The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook*

by Shannon Barczak

  Chapter Three

  “You expect me to believe that you want to help me kill Lord Fonn?” I asked

  “I have no reason to lie to you.” Machall said. “I have waited a very long time for this moment and now that it is within my reach I intend to do whatever I have to do to make this wish a reality.”

  “Can you just hold that thought for a moment?” I asked. “I need to change my birth certificate so that it reads born yesterday.”

  “Willa, please listen to Machall, he truly does want to help us.” Patcoena said

  “I’m not staying here and listening to his lies.” I said. “I’ve seen and heard enough.”

  I grabbed Jeremiah and tried to push through the spell that Patcoena had cast to make me remain still. Machall grabbed my hand and forced my chin up with his other hand.

  “What would you do if someone took away your mate?” he asked. “What lengths would you go to get them back?”

  I stopped struggling and looked in Machall’s eyes. His sherry colored eyes had so much pain in them that it took my breath away.

  “What are you talking about?” Jeremiah asked. “You’re mated Machall?”

  Machall didn’t answer he continued to stare at me until I found myself sucked into his hypnotic gaze. “See me Willa. Feel me.”

  I almost cried out as I looked into his soul. I had never felt so much pain and anguish. I closed my eyes to try and escape the onslaught of emotions that I could sense within him, but my mind filled with images from his own memories. I could see a beautiful woman with curly mahogany hair and a wide smile laughing as she twirled around in Machall’s arms. I saw them both cry tears of joy as they lay entwined in each other’s arms, staring down at a magnificent diamond ring that Machall had placed gently on her finger. Wonderful loving memories came one after another until I almost smiled at their apparent deep love and happiness.

  Machall’s’ screams of agony were like nails on a chalkboard a few seconds later. His roar could rival any lion in the jungle. I knew without a doubt that this woman was taken from his life without his consent. There were still many questions that I had to ask him, and until he proved himself to me I would never feel quite comfortable in his presence. I also at that moment knew, even though, I still didn’t trust him, I would do anything in my power to help him get the woman he loved back if I could.

  If it was true, I reminded myself. I knew Lord Machall could plant images in other peoples mind but for some reason I just felt that this was real. I don’t think you could ever put a false emotion as strong as the one I felt in anyone’s mind.

  “Who was she?” I asked

  “My love and my mate,” he said simply. “If someone kidnapped Mathias, erased all his memories of you from his mind and cast him out into the unknown, what would do to get him back Willa?”

  “Mathias?” Jeremiah asked. “What does Mathias have to do with anything?”

  I stood in silence. The very thought of someone taking Mathias from me was inconceivable. I had almost gone crazy when my grandmother had thrown him in jail. I couldn’t imagine the amount of insanity I would subject myself and everyone else too if someone ripped him from my life.

  “Willa?” Jeremiah asked uncertainly

  “J, look, it’s a long story but Mathias and I have been mated for months now.” I answered after a minute

  “What the hell are you talking about?” he asked. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because you’re my cousin and a …guy,” I answered. “Do you want to hear all the juicy details?”

  “You and Mathias,” he repeated

  “Yes,” I said. “Can we talk about this later?”

  “Wow,” he said, ignoring me. “I know as your only male cousin I should feel righteous anger because you kept me in the dark about your forbidden relationship, but I have to be honest, the only thing I feel is a little sorry for Mathias.”

  “Excuse me?” I asked

  “Well, no offense Willa,” he said. “I love you like my sister but I can’t imagine the utter frustration and madness Mathias must sometimes feel with you, especially, if he has to hear your thoughts. I would rather gnaw my arm off than have to hear the things that go running through your head.”

  “Thank you J,” I said through gritted teeth. “You’re so fucking sweet.”

  “No wonder he looks like he always wants to throttle you,” he murmured. “Wait, when did this happen?”

  “Holy moly, it happened on our trip across country before I even came to the island, ok?” I answered. “Seriously, can we please discuss this some other time?”

  “I think we should all go inside my house and freshen up before dinner.” Machall suggested. “I know that you have many questions, as do I.”

  I was just about to agree until a thought stopped me in my tracks. What would Mathias do? I thought about briefly trying to reach him through our bond, but I knew what would happen if I did. Mathias would risk life and limb to get here to me. I believed Summer’s vision that she had shown me a few days ago. I knew if Mathias showed up here he wouldn’t leave. I still had chills thinking about what would happen to him if he were to join us on this quest. I wanted to throw up every time I thought about the army of Rau that had torn his body limb from limb right in front of me.

  I had to be smart and on my guard. I not only had myself to think about, but I also had to consider Jeremiah’s safety.

  “I just want you to know that if this is a trap, I will rip every strand of hair out of your body. Then I will tear your fingernails off one by one. After I get done with that, I’ll start on your limbs until I get to your balls, those I will slice off before I fry them up in a pan and make you eat them.”

  “I would expect no less from you Princess.” Machall smiled briefly

  “Well that brings a whole new meaning to the word shrinkage,” Jeremiah remarked as he shifted uncomfortably

  We all followed Machall silently to his white stuccoed house. The two story structure was large but emanated an almost homey feel as we walked up to the front steps. Pots of flowering plants lined the walkway. I stared at the square, ornate welcome mat placed by the front door in disbelief. It almost seemed too normal.

  Machall gestured for us to follow him inside the tiled foyer. I was momentarily distracted as I took in the interior of the house. Even though, all the walls were white, there were bright splashes of color from the terracotta and blue tiled floors to the colorful artwork and pottery that were placed artfully on every surface.

  “Machall are these the guests you were waiting for to join us?” a woman’s voice called out. I looked up as an older woman stepped into the sunken living room to join us. Her dark hair had gray sprinkled throughout, and she wore it in a loose bun on her head. Even from across the room, I could see her warm sherry colored eyes and a faint resemblance she bore to Machall.

  “Yes, Mother,” Machall said warmly. “May I introduce the great artist Patcoena, Jeremiah, the Prince of the clan of Skye, and Princess Willa, daughter of Princess Cecily of the Skye clan and our beloved Prince Cormac of Fairlia?”

  “Ah yes,” she said. “It is indeed an honor to have you all as our guests.”

  “This is my mother, Lady Lucia.” Machall said

  “Lady Lucia,” Patcoena said. “I can see that your beauty was not exaggerated.”

  “Oh, that is so kind coming from such a great man,” she said

  “Lady Lucia,” Jeremiah greeted respectfully

  “I hear you are not only handsome but smart as well Prince Jeremiah,” Lucia returned. “A great mind is more valuable than gold or good looks.”

  “You flatter me but the truth is I am more comfortable sitting at a desk with a book than staring at myself in front of a mirror.” Jeremiah replied

  “Then you are very wise for one so young,” she smiled before turning to me

  “Lady Lucia, it’s lovely to meet you,” I said

  “Princess Willa,” she said. “I am most honored finally to b
e in your presence. I have heard many things about your powers. I also have heard that you have quite a mouth on you.”

  “I would classify myself as a master of colorful vocabulary,” I grinned

  Lucia laughed and slipped her arm through mine. She gently guided me out of the room and into a large dining room.

  “Let us all sit and have something to eat,” she said. “Breaking bread with one another ensures confidence and trust. I have a feeling we all may need some of that, yes?”

  “That better be a monster baguette,” I murmured. Jeremiah caught my eye and shook his head warningly. I sighed and waited patiently as two young women came into the room with plates of salad. My stomach almost let out a happy gurgle at the sight of the fresh greens that had plump tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.

  Everyone else engaged in small talk, but I kept silent. I wanted to observe Machall, Patcoena and Lucia. After a few minutes, I pretty much put Lucia in my safe file. Not only was she charming but she also conveyed warmth that I found to be genuine. Patcoena also seemed solid, but I still was uneasy.

  Keeping this information about Machall from Mathias, and I seemed a little shady to me. Even though, I was pretty sure that he was on my side I still had doubts about his methods. Involving Jeremiah in this quest without telling me still rubbed me the wrong way.

  “Willa,” Machall said as our dinner plates were taking away, and a sumptuous chocolate cake and fresh fruit platter now sat invitingly on the table. “I have to say, I’m surprised at your lack of conversation. I thought for sure dinner would be an interrogation.”

  “If I was going to interrogate you Lord Machall, I would have a knife to your throat and a blow torch aimed at your balls.”

  “Oh goodness,” Patcoena muttered

  “That was actually a pretty tame statement,’ Jeremiah said

  “That’s the second time you mentioned my testicles,” Machall remarked. “You better be careful or I may start to think you have a fascination with them.”

  “Machall,” Lucia admonished

  “No, I just want you to be aware that if you betray me, those puppies are the first things that I will kick, punch, rip off and set on fire.”

  “Point taken,” he replied as he moved in his chair

  “Tell me your story and don’t leave anything out,” I said. “If I believe you, not only will I accept your help but I’ll let you live with your limbs fully intact. If I don’t, after I get done with you, I’m calling Mathias to come here and finish you off for dessert.”

  “Fair enough,” he said as he took a sip of wine. “I’m not sure how much history Patcoena has shared with you, but I will try to do my best to fill in the blanks.”

  “By all means, please pontificate as much as you would like,” I said

  “I never knew my uncle, who was the former Lord of this realm. My father and he were brothers, but they had a falling out shortly after my parents married. So while my uncle Sorin ruled over the land, my father Hugo, married my mother, and they settled in the village where they opened up a tailor and dress shop. We were not the wealthiest people in town, but I had a very happy albeit modest childhood.”

  “I’ll never forget the day when the King’s guards came storming into town to arrest my uncle. I think the whole village was shocked. There had never been any actions of treason or war in Fairlia before that day. My father was upset and disappointed that his brother would be involved in any such plot to overthrow the future queen. After the trial and the sentences had been handed down, we all felt a small amount of sadness by the deaths of the Fae Lords but I knew in my heart that things would never be the same.”

  “Ironically, I was correct in thinking that way. A few days later the mighty King showed up at our door and proclaimed that the first nephews of the Fae Lords would now be the ones to ascend to the throne of each realm. My mother was slightly nervous. She wasn’t sure if I could handle what this new lofty position might entail, but my father was confident that with my humble upbringing I might be the perfect choice.”

  “I wasn’t worried that he couldn’t handle the responsibility but how the new lifestyle of a Fae Lord might change him.” Lucia interrupted

  “Unfortunately my mother’s worries would be rather foreboding of what was to come.” Machall smiled

  “Ahh,” I said understanding. “You were like a one hit wonder teeny bopper.”

  “I’m sorry?” Machall said, his brow furrowing in confusion

  “You know, like some teenage boy who is cute and has a hit song?” I asked. “He goes from being the boy next door to some wannabe gangster wearing gold chains, driving fast cars, and throwing money around at strip clubs.”

  Jeremiah smiled, “Player, player.”

  “Winner, winner, chicken dinner,” I said in return giving Jeremiah a high five across the table

  “I’m slightly bewildered,” Lucia said

  “It’s cool, most people are around me.” I smiled

  “You do get used to it after a while.” Patcoena sighed

  “So you were on a perpetual spring break?” I asked

  “Yes, exactly,” Machall said. “After I hired a staff of well-educated and reliable people to help me oversee the running of my realm, I took off to the castle to enjoy what my new status afforded me. I also met the other new Fae Lords and formed friendships with them. I have to admit Bran, Cal, and I cut quite a swath through the ladies at court.”

  “What about Fonn?” Jeremiah asked

  “Lord Fonn was the only one of us that seemed bitter. He had been extremely close to his uncle, the former Fae Lord, and I’m afraid he held a vast amount of resentments towards the King. It was only after Cormagglia died, and Sidra took the throne that we heard whispers about the Fae Sanctities. Rumors began to circulate that the King had infused weapons with the powers of each element and hidden them in different realms. These weapons were designed to bring the chosen individual that could wield these implements the power to vanquish the Fae Lords.”

  “I dismissed these rumors because honestly I could care less. I had no desire to overthrow the Queen and want to rule the entire kingdom. When the King had given me the power of fire so I could rule over that element, it was such an intense experience. I couldn’t imagine having or even wanting more.”

  “When you say intense…?” My voice trailed off in question

  “I’m not sure if I can describe what I went through that day. It was quick but in those few moments I felt invincible and very much overwhelmed.”

  “Good to know,” I muttered

  “It was not too long after that Fonn called us all to his realm for a meeting. He spoke for several minutes to Bran, Cal and I about how inadequate he thought the Queen was in her position. It was then he told us of a plan that he had come up with concerning the Rau. He wanted to bring them into Fairlia and build an army, but he was going to propose it to Sidra as a way for all of us to have exceptional bodyguards.”

  “I was appalled. I had no desire to have the Rau around neither myself nor any of my people. It was at that moment I give Fonn credit for making me grow up and finally become a true ruler of my realm. I was worried though because, underneath his cold, calculating demeanor, I had also seen something lurking beneath the surface.”

  “Which was?” Jeremiah asked

  “Madness, absolute and utter madness,” Machall answered. “It was also on that night we were all introduced to his mistress. Sabine was just as disturbing as Fonn. He told us of her many virtues and talents as a witch and as a bedmate. He offered to share her with us if we so desired.”

  “That’s disgusting,” I shook my head

  “Indeed it was,” he agreed. “I think we were all shocked and appalled, well except for Cal. He took Fonn up on his offer and disappeared with Sabine. Bran and I didn’t know how to respond. The next morning we quietly left the Air realm, and I prayed that I would never have to hear any more of his nonsense.”

  “
Why didn’t you go to Sidra right away?” Patcoena asked

  “I don’t know,” he answered sadly. “That question has haunted me every day since I left that meeting.”

  “Obviously he wasn’t just throwing around ideas,” Jeremiah said.

  “No, he wasn’t. Not long after, Sidra called us to Fairlia. She informed us of the problems that the Gypsy Skye clan was being faced with, and she wanted to help. None of us cared until she told us what her solution was going to be. She wanted to offer the vampires of light as a solution for the Gypsies. When Fonn heard this, he was incensed. He felt that she had taken his idea and given the Gypsies the army he so desperately desired.”

  “I thought it sounded reasonable and I was even happier when Sidra flatly refused to allow any Rau vampires into Fairlia. After the meeting, Fonn left but I stuck around. Sidra had told us that she had recruited several dozen Guardians of the Solas, and I wanted to meet them. I was curious and surprised to find them to be normal individuals.”

  “I noticed though that there were some lurking in the shadows. When I asked Kelvin, your grandfather, why these Guardians seemed shyer than the rest, he told me that particular group were Fae vampires and that they were neither Rau nor Guardians of the Solas. When I asked what he meant he told me that although it is extremely rare for any Fae to be turn into vampires, when they are, the magic in their blood will never completely leave them and their soul. So while they might have fought for their humanity they couldn’t quite dispel the darkness.”

  “Like Mathias.” I said

  “Exactly,” Machall nodded

  I hadn’t realized I had said that out loud and looked up at him in question.

  “Patcoena told me about Mathias,” Machall said. I looked at Patcoena and shook my head. I decided to not get too upset. I knew that the word would get out about Mathias, but there was a part of me that wanted to protect him. I waved my hand for Machall to go on with his story.

  “Sidra had given them a choice to either go to the newly created Isle of Skye or stay in Fairlia. Most choose to go on their own in the human world, but there was a few that elected to stay.”