Chapter Nineteen
Alainn heard the heavy footsteps hurrying down the corridor toward her and saw the door being flung open. She lifted her head off the pillow and noted it felt heavy as a rock. She looked into the relieved face of her husband. He came to her and pulled her into his arms. She saw the tears that brimmed in his eyes and the relief on his handsome face.
“My darlin’, Lainna! You are alive and well. I feared I would never look upon your lovely face again; never hold you in my arms. And woman, if you should ever, ever dare to suggest I leave you behind or prevent me from protectin’ you with my very life, know this, you will have the fight of your life upon your hands!”
“Oh Killian, I am well-pleased to see you, also!” she said with tears in her eyes and voice.
“We will not be parted again, Alainn. If I have to take you with me from chamber to chamber, or chain you to my very own wrist, I will not be forced to live apart from you. And the next time I say good-bye to you had better be on my deathbed!”
Her face filled with mingled love and fretfulness.
“Do not speak of such a dismal time, Killian. We are back in Ireland. We have escaped the madness of King Henry, the demon’s cursed dagger and the angry sea; sure we shall be capable of facing whatever adversity fate may have in store for us, so long as we face it together.”
“And you are certain the English will truly make no more advancement in our country, no more battles will be fought for a time, for I believe it was King Henry’s advisors who ordered the Irish to be sought out and killed.”
“Aye, I sense the man, Cromwell is in part responsible for he is in alliance with the demon, but even he cannot make further trouble for the Irish without the blessing or the order of the king. I have implanted in the king’s mind that he shall be lenient and fair in his dealings with the Irish during his reign. As I have spoken before, I sense someone in Cromwell’s line will cause much pain and unrest for the Irish, but I feel I have prevented it from happening now during our lives. I think it will not happen for a lengthy time. I do foresee the Irish will have to bend to King Henry’s will in allowin’ him to be named sole king of Ireland!”
His deep green eyes held an undeniable fury in that unpleasant consideration, but he also possessed an uncommon sense of practicality, and longed for a time of peace and well-being for the Irish people, and so he simply nodded his head.
“Aye, if it will ensure that no more Irish will die by his hand or his order, then sure I can convince the other chieftains and their clans that it will be beneficial to simply allow it to be declared as so.”
“It will be in name alone, Killian, for the man will be inconsequential to our land!”
“And what of the king’s line, Alainn; and his advisors will they be kind to the Irish?”
“I hope to find a way to ensure that Cromwell’s descendant will be more lenient as well for he will not do Ireland or England any kindness when he is allowed power. I sense there will surely be battles and discord between England and Ireland for many centuries to come, Killian, but for now we shall know a time of peace.”
“Aye, well for that I am thankful, and pray we can manage to keep it safe for our children and their children as well.”
Alainn adored the sensation of his great arms around her holding her and keeping her safe and protected.
“Danhoul has sought sleep?” she asked.
“Aye, the boy looked more than a wee bit haggard when he met us at the docks this day. He looks as though he put in as rough a night as we aboard the ship did. It was a frightening experience to feel the ship bowing over and nearly lyin’ flat in the water, and the waves washed more than one sailor overboard. If not for the intervention of your guardian god, sure we would all lie dead somewhere within the Irish Sea.”
“Aye, well I don’t recall summoning him and askin’ him to protect you, but I am much relieved he came to see you safe!”
“And Danhoul says you had a visitor aboard your wee boat as well. Another god came to you?”
“Aye, well Ardal’s father was a god, but his mother a human. So he has qualities of both.”
“And the boy seemed more than displeased that he needed a guardian!”
“Aye, Danhoul did not like to think he could not fend for himself, so he did not take kindly to the notion of needin’ someone to watch over him, but he now knows it is only in instances of grave danger.”
She looked at him with seriousness in her eyes and it was apparent she wished to discuss another topic.
“What is it, Alainn?” he asked in a dubious manner.
“Killian, I must ask that you do not refer to Danhoul as a boy any longer. I know you do so mostly in jest and with humor, but he is much opposed to the term and he is clearly no boy. He would have taken my life rather than risk my powers fall into the hands of evil, and he risked his life to save mine, yet again. A mere boy would never have been able to accomplish either of those feats.”
“Aye, I have assuredly thanked him in a most heartfelt manner, my Lainna. And no more shall I speak of him in that manner, for I am aware it displeases him, and I see it riles you as well.”
He glanced down at her torn gown and his hand softly caressed the area of her back that had been wounded the previous day.
“Is it still most painful, Alainn? Does it cause you great discomfort?”
“No, it is much improved, Killian. And by the morn, sure I will be capable of travelin’ and we can go back to our home for a time.”
“For a time?” Killian quizzed with noticeable curiosity and uneasiness.
“Aye, well you must alert the council of the clans that Brendan O’Leary has fallen in with the evildoers. They must be warned he is no longer to be trusted. I believe he will attempt to rally the clans against the English. If that is accomplished, then the English would have no choice but to wage war on Ireland even though King Henry will not care to do so after my magically persuading him against it!”
“Brendan O’Leary will be capable of causing no further unrest for any other, Alainn. I assure you!”
“Killian?”
“He is dead!” His voice was steeped with relief in vengeance fulfilled.
“I believe he was another victim of the dark demon. He was not strong enough to fight his evil.”
“Perhaps that is truth, and he did appear confused and without memory, but I could not allow the man to live, not when he so nearly took your life, no matter the reason.”
She nodded in understanding and appreciated his deep protectiveness of her.
“When we have had some time back at our castle, we must soon make a journey northward!” she revealed in hopes of swaying the topic and dissipating his testiness.
“To Scotland?” he questioned, remembering she had mentioned that once before.
“Aye, it is time we make that journey. As soon as my wound is healed entirely and the clans are in agreement of peace with the English, it will be time!”
Killian’s expressive green eyes looked at her with an unspoken question.
“I believe there is a strong possibility we will find my father there, Killian. I have reason to believe that is where he may have spent some of the time he has been gone from our homeland. Ardal says he will be needed!”
“What? How?”
Killian finally thought better of asking any further questions he wasn’t certain he wanted the answers to, so he closed his mouth and leaned in closely for a passionate kiss.
“Aye, we’ll go to Scotland then and search for your father.”
“I would like that, Killian. I would like to finally meet my father and tell him his child lived and his love, my mother, Mara, is also still alive.”
“And before we head off on another adventure, I believe it is only a few weeks until Molly and Pierce will be wed. Sure we must go to Castle O’Brien to attend the wedding.”
“Aye, Killian, I would adore attending their wedding, seeing Margaret and Cook, and Aunt Siobhan and Rory. And soon
so many babies will be arrivin’ there. I am also most eager to be reunited with Mary and see how she is farin’ now that Riley has returned and they are once more living as a married couple. I pray he has been on good behavior since he has been back with her.”
“And what of Conner, do you think she will turn her eyes away from him entirely now that her term is increasing?”
“I am uncertain, Killian.”
“Well if you a magical seer doesn’t know I’m sure no one does!” Killian smiled as he held her close.
“And what of Lily, Killian? Is she well? She has endured much! She saw her home destroyed and her parents murdered. Has she spoken even a word since the ordeal?”
“Not yet, but she seems to have attached herself to Conner, odd that she feels safe with perhaps the most dangerous man I’ve ever known. Although her eyes are often set upon gazin’ at Danhoul. Sure we can all see to it she is kept safe. She will be welcomed at our castle for as long as she wishes.”
“I thank you for that, Killian, for bein’ a man of deep honor, distinct fearsomeness, yet of kindness and compassion as well!”
He looked down into her lovely blue eyes and she knew he longed to ask her something.
“Speak what’s on your mind, Killian O’Brien, for you know your mind is not so easy for me to read!”
“You once said you believed your father and mine were connected somehow. Do you still sense that, Alainn? Do you suppose if we make the journey northward, cross the Irish Sea; that somewhere in that rugged northern land we will discover your father and mine?”
“It is possible, Killian, for I have seen that vision on more than one occasion, where the two of them are together. Pray we will be fortunate and come back with both our fathers safe and well.”
“And that they will live to see us create many lovely grandchildren for them.”
“’Tis a lovely thought for a glorious future, Killian O’Brien!”
“But sure our future won’t be roses entirely, no more than our past, Lainna.”
“Surely not!” she seemed hesitant to speak of any unpleasantness and simply wanted to revel in this moment’s peace and serenity with him holding her protectively in his arms. But, he spoke on of the concerns that plagued his thoughts.
“Sure the demon won’t rest at keepin’ clear of you, Alainn.”
“No, he will be ever persistent, but the more dealings we have with him the more we learn of him and his powers. And we have formed more allies and have other guardians who will assist us, of both human, spirit and godly origin.”
“’Tis uncommon for you to be so entirely optimistic, Alainn!” he beamed as his hand gently caressed her cheek.
“I am here with you in your arms. I thought I would never know the sensation of bein’ in these wonderfully strong protective arms ever again. And the powers that be seemed to have allowed us this time and I will not question that, not ever again. For one day it is said I will be forced to leave our time to remedy ills in the future. I know not when that will be, whether in weeks, months or years, so for now I will relish this time I have with you. I will cherish every second and question not what the future hold for us, my love.”
They were taken from their private moment by a loud knocking upon the door.
Killian sighed heavily, but called out.
“Who is it that disturbs this time I have with my wife?”
The loud gruff voice called back in response.
“It is Conner MacLain, and I apologize, but I canna keep this persistent wee lass from getting’ in to see Lady Alainn. If you would just allow her to see your wife for a brief moment, to see for herself Lady Alainn is on the road to recovery, maybe then she would give me even a moment’s peace!”
Alainn smiled and looked up at Killian. He beamed back at her and called out.
“Aye, Conner, show the lass in, then.”
When Conner opened the door, Lily hurried across the room and looked upon Alainn with a fearful expression. Though she did not speak, huge tears fell down her face and she grasped Alainn’s hand and squeezed it tightly.
Alainn’s maternal instincts gripped her heart and she took the young girl in her arms and they wept together for the loss of the girl’s parents. And when Lily had finally quieted, she startled everyone by speaking.
“Will I be allowed to stay with you and your husband? With my mother’s dying breath she said I should find you; that you and your husband would keep me safe!”
“Aye, Lily we will keep you protected,” Alainn avowed.
“And you may dwell with us as long as you like, Lily! You are welcome to live with us throughout your entire life for I considered your parents to be valued friends,” Killian assured the young woman and she seemed relieved and no longer afraid of Killian.
“And will Danhoul remain with you as well?” the young girl quizzed with a hopeful expression.
“Danhoul will stay in the round tower, which is not far from our castle!” Alainn conveyed the information, though she had not actually discussed it with Danhoul. She surmised he would still need to remain close by to ensure he was not overcome with the insistent pain that came when they were far-parted, and he had seemed to get on well with the spirit-woman, Diadra.
“Now, lass, let’s allow Lady Alainn and her husband have a time alone together, I’m certain they have much to discuss!”
Conner gently took the young girl by the arm and she allowed him to show her from the room. After they were once more alone in the chamber, Killian glanced at Alainn and then lowered his eyes.
“You must accept my apologies in havin’ takin’ you to London, Alainn! If there was a way to undo it, I assure you I would. I did not believe King Henry would keep me confined to the tower for such a lengthy time. I would have done anythin’ to keep you safe from his grasp for sure he is as evil as the damn demon that seems intent on harmin’ you.”
“Killian, we made it out of England with our lives and our souls; sure we can handle any situation or any adversary after that. And it was me who pushed you to take me with you, so no blame can be laid upon you. Now, no more of this talk. Do you think perhaps it might be possible for me to take a long bath in warm scented water; to be followed by a long time within a warm bed with my husband for I am filled with a deep chill after bein’ out upon the sea at night?”
“Aye, that would be much to my likin’ as well, Lainna if you’re feeling up to it?”
“And are you feeling up to it, husband?” she whispered suggestively and saw his eyebrow rise in agreement.
“Of that you can be certain!” he said in a voice that was soon filled with arousal.
“If I could ask you to summon the servants who might accomplish fillin’ a tub for bathing, then soon we will be forgetting anythin’ but you and me and love and pleasure and contentment.”
She caressed his chest with unspoken promise and undying love.
“I’ll see to it straightaway! Lainna, my love.”
“I shall be eagerly awaiting meeting you back here within this bed, husband!”
“Oh, I’m not leaving you, Alainn. I’m just calling down to whoever might hear me.”
“You’re goin’ to stay put the entire time I bathe?” she asked in disbelief.
“Aye, well I told you I’m not soon going to let you out of my sight! And besides, I might assist you with the bathing if you allow it.”
She smiled seductively again and his eyes signaled his agreement.
Soon the large bathtub was filled with warm, aromatic water and Alainn felt gloriously pampered as she sat in water to her chin. Killian looked on with unhidden desire in his green eyes. She playfully splashed him. He jumped clear of the water, but then smiled at her and bent down to kiss her full lips.
She took advantage of his unsteady stance and she placed her arms around him and pulled him into the water, garments and all. He laughed heartily at that and kissed her firmly upon the lips. Alainn worked at helping him remove his clothes which was not an easy feat n
ow that they were thoroughly drenched. When he was finally without benefit of clothing, she pulled him to her once more. She felt his capable hands on her slippery wet skin and was overcome with passion and desire. As they made love slowly, tenderly and completely there in the bath, she looked into his wonderfully intense green eyes and smiled with all the love in her heart.
“I love you, my Lainna, and I shall till the end of my days.”
“And I you, Killian O’Brien!” she whispered in return as tears of happiness fell down her cheeks.
Later as they lie together in the bed in each other’s arms both nearly asleep, Alainn spoke once more.
“Before we return to our castle, my love, I fear we must speak on some of the unpleasant happenings in England so that we might face them together.”
Killian opened his eyes and must have seen the serious expression on her face.
“Danhoul says you are weak and still ailing to a degree, best you not speak on anything that might cause you duress, Lainna.”
“We must speak now Killian so that we might put the past behind us. It has to do with Lily and when she was...”
Killian interrupted her once more. “I know you feel responsible for Giles and Maisie’s misfortune, Alainn, but you were no more to blame than me. In truth, it was me who chose the inn, me who brought about their demise.”
“I am certain that was the demon, Killian, and only the demon to blame.”
She stared into his eyes, knowing she must reveal all to him now while she had summoned the courage to do so.
“You must hear me out, Husband, for there are truths you must hear.”
“Alainn, whatever seriousness you must speak on can surely wait. When you are recovered, when we’ve both had a chance to regain our strength and return to...”
“But we cannot return to how it was until we confront what happened in England, Killian.”
“Alainn, I was made to kill many men by order of the damnable king. I killed a guard who was most certainly defenseless so filled with drink was he. I was made to defile a corpse...I am not proud of any of it, but I did it so we would be free to be together again. We need not speak on this displeasing topic now when we are so soon reunited.”
A Witch's Quest Page 22