Dragon Knight's Ring (Order of the Dragon Knights Book 5) (31 page)

As he glanced across the clearing through the trees, he saw Meggie near the standing stones, surrounded by her brothers. Never did he believe his love for her could grow. Yet, it had these past few weeks. The druids walked slowly around the outside of the stones, casting their magic as they passed. Meggie might be surrounded by her brothers and magic, but it would be his body and blade that protected her.

He cast his gaze to where his son was huddled with the others beneath a giant oak. Soon, Ronan would remove them to the protection of Castle Aonach and shield them from harm until the end.

“I did not have enough time to prepare ye, my son,” he whispered into the breeze.

“Dinnae fear. Ye shall have all the time in the world for him,” stated Patrick, coming alongside him.

Adam rubbed a hand over his face. “’Tis all happening so fast. I grow weary of battles.”

Patrick nudged him and then pointed to Jamie. “Ye say this because ye are now a father.”

“Aye,” he muttered, realizing his brother had spoken true. He wanted a world for Jamie without fighting. Although, he deemed there was no such place. “A father’s wish for peace, then?” He glanced sideways at his brother.

“We can only pray,” replied Patrick solemnly.

Adam watched as Alex approached. “What news?”

Alex shrugged. “We wait. I thought it best to stand with my brothers.”

Lifting his head, Adam glanced at the early evening sky. “’Tis clear.”

“But for how long,” commented Alex. “We have seen the destructive power of Lachlan, and he can wield the elements like the Dragon Knights. His power is building as we speak.”

“He wreaked havoc with Michael, too,” added Patrick.

“Do ye believe Michael was weak?” Adam feared asking the question.

Alex nodded. “His desire to possess the relics goes back to his younger days as a lad. He would listen to the tales from our grandfather. Whereas, ye, Patrick, and I, only listened with half a heart. Even our own father was not tempted to seek the relics, though he found nae favor with the MacKays and listened to Lachlan’s counsel.” Alex rubbed his jaw. “Michael’s soul was corrupted by the power to own what was not rightfully his. In the end, it was easy for Lachlan to weave his way into our brother’s mind, more so than our father’s. His verra soul became twisted. His life ended with a mind gone mad.”

“By the hand of a MacKay, as well,” stated Adam.

“But ye dinnae ken the whole story.”

“Aye, Alastair gave me his account. This is not the brother I ken. However, I have seen the dark side of him.” Adam turned fully toward his brothers. “As ye recall, I was not his favorite.”

“He had none, but himself,” snarled Alex.

“Fortunately, we did not come under his influence.” Adam glanced upward at the sky. Dark clouds suddenly loomed overhead, which did not bode well for them.

“I wonder if Duncan can prevent the oncoming storm?” suggested Patrick.

“I shall go find out,” replied Alex.

Adam placed a hand on Patrick’s shoulder. “If I have not told ye so, I want to say that I am proud to call ye my brother.”

“As I ye,” whispered Patrick.

Patrick rubbed at his jaw. “I believe it’s time to join the others. We are not permitted to fight this battle, and ’tis a shame. Alex and I were hoping at another chance to put a blade in the druid.”

“From the tales the MacKays told me recently, ye and Alex have fought your share with this evil.” Adam unsheathed his sword. “Now it is my turn.”

“Nae!” screamed Meggie.

Her grief pierced Adam’s soul, and he ran to her side by the oak tree. Deirdre held her firmly as she shook with rage.

“Why did ye not watch over him?” Meggie shouted.

“We were,” argued Deirdre. “One moment he was talking to Skye and the next, he vanished.”

“Vanished?” asked a stunned Adam, dropping his sword. Quickly taking Meggie into his arms, he held her quaking body.

“He wanted to warn the Great Dragon. He could hear her weeping.” Nell’s lips trembled and tears slipped down her cheek. “I told him not to go, but then he was gone.”

“It’s not your fault,” murmured Brigid and took her daughter into her arms. “Shh…sweetheart.”

“We have to find him,” Meggie pleaded.

A loud crash of thunder burst overhead, and the sky turned black. The mists that descended the hills now slithered around like black snakes. Adam retrieved his sword and put a comforting arm around Meggie.

“What is this?” he demanded, his question aimed at Duncan.

“Not my doing, but I will attempt to ward it off,” replied the man.

“It has begun,” stated Conn. “Ronan, take the others to the castle.”

“And our son,” shrieked Meggie. “Ye would leave him?”

“We can help find him,” argued Deirdre.

“No!” Conn’s eyes shifted to silver. “Remove them now, Ronan, or I shall do so.”

“Ye bastard,” snarled Adam. “Then I will go find my son.”

“You are needed here, Dragon Knight!”

Adam placed Meggie behind him. “Dinnae dare to think ye can or will stop me.”

Meggie stepped out of Adam’s embrace and stood before Conn. Cupping his face, she asked, “After everything I’ve gone through, ye would deny me this?”

The warrior flinched.

For the first time since he met the Fenian warrior, Adam saw conflict within the Fae’s eyes.

“Go,” he muttered to Adam.

“Thank ye,” she whispered.

Adam pulled Meggie against him. His mouth crushed down on hers, filling his soul with her taste, committing everything about her to his being. Breaking free, he brushed his fingers over her cheeks, bringing her hand up to their faces. Rubbing the ring around her finger, he said, “Remember, I am with ye always. I will find our son, dinnae fear,
leannan
.” He kissed her hard one last time, and then walked her to Angus.

“I place her in your care, Angus.” Looking at the other MacKay brothers, he added, “Duncan, Stephen, and Alastair. If so much as a hair is harmed on her head, your lives are mine. I will not see Meggie die again.”

Angus stepped forward. “And we will freely give ye our blades to do the deed. Go, find your son. For if Lachlan finds him first…”

Adam understood the man’s unspoken words and nodded.

He whistled sharply, and Ciar trotted over to him. Mounting his warhorse, he watched the storm gather, build, and spread across the land. With no time left, he gave a smack to Ciar, and the pair galloped off through the trees.

Lightning splintered the dark sky, leaving a putrid stench in the air. It filled his nose and clogged his throat. Swallowing, he pushed his horse onward. Adam’s only thoughts were of his son. He gave no care to the evil trying to enter this world, only to the life he must save. Gathering the strength of training and those of Conn’s words, he forced the shadows away and tried to still his racing heart and mind.

Another bolt of lightning slashed through the sky, landing dangerously close to him. Hearing a tree crash behind him, he refused to be swayed to see the damage. Guiding Ciar through a rough descent, Adam could barely make out the loch below. The mists snaked around the edges and his vision became clouded. Urging Ciar carefully, they finally made it to the bottom.

Dismounting quietly, he stroked the horse’s mane. Unsheathing his sword, he steadily made his way through the trees. Brushing aside a pine branch, his steps slowed. His heart slammed against his chest at the sight by the water’s edge.

The druid stood with one hand on Jamie’s shoulder. The other hand which he held behind his back clenched a blade.

Time slowed for Adam, and his fury grew along with the shadows. Crouching down, he took in deep cleansing breaths. He had to get Jamie away from the monster. If he went charging in, the druid could do great harm to his son.

He had only one solution. Trade his life for that of his son.

Standing, Adam made his way down to the water’s edge. As he approached, he noticed the druid’s grip moved from his shoulder to Jamie’s neck.

“Why don’t ye join us, Dragon Knight,” suggested Lachlan.

Adam halted mid-stride.

“Please, come forward.”

Adam had only taken a few steps, when Lachlan stopped him. Leveling his sword to his left, he ordered, “Nae. Drop your sword and come stand by my side.”

Gritting his teeth, he dropped his sword and walked to the side of pure evil.

Lachlan turned his hideous gaze toward him. “Welcome, Adam MacFhearguis. ’Tis many moons since I have seen ye. Did ye find what ye were seeking on your travels? Or was there more blood shed in the name of the One God?”

“And ye have wreaked more blood in my absence.” Regardless of what Meggie had told everyone, the druid’s features resembled a terrifying monster.

“Might I remind ye, I was not the one to kill your brother, Michael.
Your laird
,” he hissed. “Shocking how ye and the MacKays are now loyal friends. Your grandfather would be sorely disappointed to see what has become of the Clan MacFhearguis. A shameful lot of cowards.”

Adam’s thoughts blurred. A vision of how his brother died at the hands of Alastair came unbidden into mind. The image seared a path inside. Screams and the clang of steel blared so loudly, he felt as if he was there, witnessing all. Blood oozed out of his brother, spilling onto the ground.

Whispers crowded Adam’s mind.
Save me Adam. Seek vengeance on the MacKays. Take up your sword and become the rightful leader.

Bile lodged in Adam’s throat, and he swallowed. He forced the images from his mind.
Ye are not my brother! Be gone!

Lachlan’s laughter filled the night air. “Your mind is easily swayed. Ye could be of great use to the Dark One.”

“Never,” growled Adam.

“’Tis a pity. Ye all will die.”

Jamie let out a slight gasp.

“What have ye done to my son,” demanded Adam in a harsh voice.

The druid’s mouth turned into a sour grin making his face more hideous. “Why naught. The lad is…what was the word Meggie used? Ahh, yes! Your son is
concentrating
. Attempting to call for the Great Beast. I have had the most difficult time explaining to him why I want to see her. Either he is lame and cannae call her, or he is
unwilling
. If the latter, I will be forced to take measures. An eye for disobedience?”

Adam heard a slight whimper escape from his son. Clenching his fists tightly, he longed to take the head of the bastard. He needed a plan and quickly. Scanning the loch, he longed for any light. Suddenly, an idea simmered, glowed, and grew.

“Let him go, Lachlan.” He shifted slightly and glanced at his son. His eyes were wide in fear. “Take me, instead. I will call the dragon forth from the loch.”

“Truly?”

“On my honor as a Dragon Knight, Crusader, and the father of Jamie.”

“There is no honor among the Dragon Knights and Crusaders. They spill blood without thought and spread lies.” Lachlan pulled Jamie in front of him. “However, the bond between a father and son is precious…for some.” He angled his head toward Adam. “I tell ye this. If ye can call forth the dragon, I will free your son. Yet, your life is
mine
, Dragon Knight.”

“Done.”

“Nae,” protested Jamie on a strangled cry.

“May I have words with my son?”

Lachlan snarled. “Feel free.”

Adam came around and knelt before Jamie.

“Remember, it only takes one flick of my wrist to snap his neck,” warned Lachlan.

Ignoring the druid, Adam tried to give his son a reassuring smile. “Remember who ye are, Jamie. Ye will ken the time.” He nodded to his son, and then Adam let the shadows swirl and build within his body, until he knew the power of his dragon blazed in the blackness of his eyes. “Heed the call.”

Jamie’s face relaxed, and Adam prayed his son understood his meaning. If not, they would be doomed and both would surely die.

Standing, he turned toward the loch. The force gathered, commanding more. Adam raised his hands, realizing he had one opportunity to make this work. “Release the power of the dragon!” he roared.

Swiftly turning around, Adam unleashed the shadows around Lachlan’s head. And in the same moment, fire flew from Jamie’s fingers and struck his captor’s hand. The druid screamed, clawing at his face and releasing his hold on the boy. “What have ye done?”

The wind slashed at Adam’s face as Lachlan’s powers increased over his own. Fearing for both their lives, he yelled, “Fortress, Jamie. Now!”

His son never hesitated and took off running.

Adam’s arms shook holding the druid in place with his power. He pushed against the darkness as he stumbled forward in slow steps toward the man.

“Ye will die, Dragon Knight,” the druid shrieked. “Do ye not ken the power of the Dark One is filling inside me? Ye fool!” He waved his arms about, fighting the shadows.

The muscles in Adam’s arm started to cramp, his lungs gasping for air, and with each step, his fingers sought to find their way around the druid’s neck. Beads of sweat trickled down his face. With a great roar, Adam lunged, but Lachlan was swifter.

The druid stepped to the side and made an arc, slicing into Adam’s side with his blade. Staggering forward, he fell against a boulder in blinding pain.

“Your powers are useless against me,” bellowed Lachlan. “Time to die, Dragon Knight.” He yanked Adam’s head back, his breath foul against his face. “Yet, before I rip your heart out, ken this. I will personally remove your son’s head from his shoulders and mount his skull on my staff.”

Breathing heavily, Adam waited for the final blow.

However it never came. A great howling filled his ears. The ground rumbled and water splashed his face. As Lachlan released his hold on him and moved away, Adam turned toward the loch. A brilliant arch of light in dazzling colors shimmered, slicing through the darkness. Adam blinked, wiping the water from his face and leaned against the stone.

Never before in all his life did he behold such beauty. The Great Dragon came forth from the water, her radiance blinding. She lifted, soared, and with a great flap of her wings flew off into the night.

Lachlan’s laughter filled the air. “Ye are nae longer safe out of the water,” he shouted, running after her.