by LAURA HARNER
“The members of the Tuatha Dé royal court, along with their Druid consorts grew completely out of control, corrupted by power, and the Druid council was not there to see it happening. There was much coveting, and each side taught the other secrets that should ne’er have been shared. Through their unholy alliances, wars, disease, and famines were used to control vast parts of the land, to try to prove superiority. Mankind and the very fabric of our world was at risk.”
Earnan stopped, apparently to make sure Elena and Faolan were following his story. He need not have worried about her, she was mesmerized.
“By the time the Druid Council heard of the crimes against nature and man that were being committed, the problem was too wide-spread for them to handle on their own. They petitioned the Fae Queen of the Seelie Court for help, and together they formed the last Fae-Druid alliance. They secured away the Druid writings and magick, and then the Queen scattered the Druids throughout the world. Without their magick, the Druids lost their influence, and nature was left to her own.”
Cornflower blues eyes met theirs, steady and calm, but Elena felt the power of the gaze reach into her soul. Elena glanced at Faolan, who appeared as fascinated as she was by the tale. Everyone sat there looking at each other, waiting for Earnan to tell what happened next, because clearly, not all the Druids died.
“So go on, what happened next?” Faolan asked.
“The Council returned to their… hiding place and held a summit to decide how to keep the Druid knowledge from becoming extinct. During this summit, a great Druid prophetess saw that the Druids would again be needed, that their powers must not be lost for all time. It was decided that the council members would return to the land of Scotia, to their clans, forsaking the influence other Druids had sought. These remaining Druids would continue their clan, training only their direct decedents, serving only that which their eye could behold.
“From what we know of the prophecy, it is more important than ever that those with the potential for power, like yourself, receive their training We are reaching out to the other known clans, but time has diminished our numbers and our skills. Few have kept to the old ways, most have moved on, their lines extinct or no longer producing offspring capable of power. We have feared for a while now that there may not be enough left of the council descendants to meet the needs of the prophecy.”
Brigid, who had been listening quietly, sat forward now, ready to take up the tale. “This is where you come in, my dear,” she said looking directly at Elena.
“Me?” Elena squeaked.
“Aye. Faolan told me about Worthington turning the land over to you. Like him, I was suspicious of you, and I encouraged him to follow you. However, when he brought you to my shop, I knew right away there was something about you he didn’t know. There was light pouring from you. It was blindingly bright. It took me aback. I read your tea leaves, just to be sure, but there was no mistaking.”
Faolan, finally finished with his breakfast, pushed his chair over next to Elena, and draped his arm over her shoulders. “That was the day you first called her my light, Brigid. The day you realized she would help break the curse of the wolf.”
“Aye, lad, but that was not all I thought I saw. I came here to consult with Earnan and the books. We never thought it was possible, but it was hard to argue with my vision.”
She turned back to Elena. “Then you were lost, and the sisterhood visited you. I visited you. I didna know how ‘twas possible, but it was and you are.” She finished by looking at Elena as though Elena could possibly have a clue what Brigid was talking about.
“I don’t understand. What are you saying?” Elena looked from Brigid to Earnan and finally to Faolan, who looked stunned.
“Really, you all seem to know something I don’t. What in the world is going on?”
Faolan looked at her with something new in his eyes.
Brigid almost whispering said, “Reach out, Elena, taste the air.”
Sitting there, wondering why everyone was looking at her so expectantly made Elena feel cranky. She set her feelings to the side and tried to taste it, as Brigid had said. At first, she just felt stupid, as if they had already finished the test, and she was the only one still working. Then there was a bit of a whooshing sound in her head and she could hear three voices as clear as anything, all saying “Druid.”
Elena whipped her head around to face Brigid, who answered in her head, before she could ask, “Aye, lass, you were born of the Druid power.”
How could this be? She was Druid? Did that mean her Grandda— and what did that mean for her and Faolan—
Then they all spoke at once, excitement filling the air. Faolan and Elena were asking questions, Earnan and Brigid were trying to answer them as best they could.
“It seems likely now that some of the original bloodlines survived in those who no longer held the sacred knowledge,” Earnan explained. We doona’ ken how many more are out there. We do know that with the coming of this year’s Beltane, there is to be a new time of Druidry, a rebirth. Brigid has seen that the time of the prophecy is now.“
“The journey you will take is along the path to become fully trained in the art of Druidry. You are not to be alone on this journey. There are others waiting to have the path open to them. ‘Tis our duty to find them and bring them home.
****
Faolan and Elena spent the rest of the day together outdoors in the surprisingly warm sunshine that they now knew was thanks to Earnan. Although there was much to learn, everyone agreed it wouldn’t hurt for Faolan and Elena to rest after their trip. They needed the time to explore their new home and to come to terms with what they’d learned.
They walked hand in hand, exploring the castle and grounds. In the inner courtyard of the castle, they wandered through gardens. Even in the coldest of winters, the courtyard would capture the sun and warmth of the day, so at the very least there would be fresh salad year-round. There were three plots currently filled with vegetables, and two lying fallow.
The heavenly smell of the rose garden reached them long before they actually entered the formal paths through one of the arbor-covered entryways. Each path led toward the fountain at the center of the garden. They found a bench under a white wooden trellis covered with an abundance of miniature climbing roses. They sat for a while on the bench and watched the water trickle down the tiers of the fountain.
Plucking a peach colored rose from a nearby bush, Faolan brushed Elena’s face with its soft petals then lightly pressed his lips to hers. “Lass, one night verra soon, I am going to bring you down here and cover your naked body with rose petals. Though the splendor of these roses will surround us, ‘twill fade when compared to the beauty of you. I will make love to you here, my sweet Elena, under the stars.” Elena got lost in that idea for a while, and Faolan led her from the garden by the hand.
They walked over to the small paddock that was in front of the stables. Faolan’s arm was gentle around her waist as they watched a new colt wobble around on shaky legs while his mother nuzzled him. Faolan surrounded Elena with his arms, her back to his, his chin on her head, as they spoke softly of the joy of creating a new life.
The main paddock was visible through the open stalls, and extended beyond the castle walls. There were a dozen horses in the stables, and chickens running everywhere. In fact, there was an entire barnyard of animals, all tended to by various MacMartin’s.
They entered the tack room; the walls were covered with the paraphernalia found in any stable: ropes, bridles, whips, and various tools all hanging from sturdy hooks. Horse blankets and saddles covered the sawhorses and the air was an intoxicating mixture smells, of leather, sawdust, and hay.
“Do you see that saddle over there?” Faolan whispered to Elena, his breath hot against her ear. “I am going to carry you down here one night verra soon, and rip your lacy night gown from your beautiful body. Then I am going to bend you over that saddle and bury my cock in you. I will fuck you until you scream for me to le
t you come. And lass, if you doona’ please me, I might just take down one of those small leather whips, and punish you,” he growled, his voice rough with desire. Elena shivered, and was lost in that image even longer than the last one.
Faolan led Elena on shaky legs to a large clearing that held a circle of standing stones behind the castle. Faolan told Elena the ring would have to be at least three thousand years old, and maybe, if it was from the Neolithic period it could be nearly nine thousand years old.
“What are they for, Faolan? I mean, I’ve seen the specials about Stonehenge on the Discovery Channel. I know there are many controversial theories, but are they really for time travel? Did they come from outer space?”
Smiling down at her, Faolan said, “I believe we will find out soon enough, but aye, lass, I expect they can move people through dimensions of some sort. Either time or space, or maybe both. Druids have many special talents and much knowledge.
“I could show you some of my Druid knowledge, if you would only follow me over there to that lovely copse of trees. There we will be out of sight of the castle.”
Then he kissed her so thoroughly, he left no doubt what type of knowledge he wanted to share.
Chapter Thirty-four
Brigid and Earnan were waiting for them when they entered the keep, so they’d quickly made themselves presentable and headed to the drawing room for cocktails. There were several bottles of fifty-year old Macallan, only the best for these Druids. Elena chose to stay with the sparkling water, Brigid had a glass of merlot, and the men enjoyed their single malt.
They kept the conversation casual, speaking of the grounds, recounting the details of the boat trip, and wondering how things were at the farm.
Then Faolan asked, “Will we be starting our training on the morrow, then?”
Earnan and Brigid exchanged looks.
“What’s wrong?” Elena asked.
With a sigh, Brigid looked at Elena, “Although I have seen you with child, I canna see everything. I doona’ think it will be wise for you to train while you are pregnant. We Druid women always refrained from doing much magick while with child.”
Brigid’s heart lurched with an emotion so sharp it bruised Elena’s own heart, their gazes locked, and Elena was suddenly certain.
“Tell him,” Elena thought into the older woman’s mind. Brigid continued to look at Elena for a long time, her thoughts colored with uncertainty, and some other strong emotion Elena couldn’t fathom. Faolan, who seemed to be waiting for Elena to say something about not being allowed to train, suddenly became aware of the incredible tension between the two women.
Seeking to be a peacemaker he soothed, “Elena, fear not, you will have time to train after the baby is born. Canna she at least read the books, gather the history?” he asked Brigid.
“Tell him…”
With a deep sigh, Brigid said, “Tis not the problem, Faolan. There is aught I must tell you. Your Elena is a clever lass. She knew right away.” Sighing again, she glanced at Elena who nodded encouragement.
Brigid began, “Before your Da married your mother, he was here on the island, receiving his Druid training. I was also here in training, and we did everything together. He challenged me, and I challenged him. We were well matched. We became lovers and made plans to live our lives together. He returned home before I did only to discover his betrothal had been announced in an arranged marriage.
Faolan went very still and watched Brigid through narrowed eyes.
“Your grandfather was a poor estate manager. He was an even weaker Druid and promised his son’s title and marriage in exchange for some much needed gold. Your father was a man of honor and accepted his father’s obligations. He was married before I returned home.
“When next we spoke, he learned I was pregnant with his child. He spoke to his wife. They agreed to raise the child as their own, and so it was. Their first-born son grew to be a fine man, and no one ever doubted the love his parents felt for him.”
Brigid paused and put her hand on Faolan’s arm. “When they came to kill your father for the Druid secrets he protected, he did everything he could to keep you safe. He didna mistakenly reveal any information. Nay, he revealed what he had to in order to keep them from learning about you, Faolan.”
The room was silent, everyone was breathless listening to Brigid’s story. She paused, looking at Faolan, her face a mixture of love and pain. “After your father died, I nearly lost my will to live, I loved him so much. Looking after his first-born son, making sure you found your path, making sure you finally take your rightful place as your legacy foretells. That kept me going. It keeps me going still.”
Faolan looked at her and whispered, “You loved my father? You are my mother?”
“Aye, lad, you are my son, my one and only.” A sheen of tears filmed Brigid’s eyes, and her face wore an expression of love and pride. She’d been waiting over three hundred years to tell Faolan of their relationship. Centuries of watching, caring, guiding, protecting. Elena thought there was nothing so pure as the love of a mother for her child.
****
Worthington was nearly finished with his preparations; however, he needed to bring Liam fully into the plan before it was finalized. It was time he knew the truth. They were in the sitting room of the Edinburgh manse and Worthington was about to tell a story.
“My ancestor, the one who founded the Etarlam, was named Oswald. It means divinely powerful, and near as I can tell he was. There are few of his writings in our vault, but those that exist paint the portrait of a man who felt power running in his veins, but unsure of why or of what to do with it. Men sought his opinion, followed him into battle, deferred to his wishes.
“Knowing he was not of royalty, Oswald began to research other men of power throughout history, looking for others on whom power had been bestowed. He discovered the Sorcerers and Druids, and began to believe he was descended from one or the other. There was very little lore about either that he could find, but what he did manage to locate led him to believe he was a Druid.”
Worthington stopped and looked at Liam for a minute, as if assessing him, his reaction. “Am I boring you with this old family tale?” he asked.
“Not at all. I always wondered how—
Worthington continued to look at him, so Liam went on, “I always wondered how the Etarlam started…who had first noticed the power.”
Worthington leaned forward then and asked very quietly, “Do you feel the power?”
“Aye, ever since I was a lad.”
Worthington nodded and then continued, “You know the story of the Fae and the Druids? It explained why everyone believed that Druidry was only an oral tradition, since the Queen destroyed all of their books. Oswald believed that some of the Druids must have survived, which is why he felt the power. He began to look for others like him and for places that their elders might have hidden some of their books and treasures.
“He found that even without spells, he could bend the will of others, he could direct attention toward other objects, and he could draw people of power to him. He formed the Order of the Breslan Etarlam and they began a worldwide search for books and writings that had escaped the Queen’s wrath.
“This was how Oswald gathered those to him to form the initial members of the order. From that time forward, whenever a person of power was located, a member of the Order would get close to determine if that person knew of Druidry or had artifacts. An attempt would be made to bring the person to the Order, but if it was unsuccessful—”
Worthington paused. This was it; this was where he would know whether Liam had what it took to go forward.
Watching Liam carefully, he continued, “If the person could not be recruited for the Order, he was considered an enemy of the Order, and he was killed, and his artifacts added to the collection.”
Liam never even flinched. Not physically, not mentally.
Worthington was pleased. He continued, “My father and his father before him were weak men
. They wanted nothing to do with the Order, so the leadership passed to other members, lest the work be lost. I felt the power, and sought to participate from an early age. I was always suspect, because of the weakness of my father,” he said bitterly.
“Some of what I have told you tonight you already knew, but some of this information is only to be known by the council and the Master. You must guard against Symington. He is a talented reader. However, he has not been able to read me, and he does not seem to be able to read you, for you have guarded my secrets well.
“You know that I desire to be the Master of the Order. The rules of our Order allow any member of the Council to present a challenge to the leadership, should he suspect the Master is weakening. Symington has made his plan for succession, and has chosen his own son over me, that way should any ever choose to challenge him, his son can step forward, and the family retains the power.
“His plan will fail, and come this Beltane, I will do more than challenge him. You have been working toward helping me make the challenge as you gathered artifacts and learned certain spells; an offense punishable by death should the challenge fail. Are you ready to go further to ensure that the leadership of the Order is returned to the rightful heir? Returned to me?”
Liam looked directly at Worthington and opened himself, allowing his thoughts to be examined. “Read me,” he said simply. “You have my word that I will do anything in my power to help you.”
Worthington looked into his eyes, probed deeply, then said, “You have been loyal, and loyalty is rewarded. There is more I must tell you.” Worthington stood and refilled their glasses, ordering his thoughts. Liam waited.
Handing Liam his drink, Worthington said, “Your mother was a lovely woman, Liam.” Liam’s head jerked back and he looked at Worthington in surprise. Whatever he expected, it wasn’t this.