The Peacekeeper

  “I was riding Saphira, did you see me, Ian? She took me up tae the clouds and we dove toward the loch, she flew close to the tops of the biggest trees, then swept me into the sky. It was the best thing tae ever happen tae me. I wish I had my own dragon I could talk tae. Doona you love owning your own dragon?”

  Ian looked at her quizzically, “You canna own a dragon, Akira. They are our friends and equals, not our pets. We work together, if you want tae think pets, it’d be the other way around. They are stronger than us in almost every way. Do you like being called a pet?”

  “Weel, if you put it that way, nae, I suppose not. I dinna think, Ian.” She turned with a frown and lowered her head. “My mouth talks withoot me kenning it.”

  She and Ian laughed, with their arms around each other they walked in with Akira slowly bringing up the rear, deep in thought.

  ****

  Weeks went by and the wedding was coming soon. Things were quiet in Wesladus, Merlin visited often and was happy to report the peace there. It was good to have the family together, and Moira enjoyed it.

  Moira thought about the decision she’d made and decided to wait until after the wedding to announce what her intentions were. She just hoped the family would understand. She stood looking out the window with her arms crossed, tears threatening her eyes.

  It was time, she decided, Elspeth and Ian could take over running the castle, and the family, she couldn’t live without Lachlan any longer. She had fought the undeniable pull toward Lachlan, ignored it to the point of spiritual pain, pushed herself beyond measure, to stay with her children.

  They were old enough now. If she continued to live her spirit and mind would disintegrate to the point she’d become insane. She was surprised she lasted this long. In their species, and with a true mate, it was known that if one died, the other followed.

  It wasn’t a choice, but a fact. She didn’t know how she lasted as long as she did, she was thankful for the time she had with her children. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and looked toward the sky. “Soon, dear Lachlan, soon,” she mumbled and turned toward the kitchens.

  ****

  The days rolled by. Ian spent his time carving the two cradles he was making for the bairns and Elspeth. He’d forgotten how he loved working with the wood. His dusty hands lovingly brushed one of the legs he was working on.

  He had plans for other projects after he was finished with these. He enjoyed going to the woods and felling trees to use in his work. It was quiet and peaceful. He was enjoying himself for the first time, in a long time.

  If he wasn’t working with wood, he was fishing or hunting. He liked bringing home food for his family.

  He enjoyed going out early with all his brothers in a hunting party, he was glad they were all here for the wedding. Soon they would be back at Wesladus and it would just be him, the only man of the family left here to take care of the women. He thought about he and his brothers hunting with their father. He thought of Lachlan a lot lately and couldn’t understand why he couldn’t return with Eoghan.

  Surely his mother deserved that, especially after all their family did to keep peace. He’d never understand the gods. Shaking his head, he went back to work on the cradle. He had almost finished both of them.

  He wanted to give them to Elspeth on their marriage day. He was also secretly working on a nursery attached to their room. It had been a small solarium he kept locked, so Elspeth wouldn’t see it yet.

  He planned on having it all finished to surprise her on their wedding night. He also planned the fae mating ritual. Their spirits would join and it would be immensely pleasurable, unlike his vampire side which had required the painful change.

  She had to become vampire to mate with him, but fae could not be created. You had to be born fae. He grinned thinking about his wedding night, he was excited, he was happy. Sighing he laid his tools down. It was getting late and it was close to time to eat. He wanted to see Elspeth.

  ****

  The day before the wedding Elspeth stood in the solarium in the dress the girls had made. The light green silk material was so soft and the darker green satin beneath flowed over her skin like water.

  The girls had embroidered flowers along the open edges of the silk over coat from neckline down. The thread color matched the darker satin. At the bottom of one edge a small dragons head adorned a corner. Akira’s idea. It looked almost like the flowers unless you looked closely.

  The low bust line, in a v shape, had a bit of lace, but her ample breasts puckered up through the top nicely. Ian would approve. She stood as they hemmed the bottom of the full satin skirt. Her waist was tight, any tighter and she didn’t think she’d be able to wear it. She was showing, but not overly.

  At her waist, she wore the McGregor colors. A thick band like Ian’s tartan created a belt and she would wear the same color ribbons in her hair. She felt beautiful and absolutely loved the dress. She blocked out the girls giggling and chattering as she thought about the wedding. A pounding on the door brought her back to the present.

  A guard rushed in, “Elspeth, you need to come right away. King Arthur is here and he’s brought a small army with him. Everyone is outside and he’s demanding to see you now. Ian is holding him back, but you must come now.”

  She knew Arthur wanted her, the brothers had filled her in, but he couldn’t want her for treason. Surely, he knew she was innocent. Merlin should have told him. She couldn’t possibly understand why he wanted her. With her nerves skittering beneath her skin she shuddered.

  She quickly changed and the girls became silent. Once dressed they all hurried down the steps and out the door. As she stood at the top of the stairs in front of the doors she quelled her shaking and looked at the man atop the horse in the forefront.

  ****

  A huge handsome man, the king, his wavy red hair shown bright in the sunlight like fire. Ian watched as his blue eyes connected with Elspeth’s, the place silent, he stared. Arthur didn’t look menacing or angry, maybe a bit confused, but finally he broke the silence. “Elspeth McLellan, I need to speak with you. In private with only you and the McGregors.”

  He stepped up. “You will not take her! You will not hurt her. We marry tomorrow. You hurt her and I will kill you!” His jealousy came sparking to the forefront. Friend or not, King Arthur would not have his Elspeth for any reason.

  “I’m not here to hurt her. Why would you think such a thing?”

  Connor stepped up. “You were so angry with her when we were there at your castle. She did not commit treason.”

  “I know that,” laughed Arthur. “I was angry at king Rulm not her. I was worried for her, not angry at her. I will not tell anyone why I am here until I have first told her. I need to speak with you lady Elspeth. Please, it’s important.”

  “I will hear what you have tae say, King Arthur,” she said a bit breathlessly, and bit her bottom lip.

  Moira piped up. “Please come in Arthur. We’ll have drinks and you can tell us why you are here. Will you please stay for the weddin’?”

  “If you’ll have me, yes.” He nodded.

  “First we need tae ken why you are here.” Ian crossed his arms and spread his legs in defiance. King or not, he wasn’t going to give him any quarter.

  “Of course. May we please go inside and have those drinks? I have something of import to show Elspeth.” Arthur climbed off his horse and walked toward the steps. He let him pass and followed close behind as he went up the stairs to Elspeth.

  When Arthur got beside Elspeth he felt the strangest feeling go through him. Arthur and Elspeth’s eyes locked on each other and Arthur grinned. He held his arm out for Elspeth to take. It took her a second to understand what he was doing, and when she did she blushed, and put her arm through his.

  His jealousy doubled and flowed through his veins to the point he saw red. This had better be damn good, he thought, stomping up the remaining stairs behind them.

  Once inside Moira asked for mead and wine to be bro
ught to the table. Bradana hurried to the kitchens to get the drinks. Suddenly a blue light appeared and Merlin stepped through a portal.

  “Have I missed anything?” Merlin asked with a wide grin.

  He looked at Merlin. “You ken what he was aboot dinna you?” he glared at Merlin.

  “It wasn’t for me to tell. Now let the boy have his words. I think you’ll find this fascinating.” Merlin smiled. “I know I can hardly wait.” Merlin grabbed a tankard and filled it full of mead, drank half down, and slammed his cup to the table. Sitting down he got comfortable. “Come now. This is all good. If I thought Elspeth was in danger Arthur wouldn’t be here. Everyone grab a drink, take a breath, and relax. Let the King have the stage.”

  Arthur grabbed a tankard and filled it but remained standing. Moira handed Elspeth a cup of elderberry juice. She drank it down as if it were wine, and found some courage, standing as well. “Please, King Arthur, what can I do for you?”

  “I think the better question is, what can we do for each other?” he put a shaking hand inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a worn parchment. “I think you should read it.” He leaned past Ian and handed it to her.

  Elspeth took the parchment with equally shaking hands and read what it had to say. On her second reading tears filled her eyes and tumbled down her cheeks. She looked at Arthur and whispered. “Is this real?” Her tears flowing freely.

  “What does it say?” asked Ian. “Please read it.”

  Elspeth looked at all the quiet faces. She looked at Arthur. He smiled and tilted his head. “Go ahead and read it aloud,” he said.

  “Och, okay,” she said taking a deep breath fighting her tears. In a wobbly voice, she read.

  “My dearest son, I ken this was the worst thing for a human being tae do, but I couldn’t let Drakkor and King Rulm take you. I doona ken what he plans on doing with you, but I ken it canna end well. I have taken a child from a woman who died from complications while birthing.

  You are two days apart. In her dying breath she asked me to care for him. My heart breaks at what I am tae do, but I feel I have no choice.

  I am giving you tae one of the castle maids in hopes she will find a good home for you. She is a true friend. This other child I will give to King Rulm in your stead, he will think he’s you.

  I write in tears as I will not see you grow up, I will not ken who has you, or if you are weel cared for, but you will be alive. For that I am grateful. Please ken that a mother’s love kens no bounds, I protect what is mine, and so I hope you can go forth and have a prosperous and happy life. I will love and think of you always.

  With my deepest sadness and love, your mother forever and always, Lainie McLellan.”

  Elspeth dropped the parchment to the table crying freely. She looked at Arthur and he too was crying.

  Arthur cleared his throat. “My whole life I thought the King was my father. On his death bed but a year ago, he told me the truth. He said he saw me at market and that my head full of red hair beckoned him. When he saw me, he fell instantly in love. He took me from the maid that our mother had given me to.

  “He didn’t know about the note at first, it was in a pocket beneath my carrier. He found it when they changed the nursery back in to a sitting room. I was two and a half then. He had me declared his legal son and he loved me through my life. He and my mother. I have had the best life.

  “You can understand my shock. They never had other children, I was an only child…until I found out about you. I’ve searched you out day and night. I couldn’t tell anyone about this until I first told you. I was worried sick when I found out what King Rulm’s plans were. I was never angry at you, Elspeth, my fury lies with Rulm. I want you to understand that. I just didn’t want you to find out from anyone but me, and I wasn’t sure how you would take the news.

  “The men out there? They aren’t solders they are family. McLellan’s and our mother’s family the Anndrasdans. Our parents were shunned when she refused a man her father picked for her and she ran away with our father to Mystic Kingdom. These people outside are cousins and distant cousins and we are here for the wedding…if you’ll have us.”

  He watched Elspeth sob and run to her brother’s arms. Moira sighed with tears freely falling, “I do love very large weddings!”

  He now knew why he had the strange feeling on the steps. He looked at the two sobbing and their hair matched in redness. He mistook brotherly love for lust. If he would have quelled his McGregor temper he would have seen the resemblance. He shook his head, berating himself. They looked a lot alike, as he looked around at his brothers, he knew they were seeing the same thing. The place was quiet, full of people…family, all clearing their throats, and not a dry eye in sight.

  Merlin raised his newly filled tankard. “A toast to the brother and sister reunited.” Everyone started talking at once.

  He shouted. “Here’s to Elspeth and Arthur!” Shouts of Here! Here! went up and laughter filled the place. Elspeth walked over to Ian and he put his arm around her. He watched Moira push the tears off her face and then give up and sob. He put his hand to his mother’s shoulder with a smile and shed some tears. “Who’d have thought,” said Ian. “Arthur is finally becoming part of our family for real.” Moira smiled at her son’s comment and downed her wine. What a fine day it turned out to be.

  ****

  The sun shone bright the next day. There was a faint breeze and upon it the smell of the water and flowers. Rose petals dusted the walkway Elspeth and Arthur would take to meet him. They fluttered in the light breeze making them look alive. People gathered and their excited talk filled the air. It was warm and perfect.

  The crowd was large and Ian couldn’t see all the people. Most of them family coming from all over. Ian stood in front of the priest waiting patiently outside near the loch under a trellis adorned with large white flowers. He was decked out in his finest kilt and tartan, his shiny midnight hair falling freely and lightly across his chin in the light breeze. He stood patiently waiting.

  ****

  Moira was upstairs and she looked at Elspeth in the green gown that her daughters had lovingly sewed for her. She held a wooden box in her hand. Elspeth looked up at her while Bradana put the finishing touches to her hair. She felt elegant and beautiful.

  “Your neck is bare Elspeth. I have a little something for it.” She opened up the box. “My gift to you on your weddin’ day.”

  She looked inside. It was a large, beautiful, simple, one stone, tear drop, emerald necklace. She didn’t know what to say. It was perfect and out of all her jewels this was going to be her favorite. “Moira, it’s lovely. I’ve never seen anything like it. I doona ken what tae say, except thank you.”

  Moira hugged her. “I got it at market the day we went shopping. I was hoping you dinna notice me gone at the shop. I had another mon show me this in a back room. I kenned it would match your eyes and dress.”

  She took it out and put it around Elspeth’s neck, completing the perfect wedding ensemble. She touched it lightly with her fingers as Moira held a mirror up. She almost didn’t recognize the beautiful woman in the mirror. She had finally and fully grown in to a woman and was excited at the prospect of her new life with Ian.

  “Come,” said Moira. “It’s time you marry my son.” She took her hand. At the bottom of the stairs stood a most handsome King Arthur, her brother, in his full regalia. His smile was wide as she descended, and he held up his arm for her to take. “Are you ready for this kitten?” he asked. “You are absolutely stunning, sister mine.”

  She took his arm and nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered shedding a single tear of happiness. “I’m so happy you found me. I kenned you were alive, I always felt you. Now my life is complete,” she said smiling sweetly at him.

  “Likewise,” he responded. “I too have always felt something, something incomplete, now I know.” He smiled back warmly. “We must get you to Ian before he decides to take a piece of me.”

  ****

  Ian
heard the crowd grow quiet and watched as Arthur led her to him. She was stunning and he had to clear his throat. She was gorgeous in the green gown. The satin shimmered in the sunlight.

  He was proud to see his colors about her waist and he stood straighter. Her hair glistened like fire and was high about her head in curls, green ribbons flowing down and fluttering in the breeze. She was beaming, despite the fact no one got much sleep the night before.

  Between getting everyone settled from family members travelling in, to King Arthur and his men, and staying up late listening to Arthur and Elspeth chattering about family, and her telling Arthur about their mother and father, it was wee hours of the morning before anyone got to sleep.

  It was good though, no one seemed tired. Elspeth reached him and Arthur placed her hand in his. Her face was flush and she looked radiant. He felt smitten all right and was damn sure happy about it. He beamed. He didn’t know how he managed to repeat the words he was supposed to recite, but he did.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off Elspeth and when it came time to kiss her, time stood still. It was short and sweet, but to him it lasted a life time. He picked her up as she squealed and shouted to everyone, “Meet my wife! Elspeth McGregor!” The crowd cheered. He carried her up the hill and through the castle where everyone followed.

  At the party, eating, drinking and dancing was boisterous and riotous. No one fought which was unlike most parties, but loud and joyous. Everyone had a grand time and then came the announcement from Moira that it was time for the women to take Elspeth to the bedroom and prepare her for him.

  ****

  Elspeth heard tell of the custom but until this point she never really understood it. They went up the stairs in giggles and laughter. Moira at the head of the crowd. Moira once again held a gift to her. A pale green silk nightdress. After helping her put it on, she asked in a nervous voice. “How do I look?” Elspeth glanced to the giggling women and back to Moira.

  The night dress hugged her curves and dropped to the floor just past her feet. Simple yet elegant. See through and sheer. It felt so soft against her skin. Before Moira could answer she heard the boisterous sounds of the brothers bringing Ian.