Highland Dawn

by Donna Grant

  She jumped at the sound of her name. This man knew her and she knew his name, but what did it mean. She put her hands to her temples in an effort to stop the pounding.

  “Moira.”

  She raised her head to look at Aimery. His voice had called to her softly, but she had heard it as clearly as if he had yelled. She took a step toward him thinking Lugus would stop her, but he stayed where he was. She became bolder and walked directly in front of Aimery.

  “Who are you?” she asked.

  He mouth thinned and his forehead furrowed in a frown as if he was in pain. He opened his eyes and looked sadly down at her. “I am your friend.”

  “I know your name but not why.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t know anything anymore.”

  “Frang sent you here for me.”

  Frang. “I know that name as well.”

  “He raised you.”

  No sooner had the words left his mouth than he threw back his head and yelled in pain. She turned and looked at Lugus. He wore an evil smile as he twisted his hand first one way then the other bringing more screams from Aimery.

  She ran to Lugus. “Stop. Please, stop,” she begged him. “I won’t ask him any more questions.”

  Lugus lowered his hand and Aimery’s screams ceased. Lugus took her chin in his hand. “You are mine. You will be my queen.”

  His words calmed her warring thoughts. Her body hummed with serenity. For a moment she fought against it, but it soon overpowered her. When Lugus held out his hand she eagerly accepted it.

  “Remember Dartayous,” Aimery whispered as they left.

  Moira almost responded to him but thought it would be better if she acted as if she hadn’t heard him, especially when Lugus searched her face.

  Dartayous. Who was this man Aimery spoke of?

  Chapter Seventeen

  Dartayous walked down the long hall with his sword drawn and raised. He was taking no chances. His search of the first two floors had been futile. Nothing. Not one single person did he find.

  He stopped and listened. Voices. There was no mistaking that in a palace this quiet. He flattened himself against the wall and waited. No sooner had he moved into the shadow than he smelled the scent of evil.

  Lugus.

  That had been the only way Dartayous had known of his presence in the Druid’s Glen. The smell became stronger as the footsteps grew louder. He readied himself to strike as Lugus reached where he stood waiting. Then Dartayous caught sight of Moira. He had never seen her so beautiful.

  His hesitation cost him the moment. He closed his mind off as soon as Lugus came to a halt.

  “Stop,” he ordered Moira.

  Dartayous watched in amazement as Moira did exactly as Lugus commanded. It was if he had control of her mind. And that’s exactly what he had. Dartayous had never been so glad to know how to close his mind off. He’d have to thank Frang when they returned to the glen. Until then, he’d have to be on his guard.

  “What is it?” Moira asked Lugus.

  Dartayous watched as Lugus looked down the hall and probed with his mind. He felt Lugus’ power with a numbing in his body, but he pushed it away. Lugus might be all powerful, but there were tricks Dartayous knew to hold him off.

  “Nothing,” Lugus finally answered. “Come.”

  Dartayous wanted to follow him, but something told him to check the room they had just come from. He waited until he could no longer hear their footsteps or feel Lugus’ power before he turned the corner and entered the room.

  There was no mistaking that this was the throne room, but he quickly forgot about the opulence of the room as he caught sight of Theron and Rufina. He ran toward them.

  “My king,” he said and bowed.

  “He cannot speak.”

  Dartayous turned to look at Rufina. Her once proud features were crushed with acceptance. “Why?”

  “Lugus has taken his voice from him.”

  Dartayous rose and went to the queen. “But he allows you to speak?”

  She laughed but it held no humor. “He wants to torture Theron any way that he can.”

  Dartayous walked around her as she spoke looking for a way to free her. “Where are your bonds?”

  “Lugus is our bond.”

  “His power is that great then?” Dartayous asked as he came to stand in front of her.

  “I’m afraid so. And it seems that he has turned Moira.”

  “Turned? Nay. He has taken over her mind.”

  Rufina’s blue eyes were full of sadness. “You see what you want to see because you care for her. She has allowed Lugus into her mind, Dartayous, because she has turned. She could have stood against him.”

  Dartayous refused to believe her words. “You are wrong. You have to be.”

  She shook her head. “We are all doomed. The world as we know it will cease to be. Have you seen the Death Dragons?”

  “Death Dragons?”

  “Black dragons?” she asked again.

  “Aye. They fought the others.”

  “Which others? What color were they?”

  “Green and yellow,” he said. “Why?”

  “Did you see the outcome?”

  He shook his head. “I got Moira as far away from them as I could. It seemed to bother her that the dragons fought.”

  “There might still be hope then. If the white dragons haven’t fought yet there is hope.” She raised her eyes to him. “You must get to Moira. Talk to her. If she will remember you there might be a chance to free Aimery.”

  “Remember me?” he repeated. “Are you saying she doesn’t know who I am?”

  “She didn’t even remember her sisters.”

  Dartayous’ stomach felt as if he’d just been kicked. “She should never have been sent here.”

  “It’s her destiny. Lugus is correct in that.”

  “Her destiny is to fulfill the prophecy. I’ve known that for years.”

  Rufina shook her head, her blonde tresses barely moving. “Her true destiny is deciding between Lugus and you.”

  Dartayous ran his hand down his face. “She ran from me straight to him. How can I gain her trust if she doesn’t know me?”

  “She does know you. You just have to remind her.”

  “Did you remind her about Glenna and Fiona?” he asked.

  Rufina nodded.

  “And did she remember them?”

  “Nay.”

  “Then what makes you think she will remember me?”

  “Her body will remember you. Her heart will remember you. But most of all her

  soul will remember you.”

  * * * *

  Frang listened to Glenna and Fiona as they related to him what they had seen of their sister. He raised a hand to quiet them. “There is nothing we can do.” “Nothing?” Fiona repeated. “That cannot be true.”

  “I’m afraid it is.”

  Glenna shook her head. “I don’t believe you. What are you keeping from us?”

  Frang sighed and began to feel as old as he looked. “Moira has a choice to make.”

  “What kind of choice?” Fiona asked.

  “The kind that will either save us or condemn us.”

  “Stop speaking in riddles,” Glenna said sharply. She began to pace in agitation.

  “There is no riddle. She can choose Dartayous and save all of Scotland and the land of the Fae, or she will choose the Evil One and thereby condemning us to an eternity of darkness.”

  Glenna stopped her pacing, her face ashen. “By the saints.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us before now?” Fiona bit her lip and wrung her hands.

  “I couldn’t tell you,” Frang explained. “Just as I could not tell her. That is part of your destinies. You each have a journey to make that will end with the prophecy.”

  He turned away from them and looked over the Druids inside the stone circle. Soon he must leave the haven of the circle forever, but until then he would do everything in his power to keep Moira, Fiona and G
lenna safe.

  “Frang,” Fiona said as she walked to his side. “Is there anything else you aren’t telling us? Anything about Lugus?”

  “Ah, the Evil One,” he said. He faced Fiona. “Lugus. I know he has more power than any Fae that has ever lived, enough power to make people do as he bids.”

  “In other words, Moira doesn’t stand a chance against him.”

  Silence met Fiona’s words. Frang did not wish to give them false hope. They all

  had to be prepared for the worst. “Nay,” Glenna shouted. “Moira is stronger than that. She will fight him, and she will win.” Frang gave her a little smile and prayed that she was right. If she wasn’t, then they were all doomed.

  * * * *

  Moira stepped into her chamber and waited for Lugus to follow her. She continued to mull over Aimery’s words. Dartayous. She felt as if she should know who the name belonged to, but couldn’t place a face with the name.

  “What is troubling you?”

  She turned toward Lugus to see him holding out a silver goblet for her. She took the goblet. “I don’t feel like myself.”

  “And what are you supposed to feel like?” He tilted back his head and took a long drink from his goblet.

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. I just know that something is missing.”

  “Missing? What could possibly be missing?”

  His gaze had caught and held hers. The throbbing in her head disappeared and her thoughts scattered. She shook her head slightly. “What were we speaking of?”

  “How much you love it here,” he said and tilted her goblet to her lips.

  She drank deeply letting the warm, sweet liquid flow down her throat. Her eyes closed as the heat spread through her. When she opened her eyes it was to find Lugus regarding her intently.

  “Do I displease you, my lord?” she asked.

  He took a step toward her and cupped her face with his hand. “On the contrary you please me greatly.”

  “And you still want me for your queen?”

  “I would have no other. We are made for each other, Moira,” he said as he leaned closer. His warm breath fanned her neck as he bent his head and placed a kiss below her ear.

  She leaned her head to the side and sighed. His mouth slowly, leisurely worked it way to her mouth where his lips teased hers with light nips and licks.

  “You tempt me like no other.” His hands came around her and pulled her against him.

  Her goblet fell from her hand and crashed to the floor. Even though what Lugus was doing felt good it didn’t seem right. Her body wanted more of him, but her mind continued to think of another.

  Dartayous.

  “Nay,” Lugus bellowed and pushed her away from him.

  She fell to the floor and scooted farther away from him. “What? What have I done?”

  “You are mine,” he bit out each word.

  “I know.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Do you?”

  “Aye.”

  “Prove it.”

  Her heart hammered painfully in her chest. She rose up to her knees and bowed her head. “My king,” she said.

  “Who am I?”

  She slowly raised her head. “Lugus, ruler of the Fae and humans.”

  “And you are?” he asked, his hand outstretched.

  She took his hand and allowed him to pull her towards him. “I am Moira. Your queen.”

  “You will forget everything you knew before you came here,” he whispered in her ear.

  She was about to ask him what he meant as he began to place kisses over her face, but her eyes became heavy and she couldn’t keep them open.

  Lugus caught her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He took off her slippers and pulled the covers over her. He stood over her for the longest time just watching her.

  Her mind was stronger than he had believed. After all the magic he had used she still continued to think of Dartayous. It was going to take stronger magic than he had used before. Hopefully, after tonight he wouldn’t have need of it again.

  With his hand held over her head he said, “Forget Dartayous. Forget his name. Forget the reason you came to the Fae. Remember only that you are mine. Remember you will be queen.”

  He lowered his hand and sighed before he turned and left the chamber. It was time to find Dartayous. He was somewhere in the palace, of that Lugus was sure. But if he was, why hadn’t he tried to see Moira yet? Could he already know that she was beyond his help?

  Lugus walked to the throne room. It had been a mistake taking Moira to see Aimery. Lugus hadn’t thought Aimery would be so bold as to mention Dartayous, but he had underestimated the commander. It would not happen again. Nor would he allow Moira to see Aimery again. She could have freed him by simply telling him he was free.

  He stopped and listened. The long hallway loomed ahead of him with plenty of places for someone to lay in wait. He smiled and used his magic to feel for the Druid Warrior. He came up empty just as he had when he had left Aimery earlier, and he could have sworn that Dartayous was near.

  Maybe it was time he used MacNeil and a few others for some hunting.

  * * * *

  Dartayous held his breath as Lugus stood not two paces from him. All the Fae had to do was reach out a hand and touch him and it would be all over.

  Amazingly, Lugus continued on after a moment. Dartayous let out his breath. Lugus had once again used his magic to search for him, and once again Dartayous had escaped him.

  He waited several moments to make sure Lugus didn’t return before he went to Moira’s door. He took hold of the handle, expecting to find it locked. Instead it swung open. He pushed it open farther and took a step inside.

  His eyes swiftly roamed the chamber looking for any kind of danger. When he found none, he shut the door behind him and walked to the bed were he saw her through the silver bed hangings.

  He pushed aside the hangings and gazed down at her. Her beauty warmed his heart. He had missed her greatly. He hadn’t known just how much until he had looked upon her.

  She was in a deep sleep, a magical sleep. He sat beside her and took her hand in his. She moaned and moved slightly. He wanted to wake her, but would she know him if he did? Had Lugus erased all of her thoughts like Rufina had suggested?

  His body surged at the contact with Moira. He had sorely missed her hands, her mouth, her kisses and her seductive smiles. It hadn’t taken her long to become a part of him despite his desperately trying to keep her at a distance.

  He closed his eyes and remembered just how well they had matched. Making love to her had been exactly as he had imagined. Perfect. Now, the thought that he might have lost her sent a jolt through him.

  “Her body will remember you.”

  Rufina’s words came back to him suddenly. He opened his eyes and touched Moira’s face. She sighed and turned towards him.

  “Moira,” he whispered.

  She whimpered as her brows drew together. “Shh,” he said and caressed her face. She quieted immediately.

  As long as he’d been alive he had never been faced with what was before him. If he didn’t do enough he could lose Moira forever, but more than that the world as they knew it would cease to exist.

  The Fae kept their magic secret for a reason. Most humans weren’t ready for it, and might never be ready. Regardless of how he felt about any of it, it was up to him to see that he did his all.

  He would give Moira back her memory. He would free Aimery and the Fae. He would kill Lugus. Or die trying.

  He bent down and placed his lips against Moira’s. He traced her mouth with his tongue and smiled when her lips parted.

  “You know me,” he said and took her bottom lip in his mouth. He sucked gently until she moaned.

  He turned her head to the side and found the place behind her ear that always drove her wild. He almost jumped for joy when her arms came around his neck.

  “Aye, Moira. Wake up and see me.”

  He continued his assault. Kissing and
tasting every inch of her face and neck until the only part left was her mouth. Her arms were locked tightly around his neck and her body moved restlessly.

  His body cried out to take her, to make them one again. But he couldn’t. Not when she was like this. It might be vain, but he wanted her to know him, to know who it was that brought her ecstasy.

  He took control of his desire with iron determination. He looked at Moira, her body ready for him, eager to reach her climax, yet his hands didn’t move from beside her shoulders. He knew if he touched her it would be over.

  With a shuddering breath, he leaned down and took her lips in a soft kiss. She eagerly opened for him, but he held back. He explored her mouth leisurely until he could take no more. He groaned and ran his tongue along hers, molding their mouths tightly together as he deepened the kiss. Even when he told himself to pull back, he couldn’t. His body had taken over.

  He couldn’t get enough of her. His mouth needed her sweet nectar, and his body longed to plunge inside her tight, hot sheath. His hands clenched the sheets to keep them from roaming over her lithe body even while hers hips moved against him.

  The kiss became hot, heavy as they clung to each other. He was fast losing his control. It was time to pull back.

  He tore his mouth away from hers and immediately missed her. He opened his eyes and watched as her chest rose and fell with her erratic breaths. She ran her tongue over her swollen lips and his rod jumped at the sight.

  To his delight, she opened her eyes and smiled at him. He held his breath, waiting on her to remember him.

  Moira gazed up at the gorgeous man that had just woken her the most delicious way. She knew she should demand that he leave her chamber, but her body had known him. Was she supposed to know him? Her head began to throb again as more thoughts filled her mind.

  “Moira,” the man said.

  She pushed aside the growing pain in her skull and found his warm blue gaze on her. One side of his mouth tilted up in a smile, and for just a moment she knew him.

  “I know you,” she said softly.

  His smiled widened. “What is my name?”

  “I don’t know.”

  She wanted to cry when she saw his face fall. “You will,” he promised.