Highland Fires

by Donna Grant

  “I hope this finds you quickly, Tane,” Viggo said softly as if someone might here him as his recorded message began. “Finish your mission and return. Draconia needs you. Our king needs you.”

  And just as suddenly as the message appeared, it vanished. Tane leaned back in the chair and rested his head against the back. There was no way around it, he had to return. Immediately.

  He glanced at Lugus to see his face nearly healed and his breathing even. As much as he needed to be here to help Lugus down his path, Draconia and his king needed him more.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  No matter how hard Ahryn tried, she couldn’t rest. She had pretended to sleep as her grandfather watched over her, but now she was growing tired of the charade. She wanted to be with Lugus.

  “You can stop pretending now.”

  She should have known she wouldn’t fool her grandfather. Ahryn rolled over and sat up to find her grandfather sitting with his arms crossed, his blonde hair long and held away from his face by braids.

  “Even as a little girl you weren’t able to fool me, Ahryn. Why try now?” he asked, sadness darkening his blue eyes.

  Ahryn sighed. “I don’t know.”

  “You will be with Lugus shortly but you need to rest. You will not do him, nor yourself, any good by becoming exhausted.”

  There was something in his voice, something that alerted Ahryn that something was going to happen.

  “What are you keeping from me?” she asked hesitantly.

  Michyl averted his gaze and uncrossed his arms. “I had no choice, Ahryn. You don’t know what Lugus has done in the past.”

  “I know what type of man he is now, Grandfather.” As she stared at the man before her, the man she had trusted with her heart, she realized what he had done. “You sent for my parents.”

  He nodded slowly.

  “It doesn’t matter,” she said as she threw back the covers and slid from the bed. “I’m not leaving Lugus.”

  With one last look at her grandfather, she walked from her chamber.

  ~ ~ ~

  No matter how Rufina had prayed or the amount of magic used, Theron wouldn’t wake. Many hours they had stood over Theron, pooling their powers together in the hopes he would revive.

  She had asked for constant updates about Lugus’ condition, and though she wanted to go to her brother-in-law and thank him for returning her husband, she couldn’t leave Theron. Not until he awoke.

  “My queen, you must eat,” Aimery said as he held a platter of food for her.

  She reached over and plucked a piece of fruit from the tray but didn’t taste it as she chewed. Finally, when she could stand the crowded room no more, she stood.

  “Everyone, thank you for your efforts, but I need you to leave now.”

  “But, Rufina,” Aimery started.

  She halted him with her hand. Once the others had left, she turned to her commander. “Check on Lugus again. Give Tane anything he needs to speed Lugus’ recovery.”

  Aimery nodded and turned to leave.

  “Also,” she said, stopping him. “See about Ahryn. She and Lugus are going to need some privacy and I want to make sure they have it.”

  “Even if Michyl and her parents disapprove?”

  She raised a brow. “Am I queen for nothing? This is my palace, Aimery, and they will remember that. As long as Ahryn stays here, she is under my protection.”

  “Does your protection also reach to Lugus?”

  She stared at Aimery, trying to discern what he was referring to. “Others know he is here?”

  Aimery nodded. “They are more concerned about his presence than Tane’s.”

  “If anyone harms Lugus, I will banish them.” She trembled with rage at how callous her people could act. Didn’t they realize that people could change?

  “I will spread the word,” Aimery said then turned on his heel and walked from the chamber.

  When the door clicked behind Aimery, Rufina sank onto her chair and lifted Theron’s hand in hers.

  “I’m at a loss, Theron, and you know that rarely happens. I don’t know what else to do to bring you back. It seems all the magic in the Fae realm cannot wake you. Don’t you want to come back to me? To our child?”

  She sighed loudly and dropped her head onto her hands.

  “Our people need you, my love. I need you. I cannot do this alone.”

  “You could do anything,” came a hoarse reply.

  Rufina’s head jerked up to look at Theron, but his eyes remained closed. Had she simply imagined her husband had spoken?

  “Rufina?”

  She knew she heard it that time. She rose up and leaned close to Theron.

  “My love? I’m here. Come to me.”

  Slowly, Theron’s eyes opened, his once bright blue eyes now dulled and nearly lifeless.

  But Rufina didn’t care. She smiled through her tears and kissed his cheek. “I knew you would come back to me.”

  “Wh...what happened?”

  “I’ll tell you everything later. Right now you must get better. Sleep, my love, and regain your strength.”

  When his eyes closed and his breath evened into sleep, Rufina sat back in the chair and wiped the tears from her eyes. Now that Theron had woken, she felt the iron claw around her heart loosen.

  She rose and went to the door to proclaim the good news. Soon the quiet palace was abuzz with Theron’s wakening. Rufina hurried to Lugus’ chamber to tell him.

  Without knocking, she opened the door and found Tane staring off into the distance as if he were deep in thought. Her gaze moved to the bed to find Lugus sleeping.

  “Tane?” she whispered as she stepped into the chamber.

  He jerked and rose to his feet. “Rufina.”

  “How is he?” she asked though she could tell by Lugus’ face that he was healed.

  Tane nodded. “He is all but healed. He slumbers in a healing sleep, though I suspect he will wake soon.”

  “I know his mortality slowed the process.”

  “It did a little, but I was able to work through that.”

  Rufina smiled. “You’re skills are very good then. I understand you didn’t require any aid from us.”

  “You praise me too highly. Lugus’ wounds were not that severe.”

  She waved away his words. “Tell me, will he completely recover?”

  “Because of his mortality, he will walk with some pain for a few weeks before the bone fully heals in his leg. Since his ribs were only bruised, he should be fine by the end of the day.”

  “Excellent. I don’t know how to thank you for...everything.”

  She watched as his gaze shifted away for a moment before returning to her. “I ask but for one small favor.”

  “Name it.”

  “Lugus has his destiny still before him. He needs to reach for it. Many things depend on Lugus fulfilling his destiny.”

  Curiosity got the better of Rufina. “What is his destiny?”

  Tane smiled and shook his head. “That I cannot tell you.”

  “Why is it I get the feeling you are about to leave us?”

  “Because I am. Draconia needs me.”

  She nodded as she understood. “Know that you are welcome in our realm any time. I would like for you to visit soon so Theron may thank you personally.”

  “The thanks goes to Lugus.”

  “It goes to both of you.”

  Tane bowed his head. “As you wish.”

  She watched as Tane walked to the door. “If you ever need us, you need simply ask, Tane. We owe you a very large debt that I fear will never be repaid.”

  Tane gave her a smile then slipped out the door.

  “He is a good man.”

  Rufina’s gaze swung to the bed to find Lugus watching her. “That he is. I fear we won’t ever see him again.”

  “Oh, I think we will,” Lugus said as he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, careful to keep the sheet from showing his nudity.

  Rufina wa
lked to the bed. “How do you feel?”

  “Like I’ve been dragged behind a horde of dragons.”

  She smiled, but she saw the pain in his eyes nonetheless. Not pain from wounds, but pain from his soul. “I cannot imagine what it was like to return to that place, Lugus. Mere words of thanks don’t seem enough.”

  “But they will do nicely. I ask for nothing. I did it for my brother.”

  She sat beside him and laid her head on his shoulder. “Theron has woken.”

  Lugus sighed and closed his eyes. “Thank the stars,” he whispered.

  “You hadn’t planned on returning.”

  It wasn’t a question and he knew it, yet he felt like he had to answer her.

  “I didn’t, but I had no other choice when I found Theron unconscious.”

  “How did you find him?” she asked as she raised her head and looked at him. “Tane told us the realm was as black as the Death Dragons and as silent as a tomb.”

  “It is all that and more. I’m not sure how I found him. I wandered for hours until I heard a voice,” he said as he remembered the sweet sound of Ahryn calling out to him.

  “A voice?” she repeated. “Who’s voice?”

  “Ahryn’s,” he said with a soft laugh. “I know it was most likely my imagination. That realm will make you go daft in a matter of moments.”

  “Yet, you found Theron?”

  “Tripped over him actually,” he said and touched his cheek that was now fully healed.

  “Interesting,” she said then rose to her feet. “I’ll expect you to come see Theron.”

  Lugus looked away from her. That he couldn’t do. It was better if he left before then. “Aye,” he lied and watched her walk from the chamber.

  He looked around for his clothes but they were no where to be found. Hesitantly, he stood and found his leg only ached a little and if he took slow, shallow breaths, his ribs didn’t hurt.

  Upon reaching his wardrobe without incident, he opened the door and reached for some clothes. He didn’t like wearing the clothes that signified him royalty. Just when he thought he would have to wear them, he caught a glimpse of something dark among the white and silver.

  He tossed aside the white tunic he had held and pushed aside the other clothes until he found the leather trousers and black tunic. With a smile he pulled on the clothes. He wasn’t surprised to find his boots next. He pulled on the comfortable leather boots and an issued a sigh at feeling more...himself.

  First he would find something to eat, then he would find Ahryn. He hadn’t yet decided what he would do regarding what was between them. There was so much he wanted to say, but it was unfair to do anything until she knew the truth of him.

  Maybe it was time he told her. Everything. Even if she did hate him afterwards, at least he would know he had done the right thing and had given everything.

  Peace suddenly filled him. He chuckled and strode to the door, suddenly anxious to find Ahryn.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Ahryn walked the halls of the palace, deep in thought. Her grandfather’s words rang in her mind, and with the imminent arrival of her parents, she knew she had precious little time to speak to Lugus alone.

  It still didn’t matter to her what he had done. Even if he had been the one that nearly destroyed Caer Rhoemyr, he wasn’t the same man and she would gladly place her life in his hands. She just needed to tell him that.

  Then they could decide what was right for them. She knew if she didn’t have a chance to speak to Lugus before her parents arrived, she never would. Her parents still treated her like a child.

  “Maybe its time I stopped letting them,” she whispered.

  It was time she stopped complaining about how her parents treated her and did something about it. She smiled at her decision, knowing it had been Lugus’ influence on her that had changed her into what she was.

  Her feet hurried as she turned and walked to Lugus’ chamber. By the time she reached it, she was nearly giddy with excitement.

  Which made her disappointment all the worse when she found the room empty.

  “I think he’s feeling much better.”

  Ahryn spun around to find Rufina behind her. “My queen. I didn’t hear you approach.”

  Rufina gave her a knowing smile. “That is obvious. I’d like to speak with you a moment if you please.”

  Ahryn glanced at Lugus’ bed. She would have to wait to find him, but find him she would.

  “Aye, my queen.”

  “Good,” Rufina said. “Come with me.”

  Ahryn didn’t know why Rufina took her to the small chamber off of the king and queen’s private quarters. It felt more like an interrogation coming.

  “Have a seat,” Rufina said as they passed one of the many chairs.

  Ahryn sank into one and waited.

  She didn’t have long to wait.

  “Tell me, Ahryn, how much do you love Lugus?” Ahryn blinked. “I love him so much that I would give up my immortality to be with him.”

  “That much, aye,” Rufina said, her face devoid of expression.

  “Aye.”

  “Without knowing what demons haunt him?” Ahryn nodded. “It doesn’t matter what he has done in the past. I know what kind of man he is now.”

  “One more question,” Rufina said. “Did you somehow manage to link yourself to him while he was in the Realm of Shadows?”

  Ahryn swallowed. “I did. I knew he would need help and I sought to give him that.”

  Rufina suddenly smiled. “You’ll be quite happy with Lugus. He is a good man, Ahryn, despite what some think of him.”

  “I know,” Ahryn said, a smile on her face as well. “I went to his chamber to tell him of my love and that I don’t care what he has done in the past. I will help him release his demons. We can do it together.”

  Rufina stood then and patted Ahryn’s shoulder. “Wait in the throne room. I’ll find Lugus and send him there. Oh, and Ahryn. Don’t worry about your parents. I’ve kept them away and I will continue to do so until you and Lugus have had a chance to talk.”

  Ahryn hugged herself and gave a prayer of thanks before hurrying to the throne room.

  She walked aimlessly around the massive room as her mind raced with everything she wished to say to Lugus. She went over every possible outcome and her reaction to each, just so she could be prepared for any eventuality.

  When the door opened, she jumped and turned expecting to find Lugus but found Theron instead. He was leaning against the door as if it had taken every ounce of his strength just to open it.

  She hurried to her king and slipped her arm around his waist to help support him.

  “I don’t think you were supposed to be out of bed yet. Queen Rufina will have your head if you hurt yourself.”

  He smiled, though his mouth was pinched with fatigue. “I’m fine, Ahryn, just incredibly weak. I’ve never felt this before, and I will be perfectly content to never feel it again.”

  She helped him into his throne and made sure he was comfortable before she stepped back. “Can I get you anything?” “Nay,” he said, his eyes closed as he leaned his head against the back of the throne. “I had felt fine when I awoke and thought I would go looking for my wife, but it was only a few steps away from the bed that I realized my mistake.”

  Ahryn chuckled. “I’ll find someone to get you back to your chamber.”

  “Not yet,” he said. “I’m comfortable for now.”

  “All right,” she said and glanced at the doors. “You act as though you are waiting on something, or someone,” he said, one eye cracked open.

  Ahryn threaded her hands together and faced her king. “I am.”

  “Who is the lucky suitor? Is Michyl pleased?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not sure what my grandfather thinks.”

  “And the suitor?”

  “Lugus.”

  Theron’s eyes snapped open. “My brother Lugus?” Ahryn nodded, barely able to contain the shudder that ran down her
spine at the look on Theron’s face.

  “I forbid it. You are not to even speak to him. He isn’t worthy of you.”

  “I think I’m the only one that can decide who is or isn’t worthy of me,” Ahryn retorted. “My king.”

  “If you won’t listen to my advice, maybe the truth of what he is will change your mind.”

  Ahryn opened her mouth to stop him. She didn’t want to hear Lugus’ deeds from Theron. Now she understood when Rufina had told her to let Lugus speak first.

  “He might have been wrongly accused of killing our father,” he began.”

  “Might have been?” Ahryn asked outraged. “He was. And wrongly imprisoned as well. You were in that realm for a mere few days. He was there for millennia and survived.”

  Theron sliced his hand in front of him for her silence. “I’m not through,” he ground out.

  Ahryn stared at him, not understanding the hate Theron felt for the man that had saved his life.

  “It was vengeance that kept Lugus alive those millennia, Ahryn, and when he was able to free himself, he had more power than anyone in any realm. He set out to take over this realm and Earth.”

  “This realm was rightly his,” she said hastily.

  “It doesn’t clear him of what he did. Not only did he trap the entire Fae realm under his control, but he released the Death Dragons which nearly destroyed this city.”

  Lugus had just stepped into the throne room as he heard his brother’s bellow. When Rufina had found him and told him that Ahryn waited for him, Lugus had nearly ran the distance. Now, as he waited for his brother to continue he felt a knot of dread in the pit of his stomach.

  He stood rooted to the spot as Theron continued down his long list of crimes.

  “He is a murderer, Ahryn.”

  Lugus closed his eyes and sighed. Ahryn was well and truly lost to him now, which was more than likely for the best. He stepped into the throne room then and waited until both Ahryn and Theron noticed him.

  “There you have it, Ahryn. All of my crimes. Everything that I had tried desperately to keep from you, the very reason I left with no intention of ever returning.”

  Before Ahryn could respond, Theron’s voice boomed around them.