Dragon Knight's Medallion (38 page)

“It’s the third day, and Midsummer’s Eve is next week. There is much to do, since I would like to get married on that day.” She tossed the words over her shoulder, continuing to walk down the path.

Stephen’s eyes narrowed. “So ye are going to leave me in this condition?” he barked.

All he got was her lovely backside and a wave of her hand.

“I’ll show ye what happens when ye tease me, fae,” he shouted.

When Aileen peeked over her shoulder, she could see Stephen stalking her at a steady pace. Intent on getting back and preparing to leave, she took off running.

Instantly, he was upon her, and a burst of laughter echoed throughout the trees.

****

No sooner did Brigid settle one problem than another presented itself. “Well, I can’t blame it on the full moon. That was a few weeks ago.” She narrowed her eyes studying the large tapestry. It had been tucked away in an empty chamber. She literally stumbled upon it one morning when inspecting one of the rooms. How in the heck was she going to place it on the wall in the great hall?

“What did ye say, Mistress?” asked Delia.

“Just talking out a problem.” She swiped at a cobweb, which caught in her hair. You wouldn’t know where I can find Henry or Joseph?”

“Och, I ken they are with Duncan.”

“Is
everyone
with Duncan this morning?” she asked in exasperation.

Delia chuckled softly, nodding her head.

Instantly, both women jumped at the sound of someone shrieking. “Bloody hell,” hissed Brigid. “What
now
?”

Dusting her hands off, she made her way down the corridor and ran smack into Nell. “What the...” Grabbing Nell to steady her, she could at least determine that whatever it was had to be good news. Nell was beaming.

“They’ve returned,” exclaimed Nell.

Could it be, she thought. “
Stephen and Aileen
?”

“Aye! Let’s go greet them.”

“Wait, Nell. Go fetch Duncan. I’ll meet you at the gate.”

“No need. I am on my way,” said Duncan, walking toward them.

They quickly descended the corridor and made their way to the front. Passing through the doors, Stephen and Aileen were entering through the portcullis.

“Blessed Danu,” muttered Duncan. “It looks like my brother has healed.”

Brigid wandered over to him taking his hand and squeezing it. “He’s like a new man compared to the one I remember,” she said, gazing up at her husband.

“Aye.”

Stephen dismounted and went to help Aileen off her horse. Stepping over to his brother, he took a deep breath in and released it. “Thank ye.”

“For what, Stephen?”

“Sending Aileen.”

“She was rather adamant.”

The two brothers stared at each other as several moments passed.

Duncan was the first to speak. “It is good to have ye back.” His voice low.

Reaching out, Stephen grasped Duncan. “As am I, brother.”

When he released him, he grabbed Aileen’s hand bringing her forth. Taking his hand, he cupped her face and gazed into her eyes. “I would like to marry Aileen on Midsummer’s Eve.”

Aileen grasped his hand and placed a kiss in his palm.

Stephen turned around. “Do ye ken if there will be a problem seeking out Cathal?”

Duncan smirked and rolled his eyes.

“Wonderful! I would be honored to join ye both,” interrupted Cathal, walking between everyone.

Stephen blanched. “When did ye arrive?”

“The day I took Aileen out to ye,” replied Duncan.

Cathal placed his hand on Stephen’s arm. “I had a guest by the name of Rory MacGregor,” he said, winking at Aileen.

“Liam’s brother?” asked Stephen.

Cathal just shrugged.

“Yes,” answered Aileen turning toward Stephen. “Also, I forgot to tell you Liam sends his regards.”

“Humph!” grunted Stephen, taking Aileen’s hand in his. “Ye only shared that Liam had lost all of his powers and was awaiting a judgment from the fae regarding his life.”

Brigid stepped toward them. “I am so happy for you both. It will only be a matter of time before all the brothers are reunited.”

“Aye,” smiled Duncan, embracing his wife.

They ambled along, chatting furiously.

Nell had taken Stephen’s hand and was telling him the latest addition to her family. He peered back at Aileen who was deep in conversation with Brigid about the plans for their ceremony. Laughter rang out from behind him, and Stephen smiled.

It was good to be home.

However, until Alastair and Angus returned their home would not be whole. He and Duncan had much to discuss on the whereabouts of their brothers. Yet for now, he would enjoy the moment—
the
happiness
.

“Are ye not hearing what I told ye, Stephen?”

Stephen stopped and bent down to Nell’s level. “Forgive me, Nell. My mind is full of so many happy thoughts.”

She smiled at him. Then hugging him, she muttered into his ear, “’Tis all right.”

He gave her a kiss on the cheek and stood. “Go fetch your latest. I will be in the great hall.”

Shrieking with delight, Nell scampered off.

Watching the young girl, Stephen pondered what his child would be, and his heart swelled. It truly did not matter, for the babe was already a blessing.

Stepping into the hall, shouts erupted as Duncan handed him a mug.

“Welcome home, Stephen.”

Epilogue

Loch Ness—Midsummer’s Eve

As the sun slowly sank in the west, Aileen made her way down the flowered path toward Stephen. The air was warm against her face. A dragonfly flitted past her and birds chirped nearby.

In a few moments, she would be reunited with Stephen.

For the past few days, they had spent little or no time in each other’s company. It was as if everyone had conspired to keep them apart. There was the endless lists that Brigid prepared, plus all the baking, and cleaning. And Duncan saw to it Stephen was busy, too. Showing him all the repairs he had done to Urquhart and keeping him in the lists every morning also.

All they had time for was a few ardent kisses in the corridors and alcoves. Somehow, Nell had convinced her she should sleep in her chambers, and Duncan had agreed. She stifled a giggle remembering how Stephen had wanted to take a fist to his brother in objection.

Making her way around the bend in the path, she held up her gown. It was beautiful—lavender lined in silver on the edges of her sleeves and hem. One of the women wove a crown of flowers for her hair, reminding her of the first time she made love to Stephen on
Beltaine
.

Placing her hand over her abdomen, her heart soared for the life growing within.

When she turned the last corner, Aileen stopped. Her lips trembled at the sight before her. There on the shore stood the man she loved.
Stephen.
He was magnificent in a royal blue tunic and leather trews, and he’d cut his hair short.

She stood still.

His eyes blazed when they met hers, and their world stopped.

Stephen inhaled sharply at the vision coming forth. “My Goddess.”

Cathal gently placed his hand on his shoulder. “Breathe, Stephen.”

Duncan emerged and took her hand, escorting Aileen the rest of the way. She had opted to go barefoot and carefully made her way along the path. Everyone had gathered on the grassy knoll—some holding flowers and others waving brightly colored ribbons.

Guiding her along, they finally made their way to Stephen and Cathal. Duncan placed a kiss on her hand before giving it to his brother. He then took his place beside Brigid, gathering her close to his side.

Aileen eyes misted with unshed tears as Stephen’s smile sparkled to the depths in his eyes transforming his face with joy.

Cathal stepped forward. “Greetings, Stephen and Aileen.” He raised his hands outward. “Welcome to all who have come together in this joyous occasion.”

“May I have your hand, Stephen?” As Stephen held out his hand, Cathal took the
sgian dubh
of Stephen’s and made a small incision in the palm.

Turning to Aileen, he asked, “May I have your hand, lady?” She nodded, holding it out for him. After Cathal made the cut, he joined it with Stephen’s hand.

“As your blood runs together, let each bond with the other become one.

Cathal then wove a crimson cord around their hands, saying,

“By the element of air, bless this union.”

“By the element of fire, bless this union.”

“By the element of water, bless this union.”

“By the element of the Mother, bless this union.”

Stephen drew Aileen close. “My blood to your blood, my heart to your heart. I take your hand by my own free will, as my wife, my lover, and my friend.”

Looking into his eyes, Aileen repeated the same. “My blood to your blood, my heart to your heart. I take your hand by my own free will, as my husband, my lover, and my friend.”

Cathal placed his hand across theirs. “With the binding of your hands, so, too, I bind the bonds of your love on this day, and eternally more.” Carefully he undid the cord and stepped back.

Stephen took her hand and held it against his heart. “Ye are the water that quenches my thirst, Aileen.”

“And you are the river that nourishes my soul, Stephen.”

His voice husky with emotion, he added, “I will love ye forever,
evermore
.”

“Oh, Stephen, I will love you even when we pass through the gates of
Tir na Og
.”

His lips descended onto hers kissing her so passionately she was lost in only the two of them. The sound of boisterous laughter and remarks brought them out of their kiss. Stephen crushed her to his chest, whispering all the lovely things he was going to do to her later. A shiver of delight ran through Aileen.

With the last rays of light ebbing away, they waited. Within moments, darkness enveloped them. Casting their sight up onto the knoll, the first bonfire was lit, illuminating the sky. A joyous cry came forth from the crowd.

“Are ye ready for the feasting, my love?” whispered Stephen into her ear.

Taking a finger, Aileen ran it across his lips. “Can we eat quickly? I’d much rather have
my feast
in our chambers.”

Stephen took one of her fingers in his mouth, stroking it with his tongue. “Aye, most surely.”

****

In the early hours of dawn, Aileen slipped from their bed. Grabbing one of Stephen’s plaids, she walked over the window arch and stared out at the new day. Glancing back over her shoulder, Stephen was lying sprawled on his stomach, arms flung out.

A glorious sight to behold.

Their attempt at trying to flee early proved impossible, as Duncan would always seem to manage to place another cup of ale in Stephen’s hand for a toast. Aileen lost count of the many toasts not only from Duncan, but from the others, too.

She could not fault Duncan. This was a celebration not only of their wedding, but also of Stephen’s return. Saying a silent prayer, Aileen asked that one day soon all the brothers would be reunited.

Smiling, she also stared at the tapestry she demanded be removed from the great hall and put in their chambers. She was speechless when she saw it days ago, depicting all the brothers and their sister—the exact one that hung in her father’s castle in the future. How did he come into possession of it? A question which would never be answered.

After explaining to Brigid about her first encounter with the tapestry, the woman gathered Duncan and a few other men to place it in their chambers, understanding completely.

“Come back to bed,
leannan
,” muttered Stephen.

Turning away from the window, Aileen walked back to the bed only to stop suddenly. Lying on a desk tucked against the wall was a journal. The very journal her father had shown her
and
lost.

“Great Goddess,” she whispered, hastily walking over to it. She brushed her fingers lightly over its leather covering. Knowing exactly what she was looking for, Aileen opened it and flipped it to the back pages. Sure enough, there was the drawing of her pendant with her name nearby.

“So ye have found my drawings,” yawned Stephen. He was looking at her propped up on one elbow. Seeing the look of panic on her face, he sat up. “What’s wrong?”

Holding the book against her chest, she stumbled back to the bed. Placing the book opened to the page where he had drawn her pendant, she said slowly, “My father found your journal in one of his digs. He knew I was destined to come back in time and gave it to me.” Hysterical laughter bubbled forth as she watched Stephen’s eyes go wide. “I lost the journal when I passed through the veil. The only item I kept on me was
your
medallion.”

Stephen uttered a soft curse.

“Oh my gosh!” Finally realizing what this meant made her go numb. “
Stephen
, we have to return to Arbroath.”

“Why?”

“Don’t you see? If we don’t return it to Arbroath, my father will never find it. And if he doesn’t find the journal, how can I come back?”

“Blessed Danu.” He shook his head in understanding. Placing a warm hand over her womb, he looked into her eyes. “We will make the journey as soon as our child is born.”

She smacked at his hand. “No. I want to leave in a few days. I would rather go now than wait months later.” She cupped his face in her hands. “I won’t be able to rest until I know it’s safe.”

His hands fisted on either side of her and she understood his concern. “Our baby will be fine, Stephen. If she or he could survive passing through the veil, I believe a journey to Arbroath will not cause any harm.”

Stephen kissed her hard. When he broke from the kiss, he nodded in agreement. “He is already a warrior.”

“Or
she
,” smirked Aileen.

Glancing back down at the journal, his voice was low as he spoke. “Do ye ken when I drew this? The first day I left Urquhart. I thought if I could draw ye it would help keep ye alive with me.”

Aileen grasped his hand.

“After I drew the pendant, I could go no further. Capturing your spirit would not bring ye back.”

“I will never leave you—
ever
,” she stated firmly. Crawling onto his lap, Aileen wrapped her arms around him.