The Peacekeeper

  “I will leave you to the men. Saphira and I are going to have our own celebration, if you know what I mean.” He snorted.

  “Yes, I do, in fact, Elspeth and I have started ours already.” Ian laughed. “We’re lucky tae have such fine women, are we not?”

  “Indeed, we are. I shall see you tomorrow, we’ll all fly around and dip in to say hi. Sort of join the party.”

  “Do dragons dance?” Ian asked and laughed.

  “Actually, we do, we have a mating dance we perform when we select a mate. But it only happens once. Have you ever seen a fat dragon try to dance? Not a pretty sight, believe me.

  “I don’t know whether the females find it funny, or attractive, but it’s been done throughout history. I should ask Saphira. Now I’m curious.” They both laughed. He put his snout near Ian and Ian reached up to brush the side of his face. “I’m glad you’re alive Ian, I would have sorely missed you had anything happened.”

  “I know,” said Ian. “I never knew a dragon and a mon could form a bond, but it’s pretty thick, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, as Saphira is with Elspeth. Which speaking about, I’m out hunting berries and worogild. I’m not here, right?” he snorted.

  “Right. I never saw you, and you dinna tell me anythin’.”

  ****

  Ian turned and watched the men coming in. Most laughing and hanging on to a female. He thought the party a great idea. It would be good for the men to bond over something besides battle.

  He hoped some good friends would be made and not limited to their own species. He hoped those boundaries would fall during this party. How was he going to leave these men? He scratched his head, the voice again floated through his mind. He ignored it, shook his head, and took off toward the keep.

  His brothers were already hitting the mead, their deep boisterous voices floated out to meet Ian. He was happy and anxious to get in his cups and join them. He grabbed a tankard and poured himself a full cup, drank half, and slammed it to the table. In seconds, he was caught up in conversation about the battle.

  Elspeth and Moira went floating by, Elspeth dropped a kiss on his head, he went to grab her and put her on his lap, but she avoided him, laughing. “Your Mither and I are headed up tae our room. She’s going tae help me pick oot a dress.”

  “Weel, I willna stop you then. I canna wait tae see you tomorrow Els. Your bonnie anyway, but tae see you all done up in a fine dress, weel thinkin’ aboot it makes my mouth water,” he whispered, and grinned.

  ****

  Moira and Elspeth laughed the entire time. They had all the dresses spread atop the bed. Elspeth held up a necklace. “I was trying tae think if I have a favorite necklace, but I love them all. Which dress should I wear Moira?”

  “Weel since Ian didn’t see you yet in any of the fancy gowns, let’s dazzle him tomorrow. My favorite dress is the dark green one,” she said as she lifted it from the bed. “It really brings oot the color of your eyes. They are so bonnie, Elspeth, they sparkle, especially when you are looking at my Ian. You really love him doona you?”

  She stopped and looked at Moira. “So much, that sometimes I feel I may explode with what I feel. You ken, I can feel him when he’s comin’ tae me, when he’s close I can hear his thoughts, and he mine. I’ve never experienced such a feeling afore.”

  Moira laughed. “Och, my Lachlan could make me feel the same, and if he was upset or mad, I could always get him laughin’. I think lovin’ someone fully is like that. We just ken what tae say tae each other, we ken what each other is feelin’.

  “I wish he could have come home with Eoghan. I miss him so much that there are days I feel I canna go on. If I dinna have my children, I doona think I’d be here now. He’s the first thing I think of when I wake, and the last thing I think of when I fall asleep. I’m happy for you Els, you have Ian and he’s retiring for you and the bairns. You willna lose him like I did Lachlan.”

  “You will be with him again, Moira, I ken it in my heart. Someday.”

  “Aye, someday, but it doesn’t keep me warm today. That sounds selfish of me, doesn’t it?”

  “That’s okay, Moira. When it comes tae love, I think we need tae be selfish, sure you have the children tae think aboot, but love for Lachlan is what made those children. Withoot him and you together first, there’d have been no bairns. Almost losin’ Ian made me see some things clearly.

  “Withoot him, I doona think I would want tae live. He’s changed my life in such a way I never kenned existed. I feel whole now, like all my life half of me was missing, and it was. It was Ian, he’s filled so many holes in my life, that I could never go back tae the way I was. Ne’er.”

  Moira squeezed her hand in understanding. “Weel, what do you think? The dark green? I think it is lovely. Plus, with a corset, Ian’s eyes may pop from his head. You are going tae fill the dress oot fabulously. I canna wait tae see you in it either. What shoes do you have? Did you get the satin slippers tae match?”

  “Aye! I almost forgot aboot them.” She rushed to the wardrobe where her dresses hung. She bent over and shuffled around coming up with them. The dark green satin was definitely beautiful, she thought. She brought them over and placed them on the dress along with citrine necklace. She leaned back turning her head side to side. “What do you think, Moira?”

  “Perfect,” she said. “You will be the bonniest of them all.”

  Elspeth put the dresses away and turned to Moira. “Thanks Moira, you’ve been such a great help tae me. I learned so much today aboot having a party. It’s quite fun tae prepare for one. Choosing food, and finding music, I can hardly wait.” She yawned. “Och, what a day it’s been. Did Eoghan tell you my bairns healed me?”

  “Yes, he did. Tell me Elspeth how do you feel aboot Ian’s retirement?”

  “I willna try and persuade him one way or another, but personally I think he is making a mistake. He’s an excellent leader, he loves his men, and it is just who Ian is. Tae take that away from him, is taking part of who he is, and that is part of what I love aboot him.

  “He is verra strong willed, he feels he is doin’ right by us, but he doesn’t understand, I’m a healer, my bairns are healers, at least one of them is. If they are tae follow their destiny, what do I teach them? Tae be a healer a person has tae have true convictions tae it, or it willna work. Tae be a healer you are around wounded soldiers more than any other, I doona want tae hide them from what they are, I doona think I can. I doona want Ian tae hide from who he is, but I canna tell him. He has tae see it. What do you think, Moira? Am I wrong?”

  “Nae, my dear, you are right. If Ian wants tae protect you and your bairns, he has tae to do that. Doona forget he lost his father tae a fight. He kens how that made him feel. He came close, verra close, tae losing you just today. He couldn’t live with himself if he lost you. I ken my son, it would destroy him.

  “Give him time tae figure things oot. In the end, he’ll make the right decision, and if it is tae leave the battles and the wars behind, you need tae ken if you can live with that. You can teach your children tae heal the sick and old, they may not want any more than that. And that is something you willna ken until they learn aboot themselves.

  “Right now, nothing has tae be done or decided. We have a wedding tae plan, bairns tae be born, a life filled with pleasure. There is no one tae fear at this time, so I say we enjoy ourselves.” Moira smiled. “Ian chose wisely, I’m happy you are part of the family.”

  “Thank you, Moira, for everything. I feel at ease speaking my true feelin’s to you. I’ve never had that afore.” She hugged Moira who returned the hug with affection.

  “Shall we see aboot dinner? I think my boys are probably in their cups by now. We should probably feed them.”

  They walked arm in arm down the wide staircase. Moira commented on the ornate surroundings and was lighthearted. She felt the same way.

  After dinner Ian jumped up and grabbed her. She giggled and said, “put me down! Your family is watching.”


  “I doona care if the whole damn world watches. I’m taken the woman I love tae bed!”

  “Ian, the mead has clogged your brain.”

  He took her up two steps at a time. She squealed all the way.

  After they made love twice, they fell asleep in each other’s arms. She felt safe, and she felt the same for their bairns. Maybe Ian was right. Maybe they could have a peaceful life together.

  ****

  Moira was at the table when she and Ian walked down the next morning. The boys came dragging themselves down and were quiet as they ate breakfast. They were all deep in their cups the night before, and this morning it was apparent they were feeling it.

  Elspeth wondered what they’d be like tomorrow. She smiled. Everything was pretty much set for the party. They had a few hours yet before it’d start. Merlin had the music coming, so she didn’t need to worry about that.

  Food would be brought out all day and set on the sideboards, that way people could eat when they wanted. She had watched Moira get the cook and maids in order, and she felt things would run smoothly. She was going to have Moira do her hair.

  After she broke her fast, she returned to her room to take a bath. She had her gown, slippers, and necklace on the bed, ready to be put on. She thought about being here at Wesladus. It felt like home to her, and she was going to miss it. She liked McGregor Keep and especially the people in it, but this place held a special place in her heart.

  She’d miss hearing the shouting and sounds of training in the morning. She’d miss this room, she’d especially miss the dragons, Ator, Saphira, Sorrilth, and Kalon. She wished Ian would realize what he was doing. She couldn’t help but think he’d miss these things too. She’d let it go though, she loved Ian that much, if this is what he wanted, then she too wanted it.

  She sighed, leaned back and closed her eyes. As she did, a soft knock came and Moira and the giggling girls burst in the room. She was pleasantly surprised. Moira had on a red velvet gown and with her long black hair, looked stunning. “You’re so bonnie, Moira, red suits you favorably, especially with your long black hair. You girls bonnie as weel, you all look like a field of fine bloomin’ flowers.”

  “Thank you, Elspeth,” said Moira. “I’m going tae put my hair up like I’ll do yours. We came tae help you get dressed and do your hair.”

  “I’d love that, thank you.”

  They laughed, giggled, dressed, and did their hair. She felt that they looked striking when they headed down the stairs, the girls following behind.

  ****

  The music was going, people laughing and talking, the party was in full swing.

  Ian was in a corner talking to Larc, Conall, Eoghan, and Finn. When he looked up and saw his Mither and Elspeth walking down the stairs arm in arm, he stopped mid-sentence.

  He didn’t think Elspeth could be more beautiful. Her hair was done up and red stray ringlets brushed against her long white neck. Ian’s incisors started to come down and he had to hurriedly take control.

  The green gown matched her sparkling eyes, her bosom bounced with each step, her creamy white cleavage begging to be touched. The tight waist showed off her voluptuous hips, and his mouth watered.

  Each pleat of the full skirt shown like silky waves as the light hit it. This was definitely his favorite gown for her to wear. Green was his new favorite color, but she was definitely his favorite woman.

  Moira and Elspeth seemed to float to them. His Mither was a good influence on her. They were both smiling and happy.

  “Enjoying yourself?” Elspeth asked.

  “Aye, immensely,” he said staring at her. “Especially now, my bonnie lady.”

  She blushed. The music sped up and Ian grabbed her to dance across the floor.

  Moira watched and smiled. Larc looked at Moira, “Would you like to dance, my lady?” Moira smiled a wistful smile and let Larc lead her out.

  After lots of dancing a portal opened and Merlin appeared with Angus and a dark-haired stranger. He watched his brother argue with the beautiful woman.

  Elspeth whispered in his ear, “That’s my queen, Edina. But why are they arguing?”

  They moved across the floor to meet the newcomers.

  “I didn’t want to come! I didn’t need to come! I don’t need to be here,” said the queen.

  “I am supposed tae protect you!” said Angus. “I told you I would do my job, and I will. Now shut your geggie and try tae have some fun. These soldiers saved your sorry arse and they deserve some respect.”

  Edina frowned and then donned a smile that was clearly forced.

  “Look at it this way Edina, now that the threat tae you and your people are taken care of, and as soon as the books are set straight, and your people in a better place, I can leave. That shouldn’t take much longer. ’Til then I weel be protecting you. That should make you happy.”

  “That will make me very happy,” she said tentatively.

  He moved with Elspeth by his side to greet Edina. His mother, Larc and his brothers were right behind him.

  Edina seemed pleasant and remembered Elspeth immediately. “Elspeth, what a pleasant surprise. I am glad to see you happy and well. I am sorry for what happened. I didn’t know…”

  “Doona fash yourself. You aren’t like him. I ken. I felt bad for you.”

  The party ended with a few brawls which was normal. It was a great success and almost everyone left in their cups stumbling about. When the evening died down and Angus left with the queen, Elspeth turned to him and asked. “What did you think of the queen and Angus?”

  “I think they hate each other.”

  Elspeth laughed. “I think quite the opposite. Dinna you see him watchin’ her all night? I think he doesn’t ken it yet, but he is struck by her.”

  He laughed, “Angus? No way. Now, let’s go up and let me take you oot of that dress like I’ve been wanting tae all night.”

  Elspeth put her arm through his and they walked up the stairs.

  Chapter 32

  Juppar Heiwynn, Wardhurst Castle

  Juppar turned and glared at the God of Darkness. “You have no right to tell me how I must do things.”

  “I have every right. You are my son. I made you. Only the One Great God could create souls before, but I have a secret. You, my son, are the first of your kind. Made from me. Not quite like the One Great God’s souls, but close, and I won’t lose you. The God of Light thinks everything is tied up equally, yet he’s used Merlin for a millennium in his cause for good. No more!” He roared.

  “You will do things the way I see fit. You are not to attack yet, they are too strong, and you haven’t enough Kearals. Did you get the grimoire?”

  He moved to the side of the room. Placing a candle beside the bookcase, he pulled a lever behind some books and the book case slid forward. “Follow me.”

  The God of Dark followed him inside a large chamber. Dark gray and black cobwebs hung from tall dark rafters, the two’s presence making them sway and flutter in the light breeze of their passing. Skins of animals hung about, along with shelves full of bones and jars of different liquids. The smell of decaying flesh hung in the air like a thick cloud.

  One shelf held jars of ether. There were dark oily veins of water seeping around rock, meandering down the western wall giving the air a moldy smell. The room was cold and no fireplace to warm it.

  He didn’t feel the cold. The elements never affected him. The old castle did well for him. It was huge with very large, cold, dark rooms. It was here he made his magic. He retrieved the grimoire from his work table and held it up. “I have the book. I also know what it contains. I will make my army bigger, but I have no fear of the McGregors. I can take them all out now.”

  “Juppar, The God of Light does not yet know of you. He destroyed my plan for Athdar and so as not to draw suspicion to my hand in bringing him back, I had to imprison him. I did not appreciate that one bit. But I have you. If you don’t want the same fate then pay attention to what I tell you. You are truly
my son and have god like powers. Use them wisely. If we want to succeed, he cannot learn of you. We do things my way. Do you understand?” His glowing red eyes telling him in an instant what his words did not. His continued existence was at stake, for now.

  “I understand. However, it’s not necessary. I could take care of it without him finding out.”

  “Do as I say!”

  “As you say.” His own eyes glowing red with flames.

  “With Athdar encaged in hell, you are the only one left to carry on. I won’t have you destroyed as well.”

  “I will grow the Kearals. I will do as you say.”

  “Fine, then we are done.” Then just as quickly as the God of Darkness came, he was gone.

  ****

  McGregor Keep

  Saphira flew in low and landed with a squealing Akira on her back. Laughing hysterically Akira tried to get her words through her lips. “Again?” She managed to ask, the one-word question being the only one she could manage.

  “Saphira said she has to get back to the babies, she will give you another ride sometime soon,” said Elspeth smiling. “Come, your Mither and I have lunch waiting and we’re discussin’ the weddin’.”

  “Och,” said Akira. “Isn’t Saphira just the best? I wish I could understand her like you can. Do you think she’ll be back tomorrow? I sure want tae ride her again. That was so much fun. Do you miss being at Wesladus? Do you think you will go back? I hope you doona. I want you tae stay here. I want the dragons tae stay here.”

  She laughed. “My goodness you can say a lot in one breath. It’s as if you talk like someone might steal your words away. What do you say we go eat?” She took Akira’s hand in hers pulling her toward the keep.

  They had been here just over a week, and Elspeth, leaving Akira’s question unanswered, did miss Wesladus. As they were going in through the large double doors, Ian was coming out.

  “Why such a hurry?” he asked grabbing her around the middle and hugging her close. Akira giggled and he let go of her, looking at his sister.