Highland Dawn

by Donna Grant

  “What do you think it means? Is their battle over?”

  He lifted one shoulder. “I don’t know. I would think it was the start of what was to come for us though. Just because you don’t see the other dragons now doesn’t mean they aren’t still out there.”

  She smiled. “You sound like Frang.”

  “’Tis all the years I’ve been with him.”

  They began to walk side by side. “How long have you known Frang?”

  When he didn’t immediately answer she turned her head to stare at him. He looked straight ahead, his jaw clenched.

  “You don’t want to tell me,” she said.

  “It isn’t that I don’t want to tell you, it’s that I don’t know if I can.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked anger making her words come out harsh.

  “It means exactly what I said. Frang has secrets of his own. Everyone does, and there is a reason that people keep them secret.”

  She thought about his words for a moment. “What is your reasoning for keeping your immortality a secret?”

  “The times that I have told people and been treated differently. Men that were my friends suddenly became my enemy because they didn’t understand.”

  “And you couldn’t explain because you didn’t know how you had become immortal,” she said.

  “Exactly.”

  “Everyone has secrets,” she murmured while thinking about her own. Secrets she could no longer hide from herself.

  His blue eyes found and held hers. “That’s right. What we choose to do about them is up to us.”

  Her heart flipped at his words. Could he know about her secrets? Surely not for if he did know he wouldn’t allow her to enter the city. She’d just have to make sure he didn’t find out about them.

  Dartayous watched Moira out of the corner of his eye. She struggled with something. He had a suspicion it had to do with her own secrets. How terrible could they be that they would trouble her so?

  Whatever they were they had gotten Lugus’ attention, which meant that somehow they were involved with the prophecy. That thought didn’t ease him at all. Besides the fact that her mind was being troubled by Lugus, Dartayous now had to keep a constant watch over her.

  It wasn’t as if he didn’t want to be around her, but he wondered if he would be able to keep his hands off of her. He had little doubt, however, that she would keep distance between them.

  Though she would smile at times and talk to him there was also times where suspicion lurked in her Druid green depths. Suspicion of what, he had no idea.

  He wished he could talk to her about it, but she made it clear that she didn’t trust him. And that would be the downfall of their journey. Without her trust, he couldn’t help her past her trouble and that would lead them down the wrong road.

  She began to lag behind again. When he turned around he found her walking with her eyes closed. He shook his head and stopped. There was no way they could make it till noon. They would have to stop now and rest.

  He turned his gaze to the sky. The sun was almost above him, only a little over an hour until midday. He looked at Moira and barely caught her before she hit the ground. He lifted her in his arms and found her asleep.

  There was no place for them to rest now. He’d have to carry her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled against his chest. She might be wary and suspicious of him, but her body knew him. It just might be the only way he could convince her that it was him. * * * * Moira felt as if she were floating. The smell of sandalwood and power filled her senses. She smiled and rubbed her cheek against the warm material of his vest.

  She opened her eyes a slit and found that Dartayous carried her. She knew she should wake up and walk herself, but it felt so heavenly being in his arms without a worry. It wouldn't hurt to stay this way just a few more moments. Besides, she was very tired.

  Not to mention everything was about to change. In just a few hours they would enter the city and face Lugus. There she would learn if this was truly Dartayous with her or a stranger.

  She pushed aside that thought and let her memories of their time together lull her into sleep where in her dreams they could live together forever. * * * *

  Lugus closed his eyes and sought out Moira. They weren’t far from the city now. He easily tapped into her mind. Even after the few times he had invaded her, she hadn’t learned to use her powers against him.

  She wanted him.

  He smiled and pressed deeper, finding her secrets. Satisfaction filled him. Her secrets were surfacing. Soon she wouldn’t be able to ignore them, and when that happened he would make sure she turned and joined him.

  Until then, he would use his powers to drive a wedge between her and the Druid Warrior. He looked forward to the time he would bring Dartayous to his knees. Slowly, painfully, he would show Dartayous just what he had let slip through his fingers by not claiming Moira long ago.

  “Moira,” he called.

  She stirred but continued to sleep deeply.

  “Moira. I need you.”

  “Nay,” she whispered.

  “’Tis time to wake. You cannot deny me forever.”

  “Lugus.”

  He wasn’t surprised when Dartayous stopped walking and set her down. Lugus had him just where he wanted him.

  “Aye, Moira, ‘tis me. Say my name again.”

  “Lugus. Please.”

  He couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face. He knew Moira was asking him to leave her alone, but to Dartayous’ ears she sounded as though she were calling to him.

  “You know what I want,” he told her. “I’m waiting for you.”

  She whimpered and pushed away from Dartayous.

  “Dartayous isn’t who you think he is,” Lugus said. “He is there to hurt you. You must leave him. Come to me. Come to me,” he repeated with more urgency.

  * * * *

  Moira’s eyes flew open. Had she dreamed it all? Or had Lugus come to her once again. She slowly turned her head to find Dartayous staring at her with a mixed expression of wariness and concern.

  “What are you hiding from me?” she demanded.

  “Nothing.”

  She jerked out of his arms. “You lie.”

  “I don’t know what has gotten into you,” he said as he walked around her. “Why don’t you tell me what you are hiding?”

  She couldn’t believe her ears. “Only a coward would turn this around to suit him.”

  His eyes blazed feral blue. “Watch what you are saying. If you were a man I would have already slit your throat.”

  “You aren’t the same man who traveled with me from the Druid’s Glen.”

  “And you aren’t the same woman. I don’t know what has taken over your mind-”

  “Taken over,” she interrupted him angrily. “The veil has been lifted from my eyes.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and stood with his feet apart, his jaw clenching in anger. “What do you want from me?” “Prove that you're Dartayous.”

  In a heartbeat his arms were around her and his mouth plundering hers. Despite her resolve, she melted against him. After a moment he lifted his head.

  “You’re body knows me. You cannot deny that.”

  The heat that began to spread throughout her body with his kiss froze in her veins. She stepped out of his arms. “You have only proven that you can kiss well.”

  “Moira,” he said softly. “How can you not know ‘tis me?”

  She swallowed her tears and took another step away from him. “Stay away from me. I don’t know who you are.”

  “I have to stay with you. I swore to Frang that I would guard you.”

  “And who is going to guard me from you?”

  He was taken aback by her words. His brows meet briefly before he erased all emotion from his face. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

  “It means that I don’t trust you.”

  “I’ve known that.”

  Even thou
gh he kept emotion from his face, it was evident in his voice that his frustration grew. She had never before feared him. Until now.

  “I’m going to the city. Go back to our world.”

  He shook his head. “I’m not leaving you.”

  “Then you leave me no choice.” The wind began to howl around her, wiping strands of hair into her eyes. She ignored them and kept her eyes fixed on Dartayous.

  His look of disbelief almost changed her mind. He dropped his arms and tried to walk towards her. She increased the wind until he had to hold his arm over his eyes to protect them.

  With great regret, she left him standing there while the wind blocked her from his view. She heard him calling to her, but she kept walking. She couldn’t put the prophecy in jeopardy.

  If that was the real Dartayous she would apologize later. If it wasn’t...well, she had just saved herself and everyone else.

  She refused to allow herself to turn around regardless of how much he called to her. She had a mission to complete. She could do it alone. She didn’t need anyone.

  But your body needs him.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Dartayous clenched his fists. He threw back his head and howled his fury in the roar of the wind. How could she have left him?

  And just as quickly as it began the wind died to nothing. He stayed on his knees, his head bowed as he tried to rein in his rage. He didn’t know which he wanted to do first. Throttle Moira for not believing him, or break Lugus’ neck for confusing her.

  He raised his head hoping he’d find Moira standing in front of him, but there was nothing other than a few trees. There weren’t even tracks for him to follow, although he didn’t need them. He knew where she was headed.

  Caer Rhoemyr.

  He would find her there and put a stop to this insane notion of hers that he wasn’t who he claimed to be. He knew Lugus had put it into her head, but it didn’t make it easier to deal with. Like a whirlpool, his stomach twisted into knots knowing that he would have to convince Moira she had been tricked.

  He inhaled deeply and slowly let out his breath as he focused his concentration on what he had to do. In one fluid motion, he gained his feet, palmed the dagger from his waist and unsheathed his sword.

  It was time for battle.

  * * * *

  Moira’s entire body ached. She wanted to a hot bath, warm food and a nice soft bed. She had been traveling for so long that she had forgotten what it was to sit down and eat a hot meal at a table.

  She raised her eyes at the climb ahead of her. The plateau. Then she would be inside the city to face her greatest fear. Lugus.

  Dartayous wasn’t far behind her. She had only given herself a head start and not much of one if she were honest with herself. He would travel faster than she, and if she didn’t hurry he’d reach the gates before her. That couldn’t happen. She wanted to face Lugus alone.

  Because you don’t want Dartayous to know your secrets.

  Aye, it was the truth. She didn’t want him to know, and if she could help it, he never would.

  With a new resolve she hastened her steps and began the steep ascent to the plateau. Her body didn’t last long, and several times she lost her footing and slid down the path.

  Tears gathered in her eyes as frustration set in. On her hands and knees she climbed the last part of the trail until she reached the city gates. She griped the silver gates and pulled herself up. Her fingers were black from the dirt, and she was sure it was also on her face from wiping the hair out of her eyes but she wasn’t here to impress anyone.

  The ghostly silence of the city unnerved her. With a little shove she pushed open one side of the tall gate and stepped into the opulent city.

  Her mouth dropped open at the splendor before her. Below her feet was a road like she had never seen paved with a peculiar stone that was azure in color. She walked on the smooth road staring at the buildings on either side. The entire city seemed to be made of some stone she couldn’t begin to describe.

  The stones were nearly transparent. With each ray of the sun, the stones became a different color bringing a rainbow of shades before her. The buildings were simple, yet elegant, their lines soft and regal. What surprised her the most was that the homes were built near the giant trees, and she could even see the trees growing into the homes.

  The homes weren’t the usual thatch roofed cottages she was used to seeing in her world. They were inviting and warm despite their almost nonexistent color. She wanted to go inside one to see what wonders they held, but she couldn’t waste the time.

  Her feet took her farther into the city bringing her closer and closer to the palace. With every corner she turned she was able to see a glimpse of the imposing palace. Her curiosity got the better of her and her feet began to move faster.

  She rounded a curve and got her first full view of the palace. And what a palace it was. It nearly reached the clouds it was so tall and grand. Instead of the thick stone and granite walls of a castle, the palace was made of the same shimmering stone as the rest of the city. It brought an allure of grandeur to the building.

  This is just how she envisioned the king and queen of the Fae to rule their world. There were no battlements to walk along, just steep roofs with an occasional turret and tower.

  She walked to the steps that led to the massive double doors and sat down. She needed to rest before she faced Lugus. The more she sat there the heavier her eyes became until she could no longer hold them open.

  Stay awake.

  But she couldn’t. No matter what she told herself, her body had other ideas. Briefly, she wondered if Dartayous would have been able to keep her awake, but it was fleeting and soon forgotten.

  With an arm as a pillow she laid on the steps and slept.

  * * * *

  Lugus walked out of the double doors of the palace and stared down at his future queen. The urge to run to her was strong, but he had to keep his desire in check.

  With measured strides he walked to Moira. When he reached her, he moved the hair out of her face. Dirt stained her face, hands and clothes, but he could take care of all that. She would be clothed in gowns befitting her station.

  He passed his hands over her face ensuring that she would continue to sleep. He had been hard pressed not to talk to her as she strode up to the palace, but it wasn’t time yet. There was much he had to do. So, he used his powers and sent her into a deep sleep.

  He gently moved her into his arms and carried her into the palace. Her chamber was ready and waiting for her. It would take much to turn her to his side, but he knew exactly what to do.

  With secrets such as hers it was easy to use them against her. He placed a kiss on

  her forehead and rubbed his cheek against hers.

  “Soon, you will be mine,” he said and strode toward her chamber.

  * * * *

  Dartayous flattened himself against a tree and peered around it at the gates of the city. One of the gates was partially pushed open.

  “Moira.”

  He had tried to catch up with her, but it was as if some force kept him away, holding him back. He had little doubt that it was Lugus.

  With steps as light as a falling leaf, he ran to the gate and slipped inside. He saw no one but that didn’t mean none were laying in wait for him.

  He’d have to meander through the buildings and work his way to the castle slowly. It would take more time, but if he could avoid a battle and keep Lugus from knowing his whereabouts it was worth it.

  He closed his eyes and thought of Moira. He would do whatever it took to convince her it was indeed him that came for her. His eyes opened, his concentration on the task at hand.

  The Druid Warrior that was feared by many had come to claim the Druid Lugus had dared to take.

  * * * *

  Moira stretched her arms over her head and burrowed into the soft pillow and warm covers. The fog began to clear from her mind as she slowly woke.

  She opened her eyes and stared at the lav
ish silver bed hangings. Without moving her head she let her eyes roam. From what she could see inside the silver material she was in a bed fit for royalty.

  The pure white blanket with silver trim was as soft as kitten fur under her hands. She closed her eyes and sighed. What a dream she was having. Too bad she had to wake up and be dirty once again, she thought.

  But when she opened her eyes the luxury was still around her. Slowly she pushed open the bed hanging. When she didn’t see anyone she sat up and swung her legs over the bed. Her feet meet a white fur rug that rivaled the softness of the blanket.

  She scrunched her toes in the rug as a little giggle escaped her. Had she wandered into the palace and not remembered it?

  The crackle of a fire drew her attention. She swung her head around and found a hearth big enough for her to walk in, and beside it a table with two chairs. On the table sat a platter of food, two goblets and a bottle of wine.

  There was no way she could have gotten all of that and not remembered. She walked to the table and passed a mirror on her way. What she saw in the mirror made her stare in surprise.

  She touched the silver gown that was on her body. It was soft as silk and hung fluidly to her feet. She wore nothing beneath it. There were no sleeves and it plunged down the front of her chest to expose the swell of each breast.

  Usually she would have been mortified to see herself so, but instead she felt...sensuous. She loved the feel of the fabric against her bare skin and never wanted it to leave her body.

  She looked again at herself in the mirror. Gone were the dirt stains on her hands and face. Her hair hung loose and full down her back and over her shoulders. She pushed her hair back and stood tall.

  “This must be how a queen feels,” she said to the mirror.

  The smell of the food made her stomach rumble with hunger. She walked to the table and hesitantly reached for a piece of meat that was on the tray. She took a nibble of the meat and found it to taste better than anything she had ever sampled.

  She stuffed the remainder of the meat in her mouth and quickly sat down to devour more of the food. She hadn’t realized how famished she was until that moment.