The Peacekeeper

  “I donna ken exactly where our destination is, Merlin will be leading us there. I ken we will be going up a mountain and through a valley tae get there. In that valley, they are likely tae ambush us. We ken now what we are up against. It’s not goin’ tae be easy, but I ken for a fact we can do it. Are you all with me, give me an Aye!”

  “Aye!” again “Aye!”

  “Good luck men. Eat good tonight, pack warm but light. We’ll be treckin’ up a mountain. We’ll be taking our horses through the portal here in the morning. We leave at day break. Dismissed.”

  He climbed down and pulled his hand over his face. He tried not to think of the men they recently lost or the battle they had. He knew they were now sitting good with Larc and his men, he just didn’t want to lose any more soldiers.

  It was his responsibility to see to their safety. He hated going into unknown territory, but it had to be done. They had to face Athdar and his army. He wasn’t so ignorant to think they could eradicate Athdar’s army, but they could win this battle, hopefully along with killing Athdar and Drakkor.

  He knew Merlin and he knew Merlin would die before he would lead them all to their death. He had to trust his judgement. He knew Merlin had studied his surroundings, carefully planning his moves. He must have spent all the time he could listening to Athdar, projecting when he could, and getting a feeling for Athdar’s movements and daily habits.

  At least that is what he himself would do. He and Merlin were a lot alike. Merlin wouldn’t be coming to them unless he was ready. So, like it or not, they too, had to be ready. At least Elspeth would be here, safe. He wanted to see what strategies Connor would come up with. Lysanthir had good strategies as well. Together they’d figure things out.

  He walked around the other side of the castle and down the hill. He called Ator and within minutes he was there. “Ator we found Merlin, sort of. In the morning at day break we leave for outer earth. Merlin will meet us at the portal there and lead us to Athdar and Drakkor. I need you and your dragons with us. Can you ready them?”

  “We’ll be ready. We can fly on ahead and up and meet you there if you like.”

  “No, it’s cloaked, you better follow us. We are in uncharted territory. I want tae make sure you get through with the rest of us. I doona ken what the process of breaking through a cloaking spell entails, but I am sure it isn’t pleasant. We need tae follow Merlin, because we aren’t sure of our path. Meet us at the portal at daybreak.”

  “We’ll be there.” And Ator flew off.

  He walked through the doors of Pendragon and into the meeting hall where his brothers were discussing ideas. Larc and Lysanthir just joining them.

  “What have you got, Connor?”

  “I think our grouping should be larger this time and not so spread out. By the time we all rejoined the group the first wave was tired out. I know it was because of the layout and we really couldn’t do much else, but we need a tighter grouping. Ian have you contacted Ator yet?”

  “Yes, he is meeting us at daybreak at the portal with his dragons. Conall go over everythin’ you saw and heard with Merlin again, even if you think it not important. I doona want tae miss anythin’.”

  He looked up and saw Elspeth enter the room. “Hi dearling, care tae join us? We are goin’ over Merlin’s visit with Conall and trying tae plan for what little we ken. Maybe your fresh outlook could help us oot.”

  “Weel, I doona ken how much help I could be, but I weel join you. I just hope we can get Merlin back safely. I hope I can heal him, although I’m not sure of all that is wrong with him, or if I’m capable.” Elspeth took a seat at the table.

  Conall brushed his hand over his face. “Like I said, I was in Merlin’s library looking for references tae monasteries and their locations. I looked up and he was there, but not. I could see through him and had trouble at times understandin’ him. I doona ken if it’s because he’s ill or weak or if it was because he was a projection of himself, but he does not look good at all.

  “He’s thin and older looking. His face was gray and much more wrinkled. He had trouble with keeping his eyes open and his speech was off. I just hope he’s strong enough to go through with it. He started tae fade a couple of times, but when I called his name he became brighter.

  “I couldn’t tell where he was because he floated here, away from his surroundings, so it was unlike Lauren and his dreams. He said he’d lead us tae his location. Our danger will be in the valley when we cross.

  “In the afternoon Athdar trains, he hopes tae have us there then, it will be easier tae get in the monastery. He knows they’re cloaked, obviously. He says, mornin’s Athdar and Drakkor are gone and at night Athdar comes and drains a little of his ether.

  “He’s not sure aboot scouts, but he believes they have men on watch, and that they scout daily. There is a large building on a hill close by, from there, Merlin said, he could hear men’s voices. He sees it when he travels oot. He has tae be careful Athdar doesn’t see him. He’s the only one who could tell what Merlin was doing.

  “He thought it may be a building for animals because he could hear and see horses outside. He thinks the soldiers stay there and that’s where they train. That is aboot all he said. That and he will be there in the mornin’ at the portal while Athdar and Drakkor are gone. He said he couldn’t leave while they were there for fear Athdar would know what he was up tae. That is all I ken.”

  He looked around the table. “Anyone have anythin’ tae say?”

  “I canna think of what tae do,” said Connor. “I doona have a map, I doona ken the layout of the land, I have nothin’ tae go by. I doona ken where we are goin’, nor even how many men we are up against. The best I can say is we should stick together as much as we can.”

  The room was quiet with everyone deep in thought. Most worried about Merlin.

  “Weel, I guess there isn’t anthin’ we can do other than follow Merlin,” he said. “We should eat, pack, and get tae bed early. Finn, I know you want tae go, but I’m goin’ tae ask ye tae stay here and watch over Elspeth. Even though Cameron and Dougal will be here, they will be busy with the books and spells. I need someone who can keep an eye on her. Do you mind?”

  “I’m fine, Ian, you men need tae go,” said Elspeth. “I doona need watchin’. Seriously, I’m safe here in Wesladus. I doona want anyone tae watch me. The staff is here, that’s all I need.”

  “She’s right,” said Finn. “The only trouble will be wherever Athdar is. I think she’ll be fine.”

  “Elspeth, I’d feel better if one of my brothers stayed.”

  “Dougal and I will be here,” said Cameron. “I want tae read more of Merlin’s book, but if something should come up, I’m sure I can handle it. I want tae stay anyway, I’m in the middle of reading the grimoire. I have it half memorized, and soon I should have the whole thing in my head. You wouldn’t mind keeping me company, would you Els?”

  “I suppose,” he said not giving Elspeth a chance to answer. “You and Dougal are just busy with readin’ and I thought we should have someone nae as tied up.”

  “I said I’d watch over her, Ian,” said Cameron. “I can do both.”

  “Weel, I guess that would be fine. Now I feel better. It’s time we eat. Morag!”

  Morag came from the kitchens with tankards and mead. “I’ll be right back with water, for you Elspeth. Dinner is ready and will be right out.” The tiny maid rushed out.

  A few seconds later, two women carried in civet of hare, loin of veal, stuffed chicken, and a quarter of stag. The usual frumenty. Breads with different jellies were scattered about, and gilt sugar plums and pomegranate seeds adorned the middle and each end of the table. There were hard boiled eggs covered with saffron and flavored with cloves, plums stewed in rose-water, various wines, and large pies.

  He looked around the table at those gathered there. “A bountiful feast to say the least. Eat up, I doona ken when our next hot meal will be.”

  After everyone ate, they all talked for an hour,
when Ian announced that he was going to pack, Elspeth offered her help, and they got up to leave. After “good nights” were exchanged, everyone left the table to get ready for the morning.

  “You need tae take this warm cloak, Ian,” Elspeth said as she packed things for him.”

  “Nae my tartan will keep me warm. I doona need anything warmer but thank you.” He looked at her and smiled. “I think I have all I need. Now all I need is you.”

  Elspeth stopped and smiled. “Then I think, it’s later later.” She moved everything from the bed. “Come here,” she said, and held her arms out.

  “You doona have tae tell me twice,” he said, as he moved and sat down beside her. He took her hands and looked at her. “I want you tae know somethin,’ Els. This battle willna be like the last. I was not myself last time. That was the first time I ever felt the way I did. I want you tae ken, it willna happen again.”

  “I ken, Ian. I understand you more than you ken. You forget, I was in your head. I ken what happened. I’m not worried aboot you. Everything will be fine. Now kiss me you big bloke. I need you.”

  And so, he did. They made love slowly and he ended by tasting her sweet blood on his lips. He drank deep, not only for the purposes of the feeling it invoked, but because he wanted to take a little of her and the bairn with him. He pulled her against him, his hand curled protectively on her stomach and fell asleep with a smile on his face.

  Morning came way too early for him, he lay there thinking about the lost men. He couldn’t get it out of his head. Finally, he shook himself and gave himself a stern lecture. His remaining men needed his consideration. He had no room for mistakes.

  He kissed Elspeth on the forehead and silently removed himself from the bed.

  “You canna leave me, Ian McGregor, without a kiss and farewell.” Elspeth turned toward him with a yawn. “Are you sure it’s even mornin’ yet?”

  “I’m sure. I was going tae leave you sleep and see you after we were ready tae go. I’ll be back,” he said, and kissed her anyway.

  “Mmmmmm. I wish you were in this bed with me.”

  “Me as weel, sweetling. After this is over you are all mine.”

  “I’m all yours anyway.” She smiled.

  He put his hand on her belly. “You just take care of yourself and our bairn. I doona want anything tae happen tae her.”

  “You mean him,” she said, and grinned.

  “She’s a fire-red haired girl, with emerald eyes, and as bonnie as her Mither.”

  “He’s a dark-haired boy, with silver eyes, and so handsome all the girls swoon.”

  They both chuckled. He kissed her again and left.

  In the yard men were talking. Spirits were upbeat and he joined in. For as chaotic as it sounded, things were moving along nicely. It was a gray sky and soon it would be turning red. He hurried the men on.

  Horses were packed, men mounted and ready to go as the first red streaks reached the horizon. Elspeth met him in the yard and they held each other for a second before reluctantly parting.

  He gave the call and they went to the stationary portal that led to outer earth. Ator and his dragons flew up. Ian looked around at his misbegotten army and smiled, now they were complete.

  He was happy with Larc and his men, they boosted the rest of the men, the dragons were a site to behold, yes, he felt good about this. They were able to enter two at a time on horseback. The dragons followed them through. Their transition went smoothly. Soon they were all gathered on the other side of the portal.

  “Do you see Merlin yet, Conall?” asked Ian?

  “Nae, I doona see him, not yet.”

  “Weel, we wait.”

  ****

  Mount Zomm, in the cave

  Athdar looked at Drakkor. “Did you get the bone from Elspeth’s mother and father?”

  “It was easy, I remembered where I buried them. How does this work, Athdar? What is the bone used for?”

  “Well Elspeth is a healer. My plan is to use Merlin to bring her to us. I will use the bone dust to send Merlin to her. She will by her very nature want to heal. Because of my ether connection to Merlin, I will know the minute she touches him, and when she does I’ll immediately pull them back here.

  “She will become our prisoner.” He laughed. “It will be such fun killing her in front of Merlin and Ian. I can’t wait to see their faces. When it sinks in and I’ve had my fun, I will then kill Ian, my brother’s favorite McGregor. Then I will kill my brother, the same way he killed me, only slower. With this.”

  He took the knife off the stone alter that lay in the huge cavern. “It’s the magical knife that killed me. Using his blood, and its power, each slice will bring fire to his veins, but instead of killing him quickly as he did me, I’m going to kill him slowly.” He relished the thought of making his brother suffer. How ironic, he thought. His laughter echoed off the walls.

  “What if someone else touches Merlin when you go to bring them back here? Will they also transport here?”

  “Yes, but the more the merrier. If I can get more McGregors all the better and the less I have to get later.”

  “How are you going to get Ian here?”

  “If he isn’t with her, once he finds her gone, he’ll come looking for her. After I have her, I’ll drop the cloak so he can find me. Only this time I’ll be ready for him. I’ll have my army set up to ambush them in the valley, with the stipulation Ian is to be brought to me alive.”

  He mixed roots and herbs in a large bowl as he spoke. He and Drakkor collected different ones every morning. Sometimes taking a portal to distant lands in search of the rarer ones. Now his collection was complete. He had everything he needed.

  “Once I’ve finished with grinding the roots, I’ll grind the bone and add it to this. It will all be ready, when I say my incantation, I only need to add my blood. Of course, Merlin will be here. I have a small spell that will cut off his voice, so he can’t warn Elspeth, and voila! We’ll have her, and anyone else who wants to tag along for the ride. It’s a perfect plan.”

  Drakkor laughed. “I can’t wait to see the end of the McGregors. They have always had their nose in everything I do. Once they’re gone there will be no one stopping us, Athdar, no one. We can complete our goals without interference. You will be the strongest wizard alive and I’ll be demon king. Things we both deserve, and we’ll be unstoppable.” Drakkor grinned. “Speaking of which did you find Juppar Heiwynn? Are we going get the men back?”

  “I have an idea where he is. I’m not worried about them yet. I have plans in mind for Juppar Heiwynn. I will take care of them when we finish with Elspeth, Merlin, and McGregor. Here help me with the rest of this. You grind up the mother’s bone. We don’t need much, just enough in the bottom of your hand should do it.”

  They each stood at the alter with mortar and pestle. They both had about an inch of bone that they crumbled and were now grinding. Both laughing and talking as they worked, about the things they wanted to have and do.

  ****

  The portal at outer earth

  The men waited only seconds before Merlin showed. Conall yelled, “there,” and pointed. Conall was the only one who could see him. Ian followed him as he walked his horse toward where his brother saw the wizard.

  Conall was quiet a moment and then relayed Merlin’s words. “He said he can get us tae the edge of the mountain this morning, but he has tae return tae the monastery afore Athdar. He will tell us the path tae take, then return when Athdar goes tae training.

  “He said about half of Athdar’s men haven’t returned tae train. He doesn’t ken what’s happened to them, but he hopes they’re gone. That means less you have to worry about.”

  “How many men does he figure that Athdar has?”

  “Aboot a hundred tae a hundred and fifty men.” Conall suddenly looked worried. “Merlin! Merlin! Hey you with me? He looks bad Ian. We need tae go.”

  Conall took off fast. “He’s headed this way. Keep up!” The men responded to his sho
ut and took off in a gallop.

  After quite a distance of running the horses, they finally slowed then stopped. They were at a river. Ian held up his hand for silence and looked around. He could hear him talking to Merlin. Finally, after arm waving, and pointing to various spots, Conall stopped. He rode to meet him.

  “Merlin said tae rest the horses here, water and feed them, and for us tae eat as weel. After our rest, it will be a non-stop trek up. He had tae leave, but he’ll find us on our path this afternoon, and lead us through the valley. He said tae take that path there and follow it. It looks like it stops up ahead, but that’s because of the cloaking. The farther we go, the more path we’ll see.

  “He said once we get close to the cloaking edge we will start to feel fearful and be compelled to flee. The horses might spook, but we must keep going straight. Once the barrier is breeched we will be fine.”

  He turned toward the rest of the group. “I will tell them what you told me.” Some of the men led their horses to the water to cool them down and allow them to drink. Others were stooped over washing the dust from their faces and hands.

  He looked toward the direction they were headed. The path appeared to end, but then again looks could be deceiving. Athdar could make it look different, he supposed, but in the end, they’d still be going up that mountain. Most of it was covered in fog, the work of Athdar no doubt. It looked and felt menacing. He wondered if the horses would have to be left behind at some point.

  After they ate the dried meat, bread, and cheese they were ready to follow Conall along a path they couldn’t really see. But they knew Merlin and no one dare question what he had to say. So as a group they crossed the river then fell in line as they began on their path upward.

  It wasn’t straight up as he’d thought, in fact it wound around. When they hit the shroud barrier, it was as Merlin said, the closer they got, the more unease the men and the horses felt. There was some chaos as the men tried to control the horses, until finally they all broke through.