Chapter Twenty-Three
“It was foretold by a seer that if I ever witnessed the birth of a star, I would travel an unknown path. I did glimpse one on the celebration of my thousandth year of life.”
~Diary of Princess Abela
Each of the Fenian Warriors steadily made their way across the open terrain. Conn kept them shielded from the humans as Liam led them onward to their destination. Lifting his fist to warn the others, Liam halted and scanned the area. The warriors fell behind him. Smoke billowed above the trees from a campfire, and the scent of charred meat permeated the area.
“Is Abela with them?” asked Conn quietly.
Closing his eyes, Liam concentrated. He gritted his teeth in frustration. “Someone is blocking our connection.”
“Another Fae?” Conn withdrew his sword, glancing in all directions.
Dropping to the ground, Liam pressed both palms on the dirt. After extending his powers as far as he was able, he waited and tried to curb his growing impatience. Hear my call. Feel my heart. I am coming for you, mo ghrá.
From across the pulse of the land a light flutter of a heartbeat echoed back to him, and Liam exhaled slowly. He stood and faced Conn. “She is with them, but extremely weak. It took a great deal of energy for her to reach out to me.”
Ronan appeared in a sliver of light. “All the royal households are secure.”
“Any problems?” asked Conn.
“None.”
Taran stepped forward. “How should we proceed?”
Conn brushed a hand over his chin. “We need to know the Fae involved, so that will be your task. Ronan, Rory, and I will battle the others.” Conn glanced at Liam. “Your responsibility is securing Abela and transporting her to my chambers. Do not deviate to any other place in the kingdom. All the royal households are under the protection of the Fenian Warriors. Once there, you will find a woman. Her name is Ivy. Have her send for the healer and the Master Fae Apothecary. Present her with these coded words, Celtic Knot. She will understand my message.”
“She should be transported to the temple. They have the most experienced healers,” protested Liam.
“If you put her into the care of the priestesses, they may let her die since she has broken laws within the Order. I cannot risk the chance.” Conn placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “Trust me.”
“I agree,” confirmed Rory, coming alongside Liam. “I know the Master Fae Apothecary well.”
Uncertainty filled Liam. He sensed more to Conn’s words, but this was not the time to dwell or argue for more information. “Then I will take her there.”
Conn gave him a curt nod. “Let us move forward.” With a flick of his wrist, he transported them behind the enemy’s camp.
Liam noted four men positioned at a directional compass of north, south, east, and west. A few others were crouched near a fire eating. A wagon and horses were set back within the trees, surrounded by more men. Liam was correct. More humans had gathered. Two of the men had their backs to him, but were dressed in odd clothing. An odd sense of familiarity tugged at his mind. He tried to recall the memory. When one of the men turned sideways, blue markings adorned one side of his face.
Glancing at the other warriors, Liam asked, “When did the Milesians become embroiled in affairs of the Fae and humans?”
Conn’s expression was a mask of stone. “None. I have not seen a Milesian since the final war that sent us underground. Their bloodline became mixed with the later people of Ireland, since they remained above.”
“Nevertheless, several are present,” interjected Ronan with contempt. “Ye can tell by the markings on one of them that they are from a warrior lineage.”
Terror settled like a lodestone in Liam’s gut. “We must quickly find Abela. They are within their rights to take her. She is a princess of the Fae and extremely valuable.”
Conn glared at him. “I am well aware of the rights of the Milesians. However, they have already broken a law by conferring with another Fae outside of our kingdom without the knowledge of the king. Furthermore, I suspect their own king does not know of the betrayal within his realm.”
“How can you be so sure?” demanded Liam, scanning the area.
Shrugging, Conn responded, “Call it intuition, but this entire situation reeks of lesser individuals. Our realm has undergone some vast changes recently, and there have been a select few who have sought to thwart the new additions in our kingdom.”
Liam tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, frustrated with the limited knowledge of what had been happening in his absence. “No matter what has transpired, my concern is retrieving Abela and seeing her safely back to the kingdom. You can deal with the others.”
“My brother is correct,” acknowledged Rory and stepped forward. “We know what must be done. We will provide the distraction for Liam. It should not be difficult to locate the other Fae.”
Conn pointed a warning finger at Rory. “No harm shall come to the Milesians. It would be a declaration of war, considering I am leading us on this mission. Our main focus is securing Abela and the other Fae.” He glanced at all of them. “Are we in agreement?”
Rory, Taran, and Ronan gave curt nods in agreement.
Liam started forward and then paused. “When this is finished, I expect a full account of what has happened in our realm—be it at Abela’s side or in my prison.” He leveled a hard stare at Conn. “Swear it.”
“On my honor,” affirmed Conn. “As your prince and leader, all details will be given.”
Snapping his fingers, Liam vanished.
Traveling over the ground in a flash of light, he followed Abela's faint heartbeat. As he came to a cluster of pine and oak trees, he settled behind them and cast his gaze out in all directions. Determined to keep himself shielded until he found Abela, he waited patiently.
Where are you, mo ghrá?
A slight coughing sound echoed to the right and Liam crouched low to the ground to get a better view of the footpath. Small critters scampered about, until his sight came upon a portion of Abela’s body slumped next to a giant oak.
“Be quiet,” hissed her captor.
Liam’s lip curled in disgust as his gaze sought the man. He continued to survey the area, making sure no others were guarding Abela and then stood. When several other men stepped onto the path, Liam clenched his jaw and blended in with the tree. One of the Milesians had approached with a traveler.
“What is wrong with the woman? She doesn’t look like a princess of anything,” protested the Milesian and kicked her leg with his boot. “Are you attempting to barter with a peasant woman, instead of royalty?”
“Sweet Brigid! She appeared fine several hours ago, though was complaining of the heat, and walking,” professed the traveler in apparent agitation. “I can assure ye that this is the Fae princess.”
“Her hair is streaked with gray, and she is naught but skin and bones. This is not royalty. Our agreement is terminated. I must speak with your leader about this outrage.” The Milesian shoved past the man and stormed to the clearing.
“Wa…wait,” sputtered the man, running after him. “Speak with Peter before ye make your final decision.”
Liam had no intention on waiting for Conn and the others to provide a distraction. A tremor of unease crept down his spine the moment they spoke of Abela’s appearance. Making steady strides toward her, he was unprepared for the vision who greeted him.
He dropped to the ground in shock. “Abela,” he uttered in a hoarse whisper, touching the gray strands that streaked through her once stunning ebony locks.
Her eyes fluttered open. Gone were the lavender hues he loved. In their depths were silver and gold specks. Her features were ashen and so withered, he barely recognized the woman that had stolen his heart. Her life force was evaporating.
She raised a frail hand. Her fingers trembled over his mouth. “Home,” she mumbled and then collapsed into coughing spasms.
Liam’s heart constricted. After swiftly sheathing his sword, he cradled her head against his chest until the seizures subsided. You will not die, mo ghrá. Do you hear my words? I am taking you home. All will be well once you return.
“Back away from the woman,” ordered a male voice behind him.
Liam stood and turned around. He gazed into the sinister eyes of another Milesian. “I have no intention of releasing her or fighting you.”
The man leveled his blade at Liam. “Then I will be forced to slay you.”
“And start a war?” Liam shook his head. “I think not.”
A flicker of wariness flashed briefly over the Milesian’s features. The man pressed his blade center to Liam’s heart. “She has already done so by entering this realm. And if you are the Fenian Warrior Peter O’Malley has told us about, you are without your powers and no threat to me.”
He regarded the Milesian with contempt and slowly lifted his hand. “I do not know where you came upon your information, but I am in full use of my powers.” With a single thought, Liam dislodged the weapon from the man’s hand and flung it outward.
Shock registered in the Milesian’s eyes, and he stumbled back. Liam reached for his neck and lifted the man off the ground. Pure rage exploded inside him. “You have trespassed against the Fae kingdom by endeavoring to kidnap me and this woman. I take it as a sign of war! Your life is forfeit and by rights, mine.”
“No, Liam, stop,” uttered Abela in a cracked dry voice.
Her feeble voice scarcely registered within Liam’s mind. His grip increased. “Give me the name of the Fae you are in league with?”
“Can…cannot speak his name.”
“If you don’t, I will pry it from your mind, leaving you incoherent for the rest of your life.”
A turbulent war cry resounded in the distance alerting Liam that Conn and the others had come upon the enemy. “Your time is at an end. Answer me!”
The Milesian struggled for air, clawing at his face, and in a flash of blinding light disintegrated into ashes before Liam’s eyes. Disbelief ripped through him as he shook his hand free of the last remnants of the man. “What just happened?” he muttered in shock. Even though he yearned to kill the man, Liam was not responsible for his death.
The sounds of battle echoed around him, snapping Liam out of his thoughts and his current situation. Turning around, he gently lifted Abela into his arms. Placing a soft kiss upon her brow, he whispered, “Do not leave me, mo ghrá.”
In a shard of light, Liam transported them back into the Fae realm.
****
As Liam crept along the corridors of the Crystal Palace, he kept his shields around them. Passing several Fae, he remained focused on his progress. They spoke in hushed whispers as they skirted around a marble column. Liam swiftly ascended the polished amber stairs. An arched passageway filled with ivy and jasmine stood out in stark relief against the crystal walls, and he frowned in confusion. Was he in the wrong area? Beyond this lush foliage was Conn’s chambers and in all of his time with the warrior, the area had remained untouched and clear. Slowly moving along the hallway, he came to a bend and peered around the corner. Noting the two Fenian Warriors positioned outside Conn’s chambers, he let out a sigh of relief, grateful they were not royal guards.
Striding forth, he removed his shields. “Let me enter, Markus.”
The warrior nodded. “The prince has alerted us of your coming.” He knocked three times and then opened the massive oak doors.
Liam stepped inside and glanced around. The doors to the garden were open, and children’s laughter spilled into the chamber. Abela moaned within his arms. “Hello?” he shouted. “Is Ivy here?”
He crossed the chamber and went to a cushioned bench. “Shh…you are home, mo ghrá.”
“I am Ivy,” answered the soft feminine voice behind him.
After brushing a lock of hair away from Abela’s damp brow, he stood and faced the tiny woman. “I am Liam MacGregor, and this is—”
“Oh my stars! Abela!” Ivy rushed to her side and knelt down. “What happened?”
Liam had no time to give an account on his beloved’s condition. “Can you send for the Master Apothecary and the healer?” She glanced sharply at him, and he quickly added, “Conn told me to mention the words, Celtic Knot.”
“Yes, yes.” Ivy stood and crossed to the entrance. After giving Markus instructions in a hushed tone, she returned to Liam’s side. “Give me a few moments to prepare a room.”
He gave her a curt nod and watched her vanish down a corridor. Ivy’s few moments turned into fifteen agonizing minutes as Liam paced in front of Abela. He was prepared to go in search of her, when she returned in a soft whisper. “Please follow me,” she ordered.
He gathered Abela into his arms and proceeded down the corridor after Ivy. The woman led him into a small chamber already lit with candles. The air was permeated with the scent of rosemary and lavender.
Ivy gestured for Liam to settle Abela onto the bed. His beloved gasped as he propped more velvet pillows under her head. “Shh…all will be well.”
A woman entered the room. She approached and dipped her head. “I am called, Aelish.”
“I am aware of who you are, Lady Aelish. We met once long ago. I pray you can heal the princess. Where is the other healer?”
“I am the only one required. We do not want to alert anyone else. Permit me to make my examination alone with the priestess,” suggested Aelish.
Liam bent and placed a kiss on Abela’s cheek, giving no care to who witnessed his display of emotion. He then turned to Aelish. “Alert me of your findings first.”
Aelish clasped her hands together, surveying him skeptically. She peered over his shoulder at the other woman.
“Do as he requests,” ordered Ivy and tugged on Liam’s arm. “Let me offer you some food and drink.”
“Don’t bother,” he argued, curious as to why Aelish would take orders from another Fae, especially from one who spoke with an odd accent. He pondered what part of the realm she belonged to.
“Nevertheless, it is the least I can do,” she explained and moved to the door.
Liam hesitated, giving Abela one last look before following Ivy out of the chamber. As she led him down another corridor, he asked, “Did I hear children earlier? And if I may ask, what is your involvement with Prince Conn?”
Ivy paused before a stained-glass window. “Yes, there are children in the garden.”
He found it odd she would profess the presence of the children, but nothing about herself. A blush stained her cheeks, and he realized he was staring at her. There was something different about the diminutive female. Her blonde hair was cropped short and there was an aura about her unlike any other Fae. Not only Fae, but human!
Liam staggered back, his back slamming into the wall. “You’re human. Present day earth?” He surveyed the multi-colored pendant hanging around her neck filled with tears of a Fae, and all the pieces fell into place.
As if reading his thoughts, she acknowledged, “Yes, I was human. However, I now have the blood of the Fae within my veins. I am Conn’s wife.” She clasped the pendant. “This was from Conn.”
The declaration was like a blow to his body, and Liam knelt on one knee. “Princess Ivy, I presume.” He fisted his hand over his heart in reverence to her royalty status.
She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Please, just Ivy. And before you pass judgment on Conn, hear the story of his quest.”
Liam glanced up into her eyes. “Can you not share it with me?”
“Only that he gave me his blood to save my life. But there were strings attached. And yes, we love each other very much. You must ask for the full account from him.” She bit her lip. “Please get up.”
Liam stood. Had the months turned into years? Though he was unaware of how much time passed in his seclusion, he had to ask, “Are the children yours?”
Ivy placed her hand in the crook of his arm, and the tension eased from Liam’s body. “One is. Her name is Sorcha.”
Liam sensed there was more Ivy wanted to say, but she remained silent as they continued along the corridor. She led him into Conn’s inner chamber. “I will fetch you something to eat and drink. It is much quieter here than in the main chamber. The children can get loud with their antics.”
“I am quite fond of children,” he confessed and moved to an arched window. He could make out one of small girls chasing butterflies across the lush landscape, and he smiled. Another one sat content on the ground, waving her chubby hands in the air. “Which one is Sorcha?”
“The blonde-hair lass sitting down and observing.”
He was going to inquire about the other one with dark locks, when a woman strolled across the garden. She was a vision, radiant and…something else. He placed his hands on the glass panes. “By the hounds, is she a human, too?”
“I’ll be right back,” replied Ivy slowly.
He turned abruptly. “Stay…princess.”
A look of mischief shone in her eyes. “I suppose since you’ve already guessed, she is human, and the little girl flitting about with the butterflies is her daughter.”
His mind reeled, and he collapsed onto the window bench. “The father?”
“Your brother, Rory,” she responded and darted out of the chamber.
Liam raked a shaky hand through his hair. “No wonder there is a division in the realm. I would never have dreamed that two Fenian Warriors would go mad.”