magically. “You now possess the royal dagger, passed down to each generation within the royal family.”

  “I am not royalty, Abela,” he argued softly. “It belongs to Conn. The power it contains should only be in the hands of the king or prince. It can only be used in times of war, though it cannot thwart the Dark One from entering our realm again.”

  Presenting the blade outward to him, she shook her head. “This was given to me on my 100th birthday by my father. If you recall, it was a rare occurrence for twins to be born in the realm. Therefore, the king deemed it wise that my future husband and children should carry the obsidian dagger. Two royal lines were formed on the day of our births. You are now part of that royal line with me.”

  Overcome with emotions, Liam found himself unable to speak. When his fingers made contact with the dagger, cold and heat surged through his skin. He regarded it for a few moments, understanding the power it contained—the ability to bring forth destruction as well as rebirth to the land. After securing it firmly under his belt on his tunic, he grasped Abela around the waist. “Two souls…”

  “One love.”

  Liam brushed his fingers across her cheek. “A lifetime to cherish.”

  “Until we surrender to the mists.”

  Taking her hand in his, he submerged them in the bubbling water. A spray of water misted over their joined hands, and they both smiled. Liam released her hand, and they knelt on the soft ground. Mother Danu’s whispered blessing poured through them, and the warmth of her love enveloped Liam.

  Love, hope, renewal. A trial of fire they both endured. Regardless of their journey, their love had endured their trials together. Liam would gladly do it all over again for the woman who was now his wife.

  As they both stood, he glanced around at those who were gathered. His brother, Rory and wife, Erina. Their daughter, Angelica, waved to him from her father’s arms. He swept his gaze to Conn. Warrior, leader, prince, and his friend. There he stood with his wife, Ivy, and their daughter, Sorcha, tucked against his chest, fast asleep.

  If anyone had professed their futures several years ago, he deemed they would have all fled to the outer reaches of the cosmos of time. Love had been their paths, though arduous and treacherous at times. He nodded and smiled at both of the warriors.

  Three destinies fulfilled.

  Abela’s fingers grazed across his chin, snapping him out of his thoughts. He grasped her hand and kissed each scented, delicate finger. “I love you fiercely.”

  Her smile was a moonbeam of promises yet to be rewarded. “As you should, my husband.”

  Taking her in his arms, Liam placed feather-like kisses over her face between each whispered word of endearment. Her body trembled against him, and when her lips parted on a sigh, he captured her mouth with savage intensity.

  They barely registered the shouts of elation from those within the cathedral. When someone nudged him on the back, he finally broke free from his wife’s embrace.

  “Welcome to the family,” Conn pronounced.

  Liam gazed down at Abela. “A beautiful family, indeed.”

  Others started forward, but Liam kept a firm arm around his wife. He had no desire to part from her. Each person acknowledged them with a kiss or bow in passing. Some of the Fae dusted stardust over them as they swept past them in a procession, and his heart swelled.

  And as the trumpets heralded the wedding celebration of Liam MacGregor and Princess Abela, he bent near his beloved and whispered, “I have made arrangements to leave the feasting early.”

  “How is that possible?” She smiled and nodded to another Fae. “Wonderful, here comes my mother and father.” Abela darted a glance at him. “Quick, get that mischievous glint out of your eyes. My father will understand its meaning instantly.”

  “Nope.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Sweet Goddess, you’re now in a playful mood?”

  “Yep.”

  “Can’t you wait until these formalities are over?”

  He winked at her. “Be careful, wife, or I may whisk you away.”

  She looked aghast at him. “You would not dare.”

  “Ahh…A challenge has been tossed out and I accept.”

  “If you move a muscle, I will freeze you where you stand,” she hissed out.

  Liam roared with laughter. When she started to protest, he silenced any further outburst with a searing kiss.

  Epilogue

  Abela tossed another blackberry into her mouth in between regaling Liam with yet another story she had heard—about how upset the king was over their early departure from the wedding feast. True, he did have his brother Rory arrange for their early exodus. But Liam judged he had done his best after one full day of feasting, drinking, and storytelling. King Ansgar should have been proud of him for his endurance.

  He stretched out upon the ground and leaned back against the ancient oak tree bordering the river adjacent to his parents’ home, fascinated with every aspect of his wife. H
er gossamer lavender gown did nothing to hide her satiny skin underneath, and he found himself growing hard once again.

  She gestured her hand outward in annoyance. “Did you know he even ordered Conn to bring you back? Mind you, he never said anything about me, but I’m positive there was a message in there somewhere for Conn to escort me back to the wedding table.”

  “As if Conn would agree,” he replied dryly.

  She snorted. “Clearly you know him well, since he ignored our father and escorted Ivy to the dancing along the royal lake.”

  “It has been eons since we have danced along the water,” he admitted, trying to change the current topic of conversation and put the focus on them.

  Her mouth opened and then snapped shut. Sprawling out on the lush grass onto her stomach, she reached for another blackberry from the silver bowl.

  An array of tempting delicacies was spread out on trays and bowls. The empty bottle of honeyed ambrosia set in a chilled container, and Liam pondered fetching another one. Nevertheless, of all the enticing dishes set out before them, there was only one who had him craving a delicious sweet nectar. Abela.

  Holding the tiny morsel out in front of her, she remarked, “Do you remember the fresh strawberries and blackberries we gathered on Beltaine? Then made ourselves nauseated by smothering them with thick, sweet cream that we made ourselves?”

  He smiled knowingly. “If I recall, you were not feeling well the next morning. My recollection was the night before. Do you remember the game we played?”

  She bit down on the blackberry and some of the juices stained her lips. “Yes,” she answered in a rush.

  “After dipping a variety of fruits in the sweet cream, I fed them to you when you answered each of my questions correctly.”

  “And then licked the leftover cream from my lips,” she added in a throaty whisper.

  The image of that provocative evening came slamming into his thoughts. “I have a confession.”

  “Do tell,” she purred.

  “I almost took your virginity that evening.”

  Rolling over, Abela sat up. “I’m shocked, Liam MacGregor.” A glint of humor shone in her eyes.

  Swiftly diverting his attention to a pair of wild geese gliding across the river, he added, “Yet, we were not ready so long ago.”

  “True words spoken.”

  When he glanced back at her, her smile had faded and she appeared crestfallen. “That was the night I fell in love with you.”

  Liam held out his hands to her. “Come here, mo ghrá.”

  She scrambled over to his waiting arms and curled up in his lap. He tugged at the loose curl from the braided mass around her head. With deft skill, Liam removed the crystal pins securing her braids in place. “A lot of work—” she explained.

  He placed a finger over her pouting lips. “Shh…allow me the pleasure.” After dropping the pins on the ground, he went to work unraveling each braid.

  Sighing in obvious pleasure, she leaned her head forward against his chest as he massaged her scalp.

  “Feels good,” she mumbled.

  Cupping her chin, his gaze roamed over her features. “There shall be no more unhappiness when we speak of the past. It was our journey. Regardless of the obstacles, and near death situations, we overcame them all. You are here with me. Those trials of the past are gone. We have our entire lives to map out. I shall love and cherish you forever.”

  Abela wrapped her arms around his neck and straddled his thighs. “Oh, Liam, my heart is full with love. Thank you for reminding me. There is much to do in the human realm. First, I wish to visit Aileen and the other wives of the Dragon Knights. Since Aileen is a healer, I consider it wise to have the Master Apothecary accompany us on our first official business.”

  Liam arched a brow. “Have you spoken to Aelish about this new venture?”

  “Yes. At our wedding feast. Actually, she was the one who approached me and inquired about Aileen. She regretted not being able to assist the woman in the Fae healing practices. This will be a welcomed opportunity.”

  “And I have no doubt Aileen will appreciate the mentoring from the Master Apothecary and the chance to see you, as well.”

  Abela trailed a finger over the markings on his chest. “Exactly. But we should not concern ourselves with leaving for the human world just yet. This is a time of rest.”

  Liam’s gaze dipped from her luscious lips to the pert rosy nipples pressing against her sheer gown. “I concur. We should take this time to indulge our fantasies and treasure the time alone.”

  Leaning forward, she nipped along the vein in his neck. “Fantasies? I am intrigued.”

  He cupped her full warm breasts. “Would you like to visit the waters of Delfina?”

  She rocked slowly over his swollen erection. “I have heard that making love within the waters brings exquisite pleasure.”

  “Unspeakable passion. More heady than within the stars. You can feel the fervor of the other person you are with, increasing your sensitivity.”

  Her eyes glittered with desire and as Liam bent his head for a kiss, she whispered, “Take me there, my warrior.”

  “With pleasure, my Fae minx.”

  And with a wave of his hand, they vanished in a soft mist of light and love.

  Note from the Author

  I have never had a story developed so quickly as Trial of a Warrior. Princess Abela stunned me one cold winter morning when she stepped forth within my thoughts and Liam’s prison. Uncertainty filled me as I fought against her choice for the heroine. Yet, she refused to leave, and I yielded to her demands. After all, she is royalty.

  In the end, it was a perfect match.

  Liam and Abela took me on an amazing adventure. I allowed these characters to involve me—the writer—on their epic journey. I hope you’ve enjoyed their story as much as I loved writing the tale. We also learned that the greatest Fenian Warrior, Aidan Kerrigan, had his own secret—the queen’s brother! Did I know this important fact? No. The warrior chose not to reveal his particular lineage with me until now.

  And this my friends is what happens in the life of a writer. Some elements of a story unfold immediately before we hit the first keystroke. However, there are times when you have nothing, and when you sit down to begin, the characters reveal the story to you.

  Next in the Legends of the Fenian Warriors? Who else but the greatest legend of the Fae kingdom. Aidan Kerrigan—Destiny of a Warrior! Learn what really happened when the kingdom’s most revered warrior (and oldest) defies his own people for the love of a human. You first met this ancient warrior as Aileen Kerrigan’s father in Dragon Knight’s Medallion, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 2.

  Until then, may your dreams be filled with Irish charm and Highland mists.

  Coming in 2019

  DESTINY OF A WARRIOR

  For a sneak preview just turn the page…

  Prologue

  In the beginning…when the world was new, Fae and humans lived peacefully together, but as the centuries passed, fear and distrust evolved. The Fae continued to love the humans, but they believed it was time to safeguard the realms. Therefore, they appointed the Fenian Warriors to protect the domain between human and faery. But most importantly, these warriors were only to assist the humans and steer a new course in the mortal world.

  When evil threatened to destroy a clan, country, or civilization, the Fae council called upon these warriors. This group of elite Fae had the power to travel through the Veil of Ages, supporting those in need. They were not to alter the timeline or what the Fae believed to be the life strings of a human. To do so, would be catastrophic.

  Ancient and powerful, the Brotherhood of the Fenian Warriors was second only to the Fae King and Queen’s powers. They have lived amongst us for thousands of years—watching, aiding, guiding. They could live in the guise of a professor, lawyer, knight, tavern owner, or a simple farmer.

  Whatever was required, the warriors did so without complaint. If so much as a whisper of
negativity reached their leader, they were banished from the Brotherhood.

  In the early formation of the Fenian Warriors, many were chosen to enter the Brotherhood. Yet, some argued as to who should lead this vast number of Fae. A council of nine Fae elders was appointed to oversee the debate regarding a leader. The elders agreed that whoever was chosen had to have qualities that were impeccable. No blemish had to stain his life history.

  They were given nine days to make their decision. In the end, one Fae stood out in stark contrast to all those who were considered. It was a unanimous decision.

  Aidan Kerrigan, older brother to Queen Nuala, was deemed the perfect Fae to govern the Fenian Warriors. His code of ethics rivaled none. Steadfast and loyal to his people and the Brotherhood, not one could find fault in him. In addition, his royal bloodline was vast, and he was one of the few to be born on their homeland of Taralyn within the great cosmos.

  So on the summer festival marking the five thousandth year of the Fae living on earth, King Ansgar made Aidan the supreme leader over the Brotherhood. He was bestowed with more powers, making him almost an equal to the King of the Fae.

  Over the centuries, admiration grew for the leader of the Fenian Warriors. Honorable, loyal, brave, courageous—words uttered by all when his name was mentioned.

  Until one day, when the sun and moon became one on both worlds, and a shift in the Fae realm transpired.

  The Fae forgot about the prophecy. No one cared about the whispers on a darkened midday. Nor did any seek out the seer for her wisdom or heard the weeping of the priestesses within the temple of Mother Danu.

  The warm air turned frigid in seconds, and not one Fae paused to understand the meaning of what was about to occur.

  Yet, one human female did notice in her world.

  When she stumbled along a path one spring afternoon in awe of the glorious solar eclipse, the Fates shredded the loom of two individuals—one human and the other a Fae.