The Peacekeeper

  “What will happen with Athdar? What of Drakkor? Is Elspeth and our bairns alive?”

  “Athdar will not be killed. You know the balance of good and evil, as it stands, a necessity. Of everything, including in each one of your souls. Athdar will be taken by the Dark Lord. He will be imprisoned in the bowels of hell for a very lengthy time. You won’t have to worry about him coming after you.

  “Drakkor is now dead, Kahn took his life immediately for his transgressions against the rules, his spirit resides in turmoil in demon hell. He cannot rise again. This last fiasco Kahn could not ignore, he had to take action, or answer to the One Great God. As far as Elspeth goes, she’s in bad shape. Speaking of bad shape, Merlin! Wake up.” The God of Light turned to Merlin.

  “Am I dead?”

  “No Merlin, you know the world can’t get along without you.” The God of Light laughed. “You’re looking a little under the weather and old too. I’ll fix that. He waved his hands and before his eyes Merlin became healthy and young.

  “Your brother beat death and is young once again. You know how I like things equal. You have a job to do Merlin. You know what that is.”

  “Yes, I do.” Merlin smiled. “Thank you.”

  “Will you heal Elspeth, please.” He knew he begged, but felt he had no choice.

  “No, Ian, I will not, but behold the beauty and fight of life.” The God of light swept his arm in front of him and disappeared. He was once again in his body. The stake was gone and he jumped up to fight Athdar and Drakkor. They too were gone.

  He ran to Elspeth and grabbed her hand. Everyone was released from their frozen states and Eoghan was there.

  His brothers were hugging and talking, but he could only see Elspeth. He pulled the knife from her chest. “Wake up dearling, please.” She didn’t move. He watched in slow motion as the blood seeped from her chest and drop by drop slid slowly down her side and off the table to hit the floor, each drop a splash he could swear resounded through his body. The whole slow-motion scene surreal. The ripples from each drop flowing through him, killing him as surely as someone slowly pushing a knife in his heart and twisting. He watched her life blood leaving.

  Then in a sudden moment of clarity he pressed his hand to her wound to try and stop the bleeding. He fell to his knees and lay his head to her chest and listened to her heart beat slow.

  In his anguish, he raised his head and gave a grief ridden howl that bellowed from deep in his soul, echoed loudly through the cave walls, shaking all around. All his brothers stopped and gathered around concern etching their worried faces.

  Silence hung in the air as he buried his face in her neck and sobbed. She lay dying, still, silent, and pale. Ian held her limp hand and squeezed, with his other he gently placed it to her stomach, unknowingly, gently rubbing over his dying babes.

  All his training as a soldier and leader seemed pointless. He was losing his woman, the only one he wanted for his wife, his only love, and his whole world. His children he’d never meet, never see their first steps, hear their first words, or watch them grow up. The tender heart that Elspeth single handedly nourished in him until it bloomed, shattered.

  His grief was beyond words, he held her, feeling her slip away and knowing there was nothing he could do to stop it. “Why couldn’t you save her?” He yelled to the God of Light. He gave up then, he no longer cared to live or die. He wanted to go with her, he wished he could have stayed dead. He knelt there in a stupor, until Merlin nudged him. He brushed his hand from his shoulder.

  “Ian, look,” said Merlin. He raised his tear stained face.

  “Leave me, Merlin. All of you!” he shouted. “Oot! Get the hell oot!”

  “Damn it, Ian, look,” said Merlin, shaking him. He forced him to turn his head. There within Elspeth’s stomach, dimly but sure, came a green light that traveled from its starting point to the wound in her chest. Dumbfounded, he watched in amazement as the wound slowly began to heal.

  Little by little the bleeding stopped, and the wound began to knit before his eyes. When it was done, the light went out and she halfway opened her eyes. “Ian,” she whispered hoarsely. “I thought you dead. I saw Athdar stake you. You’re alive!”

  An anguished moan slipped from his lips. With a quiver to his voice, he said, “Elspeth, my Elspeth, so are you. How? You were dying, so close to death. You are amazing Elspeth you healed yourself while you were oot.”

  She looked confused. “I canna do that, Ian, tis not possible.”

  “Then how did you heal, if the God of Light dinna do it, then who?”

  She suddenly seemed to understand. She put her hand on her belly. “I think we are goin’ tae have some lil’ healers on our hands, it was the bairns. They healed me.” She rubbed her belly softly.

  He had tears in his eyes and he thought about what the God of Light said about the beauty and fight for life. His was indeed a beautiful life.

  He looked at Elspeth. “Everything is goin’ to be all right from here oot. I promise. Athdar and Drakkor are gone. They were taken to hell. Athdar pretty much for good, caged there. Drakkor is dead, Kahn killed him, and he’s suffering in demon hell.

  “As long as he isn’t here, that’s all I care aboot. I love you Elspeth,” he said as he kissed her. “I’m officially retired. We’ll live at McGregor castle where I’ll be laird and you lady, alongside Mither of course. We’ll raise our family and be happy.”

  Suddenly he felt a twinge, something niggling the back of his brain. A small voice flowed through him. “Remember who you are.” He’d heard that voice before when he lay in bed after the kearal did something to his mind, he let it go, shuddered, and shook it off.

  “I love you too Ian. Can we get oot of here?”

  He laughed. Over joyed, he grabbed up Elspeth in his arms, kissed her soundly until Merlin grabbed his forearm. Merlin stood beside him. “My gods you look young and handsome!”

  Merlin laughed. “I think everything turned out all right this battle. Let’s get your men and dragons, and go home, shall we?”

  Home he thought, hmmm. He shook his head. “Come Els, I need tae thank the men and tell them a job well done. There is usually a celebration after a battle is won. I’ll have the men spend the rest of today getting their wives, ladies, whoever they want.

  “Tomorrow we’ll have a daylong party in celebration in Wesladus. Then I’ll tell them I’m retiring and have someone fill my place.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her up.

  Merlin looked at all the boys. “I think it’s time you all went home for a while and enjoy yourselves. Stay until the wedding and the party afterward. With Athdar deep in hell with no way out, we should be sitting good for a while.

  “There’s still the issue of the ether and unaccounted men. But none of your concern Ian. Now is the time for joy, and celebration, Eoghan is home! We have so much to be thankful for. I will get the portal ready and we can go to where the dragons and men wait.

  “I will take care of Pendragon while everyone’s away. I have some reading to catch up on. I will be there for the wedding though.”

  He watched Merlin ready the portal. “I doona think I’ll ever get used to seeing Merlin young. Has anyone here ever seen a young Merlin?” Everyone agreed with him that it was a sight to behold.

  “He’s been old as long as I can remember.” He went to Eoghan. “I’m so glad you’re back brother!” He hugged him. “We have to talk aboot what happened. I doona remember much. Blasted God of Light wiped some of my memory.”

  “I doona remember much either, only that when I died it was not my time. I could come back, but da couldn’t. Why, I wonder…”

  “Come on, the portal is open,” said Merlin. “Let’s go.”

  When they walked through the portal, outside the monastery, everyone cheered. He loved these men. He’d miss them. “Remember who you are…” came the whisper once again from the back of his mind. “Who said that?” He asked and looked around. No one else seemed to notice, so he let it go.

&
nbsp; He smiled at the men then held up his hand for silence. It took a bit, but they finally settled down. Elspeth stood beside him holding his hand, smiling along beside him.

  “Men,” he said. “First off. Job weel done! We beat the Kearals! Dragons bless you for being here! Thank you. We couldn’t have done it withoot you! You guys kicked them all back tae hell!” Cheers went up, and he held his hand up again. “I couldn’t be prouder of my men or you dragons. You should be proud of yourselves! We had a job tae do and we did it.

  “The rest of today you go and get your wives, lady friends, or friends because tomorrow we celebrate. Be back tonight, because tomorrow is an all-day affair! Dancing, drinkin’, and making bairns You can take leave now and find your friends here in outer earth, then use the stationary portal back tae Wesladus.”

  “See ye all there, and congratulations on a job well done. Dismissed.”

  Everyone roared and talked at once.

  Ator caught his attention. “Ian, I know what happened to you and Elspeth. I’m sorry you went through it. You really need to reconsider your retirement. These men need you. You are a great leader.” Ator had a look, and he felt he knew more than he was saying.

  “You ken something doona ye, Ator. You ken everything that happened when I died, you were there in my mind. What did you see, what did the God of Light make me forget?”

  “I cannot tell you things, I am not at liberty to talk about, Ian. Don’t ask. I will just say this, there are some things you have to decide for yourself. Now leave it at that for I will not say any more.”

  “A damn good friend you are,” he said, frowning, without thinking and not really meaning it.

  “That I am, Ian, and one of these days you will understand that.”

  “I’m sorry, Ator. I didn’t mean it, you ken that. I ken the God of Light, it has tae be hard on you. Thank you for bein’ here with us, fighting with us.”

  “I know Ian. You just went through a great deal, I understand, truly. I’m glad to oblige. Please, though, think about your men they do need you.”

  “With Athdar gone, the men can train. I’ll make sure one of my brothers replace me, and that the men will be in good hands. We’ll still be close. I willna forget you.”

  “I know Ian, but your brothers, they aren’t you, Ian. You have leadership talent. Please think about it. I’ll miss you.”

  “Elspeth and I will visit often,” he said, knowing full well his friend was going to miss him. He felt Ator didn’t want him to leave his men, because he didn’t want to lose him. He wouldn’t let that happen. “While all the family is at the McGregor Keep, why doona ye and Saphira stay above the loch. It would be nice tae have you there. Besides there’s a little girl, weel not so little anymore, who wants tae ride a dragon.”

  “I’ll ask Saphira, we’ll have to move the little ones again, but I think she’ll want to. She is very close to Elspeth. Well, I’ll leave you now and get my dragons back.”

  “Hey Ator…”

  Ator turned around, “yes?”

  “Thank you, you and all of your dragons, but especially you. You’ve been a true friend through everything, and I just want you tae ken…”

  “I know,” said Ator. “I feel the same.” He smiled a wide dragon smile and then left.

  Elspeth was talking to Eoghan and he walked up and took her hand. He caught part of something about the bairns. She laughed and looked at him with longing. He felt it inside as well. He was happy. “Ready?” he asked.

  “Aye.”

  Back at Wesladus in Pendragon, Elspeth was upset. “Your Mither was goin’ tae teach me how tae run a household. I ken nothing of having a party. I wish she were here.”

  “Eoghan! Can you come here for a bit?”

  “Sure, what do you need?” he walked over.

  “I think it would be nice if you went today and saw Mither, spend some time with her. Bring her and the girls back here for the party. But, not tae late. Elspeth would like her here tae help arrange things. Would you do that?”

  “Sure, I’ll leave right away.”

  “Problem solved.” He grinned. “My Mither will be here tae help.”

  Elspeth kissed him. “My new dresses! I forgot, I can wear one tomorrow. Och, Ian, a party. It’ll be such fun!” and she kissed him again. “Later, later,” she whispered.

  He looked in her eyes. “Yes, most definitely, later, later.” He grabbed her and kissed her hard.

  “Better yet, now, now, and he picked her up and started up the stairs.” Leaving the men all laughing downstairs. He didn’t care. He loved Elspeth, they were both alive, and he intended on celebrating the fact.

  He threw her on the bed and she laughed. He tore at her clothes and she did the same to his. They couldn’t get naked quick enough. He kissed her deep and passionate. His erection bounced to life. It seemed because of what happened everything was heightened. He could feel her every breath, every touch left sensations across his skin. Her dress was half torn off, his shirt the same. She laughed, “get me oot of this!” she said as she tugged her dress. He had that and his pants off in an instant.

  He was back beside her licking her neck, she shivered and clawed at his shoulders. He didn’t have time to slow down. Not this time. He reached down and felt her damp and ready. He didn’t waste time and in one smooth stroke he entered and buried himself inside her and had the intense feeling of coming home.

  She sunk her nails scratching across his back. She was so hot, and sheathed inside her wet tightness, his breath caught and he groaned. He stilled waiting for the throbbing to ebb. When it did, he withdrew and buried himself again. God’s, she felt good. He didn’t think he’d last long.

  She grabbed him around the neck, “Please Ian, hard and fast. I need it now.” He did. They slammed against each other, staring in each other’s eyes, and when she was about to shatter he sank his fangs into her neck.

  She screamed his name and came apart in his arms. He screamed hers and stiffened while his seed emptied. When he let go she latched on and sent them both to the place of another earth-shattering orgasm. They were breathing hard and she was gulping. They laughed and held each other. Worn out from earlier, they fell asleep holding each other.

  When they awoke a couple of hours later, they decided they should make an appearance downstairs and headed to the meeting hall. Merlin came through a portal with Moira, the girls and Eoghan. Just in time he thought, he could tell she’d been crying, her eyes were red.

  He supposed it was happiness for Eoghan, but sadness for Lachlan. Whatever the case, she was clinging to Eoghan like she might lose him again if she let go, but she finally did. She went and hugged Elspeth. “A party, hu? It weel be such fun. Do you know which dress you’ll be wearing? I brought all your things.”

  “Thank you, I was hoping you’d help me pick it oot… Moira? I doona know how tae throw a party, will you help me?”

  “Of course, child. Stick by me and you’ll ken how by the end of the day.” Moira laughed, and he loved it.

  He looked around at his family. He thought about his Da. He whispered, “I wish you were here, Da.” He smiled. He knew Lachlan was watching. He could feel him in the room. Elspeth and Moira went to the kitchens laughing.

  The girls wanted to go to the ocean and find shells. Merlin looked around. He still couldn’t get over a young Merlin. He laughed. He wondered how long he’d stay young. He watched as everyone laughed, he too felt good. He thought he’d go outside and greet the soldiers coming in. He snickered at his brothers, then turned and left the castle.

  ****

  Ator stood with Saphira, exasperated. “Saphira, I was there, you know how the connection works. I heard everything that the God of Light told Ian. Ian’s whole purpose is, has been, and always will be a protector of the weak. He can’t retire, and I can’t tell him. The God of Light wiped his memory. I have to help him remember, if he wastes his life, and remembers when he is old, he will hate himself.”

  “You know you cannot go
against anything the God of Light says or does. You cannot tell him the truth about anything that the God of Light has wiped from his memory. No Ator, you stay here, leave Ian be, I’m sure there is a reason for it. You aren’t to interfere.”

  He paced and thought, snorted smoke, and thought some more. Saphira laughed, and he quickly turned. “What?”

  “You are a good friend, Ator. You care deeply for Ian, that is obvious, but there are some things he must figure out on his own. Have some faith in your friend.”

  “Perhaps you are right.” He snorted again. “I shall go hunt and get this energy off my chest.” He went to the edge and dove off.

  He landed outside Pendragon as Ian was walking outside, good, he thought, he didn’t need to call him. Ian looked up and smiled. “Weel, I see you made it back. What brings you here, are you going tae stay above the loch for the weddin’?”

  “Oh yes, but I’ve come to tell you something else you may want to know. I wasn’t going to mention it, because you want to retire so bad, but I’m going to tell you anyway in hopes you’ll reconsider your position.

  “When we flew down the mountain, I’m sure I saw Athdar’s remaining men, but that’s not all, I think there is someone else that may be close to Athdar in skill. It was someone I’d never seen before, tall man, dark hair and eyes, could be anyone, I know, but he opened a portal, and they went through. It seemed this person was leading them.”

  “Hmmm,” said Ian. “I will tell Merlin, perhaps he knows. He and my brothers will take care of it, I’m sure.”

  He looked at Ian, exasperated, but he knew what he had just gone through. Time, he thought, perhaps in time he’d change his mind. He had to quit pushing him, but he just couldn’t help it. He just had to try. He had a bad feeling about the man he saw, and he felt the only one smart enough to figure things out, was his friend and leader of the Myraid Army.

  If he could just pull a thread of his memory out, well maybe then he could remember everything. He had hoped, oh well… He’d leave it go for a while. Knowing tonight was going to get him nowhere, he changed the subject.