Dark Gathering

by Karlene Cameron

  “Katerine, we are here.” He indicated the caves behind him. “We know the caves enhance your abilities. Let’s try a few things, ouí?” He held his hand out to her, his heart beating wildly. If he was unsuccessful in convincing her, he wasn’t sure that MacKinnon wouldn’t try to force her. Goddess, this is all so complicated, he thought.

  “I’m tired. I feel like I’m going to hurl, and all I want is to forget everything that’s happened to me in the past seven months.” She turned and started to leave.

  “Please.” He sounded as if he were begging; maybe he was. He could feel her pain, the emotional exhaustion that lay just beneath the surface of her unshed emotion. He knew she put on a brave façade, especially around MacKinnon, but right now, he just wanted to heal her wounds and let her feel whatever she needed to feel. He needed her to confront her emotions, to tap into the anger and hurt that seemed to fuel her magical abilities.

  She turned toward him, scrunching her brow as she looked at him. It felt as if she were searching his soul. Maybe she was, he thought. And somehow, he was alright with that. If there was one person who deserved to know him as openly and as raw as he knew her, it was Caitriona.

  She nodded and walked toward him. “A few hours. Nothing more.”

  A smile lit his face. “Merci, chérie.”

  She burst out in a fit of giggles. At his inquisitive look, she said, “You are absolutely the only person who could ever convince me to stand next to a boiling hot cave in the Mexican desert to do something that seems quite impossible.”

  He started laughing then, too. The sound of her laughter was like music to his ears. It was the first time in months he’d heard her laugh and somehow, he felt encouraged by the small gesture.

  “LaFelle,” Duncan called to him. Nicolas thought he detected a hint of irritation in the commander’s voice. He held out his hand to Caitriona, who threaded her fingers through his. On an impulse, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand. He could feel her panic at the physical contact. He squeezed her hand and leaned in close to her ear. “I will never leave your side, chérie.”

  She looked at him with her big emerald eyes that were red from crying. “I know,” she confessed.

  “Are you two done wasting time, Lieutenant?” Duncan asked a little too tersely. Nicolas smiled at the use of the formal title but escorted Caitriona to the others. Dani gave her sister a quick hug and Nicolas felt Caitriona bristle before sliding a smile in place. I wonder what that’s about, he thought absently, making a mental note to dig into her reaction later.

  “Ok, what now, Commander?” Caitriona asked. Nicolas didn’t miss the use of Duncan’s formal title. Neither did MacKinnon.

  “The caves are about five kilometers in that direction,” Duncan said, pointing to the desert trail that wound through the hillside and toward the old mine shaft. Caitriona looked at Nicolas and then Duncan. Picking up her pack, she slung it over her shoulders and adjusted the weight. Not bothering to wait for their small party, Nicolas watched as she made her way toward the mines.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Duncan was irritated by Nicolas and Dani’s untimely arrival. Not only was he enjoying the rare moment alone with Caitriona, but he had wanted to hear about her vision, the first one she’d had in weeks. He needed to know if it was pertinent to his war. She was so emotionally closed to him lately. He sighed. He wished he had Nicolas’ empathic ability to read her emotions and get inside her head. He watched as she leaned playfully into Nicolas’ shoulder, their easy banter getting under his skin and fueling his already dark mood.

  “Duncan?” Dani spoke sharply, interrupting his thoughts.

  “I’m sorry, lass. Ye were saying?” He felt like a cad. Dani had been asking him questions to which he’d only been half paying attention.

  “I asked you if you had a plan, or if you were just winging this?”

  “Winging this?” he said, rolling the words around on his tongue as if they were foreign to him.

  “You know,” she exclaimed. “Making it up as you go along.”

  “Aye,” he said. “Something like that.”

  They walked along in quiet solitude. Dani plucked at Duncan’s hand until he was forced to thread his fingers through hers. He looked at their joined hands as if seeing her for the first time.

  “Don’t be such a mercurial ass, Duncan,” she said, leaning in close to his ear. “I swear, I don’t see what Catie sees in you, but you’d better treat her right.” She dropped her hand and ran on ahead to Nicolas and Caitriona.

  Duncan stared at his hand as if it had caught fire. Damnu, he snarled. How dare she? She had no idea the impossible task that had been placed on his shoulders. The Goddess knew he would die trying to save his people.

  He was pulled out of his melancholy mood when Caitriona swooned and started to collapse. Had it not been for Nicolas’ strong arms around her, she would have fallen to the ground. Duncan hurried to the trio.

  “What is it, LaFelle?” he barked.

  Nicolas eased Catie to the ground, fanning her as she fought to keep conscious. “I think it’s the caves, MacKinnon.”

  “This didn’t happen to her the last time we were here,” he replied.

  “She wasn’t pregnant the last time we were here,” Nicolas quipped.

  “We need her conscious,” Duncan reminded him, his tone harsher than he intended.

  “Really?” Nicolas replied sarcastically. “I thought we could just touch her or something.” Danika burst out laughing, but quieted when Duncan gave her a warning look.

  Duncan knelt beside Caitriona and pushed the hair from her face. Her skin was clammy, her red curls clinging to her face in clumps. Her cheeks were flushed and her skin pale. Damnu, he thought. Maybe he shouldn’t have tried to bring her to the caves.

  “Don’t fight,” Caitriona whispered. She started to smile but suddenly arched her back, her eyes rolling to the back of her head.

  Nicolas rolled her to her side, trying to ensure her airway was open.

  “What’s happening to her?” Dani shrieked.

  “Hold her still, MacKinnon,” Nicolas barked. Duncan pinned her arms against her body and applied just enough pressure so that her struggles were subdued. Nicolas rocked back on his heels and closed his eyes. Duncan knew he was trying to connect to her.

  “She’s having a vision,” Nicolas ground out. “We need to wake her. She’s distraught,” he said, opening his eyes.

  “Nay,” Duncan said between clenched teeth. With his free arm, he placed it in front of Nicolas, effectively halting his progress.

  “MacKinnon, this isn’t your call,” Nicolas spat.

  Caitriona coughed, putting an end to the confrontation. Her eyes flew open and she struggled in earnest to extract herself from Duncan’s immobilizing grip.

  “He’s coming, Duncan,” Caitriona croaked.

  Duncan released his hold and helped her sit up.

  “Hawkins knows we’re here,” she continued, fear lacing her voice. “We don’t have much time. You have to mobilize your troops.”

  She was struggling to pull air into her lungs and for a moment, Duncan was torn between his obligation to his army and his sense of duty to the woman he loved. “Go,” she implored him. “We will help you.”

  He stood, casting a glance at Nicolas.

  “Nicolas,” Caitriona said. “We need to combine our energies.”

  Nicolas looked at Duncan.

  “I know you don’t understand,” she continued, “but Hawkins’ armies are almost here.” Caitriona fixed Duncan with a sharp look that he knew better than to ignore. “Duncan, please mobilize your armies. They should approach from the southeast and only on your command. You’ll stay here, but in sight of your troops. There’s a small plateau just beyond that ridge.” She scrambled to her feet, Nicolas helping her as she started to sway.

  “Dani, I’ll need your magic,” Caitriona continued in a rush, slipping her hand into her sisters.

  “A
nything, Caitriona, but last time we were here we couldn’t control the energy,” she said.

  “I wasn’t in the right place,” Caitriona mumbled, scanning the mountainside.

  “Katerine, slow down,” Nicolas implored. “You’re not making any sense.”

  “We don’t have time for me to explain. Trust me, Nicolas.” He stared at her for a few moments and then nodded his head.

  Duncan moved away from the group and started barking orders into his communicator. He glanced at Nicolas, who looked worried, but he didn’t have time for anything more. His communicator lit up with a new transmission: Hawkins’ troops have breached Chihuahua. Will reach Naica in 30 minutes.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Looking down from high on the peak of Naica Mountain, Duncan saw his enemy approach. The advancing hoard, which had come to subdue him, enslave his people, and strip Caitriona of her power, was like a locust covering the land. There are so many of them, he moaned. With his anger fueling his warrior’s energy, he stood where they could see him, just as Caitriona had told him to. The late afternoon sun warmed him as he looked down and watched the approaching army.

  Gradually, one of the Order’s soldiers looked up and saw him. Though miles away, the shout echoed across the distance. With his enhanced eyesight, Duncan could see the man pointing to him. Then another soldier took up the cry… and another and another. There was no fear, no panic in their eyes as this army faced him.

  He heard an angry roar reverberate across the distance as they recognized who he was. Even in the distance, he could see they did not fear. He could almost feel their excitement, like a hungry animal spying tender flesh.

  He felt—rather than saw—the energy coming from his right. Danika’s power was strong. Caitriona’s was even stronger, amplified by the caves and quite possibly, the gifted child growing in her belly. A group of soldiers turned as they sensed the otherworldly energy around them. Staring in disbelief, Duncan could see each of their expressions as they recognized the energy for what it meant and faced their death.

  Instinctively, he touched the intricate Celtic tattoo that formed the Celtic symbol for protection—Algiz. Taking a deep breath he spoke the words as if Caitriona’s voice were speaking in his ear, a language he knew she didn’t know and yet somehow...

  Scáthán seo seal, a bhfuil cuireadh ...

  His eyes stared impassively as the energy around him grew and then swept forward across a large swath of the Order’s soldiers, their anguished cries and screams heralding their immediate death. Those who were caught in its deadly path were immediately eviscerated in a pile of flame and ash, their souls seeking relief from their hellish earth. Those who didn’t perish under the energy’s path of destruction scattered like roaches in a newly lit room.

  He watched as a shuttle glided to a stop not more than 100 meters from him and a dozen soldiers exited the craft. Seeing him, they raised their weapons as they charged forward, their intent clear. Bracing for this latest threat, he faced the approaching men. As the first man came within fighting distance, Duncan quickly and efficiently sliced the belly of the warrior as the man raised his sword. As the soldier slumped, Duncan grabbed the warrior’s throat, watching as the life spilled from the oozing body.

  Ardaigh chosaint ó geasa iargúlta …

  Duncan roared as he threw the warrior from the edge of the cliff, the young soldier dead before he reached the depths below. As Duncan spoke the ancient Celtic words, more of the Order’s warriors began swarming up the trail toward him. There was a look of astonishment in the eyes of these men as they saw Duncan alone, surrounded only by a glowing orb of light as opposed to the countless Templars they had anticipated. The spell Danika had cast engulfed him in energy. As the Order’s men tried to breach the plateau, the orb of energy effectively silenced their efforts, their screams disappearing before they reached the bottom.

  He was amazed at the protection Caitriona had given him. A simple symbol, almost inconsequential, had saved his life twice since the war had begun. Even now, he could feel her power surging through him, enhanced by her sister and grounded by her handler. He didn’t have much time to ponder the source or strength of her power. A quick movement at the corner of his eye told Duncan there were others beginning to flank him from the rear. He didn’t know how long Caitriona and Danika could hold the spell of protection around him, but he hoped it was long enough for what he had to do. Ignoring the Order’s soldiers who were clawing their way toward him, he closed his eyes and reached deep inside himself to feel Caitriona’s connection with him pulsating and vibrating as it filled every inch of him.

  He opened his eyes, sure of his next move as clearly as he saw the massive army gathering to continue their assault. The hoard was now marching toward his peak. His eyes scanned the valley and found his army preparing to meet their enemy.

  He felt her within him then...her voice merely a whisper at first. But as his soul called to her, as it echoed his need...her voice became clear. There was love there...but now the commands came from her power, the power of her ancient heritage and her people. Her voice was a comfort as he watched the army draw closer.

  Take your sword and raise it high...she commanded. As he did so, he could feel the power of her through his body...through the sword… Fear not; I will be with you. Your men must maintain their line.

  He roared, a great bellow that ripped through the mountain and down the canyon. He could feel her energy pulsing through him until he felt it explode from his fingertips. He watched as the fireball flew down the mountain, colliding with the gathering horde that was fast approaching. The fireball exploded, taking out several enemy lines in its wake. He smiled, but knew his lover wasn’t done.

  Overhead, he heard a low hum and looked up to see one of the Order’s drones fire at close range. The protection Caitriona cast around him wasn’t strong enough to withstand a direct assault of such high intensity. As he felt the energy from her spell collapse around him, he dodged the worst of the drone’s assault, the laser fire catching him on his back and laying wide his skin. He roared, and nearly lost the link to Caitriona and the others. He knew he had to reign in his emotions or he would be consumed by her power.

  Tha fuil ar nàmhaid a tha làidir …

  He felt power once again course through him. He raised his sword and faced the Order’s army. His back burned where the Order’s laser had sliced nearly to the bone, but the pain merely fed his resolve. Hearing the thunder of hooves, he turned in time to see Lee riding toward him leading a powerful stallion. Grasping the pommel of the horse’s saddle, he swung himself easily into the saddle, his sword swinging by his side. Clicking his heels lightly, the horse leapt forward. Lee joined him and soon his band of soldiers gathered behind him in a terrifying display of determination and strength.

  The land before him was stained with the blood of men who had died defending the very causes they stalwartly believed in. Duncan knew that many more of his men—good men—would die here today. But the Seer would save as many. Of that he was certain.

  Her power continued to pulse in his blood, reminding him of his warrior’s duty.

  Tha mi a h-uile cron a bhacadh bho seo a stiùireadh …

  He slowed his mount and waited until Lee caught up to him. Caitriona’s power was still present, but had taken a backseat to the orders he had to issue and the command he had to lead.

  “Are you alright?” Lee asked, his eyes never leaving the approaching horde.

  “Aye,” Duncan replied. He was struggling to keep Caitriona’s power in check and not lose himself. He could feel her heart, beating in unison with his, and he knew she was struggling as well.

  “Arghh,” he bellowed to the sky as her energy began to fill him. Her link to him was strong. He closed his eyes and saw Hawkins’ moves as clearly as if he was standing before him. Duncan was aware of Lee barking commands to the troops as he kicked his horse into a full gallop and rode ahead to get into position. Once Danika started the spell, anyone in her
path would be consumed by her elemental magic. Lee would ensure their army remained out of reach.

  Le gaol is leigheas tro cumhachdan trì …

  “Damnu, Caitriona!” he yelled again, his words being swallowed by the vastness of the mountain. “Yer givin’ me too much, lass. Concentrate.” The power subsided and he found his focus once again. He saw the approaching army and knew he would need to unleash whatever magic they could conjure soon. He only hoped it would be enough.

  “Raise your sword high,” Caitriona whispered to him again. He did as he was told, enjoying the rush and tingle of her power as it surged through his body. He could feel the power growing but had no idea what to do. When the energy threatened to consume him, a powerful force tore from him, ripping its way to Hawkins’ men. Just as it settled on the army of men below him, he opened his eyes in time to see the blue energy dissipate.

  The wave of energy seemed to vanish and Duncan worried Caitriona’s vision had been wrong. But several seconds later he heard the screams of the men below. Scanning the mountainside, he watched as the energy reappeared and grew in size, ripping through Hawkins’ men sending limbs and weapons high into the air. He could hear her in his head, telling him where to move. Within seconds, another burst of energy tore through the mountainside, eviscerating everything in its path.

  He could hear the cheers of his men as they recognized this for what it was. On Lee’s command, they turned toward the injured and dying mob, weapons drawn. As steel met with steel, the men no longer feared Hawkins’ army; instead, they fought with valor, without fear and without regard to their safety.

  High above him, he heard the hum of a drone barreling toward him. Duncan stood helpless, unable to move, as the drone flew close and fired at him.

  “Hold your position.” Caitriona’s voice was small and tiny in his ear, but he could feel the connection he shared with her as powerful as ever. Her energy bathed him in a wall of protection, shielding him from the death sentence the drone delivered. The drone’s laser got no more than five feet from him and dissipated into the air. Duncan was in awe. The Seer did that. She did that for him, for his men, for the cause he so stalwartly believed in.