Dragon Knight's Medallion (12 page)

“Aye. Ye may share the cave with us and some of the other women. Donal, my husband, will be sleeping near the fires with the other men. Just grab one of the wraps inside.”

Rubbing her temples, she handed her cup to Betha. “Good night.”

“Sleep well, Lady Aileen,” whispered Betha.

****

The sound of light chanting brought Aileen out of a deep sleep. Soft snores emanated from the side of the cave, and she blinked trying to adjust to the dimness inside. Smiling, she saw a mother and daughter curled up together. Quietly, she made her way outside, tugging on her coat.

Sunlight sprinkled the sky with its first golden rays of light, and she welcomed them by stretching outward. “Good morning, Lord and Lady, light and love.” She yawned lazily, letting whoever was chanting lift her spirits.

Looking about, there were those tending to the cooking, and some greeted her with a nod and smile. Aileen marveled at this small group of people, which she had numbered to be about fifty. Why were they in the hills and not in the village, she wondered. None of them had spoken about the abbey or where they were traveling. Perhaps they were on a pilgrimage. A question for Betha later today.

Then there was her dilemma of how she was going to return home. Her shoulders slumped. What did her aunt and the others think of her disappearance? They must all be worried. Yes, even her father. “Oh, Dad, why didn’t you ever tell me?”

“Are ye talking to the faeries?” asked a small voice.

Aileen looked down to find a small girl gazing up inquisitively at her. “No, just random thoughts, spoken out loud.”

The small girl let out a sigh. “Oh.” Then her face lit up. “May I touch your hair?”

Aileen started to laugh, but held back. “Sure, sweetheart.” She bent down to her level, and the girl reached out gingerly to pull blonde strands between her fingers.

“Verra lovely,” she murmured.

“What is your name?”

“Caitlin, my lady,” she gushed.

Aileen tried not to frown, but she was getting tired of being called
lady
. They could call Stephen whatever, but she couldn’t fathom why they attached such nobility to her.

She touched Caitlin’s hand lightly. “Just call me Aileen.”

Caitlin shook her head. “Nae, ’tis not right.”

“Why not?”

“The fae are to be respected and shown honor.” She cupped her tiny hand to Aileen’s cheek. “Your eyes are lovely, too.” With a big smile and hug, she scampered off, leaving a stunned Aileen still kneeling on the ground.

“Did ye lose something, Lady Aileen?” asked Ian, approaching from behind.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she shook her head and stood. “Good morning, Ian.”

“Greetings to ye, too. Have ye broken your fast?”

“No, I haven’t.”

Grabbing her hand, he pulled her toward one of the fires. “Good, then ye can eat with me.”

They ate and shared small bits of conversation. For some reason, Ian chose not to probe her with any questions. The food was filling, though what she could use was a strong cup of coffee.

“Have ye met Brother Osgar?” he asked between a mouthful of bread and cheese.

Picking up a small bite of cheese, she replied, “No, Ian. Is this Brother Osgar taking everyone on a pilgrimage? Is that why you’re here in the hills?”

He frowned. “Pil...pilgrimage?”

“Yes, a pilgrimage to a holy shrine. Isn’t Brother Osgar from the abbey?”

“Aye,” he said slowly. “A shrine like the one to Brigid or the Mother Danu? We call them
turas
.”

Aileen popped the cheese into her mouth, and enjoyed its taste, before answering, “Well, I guess you could say that would be one type of shrine, but I don’t think Brother Osgar would take you to one of those. He might take you to the one of St. George, or—”

Ian gasped and grabbed her hand firmly. “Nae, not the dragon slayer! And Brother Osgar was and still is a verra powerful druid.”

A deep voice rumbled behind her, “They are here because they believe in the old religion, and enemies have arrived from Rome to destroy them.”

“How horrible,” Aileen sputtered out turning around to face Stephen. “Where are they going? What can be done?”

“We speak tonight at the council,” Ian interrupted.

Aileen was shocked. It only confirmed that she needed his help. She certainly did not want to venture any further away from the abbey. It was her only place back to her time.

At least it’s what she prayed for.

Standing, she looked into eyes swimming with so many emotions. “I need for you to take me back to the abbey tunnel, Sir Stephen.”

“
The abbey
? Nae, fae. If ye want to return, just whisk yourself back. My place is here protecting these people.”

“What is
wrong
with you? I cannot just whisk myself back. And stop calling me fae!” snapped Aileen.

Stephen raked a hand across his face, and then leaned closer to her. “Ye
are
a fae, and I will call ye such until ye take your leave of me.” Stepping aside, he made his way to leave.

Fury blazed within her; hot and searing. She fisted her hands on her hips. “Damn you, Stephen MacKay!” she bellowed.

Stephen froze, and glanced over his shoulder. Arching an eyebrow, he drawled, “Cursing at me,
fae
?”

“I am not a fae! My mother’s name is Rose MacLaren, and my father’s name is Aidan Kerrigan,” she hissed out. Marching over to where he stood, she jabbed a finger into his chest. “And my name is Aileen Kerrigan, so the next time you want to call me something, remember it well.” She saw something flash in his eyes, but she didn’t care. Her head was pounding, and she was tired of him treating her like some leper. Her only thought was to flee this group and the man who made her insides melt with fire.

Stephen standing with Osgar heard Ian approach but was still in shock from her words. Watching her storm away from his view, he rubbed the back of his neck in frustration.

“Aileen does not ken who she is, Sir Stephen.”

Placing a gentle arm on Ian, Osgar asked quietly, “What were the Gods thinking?”

“How could she not know she is the daughter of one of the most revered Fenian Warriors of all time?” Stephen scoffed.

“Maybe they chose not to tell her,” sighed Ian.

Stephen whirled around to Osgar and Ian, his words like daggers. “Then how can she be of any help?”

Ian just shrugged.

“Perhaps, she is here for your help, Stephen.”

Stephen shook his head. “Nae, Osgar, not me...not me.” He silenced them further with a curt wave of his hand before stalking off in the opposite direction of where Aileen went.

“Aileen’s not going to be verra happy when she returns.”

Osgar eyed him questionably. “Why is that, Ian?”

“Well, if she did not like us calling her fae, what is she going to do when everyone bows each time she comes into our sight?”

“Ye are correct, my young druid,” sighed Osgar.

“Who will tell her?”

Osgar squeezed his shoulder lightly. “I believe our Sir Stephen should be the one.”

“Oh, that’s a reckoning I would verra much like to witness,” chuckled Ian.

Chapter Fifteen

“Come sit with me on the dew-covered grass, and I will weave you a gown of marigolds. Then you shall open your eyes to the truth and your destiny.”

Stephen sat lazily atop a boulder allowing his gaze to travel over the vision sitting among the foxgloves. She brushed her hand casually through their petals, and his breath caught. Did she not know how she stirred his blood? Try as he might, whenever she came near, his lustful beast roared. He wanted to strip her there surrounded by all those flowers and take her.

He had blamed it on her fae blood, using it as an excuse to shun her. Yet, she didn’t even know where she came from. How
did
she come to be here? The questions seemed to be mounting with no answers.

He would not be led astray by her or her lovely violet eyes.

She rolled over onto her back placing an arm across her face. His cock surged forth, and he cursed silently. There were more important matters to deal with than satisfying his needs. Rising from his place, he watched a hawk circle above. Its languid movement in the sky told him all was well. No travelers in the distance.

As he stepped down, he thought he heard her crying. Glancing over his shoulder, her shudders could be seen from his perch. What would cause her to weep? Did someone hurt her?

“By the hounds!” he muttered. If anyone attempted to bring her harm, they would answer to him.

His shadow covered her form as he watched the tears mar her lovely face.

Resting on her elbows, she asked, “Is there something I can do for you?”

She had no idea the power of those simple words. He almost stripped aside his wrap to show her just what she could do with that luscious mouth of hers. “Why were ye weeping?” he asked hoarsely.

Aileen cringed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think anyone was around.” She sat up hastily, brushing out the folds of her gown, and dabbing at her eyes.

Stephen knelt before her. “Did someone hurt ye?”

“No...just tired, and I have a headache.”

Sheer annoyance crossed his face. “Ye weep for that?”

“I also have a lot on my mind,” she snapped. “If you must know, I could use a good cup of black coffee. I’m having caffeine withdrawal. And it was an exceedingly
long
day on an animal that I’m not accustomed to, and I’m exhausted.” She waved a hand at him. “Now if you don’t mind, I would prefer to sulk in quiet melancholy.”

He knew he shouldn’t, but his hand reached out gently brushing the last tear away from her cheek, not fully fathoming her words. “Then tell me.” His voice low.

She blinked. “How can I explain, when I don’t understand myself? I’ve just found out I never truly knew my parents.” She pounded her fist against her breast. “Everyone knew, but
me
.”

His jaw clenched. Why would they keep this wisdom from her?

She rolled over and stood up. “Forget it. Please leave me alone.”

At that moment, he made the decision to tell her a story...a story about the great Aidan Kerrigan. “Nae,” he growled, tugging at her hand to stay her departure.

Stephen couldn’t move. His hand devoured hers within his, and the heat sent flames of desire to parts that were already swollen. He caressed his thumb over her wrist in small circles, and then dropped it as quickly as he took it. Looking into her eyes, he noticed the desire as well.
Do not be led astray
.

“Do ye ken who your father is?” he asked taking a step back to lead her toward a boulder.

Aileen looked at him skeptically, before sitting down. “Well...I thought I knew who he was, but as of yesterday? No.”

“We all ken the story of the warrior, Aidan Kerrigan.”

“What?” Aileen jumped up. “How? That’s impossible.”

Stephen took in a deep breath. “Aidan Kerrigan was a Fenian Warrior who gave up his powers and immortality for the woman he loved. His story is told in bardic tales to this day.”

Aileen slumped back down in shock. “What is a Fenian Warrior? And when you say his story is still told, how far back are you talking about?”

“The Fenian Warriors protect the realm of the faery world and this one. There are some who are known to travel the veil of time.”

“Stop!” Aileen put her hand up. “I overheard my father talking about the veil of time. He didn’t want me to go.” She rubbed at her temples. “He was a warrior for the
faery
?”

“Aye,” said Stephen slowly.

Aileen closed her eyes.
I will not faint
. When she opened them, she cast her gaze out toward the green hills. “No wonder he is lost. He gave it all up, only to have her for a brief time,” she choked out.

Stephen frowned. “She is no longer with him?”

Aileen sadly looked up at him. “No, she died last year.”

“I am sorry for your loss.” His tone soft. “He was the only one to ever defy the fae.”

“All for the love of a woman,” Aileen interjected.

Stephen nodded solemnly. “Your father, Aileen, was one of the oldest warriors of the Fenian branch. No one kens his beginning.”

She gave a weak smile. “I want, no
need
to go back, Stephen, to my father. This isn’t my time.”

He shook his head slowly. “Nae. It is too dangerous. I must get these people to the gathering. But I give you my word, Lady Aileen, I will escort you back to the abbey after I see to their safety.”

She swallowed, trying desperately not to look into his eyes. “Please do not call me Lady Aileen, just
Aileen
will do.”

“Ye have two choices. I can call ye fae”—he noticed the look of utter disbelief on her face—“
or
ye can allow me to call ye Lady Aileen. Whether ye choose to believe it or not, part of your blood flows with the blood of the fae.”

“I suppose there’s no compromise with you,” she retorted.

Stephen crossed his arms over his chest. “Nae. And I might add everyone did hear ye loudly proclaim your heritage. Do not be so harsh when they
bow
before ye.”

“Blast,” she muttered. “I might as well get this over with.” Shaking her head, she continued her rant as she trudged down through the trees. Before she stepped completely away from Stephen, she tossed out, “Well, if my father is old by your standards, he’s actually ancient by mine. For you see, my time is the year two thousand fourteen.”

“Bloody hell!”

His eyes narrowed when he heard her chuckle.

She jabbed a finger in his direction. “I’m not going to be the only one in shock this afternoon, Stephen MacKay.”

He watched as she moved steadily away through the pines still talking about
her
century.

Fisting his hands on his hips, he glared at the woman who had shocked him by her words. “Gods teeth!” Why would the fae send her back through the veil without her knowledge? He was in awe of her strength at hearing the news about her parents. Yet, she was part fae. It was evident the moment he laid eyes on her exquisite face.

He was still pondering the situation when Colin approached. “Lovely fae. Do ye ken why she is here?”

“Nae.” He shook his head. “I need to seek the counsel of Osgar, or perhaps Cathal.”