“How do ye want to be paid? Barter or coin?” His voice was low and seductive.
Haley tried to tell herself to get a grip but he was so intoxicating she could barely find her voice, “I do not want any payment.”
“I'm going to kiss ye woman,” he whispered as his head bent, “Your lips tease mine with their sweetness.”
Haley stood on her tippy toes and stretched her five foot ten inch frame to accept her first kiss. His lips were hot and wonderful. She leaned into his chest as his hands crushed her to him.
And it felt so wonderfully right.
Her heart blazed with desire as his tongue parted her lips and sent sparks of electricity to her core. She had watched men and women kiss, but now she knew why Andra went weak kneed when Kagan kissed her.
Haley pulled back and stared into his warm gray eyes. Her eyes were wide with wonder and told her plight. Darten groaned as he kissed her again and again. Her hands ran up his chest and sent showers of heat through his body. Her fingers trembled against his skin as she welcomed his hands to her full hips. She cried out as he released her and stepped back.
Darten growled as she stepped back to recover. He wanted her and his loins ached with a hunger that was new to him. He turned to the door and hoped she would beg him to stay. He turned the knob and waited for her invitation.
None came.
“I will stay if ye wish it,” he growled with passion.
“If ye think I will fall for ye that easily, ye are mistaken McKregan!” Haley held her ground. If he wanted her, he would have to work very hard to get the reward. Her body ached and sizzled with need as he turned to face her.
The silence that passed was deafening.
“When will I see ye again?” His question sent shivers of excitement through Haley's heart.
“I go to McKregan Keep to visit my cousin in the morning. I am sure we will see each other again soon enough,” she collectively stated.
“Time is an enemy to a man in need,” he whispered as he fled the cottage and prayed she would still be at the keep when he returned to his brother's side with news of his mission.
He mounted his mighty warhorse and swore to hurry to his destination. The faster he could return home, the faster he knew he could see her again.
Haley Douglas. Perfection.
Andra walked into the parlor and stared at her cousin in bewilderment. She had not seen her face to face ever before, but she knew her name was Haley, her aunt’s daughter. They smiled and hugged each other fiercely as if they were old friends. Andra instinctively knew that Haley understood her and her rigid spine relaxed as she sat down with Haley at her side. Andra felt the presence of a greater loving force and allowed it to flow through her conscious.
“You are much taller than I expected you to be,” Andra whispered in Fae tongue as she surveyed Haley.
“I get it from my father,” Haley held Andra's hand and smiled as she took Haggart's orb out of her pocket.
They both placed their fingertips on its surface and closed their eyes. Their minds spoke freely with one another as they sat in silence. It was a new experience for Andra and she clutched Haley's hand to her breast as a lifeline.
“Do not fear the power of Vacrey. She is a part of you and will always protect you.”
“She did not protect me from...him.”
“She gave you the strength to fight back and the power to hold your head proudly.”
“Have you come to take me home?”
“No. I came to accompany you until you are ready to go.”
“Then you will stay.”
Haley smiled as she opened her eyes and dropped her hand, “Yes, I will stay for a while.”
Andra released her hand and stiffened as Kagan spoke her name. She turned to the door and spoke, “I am here.”
Kagan walked into the room and glanced at Andra's guest questionably, “Welcome to McKregan Keep.”
Haley stood and bowed slightly as she realized he must be related to Darten. They had the same eyes, hair, and distinctive air. “I am Haley Douglas, Ell'andra cousin.”
Kagan knew her accent and hid his sudden intrigue, “I am sorry ye were'na gi'en a proper welcome...but the lands are in great turmoil and readily seeks my attention.” He turned to Andra, “May we speak in private 'fore I depart?”
Andra stood and nodded as she walked to the door with Kagan at her side. She turned and smiled as Haley went to the window. Andra did not like the foreboding look in Kagan's eyes as he pulled her into the hall.
“Gi'e me yer solemn word that ye will'na lea'e the keep ‘til I know it is safe in the highlands,” Kagan growled as he looked at Haley's back. Fear of losing Andra clutched at his heart and he suddenly wanted her oath she would not ever leave him.
Andra frowned and refused to look at him, “I will stay for now.”
“Do I need to send for more guards to be placed at ye side?” Kagan's jaw twitched as Andra's hands perched on her hips.
“If ye do, I will be forced to use e'ery one of my charms against 'em. And ye know eventually I will succeed in lurin' 'em to my side.” Her words were soft but Kagan caught the innuendo.
“I must depart,” he stated, “but I will return as I ha’e sworn I would. There is one small thing I must ask of ye.”
“What?” Andra looked up and stared into his gray eyes. She wanted to kiss him and smooth his twitching jaw.
“Darten will be here in a few days. Tell him I had to attend to the arrivin' forces at the shores of eastern Scotland.”
“Eastern?” Andra knew it was a long ride and her eyes showed her panic.
He whispered softly, “Now swear ye will stay and keep my little brother at bay in my absence.”
“He is a magnificent man and there is nothing little about him. I will do my best,” Andra smiled and ran her hand up Kagan's arm, “He has such powerful shoulders...”
Kagan growled and caught her arms, “Swear it!”
Andra leaned forward, “Only if ye kiss me!”
Kagan pulled her to his chest and pushed her up against the wall. His mouth captured hers and dealt the punishment she so wanted. She clung to him and whispered his name. Her chest flamed in her passion and her eyes changed from bright to cloudy.
Kagan watched in amazement as she melted to him in desire. He kissed her again until she gasped for air. He groaned as she returned each caress.
“Go 'fore I refuse to let ye lea'e!” Andra was breathless and overburdened with need as she bit his lip and sucked on his tongue. She moaned as she pushed him away and softly ordered, “I swear it, now go!
He took her hands and wrapped her fingers around something metal. He couldn’t find the words he wanted to say.
Kagan turned on his heel and left. Andra watched as he turned the corner and disappeared. Her heart prayed he would be safe and begged Dagma to watch over him. Her fist was clinched and her palm ached. She looked down and opened her fist. In her hand lay a child's bracelet. She instantly recognized it and tears flooded her eyes. She knew every word that was engraved inside the band. She had lost it as a child.
How? Kagan knew. Why would he give this to me if he wants me to stay? Why now? Did he trust her to stay? Was he giving in just a little? Am I giving in? Oh, dear Fae, do I want to stay here with him?
Andra held the bracelet to her heart as Haley came to the door, “Do you love him?” She spoke the Vacrey language and her eyes sparkled with kindness.
Andra looked at Haley and sank to her knees, “Yes, with all my heart!” Her words sealed her soul and branded her destiny. She loved him and could never leave him. Her heart rejoiced and broke.
To stay was to never go home.
Chapter 17
Andra wandered the gardens daily and forged deeper into the lush beauty and welcomed the sanctuary it offered. It was the only place the guards would allow her to go unhindered. She waded through the mess of overgrown blue and red blooms and untangled her dress hem from the vines that spewed across the cobbled
path.
Trickling water caught her ear as she edged around a slightly crumbling vine encrusted wall. She knew she must be near the edge of the garden because the keep's towering outer defense loomed in the near distance.
She pushed through the vines overburdened by lavender and jasmine and her hand flew to her mouth as she beheld the sight before her.
“What creature forged this?”
Five stone pillars topped with mounds of golden nuggets encircled a fountain. The sun scattered across the nuggets and showered the fountain in rainbows. Butterflies danced along the basin that overflowed onto the green moss surrounding its majestic presence. In the center of the breathtaking fountain, there stood a life size statue of the warrior god, Dagma.
He was magnificent in his royal garb of twisted gold manacles and snug fitting kilt. He was as tall as Darten and as wide as Kagan. His long mane curled about his mighty shoulders in defiance of his hard warrior face. His perfectly chiseled nose and lips defined his handsome face, just as Kagan's did. His left hand held a lightning bolt and his right held a great sword. Water poured from the hilt and splashed into the basin's clear pond.
Andra studied the statue realizing that the crest of McKregan lay upon his bare chest. She edged closer and looked into the water. At the feet of Dagma lay a baby, submerged in the cool sparkling water. It was a girl with long flowing hair and perfect features. She was swaddled in a blanket, but barely above her nipple lay the crest of McKregan. In her small hand, Andra could make out a dagger. It was the same as the one Kagan carried in his boot.
Andra stepped back and longed for Kagan's company. He had been gone for four new moons and she was growing lonely. Haley had been wonderful company, but her presence only made Andra long for the shores of Vacrey.
She smiled knowing Haley was probably absorbed in the orb she clutched to her heart every second of the day. Haley was no doubt intrigued by Darten and she Andra was beginning to think he was the reason Haley was sticking around. After all, she had witnessed her cousin looking upon Darten as he fought furiously beside other warriors as they protected the keep from the nomads that kept attacking.
His mighty war cry had echoed through the halls of the keep and Haley had dropped to her knees praying to Fae to protect him.
Andra's amused grin surfaced as she remembered how the maids had dropped to their knees as well and prayed to Dagma to save them from harm. But Andra knew Darten would keep the keep and everyone in it safe. It just was that simple. Darten was larger than life and held his ground. Failure wasn’t an option where he was concerned.
And so much like Kagan that she had been keeping her distance from him, finding other avenues to keep her mind occupied.
She had even gone to Traykell's library and thrown herself into the wondrous books that lined the shelves, but she had found no comfort in their tattered pages. The scribe had rarely spoken and would only smile softly at her from his desk. She had found the invitations to the gathering that would announce Kagan's betrothal and Traykell had snatched them away as if she had threatened to rip them up. She would not have harmed the papers with Kagan's name so neatly written across their whiteness.
Andra jumped as the orb in her skirts pulsed against her hip. She withdrew its shimmering brightness and stared into it as the light faded and shimmered. She was seeing Vacrey again and her heart desperately wanted to go home.
Joaquinn smiled and blew her a kiss, “Haggart tells me you are very much like your mother.”
Andra stared mutely at the queen and her fingers trembled as she sat down in the wet moss. Joaquinn was a beautiful woman and her eyes beamed with intelligence. Andra absorbed her presence and slowly smiled as her aunt spoke, “How is Haley treating you? Does she constantly pester you?”
Andra laughed and whispered, “Haley is wonderful and she could never pester me. We talk often and she has shared many of her experiences on Vacrey Isle with me.”
“I have missed you and can now see your mother in your eyes. Vacrey has missed your presence as well. Can you hear her call for you?”
Andra closed her eyes and opened her heart, “Yes, I can feel her!”
Andra was overcome with warm emotions and a deep urgency to go home. She felt as if Vacrey needed her in some kind of desperation. Or was it her own desperation she felt?
“Follow your heart Ell'andra of Vacrey, let it guide you home.”
“I want to come home. I need to. My home needs me.” Her words were soft proclamations and determined perseverance. “Vacrey...no...Fae needs me. She wants me to come home when the time is right...soon.”
Joaquinn's eyes misted and her heart seized with regret at her own decision twenty one years earlier, “Ell'andra, you must choose your path carefully. Regrets often tear your soul apart and threaten your sanity. Do not leave the world of mankind unless you are absolutely sure there is nothing left there that you will long for.”
Joaquinn's words turned to whispers as the orb clouded and dulled. Andra's shoulders fell forward as she tried to keep the presence of Vacrey in her soul. It slowly vanished and left her as tears streamed down her face. She swore to herself that she would return home and achieve whatever it was that the isle needed of her.
Andra jumped as the muffled sound of horses galloping barged into her thoughts. Her heart twitched. Was it Kagan? Had he returned? Was he well?
She jumped to her feet and raced through the mazes back to the bailey. Her skirts caught in the vines’ claws and ripped in several places as she ran harder. Her conscious slammed the memories of his earlier wounds into her eyes as she held her breath. If he was harmed, she would kill him this time for his carelessness!
His bare rippling back was turned to her as she cleared the garden and stood at the edge of the tree line. Her heart screamed in delight as he turned with his sword in his hand. Her warrior had returned. She scanned his body for signs of wounds and finally breathed when she found none. Her legs shook as she drank in his appearance.
He was drizzled with sweat and his skin gleamed in the sunlight. His raven hair feathered down his face and graced his shoulder blades with its presence. His kilt hung loosely about his firm thighs and fit snug about his muscled waist. The manacle on his left wrist flashed in the light and gleamed brightly.
Andra watched patiently as Kagan examined weapons no doubt taken from the enemies he had fought. She took a deep breath. Men!
Kagan stepped back and watched Tom, his would be steward and trainer, secure the wooden shield to his arm. His enemy's sword dangled in his hand as Tom prepared for the onslaught. As McKregan was accustomed, he had laid claim to the fallen man's sword. It was feather light and sharp as hell. He doubted it would withstand the pressure he would punish it with and would be pleased if it broke into pieces, acknowledging his power over its steel.
Tom Reigner sorted through a pile of training shields, finding the best one. Tom had been Kagan's sword trainer for twenty and two years, after all, his mother had insisted he be the one to teach Kagan how to fight. Tom stood eye level with Kagan and always had a fierce glow in his hazel eyes.
He had beat on Kagan unmercifully over the years and had pushed him past the limits of hell on several occasions. Kagan respected him for his skill and liked him as a man. He was one of the few that Kagan had allowed to best him. He would take a beating before he split one hair on his sandy head. And he had definitely taken several well placed blows to the head in his genuine concern for the man's welfare but Tom could hold his own.
He advanced toward Tom and struck with the speed and accuracy of lightning. The strike sent Tom backwards to his knees. He smiled as Tom stood and laughed. The shield fell into two pieces at Tom's feet. The cut was clean and precise. The wood had not splintered as it did with Kagan's long sword that rested in its sheath on his side. Kagan examined the blade closer and ran his finger along the etched pagan creatures that ran down to the hilt. The hilt itself was gorgeous and made of a bone that Kagan could not identify.
He tu
rned to the great post that stood beside of Tom and smiled. He struck it with all his might and watched in amazement as the sword danced through the seven inch wooden post like a knife through butter. The blade sang with biting laughter as the post fell to the ground with a loud thud.
“Next time, I think we should use the metal shields, less I want to lose an arm or my head,” Tom gritted as he looked upon the sharpest blade he had ever seen. “Ye na be breakin' that sword with wooden devices. Want me to put the smithy, busy forgin' a metal post to unleash yer strength on, so ye will'na be a breakin' any more of my trainin' posts?”
Kagan was still pondering the blade’s beauty when he caught sight of Ell'andra. Her dress was wet and tattered at the hem. It clung to her legs revealing her ankles and bare feet. He looked to the sword and marveled at the beauty of them both. She edged forward and held out her hand.
Andra waited patiently as he held her gaze. He shrugged and handed the blade to her small hand. His fingers caressed hers as she took it. It fit snugly as if intended for a woman's hand. She sliced through the air and turned on her heel in her display of knowledge. She danced as she welcomed the sword's song to her heart.
She instinctively knew it was forged on Vacrey Isle. The unusual metal pulsed and burned as it sliced through the post to Kagan's left. The wood fell and Kagan's heart soared with pride. She handled it as if it belonged to her, as if it were part of her.
Tom stared in bewilderment as the woman proved her sword skill. His bewilderment turned to heated desire as her skirts flew to her thighs and he was graced with her firm muscled legs. He stepped back as she stopped and turned to Kagan. Her words left Tom's mouth agape with denial.
“Draw ye sword McKregan and face me,” Andra smiled as she pointed the blade at his heart, “Or do ye fear ye will lose?”
A Warrior's Perception Page 17