“A coven of thirteen!” Alainn stated knowing the strength of thirteen witches was not something anyone would care to come up against.
“They encircled us and the new one was like the leader and she called to us in a strange language. It sounded archaic and evil as hell. Then all the witches on the ground came to life, still with no head, but with hands outstretched, and they all drew closer and closer to us. It was terrifying.”
Both Alainn and Killian’s eyes were round as shields as they listened to each and every word.
“Then Shylie simply loudly called out your name, Alainn.”
“My name, I would have been no help to you up in that tower.”
“You were up in the tower courageously saving wee Conner’s life when you were nearly mortally wounded. I’d wager most people would have just given up, but not my beautiful brave, Lainna,” Killian reminded her.
She smiled at Killian and without reservation kissed him hard on the lips. Killian returned the kiss and Danhoul once more cleared his throat to get their attention.
“As soon as Shylie said your name they all looked at one another and began backing away from us. They all stared straight ahead, creepily entranced at the tower as if they only just remembered it was you they were to be dealing with that night.
Shylie seemed immediately regretful that she’d mentioned your name although I do believe she’d simply hoped to frighten them for you are known for powerful magic. Shylie then simply disappeared and we thought maybe she might have seen there was no hope for us and simply didn’t want to stick around to witness the aftermath.”
“That would have killed Shylie to watch you die!” Alainn whispered.
“She’s quite dead, even now!” Killian suggested not with callous intent but merely stating the fact of the situation.
“At any rate, continue on, Danhoul.” Alainn insisted.
“Well, Lugh cussed and swore in earnest at that when the coven set their sights upon Alainn again.”
“And do gods cuss the same as men?” Alainn wondered aloud.
“Much worse,” Danhoul assured her, “but after his cussing spree, Lugh simply kept repeating, ‘We must get to the tower!’ I remember him saying, ‘We must save Alainn’.” Danhoul wiped his brow and it was clear even though he’d attempted to make the recount entertaining and even humorous, the memories were difficult for him to relive.
Alainn placed her hand on Danhoul’s forearm in comfort and he spoke on.
“I thought we were all dead. I was certain at the end of the night not one of us would be alive, or worse, I thought we might all be dead, all but you, Alainn. I figured this dark coven would somehow take you with them to Odhran.”
“Shite, that’s a grim sounding outcome,” Killian offered.
“Aye, to be sure. But then out of the corner of my eye, I saw something flying in the night sky. Something that should not have been in the human world, four flying creatures and each of them was breathing fire.”
“The four druid dragons.” Alainn smiled and her eyes lit up in remembrance and in appreciation.
“I thought only two of them could fly?” Killian asked with curiosity.
“They are actually all capable of flight and they can transform into different creatures with traits of all four of their siblings.”
Killian’s eyes once more wore a look of distinct confusion, but he listened to the remainder of Danhoul’s account of the happenings that night.
“The witches were clearly in disbelief and they foolishly flew up to meet the dragons, but they were all soon simply incinerated and turned to a pile, or rather several piles of ash on the ground.
“As soon as it was done, the dragons simply nodded to us and left without a word, but the fire-dragon winked at me and looked straight toward the tower where you were. I believe Shylie calling your name summoned the dragons, for they did say they would forever be in your debt.”
“In truth, I believe the debt has been paid in full two times over,” Alainn declared.
“So, in truth, it was me who saved Alainn’s life that night, and Danhoul’s as well.” Shylie’s spirit appeared beside them and she gazed at Danhoul like someone entirely lovesick.
“Aye, sure I owe you my life,” Danhoul admitted although it was obvious he was uncomfortable with the young spirit’s infatuation.
“Killian and I are ever grateful to you for saving Danhoul, and surely our lives as well.”
“We surely are.” Killian smiled at Shylie, but then turned in seriousness to Danhoul. “And do you know the origin of the coven, Danhoul?”
“There has been a lot of speculation on that. Some say the demon was the father of the entire coven or that maybe Odhran fathered them. We’re not sure if they were the daughters of the twelve women who died some years back all on the same night soon after giving birth, for strangely no one seems to know what became of any of those women.”
“Bar Ciara and her sister,” Shylie said with distaste in remembering her own father had strayed from remaining faithful to her mother and spent a night with Oonagh, which resulted in him fathering twin daughters.
“Maybe some things are best never known,” Alainn said as she looked at Shylie with empathy.
“My mother was grieving over losin’ me and he stilled his own grief by taking a damnable witch to his bed,” she said in an unforgiving tone.
“Please don’t judge him too harshly, Shylie. He was in much pain and Oonagh as a dark enchantress, sure she seduced him and if you understand desire…”
“I well understand desire,” Shylie interrupted. “Because my life was taken at three and ten and I am forever fated to never reach maturity, does not indicate I have not experienced desires.”
Alainn had simply attempted to diffuse the spirit’s anger, but regrettably instead had caused her even greater unease. She faded away with a humiliated look upon her pale spectral face.
Alainn sighed deeply, thinking how difficult it must be for Shylie to remain forever trapped at that age certainly given to volatility and angst. Now that she’d cruelly been witness to the vision of her own defilement and murder, besides being deeply smitten with Danhoul, she was often given to temper.
“I think it is time to procure another jug of ale,” Killian suggested as he poured the last drop into Danhoul’s goblet.
“No, I think I should be leaving soon. I’m really feeling tired.”
“You speak differently lately, Danhoul,” Alainn observed.
Killian nodded in agreement.
“Yes, I suppose I do. It’s likely because I know I need to get accustomed to speaking like someone from the twenty-first century again, so I don’t stand out too much.”
He must have seen her disturbed expression. “Okay, I’m going back to Castle O’Rorke now.”
“I thank you, Danhoul, for seeing to the running of the castle and assisting grandfather,” she said. “I know it wears on his heart greatly in losing Riley. In his advanced age, he isn’t likely to possess the sturdy health required to run an entire chiefdom, especially one as large as the O’Rorke clan.”
“Aye, but he brightened considerably when you told him his son Teige still lives. It was as though his entire countenance changed when you told him your father is alive. He says he will hang on long enough till Teige returns to be chieftain. I believe he is strong enough and stubborn enough to do so. He has some staunch advisors, a worthy steward, and a good captain,” Killian related.
“Aye, he is stronger than he appears!” Danhoul concurred.
“I was ever so relieved to have the good tidings regarding my father, to go along with the tragic news of Riley and of Mary, for I know grandfather was dearly fond of her.”
“Everyone was,” Killian agreed. “She was a lovely young woman with a huge heart.” Killian saw the distinct sadness in Alainn’s eyes, but the overwhelming guilt as well. “I know precisely what you’re thinking, Lainna, and I tell you plain, I do not believe for one moment if Mary and I had married
as once was the arrangement, that she would have been protected from any of this. I believe that fate wields its hand no matter what. If it is your time to go to the beyond, then it is your time.”
“Then fate has been equally cruel and kind to you and me, Killian O’Brien,” she whispered and she kissed him again, this time in an even more passionate manner.
As they finally walked Danhoul toward the large main doors of the castle, Alainn spoke, “You welcomed the time spent with Diadra and Ardal, with your parents?”
“Aye, it was very much appreciated. I am thankful you pleaded with the gods for us to be united. It was a huge relief to learn more about my past and my parents. They went to great lengths to keep me safe. I owe them a lot.”
“Sorry I am that you were made to come to my aid and it cut short your time spent with them.”
“I am your guardian and you were in need. I’m simply thankful for the time we did have together and one day when all of this is over, I hope to spend more time with them.”
“Diadra is back in the tower then?”
“Yes, she seems grateful for every moment we have together as well, for she knows we will need to say goodbye soon.”
“Danhoul, truly, must you bring that topic up with every other statement you speak?” Alainn’s eyes brimmed with tears again and she stared up at Killian’s face with despair and clung to his hand.
Danhoul looked at the two of them together so obviously in love and Alainn knew he was thinking of all the hardships they had endured and how often they’d been made to be parted.
“Forgive me, Danhoul, I did not intend to sound so snappish. I am most pleased for your guardianship and your friendship. I just cannot bear to think that there will soon be a time when I must say farewell to Killian.”
This time Killian bent over and kissed her soft lips and tenderly grazed her cheeks to wipe away her tears.
“We will make the most of the time we have now, Lainna” he whispered in comfort.
“How is your new captain, Edward, working out, Killian?” Danhoul changed the subject entirely.
“Of course, I miss Mac and his ways, but Edward is very skilled and has good command of the men, and they respect him as well. After he risked all to see us safe from England, I trusted him completely and he has not disappointed me. He managed admirably the entire time we were away in Scotland. He and his entire family seem well-pleased to be here so I believe he is intent on staying on for many years.”
“Tis good to hear, and Fergus, your steward, he’s recovered from his serious bout with the fever?”
“He seems back in fine form. He manages the day-to-day running of our castle with efficiency as always. He and Cormac ran the castle and the chiefdom while I was a boy and living away from here, while they waited for me to become chieftain. And Cormac’s younger brother, Aron has been helping Fergus now. They take much pride in their duties.”
“And Father Sean is certainly the best and most honorable man you could have in charge of papal matters.”
“Aye, I am fortunate to have such an admirable faction that I am able to leave for indefinite times without having to be concerned my chiefdom will be in ruins when I return.”
Danhoul stared at Alainn as though he wanted her to understand what he was alluding to, but he did not speak.
“It is most unusual to be sure to be an important chieftain with a great deal of responsibility and still be capable of leaving the duties in the hands of others,” Danhoul stated.
“Aye,” Killian said and he looked at Alainn as though the other man were acting particularly odd.
“I’ll be helping look for others to assist your grandfather as well, so it will be sufficiently arranged when the gods decide we are to go to the future, but for now, I’ll say good night. Your wife looks as though you should take her to bed, Killian.”
Killian looked down upon Alainn with her one hand boldly caressing his chest and the other on his buttocks. He smiled.
“I just meant she looks tired.” Danhoul grinned as he closed the large door and left them alone.
*
“I’d say it’s not weary you’re lookin’, Lainna,” he said in a husky voice well on the way to being aroused.
“I sense entirely no weariness within me.” She purred as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to their chambers.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“My God, Killian O’Brien, neither of us will be capable of moving on the morrow, if you continue loving me at this pace.”
“And is there a reason we must move tomorrow, my Lainna?” he said as lay on his side behind her, his body against hers and his hand on her breast. He caressed it and it soon responded as the nipple peaked and he rolled it masterfully between his fingers and his thumb, and she sighed lowly.
“You do not seem to mind so overly much, after all,” he said in a voice once more filled with arousal. He nuzzled her neck and kissed it gently all along the jaw. “You were the one, after all, who could not keep your hands from me even while Danhoul spoke of beheadings and dragons, blood and gore.”
“It was the impassioning effects of the ale,” she said as she turned to face him.
“Long-lasting ale, I would suggest,” he observed as he glanced toward the arched window in their chambers and saw the morning sun had begun to rise.
She smiled and kissed him with a long and passionate kiss and her hand slipped beneath the bedcovers.
“You are a most impressive man, Killian O’Brien.” She cooed as she stroked his firm manhood and he closed his eyes and moaned in appreciation.
“Impressive because I want to love my wife as often and as long as I am able.”
“Impressive in many ways,” she said sensually as she continued to fondle him.
He moved her on her back and stared deeply into her blue eyes so filled with passion.
His hands moved purposely slowly down her throat and breasts across her belly and he was nearly about to touch her womanhood and she gasped in anticipation, but instead he reached down to her ankle and softly brushed her skin from her ankle to her knee and the tender area behind her knee. She tingled from head to toe as he traced her inner thigh from knee upward slowly, tantalizingly and he looked into her eyes the entire time reveling in the heated passion he was creating within her.
“You are a tortuous man, Killian,” she whispered and her breath came in ragged whispers.
“Torturous, am I? Only a moment ago I was impressive!” he said as his hand found her womanly treasure and she gasped loudly and she writhed in pleasure to meet his fondling.
His mouth went to her rose-colored nipples and she cried out once more. She thought she would surely be unable to bear the intensity of his touch when he moved and she felt his head between her thighs.
“Killian O’Brien, you are sending me to the point of madness!” she screamed as she gave way to a steadily increasing level of titillation and eroticism.
She lay there panting, nearly breathless, as he moved from her and was about to enter her, when she pushed him down upon the bed and smiled seductively.
“Oh no, not yet, husband. ’Tis my turn to be devilish with you.”
“I’m not so certain I like the sounds of that entirely.”
“Oh, I promise you, you will like it.” She smiled and she moved from the bed.
“What is it you are doing, Alainn O’Brien,” he asked with some dubiousness.
“I have a potion just for you.”
“I don’t think I care to be bringing any damnable potions into our marriage bed.”
She smiled again, a wickedly pleasing smile, and she procured a vial from the small night table.
“You welcome this potion, it consists of herbs and oils and I assure you it will not cause any discomfort.”
His eyes held a doubtful quality.
“Killian O’Brien, would I truly do anything to damage your diddler after I’ve only just healed it? Would that be advantageous to me in any fashion?
&n
bsp; He narrowed his eyes and looked up at her with some uncertainty, but he spoke the words even though he knew it might displease her. “We know you’ll be made to leave me soon enough. I realize neither of us care to think about it or talk about it, and thus far, you have refused to discuss it with me, but we cannot avoid the topic entirely. We don’t know when you’ll go. We don’t know how long you’ll be gone. I’m not certain we even know if you’ll ever come back to me? Is that about the truth of it?”
Her eyes filled with tears that she fought to control, and she dropped the vial upon the bed and headed into the chamber where their baby, Cian, would have slept.
Killian inhaled deeply and reasoned she must be more saddened and distressed than he realized for she seldom ever entered that chamber. He followed her and found her staring into the cradle, weeping profusely.
*
“I simply want to live a life of normalcy.” She sobbed. “I want you, Killian, and I want to carry and bear our children. I don’t want magical abilities or supernatural powers or fairies or gods or witches or even dragons. I just want you, Killian O’Brien, always and forever only you!”
“I want you as well, Lainna,” he said as he knelt beside her. “You’re all I’ll ever want. But we cannot keep avoidin’ what we know is inevitable.”
“I heard a portion of your thoughts back in our bed. I know you believe I have created a potion that will render you incapable of sharing physical intimacy with another woman so you’ll remain ever faithful to me while I’m off to the future and I may never come back? Is that the truth of it then?”
“Aye, I admit the thought crossed my mind, though I’m not so very fond of you being able to hear my every thought. And you don’t need to create a potion; I’ll not stray no matter how long you’re gone.”
“I would not expect that of you, Killian. I love you too much to ask that of you?”
“There are many who choose to live a life of celibacy, and so help me God, woman, if you mention me and Roisin again or try to push me in her direction, I will leave this chamber and not come back for some time.”
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