Dragon Knight's Axe

by Mary Morgan

“Are ye staying for the feast?”

  “The one Aileen and Brigid are planning for the equinox?” she asked, prying the kitten’s claws from her gown.

  Nell smiled broadly. “Aye, that’s what they called it. ’Tis the Harvest Moon. We are going to have a huge feast and dancing. Even the children can stay.”

  “Sadly, Desmond and I must return to our home. He fears the weather could change and wants to leave in a few days.”

  Seeing the sadness in Nell’s face, Fiona placed the kitten back with its mother. Reaching out, she brushed a strand of hair away from the child’s forehead. “I will miss you, too, my kindred friend.”

  Nell swallowed and wrapped her arms around Fiona. “Mayhap, someday we shall meet again.” Tears stood in the child’s eyes. “When I saw my mother die, I did not believe she would ever return to us. The Fae sent her back.”

  Not having the heart to tell the young girl that she would never return, Fiona could only smile and nod in agreement.

  ****

  Descending the stairs, Fiona noticed her brother waiting for her at the bottom. As usual, he wore a scowl, and she thought he might have had another argument with the MacKay brothers. When they left, she was going to lay out some rules for the return trip home. He would definitely have to ditch his attitude, or she was going to bash it out of him.

  “Good evening, Desmond. Did you have a pleasant afternoon?” she asked disarming him with her smile.

  “What is so good about spending part of the day in the lists with men who want to do harm to me?” he grumbled, walking alongside her as they made their way into the hall.

  “Honestly, Desmond? I believe it may be the other way around.”

  “It is not true!”

  Fiona rolled her eyes. “You’ve been itching to fight since you walked through the gate and found out what happened in your absence. You’re angry at Alastair and since you can’t fight him, you’re seeking to start one with Duncan or Stephen. I would have thought working in the lists would have done you some good. Even with one arm.”

  He muttered a curse and paused at the entrance. “Ye are correct, Fiona.”

  “Did they both fight you?” she asked looking for any injuries.

  The look he gave her was of contempt, though she believed it was directed elsewhere. “Nae. They deemed it unfair. Although, I challenged them both at the same time.”

  She looped her arm through his. “I think it would be wise to leave the day after tomorrow. I’ll start preparing for our journey first thing in the morning.”

  He looked down at her. “Are ye sure, Fiona? This is what ye want, aye?”

  “It’s time to go home. Our home.”

  Placing a kiss on her head, he moved them into the hall. Glancing around, Fiona spotted Aileen and Stephen. Letting out a chuckle, she pinched her brother’s arm. “For a man who only has one arm, I’m proud of you.”

  “What do ye mean?”

  “Did you not give Stephen his black eye?”

  His smile turned wicked. “Aye. Wait till ye see Duncan.”

  Fiona burst out laughing. “Oh, Desmond. And they have powers.”

  “I am shocked at ye, Fiona. We fought as men. Honorably.”

  “Do tell me that if you had any gifts, you wouldn’t hesitate to use them on the MacKays.”

  He arched a brow in query, but remained quiet. She shook her head, as they walked over and took their place beside Aileen and Stephen.

  Stephen was the first to speak. “O’Quinlan.”

  Desmond nodded. “MacKay.”

  Ignoring the men, Aileen asked, “So, Fiona, how was your day?”

  “Great. Spent the day with Nell. Can’t begin to tell you how impressed I am with her.” She held out her mug as Aileen offered her some wine. “She truly has the gift of speaking and healing.”

  “Yes, she’s a remarkable little girl. It was only recently that I discovered her ability to heal. She does it while she whispers and pets them. There are times when I have found her singing to them also. I believe her voice is the key in the healing.”

  “I will miss her,” sighed Fiona. Instantly regretting her choice of words, she saw a look of sadness pass over Aileen’s face.

  “When are you leaving?” whispered Aileen.

  “The day after tomorrow.”

  “Will you not stay until after the equinox festival? We’re planning a huge feast, and we would love for you to join us.” She reached out and grasped Fiona’s hand.

  Fiona wanted to scream at her. Why could she not understand how miserable she was here? Every day at Urquhart without Alastair was another day spent trying to fight the deep melancholy. Squeezing Aileen’s hand, she drew her own back. “This is for the best. Besides, we have to consider the weather. I don’t know if Desmond has mentioned this, but I’m not fond of traveling by sea.”

  “Strange how ye and Alastair have no love for the sea,” drawled Duncan, striding forth with Brigid on his arm.

  Fiona shrugged and placed her mug on the table. “Just a coincidence.” Leveling her gaze at Duncan, she tried to hide her smirk at seeing his face. A bruise mottled the right side, and she noticed he was walking with a limp. “Rough day in the lists?”

  Both Aileen and Brigid burst out laughing. Duncan gave her a fierce scowl and reached for the pitcher of wine.

  “Oh, Fiona, you are very brave,” stated Brigid sitting down beside her.

  Without thought, she replied, “I’ve had practice with another beast.”

  The room became eerily silent, except for the crackling of the fire in the hearth. Again, her feelings betrayed her—no, they didn’t betray her they took over her. It was Desmond who came to her rescue when he said, “We shall be leaving in two days. Would it be possible to borrow a horse?”

  Duncan sought her gaze when he answered, “Aye. We will assist in any way. Let me ken what ye need.”

  She gave him a weak smile in thanks. It was all she had to give at the moment. Hearing Desmond give his thanks, she took the trencher Brigid handed to her.

  Placing the turnips on her plate, she looked around, frowning. “Where is Kevan?”

  “With Cathal, who has just returned,” replied Stephen. “The young druid is gathering as much information from the elder before ye depart. He will likely not have a chance like this again.”

  Fiona turned toward Desmond. “Are there not druid elders in Navan?”

  “Aye,” he answered spearing some meat. “Kevan has not been to an elder council…yet. This is a great opportunity for knowledge. One he understands well.”

  After the meal, Brigid and Aileen took Fiona to one of the chambers. Glancing around, she noticed a tapestry. Stepping closer, she peered at it trying to make out the person. He stood in the middle of a meadow flanked in the background by different trees. Around him were many types of animals, and his hand was on the antlers of a large red stag. When she angled her head to the right, she could swear it looked like he was talking to the animal.

  The closer she came, the more she realized who it was. “Alastair?” Her steps faltered and instantly, Brigid scooted a chair over by her.

  “It’s amazing how much there is in this castle still left to be discovered,” said Brigid. Standing next to the tapestry, she added, “I found it the day you awoke. I’m beginning to think that elves, faeries, or whoever was left here when they all stormed off on that horrific night, rolled everything up and stashed it away.”

  Aileen took a seat next to Fiona. “It’s almost as if anything pertaining to the Dragon Knights had to be banished. So, instead of burning them they rolled them up and hid them throughout the castle.”

  Fiona crossed her arms over her chest as if wanting to protect her heart. “He looks so…young,” she said in a hushed tone.

  “Carefree,” added Brigid sitting down on Fiona’s other side.

  Fighting the wave of emotions, she looked down. “He is not that man anymore.” Then in an angry voice, she threw out, “Why did you bring me here? I thoug
ht you were my friends?” Fiona saw their pained looks, but didn’t care. It hurt to look upon him. Try as she might, the love she had for him would never die.

  “I’m so sorry, Fiona. That was not our intention,” whispered Aileen.

  She waved them off and stood in front of them. “Don’t you get it? How can you possibly understand? I…I…love him!” She pounded her chest. “He will never know that either, nor will I be able to tell him, ever! Each day I spend here, a little piece of me dies. He did this and if I’m bitter, so be it. It’s the only way I know to stop the pain. I only pray that once I return home…” She paused taking a deep breath. “Oh hell, who am I kidding?” Marching over to the window arch, she looked up at the night sky filled with stars.

  “We do understand your love for Alastair,” said Aileen softly. “Our purpose was to show you this and to give you some parting gifts.”

  Fiona’s shoulders slumped. Pressing her head against the stone, she held back the tears that threatened to spill. “I’m sorry.”

  “No,” pleaded Brigid jumping up and placing an arm around her. “Don’t be. We have watched you be so brave these past few weeks. It was only a matter of time before you shattered and yelled at any of us. Hells bells, I would have done it on the first day!”

  “I would have done it the second day,” said Aileen moving toward them.

  Brigid laughed. “Nah, knowing you, the third.”

  At this remark, Fiona snorted with laughter. “I am going to miss you both.”

  Hugging her, Aileen remarked, “This is when I truly miss technology. What I wouldn’t give for a phone or computer to keep in contact with you.”

  Brigid snorted. “Damn. I’d just be happy with a decent postal service. You can keep the computers.”

  Fiona cupped her hand over her mouth in laughter as they both gathered her in their arms.

  After a few moments, they led her to the table and handed her a beautiful leather satchel. As she pulled out the items, her heart swelled. One of the items was a medium sized box and when she opened it, she saw square packages. She didn’t have to guess what they were, for smells of peppermint and other herbs wafted by her. Beaming at them, she grasped their hands. “How did you know?”

  “Desmond mentioned that you have trouble traveling the seas. Of course, we understood immediately that you get seasick. With the help of Matilda, we put this chest together for your journey. At the time, we thought you were pregnant, so there are also some other special herbs,” replied Aileen.

  Fiona let out a huge breath. “I’m relieved I’m not.”

  Both women nodded their heads in agreement, but said nothing.

  Finally, Brigid nudged her to continue looking over the other items. “There are lotions made with roses and marigolds, plus an assortment of ribbons, combs, and we also had some dresses altered along with a cloak. Everything you need for your journey back to Ireland.”

  Beaming, she embraced them both. “I am touched beyond words by your kindness.”

  “You will be missed by all,” sniffed Aileen, dabbing at tears from her eyes. “Now, let’s take a look at your dresses and that gorgeous cloak, or I’ll start blubbering.”

  “Which is almost every day.” Brigid winked.

  Aileen jabbed a finger at her. “It’s the pregnancy. Brings out all these emotions.”

  Fiona stood. “No more tears, only happy thoughts. So where is this cloak?”

  As Brigid went to fetch the cloak, Fiona couldn’t remember a time when she had connected with anyone as she had done these past few weeks with these women. Perhaps when she returned to her home, new bonds would form with others.

  Swallowing the lump in her throat, she smiled, realizing she would treasure the memory of this night forever.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  “As the moon cast her glow upon the water, the Dragon slipped silently into the mists.”

  Standing beside the loch, Alastair watched the sun greet the new day. Breathing in the cool, morning air, his nerves tingled with anticipation. New energy surged inside of him, one of healing and he smiled.

  Today he would return to Urquhart.

  Holding his axe aloft, he whispered ancient prayers over it, bringing it to his lips on the last word. Bending down on one knee, he placed his palm on the ground. The energy pulsed through him, and he let it spread throughout his body. “Never will I leave ye. Never will I forsake what has been given to me. Never will I forget.” Bringing up a fistful of dirt, he kissed it and flung it out into the loch.

  When he stood, Alastair swayed from the emotion. A beam of sunlight passed over his face as he held his head up, proudly accepting the blessing of the Fae.

  A new day.

  A warrior reborn.

  A destiny only beginning.

  “I am honored Lord and Lady,” he whispered, understanding the Fae’s words.

  A gentle breeze touched his face, and love swelled within his heart. “Thank ye, Great Dragon, for opening my eyes—my soul.”

  Gathering his items, Alastair made his way to Gawain. Strapping the axe to the side of the horse, he swung himself up and gave the animal a firm pat. “Are ye ready to return to Urquhart, my friend?”

  Gawain answered with a toss of his great head and snorted loudly.

  “Aye, I thought as much. Then let us not waste another moment.” He did not need to give him a nudge, for Gawain understood and took off.

  ****

  “Ye spend far too much time up here gazing out at the loch,” said Stephen as he strode over to Aileen. He heard her sigh as he wrapped his arms around her, bringing her back to rest against his chest. His hands gently caressed the swell of their child growing within her womb, and he chuckled softly when he felt movement.

  “’Tis a boy for sure,” he stated.

  “And as I’ve told you many times, I believe it’s a girl. Besides, we love looking out at the water. It’s very soothing. The water calls out to her, so our wee lass might have inherited your power.”

  “Hmmm…fascinating. Anything else our child has shared with ye?”

  “She’s always hungry,” Aileen grumbled. “If I continue on this path of eating, I’ll be huge come the time of her birth.”

  He roared with delight. “My dear leannan, ye are more beautiful now than when I first set eyes on ye many moons ago.”

  “When I’m waddling down the path bigger than your horse, you may think differently, Stephen MacKay.”

  Turning her around, he tilted her chin up and brushed his thumb over her lower lip. “Never.” And before she could utter another word, his lips devoured hers, silencing any further protests.

  Breaking free from her mouth, Stephen’s sight caught a rider galloping down the path. Letting out a soft curse, he released Aileen.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “My brother, the pirate, has returned,” he drawled, moving away from the wall. “This should be interesting.”

  As Aileen grasped his arm, he saw the look of alarm in her eyes. “This is exactly what I was afraid would happen. What do you think he’ll do?”

  Stephen rubbed at the back of his neck in frustration. “By the looks of him, he could bring down the walls of Urquhart when he finds out Fiona is alive, but has left.”

  Aileen shoved him toward the door. “Then what are you waiting for? Make sure he doesn’t enter when you tell him.”

  Stephen arched a brow. “Me? Nae. ’Tis a job for Duncan.” Taking her elbow, he maneuvered her along.

  Rolling her eyes at him, she grumbled, “You’re afraid of your brother?”

  “Hardly,” he hissed. “Nevertheless, when he hears the news, he will strike a blow at the nearest man, and I have no wish to be that man.”

  “Well, you should be with Duncan.”

  “Trust me, I will be there. However, I need ye out of the castle. Find as many as possible, and go down by the loch.”

  As they quickly descended the stairs, Stephen saw Duncan near the great hall talking to
one of the men. Giving Aileen a kiss, he sent her on her way.

  As he approached, he did not hesitate in interrupting his brother. “Alastair is riding through the gate as we speak.”

  “Lugh’s balls! Get everyone out of the castle, now!” Duncan bellowed.

  “Already being done. Aileen is gathering them. I told her to take them to the loch.”

  Duncan clamped a hand on Stephen’s shoulder. “Let us go greet our brother before he enters these walls.”

  They quickly made their way out of the castle just as Alastair rode through the bailey. Stephen looked over his shoulder to see many fleeing through another passageway.

  “By the Gods, look at him,” growled Duncan.

  “Hair is longer and so is the beard. ’Tis the Dubh Dragon, aye?”

  “Then why is he here and not out at sea?”

  Stephen crossed his arms over his chest. “Shall we ask him?”

  Duncan’s lip snarled. “Aye. Yet, it is the question he will ask that I fear he will not like the answer.”

  Peering over his shoulder, Stephen saw some of the men poised in several positions around the wall. Leaning close to Duncan, his tone low, “I am afraid Aileen may have said too much to the men. They look ready to strike.”

  Duncan groaned and shook his head. “Women!”

  Stephen’s jaw clenched. “Smile, Duncan. Our brother is striding forth.”

  Alastair paused in front of them. “Duncan, Stephen. It is good to see ye.” And before either could respond, he embraced them both.

  Releasing them, he stood back grinning and Stephen instantly recognized the change in his brother. It shone in his eyes, and his heart sank. His return could only mean one thing. Alastair had come for Fiona. How his brother knew, Stephen could not fathom. This was far worse than they could have imagined.

  Alastair interrupted his thoughts when he spoke. “I ken we parted on bad terms, and I am sorry. There is much I would like to explain, yet…” He paused looking around.

  “Would ye care to take your horse to the stables before we talk?” asked Duncan.

  Alastair met his stare. “Why are the men gripping their swords? Am I…a threat?”

  “Ye just stated that your leaving was not on good terms,” answered Duncan waving to his men to stand down.