by Dianna Love
If what Ceartas said was true, there was only one way to save Brina. Tzader had a hard time discounting this dream walker.
Strange things happened in his world all the time, but no one just showed up with this kind of information. Trusting this man could go either way—for good or for ill. But if Tzader were entirely honest with himself, he’d admit that Ceartas had struck a nerve when it came to trusting Macha.
The whole reason Tzader had hidden Brina’s mental deterioration from Macha was because he feared what the goddess would do.
Now he just had to convince Macha to endorse his stealing the dragon throne, so she couldn’t accuse him of breaking his Belador vows. While going after the throne without her authorization was honorable in Tzader’s mind, defying her would be dishonorable to her and the Beladors, in her thinking.
That would be the same as signing his death warrant.
His silence must have sent a message of hesitation.
Ceartas reached inside his leather vest and withdrew something shaped like a rounded leaf the size of his hand. As he turned the thin disk, it changed from iridescent colors to brilliant red. Ceartas said, “I can appreciate that you have doubts. I will give you this to prove that I know what I’m talking about, and for Brina to show you the truth.”
Tzader frowned. “What is it?”
“One of the dragon’s scales. He shares this with Brina to help her while you’re rescuing her savior. This scale can’t stop the Noirre spell from continuing to infect Brina, but it will offer her a brief reprieve. She will remember you—”
Those four words gave new life to Tzader’s hope.
Then Ceartas ruined it by saying, “But only for twenty-four hours once she touches it. However, she will remember you immediately and recall far more than she has in the last two months. Clamp it between your hand and hers when you see her again. Make sure she does not show this scale to anyone.”
Tzader accepted the scale, surprised at the energy buzzing over the surface. He made his decision. “If this scale does what you claim, then I give you my word to try to free the dragon, but I’ll need some time to figure out a few things.”
Like how to get inside Tŵr Medb undetected.
How to break the curse placed on the dragon so that he would be mobile.
How to get out of the place with the dragon, before all hell broke loose and Queen Maeve turned them both into something far worse than chairs.
Rising slowly to his feet, Ceartas snapped, “You can’t try, Tzader. This is an all or nothing deal, and time is running out. If you don’t think so, go back and talk to Brina before sharing the scale, then have her touch it. And if you want to see proof of what I’ve said of Macha and Queen Maeve being no different, just ask Macha what she plans to do when Brina’s memory does not return. I assure you, she’ll turn Brina into nothing more than a mindless vessel for making babies.”
Not while I still breathe, Tzader swore silently.
Much as he hated to admit it, Ceartas voiced the concerns about Brina’s future that rode Tzader’s heart every minute of every day.
He admitted something now that he never would have in the past. He did not trust Macha with Brina’s well-being or her future.
Maybe not even with the future of the Beladors, if Macha gave Tzader reason to question her commitment to him and Brina.
Decision made, Tzader extended his hand. “By my word, we have a deal if this scale performs as you say.”
“I would not give just anyone the dragon’s scale.” Ceartas shook hands.
Tzader winced at the amount of power flowing through this man. “What are you when you’re not dream walking?”
“A very dangerous warrior to those who cross me,” Ceartas said, without a bit of ego. “But you and I are allies. You have a day, if that much, which is another reason I’m delivering the scale now.”
“What? Why?”
Sympathy softened the warrior’s intense gaze. “’Tis not my timeline. That’s the dragon’s best guess at how long you have before the Noirre spell finishes the job it started. Queen Maeve is not aware of Brina’s mental condition, but she’s piecing together a picture of what Flaevynn did in the past. Once she has everything she needs, she’ll know how to come after Treoir. She’s already inserted an elite unit of warlocks known as Scáth Force into the human world.”
That new information made Tzader’s head spin. VIPER had no idea, or he’d have heard from someone about it by now.
Ceartas went on without slowing. “You will need the dragon very soon. Need his aid to protect Brina and the Beladors against Queen Maeve. You’re a powerful warrior in your own right, Tzader, but remember. No one can win a war alone. You can save Brina and gain a powerful ally at the same time.”
“So Flaevynn is definitely dead.”
“Yes.” He shrugged. “More like disintegrated. The power that brought Queen Maeve to this time took Flaevynn from it. The same thing happened to reincarnate the original Cathbad the Druid, who is Maeve’s partner in all ways.” Ceartas turned to leave but stopped, looking back at Tzader. “You must not tell Macha about any of this, and definitely don’t allow her to see the scale.”
Well, that fucked his only plan. Tzader snarled, “Why not?”
“She doesn’t like the dragon any more than Queen Maeve does. Always remember one rule about Macha. Regardless of who she steps over to get what she wants, she will always put herself ahead of everyone and everything.”
“How is it that you know so much about two goddesses?”
Ceartas looked away as if weighing his answer, then shook off whatever thought had come to him. “The dragon will answer all your questions. He is the one who knows most about Macha and Maeve. Free him, and you’ll learn truths you have never been told. Truths about Macha that she has hidden for centuries. She will not be bothered if Brina loses her memories forever. Don’t mistake Macha for a benevolent goddess. She has survived all this time by being just as ruthless as Queen Maeve. She won’t allow anyone to get in her way. Not you and not Brina. And do not forget that if you fail to save Brina, the dragon will do nothing to help the Beladors.”
Tzader didn’t need that spelled out any simpler.
For whatever reason, Ceartas believed Macha was as much a threat to Brina as the Medb.
Or did this dream walker consider Macha the greater threat?
Ceartas’s gaze narrowed until he peered out through slits. “Do you believe Macha cares whether you and Brina remain together?”
“Answering anything but yes would show a lack of loyalty to my goddess.”
A sad smile appeared on Ceartas’ face. “I know the answer. I asked you so that you might find the answer for yourself. If Macha felt any compassion for either of you, she would not have kept you apart for four years. She is a master of manipulation.”
The truth of this stranger’s words stabbed Tzader deeply. Hadn’t he questioned that time and again? But Macha always found ways to turn Tzader’s questions back on him.
Tzader suffered a shaft of self-disgust. What kind of warrior allowed a stranger to undermine his belief?
But in truth, Tzader would never allow that. Never had. Months of frustrated circling around the goddess and her twisted words had done that foul job long before this warrior ever appeared. Ceartas only echoed Tzader’s own inner worries. Ones he’d shoved into the background in the name of duty and honor.
He’d done his duty for four long years while Macha had allowed a ward to separate him and Brina. Had Macha offered any help for them during that time? No. The goddess had manipulated Brina into pretending she intended to marry one of her guards.
Then when Tzader faced her with that truth, she’d turned the tables and made it seem as though Tzader had shirked his duty.
Macha was an expert at manipulation.
So maybe the better question Tzader should ask himself was what kind of warrior continued to follow blindly without questioning things he knew in his heart to be wrong?
&nb
sp; He had never taken his Belador oath lightly. But now he had one goal first and foremost, and that goal would never change. Save the woman he loved, even if he died doing it.
He had to accept the truth of what Ceartas said, and reserve the rest for when he had more information.
The whole thing would be easier if someone else could vouch for this man’s word.
“Our business is concluded,” Ceartas announced. “I will find you, or Brina, again when necessary. And I’ll know if you tell Macha anything about me, the dragon, or our conversation. You may not believe me, but I’m not telling you to hold a confidence on this to tie your hands. I’m saving you from Macha’s wrath.” He paused, looking away as if in thought again, then turned to Tzader. “I’ve debated telling you one more thing, but I feel it is something you deserve to know. If you don’t return Brina’s memories, Macha will expect Brina to marry immediately. Within days.”
Would Macha really do that? How the hell could this man know in such detail what the goddess would do? “Macha might toss me out, but I don’t see her acting that quickly. She’ll have to at least offer the pretense of giving Brina a chance to ... become involved with someone else.” Tzader almost choked on the words.
For the first time, Ceartas seemed to labor over his next words. When he spoke, his voice filled with compassion. “Macha will have to act soon. Brina carries the next Treoir heir.”
Shock stole Tzader’s breath.
He took a step toward the warrior. “The Medb cannot be privy to this information. How can you know this?”
Ceartas hesitated, then said, “I cannot yet reveal to you precisely how I know, but to ease your mind I will say only that when Brina comes to the dream realm, I sense the presence of the new life within her.”
Tzader ran his hand over his face, processing the implications. That was vague as all hell, but Tzader would likely have more luck cutting this guy’s head open and dipping the answers out than by asking for more.
Ceartas nodded. “The fact that you were not aware of the pregnancy means Brina has not told you. The only reason she would not have told you is that Macha is blocking Brina’s awareness in some way to prevent her from recognizing the changes in her body, which means Brina doesn’t know either. Beyond the drain of the Noirre, that’s part of why she’s sleeping so much. I have just shared what Macha hides from you. Is it so hard to accept the other truths I’ve told you?”
“I don’t know what to think,” Tzader said, clenching his clammy hands.
“Decide quickly, or all will be lost.” Ceartas moved backwards. As he did, his face and hands became translucent until he vanished.
Tzader stared in disbelief.
Brina was pregnant?
He and Brina had made love in the dream realm two months ago, before he found out there were real consequences to actions taken here. Her breasts had felt fuller. She slept all the time.
Was she carrying his baby?
Is she carrying someone else’s baby—someone she met dream walking but doesn’t even remember?
What kind of asshole am I?
Brina might not be able to grasp her memories, but she knew Tzader every time they touched in the dream realm. No matter what state her mind was in, she’d never give herself to anyone for less than love, and deep inside she loved him. Fear for her safety and future was twisting him into an emotional pretzel. It was his baby.
Their baby.
Tzader looked at the red scale humming with power in his hand. He held the evidence he needed to end all debate, because the minute he went after the dragon without Macha’s authorization, Tzader would be breaking his vows.
Especially if Macha hates this dragon.
Now he just had to return to the castle and figure out what the hell he would say to Brina. Sitting down, he closed his eyes and began the process Lanna had taught him for releasing his hold on the dream realm.
A pain clenched his chest and yanked with enough power to pull him apart. He grabbed at his chest where the ache ripped though him with sharp teeth.
“Tzader!” boomed in his mind.
His eyes rolled up in his head and he let go.
Chapter 7
Tzader curled in on himself, trying to ease the gut-wrenching agony of hurtling between different dimensions. His head should explode from the pressure building inside it from changing realms so quickly.
That couldn’t have been his doing. He’d never had any trouble returning from the dream world. A woman had shouted his name in his mind.
Not Brina or Lanna, which meant it had to be ... Macha.
When everything stopped spinning, he opened his eyes. He was lying flat on the window-seat bed and staring at the ornately painted ceiling of Brina’s sunroom in Treoir Castle. Made it again. He swallowed against his dry mouth and dragged in a deep breath. One day, his body would pay for the punishment he’d been putting it through for the past two months.
Tough shit. He had no time to waste. His body would just have to keep up.
Sitting up, he searched for Brina first. She stood ten feet away. When he leaned to his right, he found Lanna and Macha on the other side of the room.
He’d have only a moment before he had to deal with the goddess, so he jumped up and stepped over to Brina.
She backed away.
Macha called out, “How long did you think you would keep me in the dark, Tzader?”
No good answer for that. He spoke softly to Brina. “Please. I can help you remember.” When she leaned forward, he grabbed her wrist.
She tugged it back, but he tightened his hold so she couldn’t pull free. The confusion in her face broke his heart. He opened her hand and clamped the dragon’s scale between their palms.
Energy shot up his arm.
It must have done the same to Brina. Her eyes blinked quickly as if her mind raced through thoughts, then her gaze sharpened. “Tzader ... you and I, I remember ... “
He kissed her quickly and whispered, “Don’t give up on me. I’ll be back. While I’m gone, keep this and show it to no one.” He hoped like hell that Lanna was doing something subtle to keep Macha from overhearing.
“I will not be ignored by you, Tzader Burke,” Macha demanded. “Come here and face me.”
To buy even a few seconds, he said, “I’m coming, Macha. I would never ignore you. I just need a moment to regain my bearings.” When he spoke to Brina, he lowered his voice again. “Do you know why you sleep so much?”
Her eyes brightened. “Oh, Tzader, I ... uh.” Her face clouded and she mumbled, “I forgot what I was about to say.”
Damn. “It’s okay, muirnin. Just do as I ask and don’t cross Macha. I’ll be back soon.” He sure as hell hoped so. “But for right now, play along, please? Pretend you still don’t know me and don’t remember what we are to one another.” That got a frown out of her. “Trust me, love?”
Finally Brina nodded, and he released her hand, which killed him. He had no idea if he’d ever have a chance to touch her again, but if he still breathed, he would move anything in his path until he did.
He strode over to Macha.
The best barometer of his reception would be Lanna, and she couldn’t look any more worried if she tried.
Tzader went on the offensive. “I have something to tell you, Macha, and we don’t have a—”
“You want to tell me the truth now that I’ve figured it out?”
Ah, hell. “I told you I was doing everything in my power to—”
“Lie and deceive me. Yes, I realize that.”
Tzader would not blow his stack with Macha. Getting in the face of a goddess would be a short conversation. He’d wake up in either another realm forever or some godforsaken hole in the human world.
Taking a deep breath, he considered his options. Maintaining the false dialogue cover that he and Lanna had created to keep Macha off Brina’s back was no longer on the table.
That left coming clean … which made the most sense in the interest of time. “I admit
I may not have been entirely honest in my dealing with this situation, but—”
“Your time is up,” Macha announced with a chill that, knowing her power, might just freeze the castle.
If she’d let him finish one freakin’ sentence he might be able to diffuse this situation. “Give me a chance to explain, Macha.”
“There is no explanation for such dishonorable actions.”
This was taking a deadly turn if she decided he’d already broken his code of honor. The Belador vows were about not taking a life without acceptable cause, treating others in a dishonorable way, placing the tribe at risk through betrayal, or failing to come to the aid of a Belador.
About acting with honor in all situations.
Not for misleading a goddess with unrealistic expectations in the face of all Brina was up against. What about Macha’s actions? How was she behaving honorably? Any other man would have done the same in his shoes. No one had been harmed with his and Lanna’s subterfuge.
He’d only pissed off Macha. He had not committed some heinous betrayal.
Not yet.
Macha said, “Brina, please wait for me in your private quarters.”
He turned to Brina, who looked close to arguing. Tzader gave a tiny shake of his head and mouthed I love you. Do this for me.
Brina’s face flattened into one of calm acceptance. She said, “Yes, Macha.”
Macha’s eyes glowed a bright hazel, a subtle sign she was close to pitching a catastrophic hissy fit. “Before you leave, Brina, tell Tzader who you are and if you have any plans to marry him.”
Brina hesitated for only a split second before she gave Macha a small frown and asked, “Who?”
Macha’s smile took on epic proportions. “This is Tzader Burke, one of our Belador warriors.”
Tzader started to correct her and add that he was the Maistir over the North American Beladors, but he no longer held that position. He’d handed it over to Quinn so he could come here to be with Brina.