The Peacekeeper

  Ator turned toward the mountain. “I will go with you to Wesladus,” he replied, the seriousness of the moment sunk in and they both were quiet during the trip back.

  Elspeth was still weeping when they reached the castle doors. Her eye was completely swollen shut, but tears managed to drop from its corner. Ian felt helpless, but he wouldn’t let her go. Ator bid good night and gave his love to Elspeth.

  He touched her head with his nose and she half-smiled. She seemed aware, but partly in shock. He felt her shudder again. If he hadn’t saved her when he did and Rulm would have…

  When he got to the great Hall, his brothers were there waiting. They all stood quietly. Finally, Connor said, “Is she…”

  He answered before Connor could finish. “She’ll live, but he hurt her badly.” He saw them glance at her torn dress, and her breast, exposed and bloody. He tried in vain to cover her. “Nae, she wasn’t violated, but any later and… I need tae get her in bed.”

  Angus cleared his throat, and asked, “Merlin?”

  “Drakkor and Athdar have him. Cameron get tae the grimoire, work with Dougal on a locator spell, look for anything and everything. It’s Merlin’s brother, so we ken he’s powerful and it will be hard tae find him. Do it anyway. Lauren, try tae connect with the angels in your dreams. Let them ken they have him and that we doona ken where he is. I ken it’s not a for sure thing to reach them but try. We need to find out where they took Merlin.”

  He looked from Elspeth to his brothers sadly. “Now…I need to take Elspeth upstairs, just do all you can to find Merlin.” He sighed then. With a look of derision, he stated. “I killed the king.” Then turned and started climbing the stairs, then paused and looked back at them. “Please send up food and warm water.” His brothers nodded but said nothing more. He went to their room, kicked open the door, and gently laid Elspeth on the bed.

  A sleepy maid came right away with warm water. “I’ll be right back with food. Is the miss…”

  Ian stopped himself from snapping at the innocent girl. “She will be fine, just see tae the food.”

  “Right away, my lord,” she said and left quickly.

  He brushed Elspeth’s forehead and knelt to kiss her cheek. She flinched and he stopped. “Och, Els. I love you so.”

  She managed a small smile. “I love you too. Thank you.”

  “Och, dearling, I should have been there earlier. I’m so sorry.”

  “No, I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Stupid plan.”

  He chuckled. He wouldn’t tell her he agreed. “Shush. Let me bathe you and change your clothes, then I’ll hold you while you sleep.”

  She smiled. “I’d like that. So tired…” She fell asleep.

  Good, he thought. A soft knock sounded on the door. Even though there was one candle lit, and a small fire in the fireplace, the maid brought more candles, along with a tray of food and mead.

  While he was carefully removing torn garments and looking at the fresh scratches over her body, he became angry again. “I wish I could kill the bastard again,” he said aloud.

  “My Lord?” The maid asked as she lit the candles.

  “Please just light the candles and go. Thank you for everything. Now please…just go.”

  “Yes, my lord.” She turned and hurried out.

  He finished removing what was left of Elspeth’s dress. Then he put the warm water by the bed. He noticed the smell of the lavender and saw leaves floating in the water. He took his time and gently bathed her body. When he got to her face, he again seethed in anger, looking at her swollen eye, and bloodied cheek. He wished he could have changed her earlier. She turned instantly but wouldn’t become full vampire for at least a month while her body made the necessary changes. She was going to heal like a human and that bothered him.

  There was dirt all over her face and hands. Some blood and skin under her nails. He was so mad during the fight he didn’t notice that she’d fought back. Good for you, he thought. His woman was a fighter.

  He dabbed around her eye, removing the dirt, and finished with her neck and face. He moved the dark water to the stand where he couldn’t see all the dirt and blood floating in it and went to her wardrobe. In it were the few gowns Merlin gave her, and the two night-dresses. It made him sad to think she’d never had much. After the mating ritual, he had learned her past and how she had never had anything of value.

  She had only the uniforms the nuns gave her and they were plain, scratchy, and ill-fitting. Upon her return to Mystic Kingdom, Athdar gave her a few old dresses that didn’t fit either. They were too tight on her bust and hips, and too long. He knew by the look in her eyes when she saw these what it meant to have something nice, something given to her as a gift.

  He remembered the tears in her eyes when she saw them. Merlin had guessed her size perfectly. These dresses were the first gift she had ever received in her life. It broke his heart to know how she had done without. She should have had these things growing up. She should have had these things as a woman. He was going to make sure she was surrounded by beautiful things. He made a mental note to be sure she would always have the finest of everything.

  He hadn’t done anything with all the gold he’d made. What better way to spend it than on his mate? He wanted her happy…and laughing…and singing…and children. Suddenly he was tired. He was tired of this life. But then he shrugged, and thought, someone must do it, and then his thoughts turned to Merlin.

  He was always fighting evil, making it better for those who couldn’t fight. Merlin devoted his entire life to good. He’d lived longer than Ian and now he was an old wizard. He wasn’t sure how long wizards lived, but he was afraid for him.

  Merlin was like a second father to him, always had been. He’d get him back…somehow. Right now, he picked the nightgown Elspeth had admired and returned to her side and easily slipped it on her. When he was done, he put the food and water aside.

  He wasn’t hungry, and she was asleep. He stoked the fire then removed his clothes, crawled in beside her, covered them both up, and held her tight. He watched her sleep, afraid to take his eyes off her.

  Chapter 22

  The tapestries were tied back, windows open, and the breeze off the ocean brought in the slight, clean fresh smell of the water. It wafted over them. The sunlight shown like spun gold across Elspeth’s bright copper hair. Ian put his fingers in the softness and leaned in to inhale a mixture of lavender and her own intoxicating scent. He would never get enough of this.

  The sounds of the waves crashing on the shore soothed him and he closed his eyes. He still hadn’t fallen asleep. He was still holding Elspeth when she moaned and turned toward him. He pulled the covers up tighter against her.

  Elspeth moaned again and took a quick breath. “mmmm,” she murmured and sighed. “I smell the ocean and my favorite McGregor.” She snuggled tighter then opened her non-injured eye. He could tell the events of the night before slammed back at her in force, when he felt her shudder. “You saved me, Ian, you protected me,” she said. “No one’s ever done that afore. Thank you.”

  “No, Els, I should’ve been there earlier. It should’ve never happened.”

  “It could’ve been worse,” she said. She shuddered again. “Anyway, it’s over. I’m okay. Shouldn’t have I healed by now, being a vampire?”

  “You are newly formed my dearling, I’m afraid you will heal like a human. It will be about a month before you have full vampire abilities.”

  “Well then, in a few days, I’ll be healed. I’m okay, and I’m alive thanks to you. We have tae find Merlin. They took him through a portal. I doona ken where.”

  “We doona have tae do anythin.’ We are stayin’ together until you’re healed, then you are goin’ tae Mither’s until this is over. I willna lose you, Elspeth. I came close tae losin’ you. I willna have it.”

  She smiled, “I love you, you stubborn arse, but I can help. I’m needed here for my healin.’ I would love tae see your Mither, and I will spend time with her, but whe
n the war starts, I will be here.”

  He chuckled. “You speak the language weel, Els.”

  “It was my first language, Ian. I like using it again. It’s easy tae me. It comes from bein’ around you. You reminded me of who I am.” She leaned and kissed him. Just as he put his arms around her a knock interrupted him.

  “What is it!” he frowned as he pulled back from Elspeth.

  “It’s me Finn. There’s a fire in the third long house. Fight between a Crixior, a Crimson Keeper, and an Ocrul. The Sanguine Squadron, mine. I stopped it once, but they didn’t listen. I’m sorry, but I need you for this.”

  “Damn, this is all I need.”

  “Go,” said Elspeth. “They need you. I’m okay really. I really want to take a walk on the beach anyway.”

  “Alone?”

  “Isn’t this why we’re in Wesladus? Aren’t we safe?”

  “I just doona want you alone.” He pushed his hair back off his face and groaned.

  “Ian!” shouted Finn. “I have to get back. Meet you there.”

  “Coming!” He jumped up and threw his clothes on, grabbed his sword, pulled on his boots, then kissed Elspeth. “Els, I’ll try and meet you on the beach.”

  When he got to the long house there was banging, smashing, a lightning bolt came through the window, wind swirled, breaking glass, it was a damn hurricane in there. Ian stormed through the door, they all stopped and looked at him. Finn smiled. “Hi Ian.”

  “The last thing I need today is a bunch of numpty men actin’ like they ain’t got any damn baws. You four against the wall.” They all started talking at once. Ian let his fangs drop then pulled his sword. “The next one tae speak loses his head. Against the damn wall! Finn what happened?”

  “The fae and vampire pulled a trick on the demon. They put nightshade in his drink.”

  “That damn stuff makes any species sick. What the hell were you thinkin’?” he asked, continuing without waiting for an answer. “So, the demon attacked?”

  “Not then, the fae and vampire attacked the demon, and when he didn’t respond, they attacked his demon friend, that’s when he finally reacted.”

  “Wait a minute. First give me your names. Demon one, who dinnae attack until your friend got hit, step forward.”

  The tall, dark, long haired demon stood forward. “My name is Lysanthir, my lord, my demon friends call me Lys.”

  “Demon friend two?” Ian stood straighter, tilted his head, and crossed his arms.

  “Bane, my lord.”

  “Fae?”

  “Waythe, my lord.”

  “Vampire.”

  “Vander, my lord.”

  “Why did you two bumbling wallopers put nightshade in Lysanthir’s drink? How old are you, two? Answer me Vander.”

  With a red face, he mumbled. “We didn’t mean anything by it. It was just a joke.”

  “This war we’re aboot tae fight is nae joke. But, for the joke you played, you two will not get dinner, but you will have your mead. With nightshade. After a lovely night of nightshade, you two will be the first in the training yard, at daybreak. Lysanthir?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “Are you a good soldier? I mean tae say are you good in battle?”

  “Sir, I can hold my own. Yes.”

  “Then right now we are goin’ tae the training yard. You will fight Waythe and Vander and you all can use your powers, giving it everythin’ you’ve got.”

  “Sir,” said Lysanthir, “that would be like me fighting you.”

  “Weren’t you fighting them anyway?”

  “Well…yes. Yes, sir, to the training yard.”

  Waythe and Vander walked out with grins on their faces.

  Ian and Finn stood at the edge, waiting and watching. Finn leaned over and whispered. “Weren’t you a little hard on Lysanthir?”

  “I have my reasons. Shut up and watch.”

  Vander shot fire balls at Lysanthir, while at the same time Waythe called on the earth. The ground rolled beneath the target. Lysanthir deflected them all, one by one, by just raising his hand up and out. They fizzled out in midair. He returned fireballs back just as fast. Waythe called water and rain to put out the blazes. Then he called wind to dry up the water.

  Lysanthir disappeared upon attack and appeared a short distance away, avoiding flying objects. The two men drew swords and charged the demon. Lysanthir drew his sword blocked, parried, and struck at Waythe. When he knocked Waythe down he went after Vander. Vander was good but Lysanthir was better.

  He blocked over and over then knocked him to the ground. Waythe and Vander, got up angry, and charged full force, but Lysanthir just appeared to be playing with them. This went on until Lysanthir appeared to tire of it. He glanced around and three rocks lifted into the air.

  Twirling his finger in circles, the rocks began to rotate. The men stopped and dropped their swords mesmerized by the flying rocks. While they were distracted, Lysanthir shot fire bolts at them. They deflected.

  Lysanthir started walking toward them bringing the rocks down to rotate around their heads. Since they were standing next to each other it was a rather small circle. But the rocks were going very fast past their faces. Unsure what to do they tried to follow the rocks movements.

  In a split-second Lysanthir disappeared and reappeared behind the men. The rocks stopped in midair, one in front of their faces and two behind them. The men continued to stare at the hovering rock. Lysanthir grabbed the two rocks from the air and hit each man in the head from behind. They both went down, out cold.

  Ian laughed. “He’s a thinker that one.” He walked to the two laying on the ground and called rain. The cold water brought both men around. “Get up you two egg heads.” They stood rubbing their heads and mumbling. “I ever catch you pulling another prank, no matter how small or trivial, you’re out of here. We have a war tae fight, and I will not have a couple of ninny goats for soldiers. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, sir,” they both replied. They looked a bit confused at what had transpired.

  “Lysanthir you showed restraint from attacking these nimble wits when they drugged you, you showed restraint when they attacked you, when one of yours was in danger, you fought back, and you proved yourself a worthy fighter.”

  He chuckled again and put his hand on Lysanthir’s shoulder and continued as they were walking toward Finn. “Now I willna say that at first, I wasn’t a little angry at demons, I was.

  “Me father and brother were killed by Asurad demons. But watching you all in training, I’ve learned you aren’t all alike. It’s taking some getting used to and I’ve had to rethink things, but I’m coming to understand the difference between the two demon factions. There are good demon’s and you’re one of them. I can see it and sense it. So, I was wrong. We ken there’s animosity amongst you all, and I want these men to ken, you are all fighting on the same side. But that isn’t why I am picking you, nae. It’s because you are a good mon and a soldier. I am in need of a first. So, you’re with me. Finn, find you a new demon, Lysanthir is moving into the lower floor of the castle.

  “Get your things. I’ll see you there and show you your room. Day break you’re helping tae train idiots like these two. You two!” he shouted, “go clean up the hall you destroyed, then go tae your chambers, nae the soldiers eating hall, stay there until dinner time, and Finn will make sure you get your nightshade. Make sure the mess you instigated is cleaned up by then. Everyone dismissed. I’m going tae the beach and find Els. See you at the castle, Lysanthir. Finn, take control of your men,” he said, with an exasperated look.

  ****

  He stood off to the side, just behind Elspeth, watching her silently. He looked at her lovingly. He’d changed and put on his tartan, and kilt of green and black. He figured he’d spend the rest of the day with her. She was beautiful, bent over humming. She was sifting through shells, putting them in the edge of her white day gown that she was using as a pocket.

  It dipped deep and he figured sh
e’d found a lot of shells. She was humming the same Scottish ballad she’d sang the other day. Ian decided then, that it was his favorite song. Her hair glistened bright red and the ends brushed the edge of the water as the waves splashed in, then receded out.

  He watched as the strands followed the lazy waves in and out, and without thinking or stopping, she unconsciously pulled them back to her. She was a lovely sight to behold.

  He wanted to run his hands through her long locks and down her body. Just looking at her made him hard. He wanted her, but only if she was ready for him. He didn’t want to rush her after what she’d experienced.

  He started walking toward her. “Hi, my bonnie wee lass! You collectin’ the bottom of the ocean?”

  “Nae, Ian,” she said as she turned toward him with a smile. “If I did that, where would the ocean go?” She grinned.

  He took hold of her shoulders gently and raised her up facing him. “You are so bonnie I could get lost for days, just lookin’ at you.” He looked at her face, her eye, turned her cheek slightly, so he could see it in the bright of day. “Does it hurt ever so much?” he asked.

  “Only if I touch it or look away tae fast.” She smiled again, and he noticed a crack in her lip broken open from a cut he had missed the day before. He was once again angry and had to quell his emotions. He watched as she unconsciously flicked out her tongue to gather the drop of blood that seeped out. He quickly reached out and with his thumb gently wiped the blood away. She stepped back.

  “It doesn’t hurt Ian, you have a look like you’d like tae kill someone, doona scowl my brave savior, it is over, and these marks will be gone in a few days. We need tae find Merlin. He’s old and Athdar will hurt him. He and Drakkor. The kingdom, Ian what will happen there?”

  He sighed, putting from his thoughts of killing King Rulm all over again out of his mind. “I have already decided to send Angus to take care of the queen and whatever else needs to be handled. Even though we are depending on Lauren’s dreams and visions, I’m putting him in charge of training the Axuard Squad. The rest are working tirelessly over Merlin’s whereabouts, Drakkor, Athdar, and the coming war.”