Terran Realm Vol 1-6

by Dee, Bonnie

  “There are three on the west coast.” Brigid turned to Ethan. “Do you know offhand where any of the towns that are mentioned are located?”

  “The one in Clare. And it’s near the Burren. I’ve a gut feeling that’s the one. If ever there were a place that Nolen would find comfortable, the Burren would be it.”

  “The Burren would be what?” Gabe walked in, his laptop tucked under his arm. “What about the Burren?”

  “We think Nolen may be heading there. There’s a private airfield large enough for a jet, assuming Nolen might own one, and the area has a reputation for strange things happening. It’s not the closest one to Donegal, but it’s the only one that can handle a small jet.” Ethan paused and offered his left hand. “Gabe, I’d like to apologize. I didn’t mean to overwhelm you like that earlier.”

  Gabe took his hand and shook it. “Oh, you meant to show me your mettle, all right, but I should have realized you’d stop before it went too far.” He set down his laptop, pulled up a chair and turned it around, straddling the seat. “So, seems like you’ve been more successful than I in getting some useful information. I still can’t get in touch with KOTE directly and I don’t want to attempt contact on anyone’s personal cell or email right now. I still think we can contain Nolen on our own.”

  “His strength and Ba’al’s have started to wane,” Brigid said. “He still has plenty of power, but the longer it takes him to reach a safe place, the harder it will be to build it up again.”

  Gabe pulled out Nolen’s wrapped hard drive and unfolded its cocoon. “We need to get this to KOTE headquarters or at least back to my town house in New York where I can take some time to squeeze some information from it.” He chuckled. “Of course it would be better if we can capture him before he gets a chance to leave the country or do any more damage.”

  “Only one problem,” Ethan said. “We don’t know how the hell they got away from town.”

  “Or if they even did. They may still be lurking somewhere near by.” Brigid pushed back her chair and began to pace. “There has to be another way out of town. I just can’t see Nolen waiting around to be tracked down.”

  Suddenly Gabe grabbed Ethan’s laptop and typed furiously. Maps of the area popped up on the screen one after the other, some new, some old, some very detailed, some less so.

  “Got it! There’s an old road that skirts the side of the town nearest the sea. It’s unpaved and looks pretty narrow, but it can be accessed from Nolen’s manor.” He turned to the others. “I doubt anyone’s thought of it in a very long time. We left the car at the manor. Brigid, Ethan and I may still be able to reach the airfield in time.”

  “Then that is what you shall do.” Dagda went over to the table and tapped Ethan’s laptop. “This is a wondrous device. Perhaps one day you will be able to instruct me in how to do more than play games upon it.”

  Ethan nodded and then looked around the chamber. “Are the twelve Protectors still with us?”

  “Aye. They returned to the cave where their bodies lie; they are anxious to journey to Tir’nan-og.” He looked over to Torc, Ma’an and Cull. “And these three, this world is not for them. They wish to live out their lives with those who will treat them with respect. There is too much in this day and age that they do not understand or that offends them.”

  “We do not wish to betray you or be a hindrance to you in our ignorance, my lady.” Cull bowed his head and knelt by Brigid. He lifted his eyes to her. “We are merely common soldiers. We lost our wives and sweethearts, our comrades and our homes. There is nothing here for us now. We beg your permission to … continue our journey.”

  “You needn’t ask my leave, Cull. I’m no goddess. You’re free to go wherever you choose, but,” she smiled. “I will miss you.”

  “I’d like to offer my thanks to your men, Dagda.” Gabe turned to Torc, Ma’an and Cull. “And perhaps it would be best to say our farewells now and not detain anyone from their destined path.”

  Dagda gripped Gabe’s shoulders. “My daughter is in good hands. Ethan, Brigid, you know the way to the Warrior Cave.” He paused. “Give the men my thanks and … my love.”

  “I will, Father. We’ll be back soon.”

  Dagda’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll be here.”

  * * * *

  “Are we there yet, Gortham?”

  Gortham gritted his teeth. Nolen was like a whining child, asking the same question over and over every five minutes. “Sorry, sir. With trying to avoid the main roads, it’s taking us longer to get to the airfield.”

  Nolen snorted. “You drive like an old woman. If it had been worth my while to learn, I’m sure I would have been more skillful at it.”

  Gortham bit his tongue. If he could have severed his relationship with the old bastard, he would have a long time ago. Unfortunately, the shithead had too much dirt on him and the benefits he offered were too good to deny.

  And then there were the boys. Many’s the romp he’d had with them while they played with the quarry he’d bring them. Runaway girls and doped-up drug addicts or falling-down drunks that no one would miss. Aye, the dogs would chase their two-legged prey for a while and then herd them to his waiting arms. Oh, how he loved watching his victims throw their quivering bodies at his feet, begging for mercy. Sometimes, he’d act as though he was considering letting them go, then, when they’d run, he take them from behind—the women and the men both. After all, he liked a little variety.

  He licked his lips. The runaways, now there was sport. They’d fuck him any way he wanted and then, when their hopes were high, he’d let the lads at them. He drew his lips back in a cheerful smile. How he loved hearing their frenzied cries for help as the hounds ripped them apart.

  No. He’d endure Nolen’s posturings and complaints for the freedom to indulge in his unique pleasures.

  “Damn it, man, watch the road! You almost ran off the cliff!”

  Back to reality.

  Gortham snarled. “Why don’t you get behind the wheel, then?”

  “Watch your tongue! You can always be replaced.”

  Gortham swerved over to the shoulder and stopped the car. He turned to Nolen in the back seat. “Then who’d drive you around? Besides,” He narrowed his gaze. “I know where the bodies are buried.”

  Nolen clenched his hands so tightly blood streamed from the gouges left in his palms. Gortham knew he was playing with fire. He could almost read the man’s thoughts, but there was nothing Nolen could do about it. He needed Gortham.

  Nolen barked out his order. “Get back on the road. And don’t you forget, I know where your bodies are buried. Every piece!”

  Gortham shifted and started up the van.

  The rest of the drive was conducted in icy silence.

  * * * *

  Brigid, Ethan and Gabe along with the three Milesian soldiers arrived at the Warrior Cave. The bright, artificial lights revealed twelve men sitting cross-legged in a circle on the dirt floor.

  Alaran rose as Brigid and the others entered. He gestured to his comrades. “I told them you would come before we left.”

  Ethan stepped forward, placed his hand on his heart and bowed. “I never thought I would see you again or fight by your side.” He took a deep breath. “I beg your pardon for failing you.”

  Alaran shook his head. “You did your best. We honor you for your effort.” He turned to Gabe and dipped his head in acknowledgement. “Protector, you have been granted a great privilege to guard Brigid and fight to defeat Nimhnach and Ba’al.”

  “Why do you mean, guard?” Brigid broke in. “I can take care of myself.”

  Gabe laughed. “You see what I put up with? She cannot be controlled—much less protected—unless she wants to be!”

  Alaran chuckled. “She was ever like that.” He sobered. “Brigid, little one, take care.” He turned to Torc, Ma’an and Cull. “What would you wish of us?”

  All three fell to their knees and Cull spoke. “We wish to be granted leave to join you i
n Tir’nan-og. We know we are not worthy, but, milord, we knew not that you were alive when we…” His voice trailed off.

  Ma’an continued. “We would not have killed you in your sleep; we thought you already dead. We took your hands to satisfy Mil’s bargain with us to release our families.”

  Torc spat in the dust. “Instead the bastard killed them and Nimhnach cursed us!”

  Cull looked up at Alaran. “We hope we have atoned for our part in Nimhnach’s plans.” He bent his head again. “We can do no more.”

  “Rise. We understand your plight. This world is not for any of us. You may join us.” The men scrambled to their feet as did the ancient Protectors. Alaran looked at Brigid, his gaze lingering on her. “It’s time.” He turned and led the men out of the Warrior Cave.

  As Torc passed by Ethan, he grabbed his hand. “Compose a song about us, Uaithne. Don’t let us be forgotten.”

  Ethan gripped Torc’s arm and nodded.

  The sound of the boots of Torc and his comrades receded as they followed Alaran.

  And the Warrior Cave was empty.

  Ethan walked over and examined the markings on the cave wall. He traced them gently with his fingers. “I know each name now. Here’s Alaran’s and here’s Lurcan’s.” He pulled out a pocketknife from his jeans and, using his left hand, scratched new markings on the wall. “Torc, Ma’an and Cull. They proved worthy to join them.”

  Gabe spoke quietly. “You know we have to prevent anyone from exploring the cave?”

  Ethan nodded. “Aye. We actually carry a small amount of explosives on the digs in case we need to get into less accessible places. We seldom use it and even then, not much. I know how to set the charge.” He looked at Brigid and Gabe. “And I know where it will do the most damage.” He sighed. “It might have been the greatest archeological find in Irish history.” He smiled. “Ah, well, I have my notes.” He shook off his regret. “We’ll make our farewells to Dagda and then you and Brigid go out the back way. I’ll set the charges and meet you there.”

  Gabe looked around the deserted chamber. “I’m sorry, man. It must be really tough for you.”

  Brigid touched Gabe’s hand. “And for me, too. I knew these men, also. I even…” She broke off abruptly. “I knew them, too.”

  She turned and started back the way they’d come. Gabe and Ethan followed single file behind her, each lost in their thoughts.

  Each wondering what she hadn’t said.

  * * * *

  “Take it, Ethan. It would give me pleasure to gift you.”

  Dagda pressed the ornately carved cup into Ethan’s hands, even as he shook his head in protest.

  “Please, it’s going to be hard enough to explain a harp from the Bronze Age. If I come away with other things, it will be even more difficult. You’ve given me your forgiveness and allowed me to know that you’re alive.” Ethan clasped Dagda’s hand. “And you’ve given me back my heritage. That’s more than enough.” He inclined his head to him. “I have to leave. There are certain things I need to do before we can pick up the car. Farewell, my friend.” He brought over the backpack and replaced the laptop, shifting things to make sure it was safely padded.

  Dagda turned to Brigid and opened his arms wide. She ran into his embrace and hugged him, leaning her head against his chest. He stroked her back and placed a kiss on her hair. “Well, daughter, will you also take nothing from me?”

  She leaned back and looked up at him, her smile tender. “I’ll take my bow and arrows. I’ll take your love. I’ll also take the knowledge of my heritage. I know who gave me life. What greater gift could you give me?”

  She stood up on her toes and kissed his cheek, then went to get her weapons, leaving Gabe alone with him.

  “So,” Dagda said. “I presume there is nothing I can give you either.”

  Gabe smiled. “I’ll keep the spear.” His smile broke into a grin. “You’ve given me enough material for a couple of hundred pages of reports for KOTE.” He took a phone from his pocket. “But I have something for you. It’s Brigid’s phone, her communication device. It’s just like mine—almost, and it will work in the cave. We’re not going to lose touch with you again. As soon as possible, Ethan and some of the KOTE people will renew contact with the Irish Terrans.” He paused. “Who better to remind them of their lineage than you? Although Ethan is going to destroy the only known entrance to the cave, that back way…” He grinned. “We’ll leave that open. Expect company soon, Dagda.”

  He took a few moments to demonstrate the phone’s many capabilities, then had Dagda try it out. He learned incredibly fast. “You’re a natural. As soon as I can, I’ll have someone at headquarters work up a cross-language reference for the Old Tongue. They’re always adding new information to the data files.”

  Brigid rejoined them, a small bag and her bow and arrows in her hands. “I can carry the spear if you’ll take Ceol Mhor for Ethan. He said he would be setting off the explosion in about twenty minutes. We’d better get moving.” She hugged Dagda tight one more time then headed out of the chamber.

  Gabe hoisted the harp in his arms and made to leave, then hesitated. He turned and smiled at Dagda. “There is one more thing I have to thank you for—Brigid.”

  And he left.

  * * * *

  They took a slightly different route to the hidden cliff side entrance, one that wouldn’t necessitate their crawling through narrow tunnels. They arrived at the meeting place with only moments to spare before the first explosion.

  Gabe checked his watch. “If everything went as planned, Ethan should get here just after the first charge goes off.”

  Brigid held her breath and gripped Gabe’s hand. Anything could go wrong. The charges could go off before Ethan was out of range or the charge could be too weak or too strong. “Do you think everything will go well?”

  Gabe hugged her to his side. “I’m sure it will. Don’t worry, darling. Ethan should be here…”

  A huge explosion shook the hidden entrance to the cave.

  “There’s the first detonation. Ethan will be here any minute.”

  Brigid paced back and forth in front of the opening. “Something happened. I know it!”

  “Easy, Bridge. If he’s not here by the time the second blast…”

  “That’ll be too late! You have to go check on him!” She stopped pacing, bent and picked up a rock and threw it as hard as she could. “Why did I let him go? I should have told him it was too risky.”

  “He’s a grown man, Bridge. The entrance to the Warrior Cave had to be destroyed and Ethan had the materials and knowledge to do it.” He paused. “If I was the one risking my life would you be as concerned?”

  Brigid whirled around to face him. “How can you say such a thing? I love you. You’re my husband.”

  Gabe’s lips thinned. “But he was your lover before me.” He tugged on Brigid’s arm and dragged her against him. “Will he be your next?”

  Brigid tore herself away, and rubbed her arm. “Listen to yourself! I wasn’t a virgin when we married. That didn’t seem to upset you. Why should a lover I may have had thousands of years earlier be any different?”

  He pulled her into his arms and trapped her against his body. “Because you didn’t love any of those shallow boys I saw you with. They meant nothing, but you love Ethan!”

  Once more, Brigid wrenched her body away from his. She spoke slowly, measuring each word. “I honor my vows. I will always honor my vows.”

  Gabe stiffened. She hadn’t denied her love for Ethan. Son of a bitch. His lips thinned as he tamped down his feelings of anger and responded softly. “I’ll hold you to that.”

  A scuffling sound alerted them to someone’s approach. Ethan came around the cliff side, holding his right arm stiffly.

  Brigid rushed over to him. “Thank God, you’re all right! What took you so long?”

  Ethan grinned, then winced. “Underestimating how much longer it would take me to set up everything one-handed. Ba’al’s fire eve
n struck the campsite. There was a lot of damage. I’m hoping they’ll think the freakish lightning storm set off the explosives.” He tilted his head. “The second charge should go off right about…”

  A massive rumbling noise erupted.

  Ethan smiled with satisfaction. “Now.” He nodded at Ceol Mhor, leaning against the cliff. “Gabe, can you keep on carrying her for me a bit longer? I’d appreciate it.”

  “No problem.”

  Ethan looked back and forth between Brigid and Gabe. The tension stretched as tight as a drum. He opened his mouth, then shut it. “Shall we get going?”

  Brigid picked up the spear case. “I’m ready.”

  Gabe shouldered the harp and nodded.

  “Then we’re off.”

  Ethan trailed behind them, wondering if he’d ever find out what had happened in the short time he’d been gone, or if he even wanted to know.

  * * * *

  No one spoke during their trek through the forest. They came to a sudden stop when they reached the remains of the Stone Circle.

  Ethan whistled. “Damn, every bloody stone has been shattered! Even the wall itself. That was some hell of a blast Nolen set.”

  Gabe shrugged. “He saved us the necessity of destroying the rest of the Stone Men later.” He set off again. “Let’s move on.”

  Ethan stumbled and Brigid rushed over to help him up, but he waved her away.

  “Ethan, please be careful. I’d hate it if you re-injured your shoulder.”

  He clenched his fingers. “My hand hurts less and less when I flex my muscles. I guess this explains why I always healed so quickly. My mother always told me it was in my genes. Looks like she knew what she was talking about.”

  When they reached the Sacred Grove, they gaped.

  Ethan crossed himself.

  The Grove still smoldered—what was left of it. The beautiful trees were no more than kindling.

  Gabe cursed. “Most of those trees were hundreds of years old. Nolen and Ba’al burned some of nature’s loveliest work. They just can’t stop destroying what’s good in the world.” He turned to Brigid and Ethan. “I’m going to keep trying to touch base with KOTE. Maybe there’s something in the records that will tell us what the hell to do about Ba’al.”