“I’ve just seen Stephen,” said Cathal. “He is in great pain, though his wounds will heal in time. I would advise waiting for a week or two, until ye depart for Urquhart.
“I agree, though I fear some of his injuries will never heal,” replied Duncan keeping his gaze on the children playing.
Cathal frowned. “Why did he send her back? Have ye asked him?”
“Nae. All he told me was he ordered Liam to take her and Aidan back. It appears Aidan was severely injured.”
Cathal stiffened. “Ordered? Could he have feared for their lives?”
Shrugging, Duncan said, “Cannae say.”
Remembering the night Brigid died in his arms, he glanced at Cathal. “I would have done the same.”
“True, but the Guardian did bring her back.”
“Sweet Danu,” muttered Duncan. “Do ye think
she
would do the same for Stephen?”
Lowering his head, Cathal closed his eyes. When he finally opened them, he leaned onto his staff. “Nae, for Aileen did not pass into the realm near
Tir na Og
. She was taken back to her own time.”
Duncan’s eyes narrowed. “How do ye ken this?”
“Because the Fenian Warrior broke the fae law by bringing her father through the veil. He was not under his protection, his daughter was,” interrupted Betha.
“Och, child, why are ye up?” Cathal went and placed an arm around her shoulder. “Ye should be resting.”
“I am fine,” Betha said curtly.
Cathal took a step back. “If what ye say is true, then this warrior will be swiftly dealt with by the fae.”
“In truth, Stephen understood the risk,” she snapped, walking away.
Duncan crossed his arms over his chest. “Is her mood always thus?”
Cathal stroked his beard in thought. “Nae.”
“I think I will check on my brother. Coming?”
The druid nodded his head in agreement and the two wandered over to where Stephen lay. The litter had been placed away from the rest of the group, fearing he required peace after losing Aileen.
Word spread throughout the people that Lady Aileen and her father were taken away by the fae. Her loss affected everyone she touched. Some of the children started gathering flowers to mark the spot where she left.
He looked like hell, thought Duncan, approaching his brother. His face mirrored the battle he fought. One eye still swollen shut, and bruises marred his entire face. His nose definitely had been broken, and a few ribs, as well. The healer had stitched the gaping wound in his leg and arm, noting his concern for his inner injuries, wanting to bleed Stephen, but Duncan forbade it.
What troubled Duncan the most was Stephen’s eyes carried a hollow emptiness—void of all emotion, except one. Grief.
He saw Cathal leaning back against the tree, giving them some time alone.
Taking a cup off the stump of a tree, Duncan poured some water into it. It would not have been his first choice, but his brother favored it. “Here, drink.”
Stephen took a few sips before shoving it away.
Placing the cup back down, Duncan sat down next to him. “Why did ye send back Aileen, Stephen?” he asked softly.
Moments passed in silence, and Duncan feared he would never answer.
Swallowing, Stephen replied, “If her life was in danger and there was no chance. Liam would return her to her time. Aidan was dying, that I ken, and Lachlan would have surely killed her. There is more, but ’tis a long story.”
“Short account, then.”
Stephen sighed. “Aileen’s mother had a vision before she was born seeing her death here in Scotland. That is why her parents kept her heritage from her. To keep her safe. She came through the veil on her own, not understanding she was part fae.”
Duncan placed a hand gently on his shoulder. “Ye do grasp Liam will pay a price for taking them back.”
Stephen snorted, then winced at the movement. “His life was forfeit when he brought her father through the veil.”
Duncan’s shoulders slumped. He had no great love for the Fenian Warriors, but Liam’s actions might have earned him a death sentence. The fae laws were strict, especially between the warriors who were also travelers within the veil.
Betha strolled over, bringing some broth. Shoving it at Duncan, she stated, “Try to get him to drink some of this. It will help in the healing.”
Before leaving, she glared at Stephen. “What troubles me about all of this is ye did not ask her how she felt about your choice. Ye have been planning this all along without her knowledge and for that, Stephen MacKay, I will be angry at ye
for
Aileen
.”
“At least she’s safe,” he muttered.
“Aye, that she may be, but her heart will not be the same. Did ye ever take that into account when ye made your fine plans with Liam?”
He did not answer her.
“I thought not.” She snorted and walked away.
No, he didn’t think of her heart
or
his. Only what had to be done. If his pain was this harsh, what could she be going through?
Och, my leannan, forgive me
.
Chapter Forty-Two
“There is always a choice, always a light, always another way to find the correct path. But will it truly be the best?”
Aileen pushed open the massive front doors to Balleycove. Memories of the last time she fled this place caused her to place her hand over her chest, trying to ease the heavy ache. She remained as long as possible at the abbey, dreading to return. Instead, she stayed at the inn near the abbey until she felt strong enough to pass through these doors. This world had become a blur of noises and smells that were unfamiliar to her.
Liam had seen to the arrangements for her father’s remains and within hours, her aunt came, bringing everyone else. Her shields came crashing down the moment she returned to this time. She couldn’t bring herself to cry in front of them, her grief too overwhelming. She had lost the only two men she would ever love all in one day.
The not knowing if Stephen lived or died ate at her insides every day. Did he, didn’t he? It was her constant question. After the fifth day, she made the decision to come back here in hopes of going through her father’s books to find out anything on the Dragon Knights, especially Stephen.
Breathing deeply, she stepped inside. Flower arrangements were displayed everywhere with notes from those who sent their condolences.
Hugging her arms around herself, she vowed not to cry today. Her throat was raw and glancing in the entry mirror, she noticed how swollen and red her eyes were. Looking at herself, she did not recognize the person staring back at her. Gone was the tattered gown. In its place was a long dress with her jacket over it. For the rest of her life, she would never put on a pair of jeans.
Emptiness resided in the place that once held her heart.
Slowly walking to the great hall, Aileen paused at the entrance. “Oh Stephen, there you are.” Her steps quickened as she made her way toward the tapestry.
With a trembling hand, she reached out and glided her hand over the depiction of
her Dragon Knight
. “It hurts
so
much.” Leaning her head against the tapestry, the tears leaked out, falling freely down her face.
“What can I do?”
“Nothing, Aunt Lily.” She choked on the word. “Did Liam explain it all?”
“Yes. Not only did you lose your father, but Stephen, too. And that great magic was involved.”
Aileen didn’t even bother to look up at her aunt. “I’m sure he left out that this is
his
fault.”
“After hearing everything, I don’t believe it is. Surely in time you will see the same.”
“See? What I
see
is two men I loved dearly are now dead.” Her tone sarcastic.
Her aunt didn’t respond. She quietly left, leaving Aileen in tears.
****
Several weeks passed, and Aileen refused to eat, sleeping very little, and spending most of her days at the ocean.
“Did she eat her breakfast,” asked Lily, watching Gwen pull out another batch of cranberry and orange scones from the oven.
Gwen tossed down her mitt, and shook her head. “If you consider a nibble, then yes. She did drink all of her tea, and then said she was going to her dad’s workroom for the day. I’m worried, Lily.”
“As am I,” sighed Lily. “We all understand that grief affects us all differently. Not only did she watch her father die in her arms, she lost the man she loved—all while fighting a horrific battle.”
“Has she spoken of that night?” Gwen asked, taking a sip of her tea.
“No,” she answered, picking up a mug and pouring some coffee into it. “I don’t want to press her, but I fear if she doesn’t…” Lily couldn’t finish. “She roams the castle at night and the ocean by day, as silent as a ghost.”
“She’s just a shell of herself.” Concern filled Gwen’s voice. “What can we do?”
Lily shrugged. “Watch, wait, and perhaps one day when she is ready, she will talk to one of us.”
The front doors opened, and then Aileen strolled by the kitchen. “Would you like me to fix you something?” Gwen asked.
“No.” Seeing the crestfallen look on her friend’s face, Aileen tried to give her a weak smile. “Thank you. I’ll let you know if I do. Do you know where I can find Liam?” She was hesitant to ask, since she had been avoiding him since her return.
“He’s in the library with the attorney. Remember, today’s the day he’s bringing the documents of your father’s will.”
Aunt Lily emerged from the kitchen and stood next to Aileen. “I believe it would be best if you were present.”
Aileen closed her eyes. “I had forgotten.” Opening them, she asked, “Does it matter? I already know what it states. He left everything to me.”
“Then I’ll tell Liam you wish not to be present.” Her aunt started to move down the hall, but Aileen grasped her hand.
“You’re right. I should be there, not Liam. I need to talk to him anyway about the abbey.” Releasing her hand, she started for the library.
“Aileen.” Her aunt’s tone held a warning.
She paused, realizing her aunt understood what she meant about the abbey. Glancing back over her shoulder, she replied, “I have to check again for the door. It can’t have disappeared. I’ve got to find a way.”
“Did it ever occur to you that you were only supposed to see it on that particular day?”
Aileen was desperate to try again—even to ask Liam to assist in her search. She had to return. Nothing
felt
right in this time. She did not answer her aunt, but continued down the hall to the library.
When she got there, she placed her hand on the handle. This was her father’s library, a room he loved. Taking a deep breath, she opened it and stepped in. Both men stood as she entered.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Kenny.”
“Miss Kerrigan, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a dear friend.”
“Thank you.”
Liam gave her a small smile, but she turned away from him taking a seat next to Mr. Kenny. “Please, I want to conclude our business quickly. My father had spoken to me about his will, so you don’t have to go into any great details.”
“Yes, of course.” Mr. Kenny shuffled through his briefcase and pulled out the documents. “This is his will, in which you understand he has left his entire estate, including property in Ireland, to you.”
Aileen frowned. “Ireland? I had no idea.”
Mr. Kenney blanched. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought he told you. Well, it’s located in the Cuilcagh Mountains, near the River Shannon.”
Aileen kept her hands folded on her lap, trying hard not to scream. What more didn’t she know about her father?
Liam sat down across from her and placed his hands on his knees. “Your father was from Ireland, but chose to reside here with your mother when they got married.”
She glared at him.
“Please continue, Mr. Kenny,” said Aileen, trying to keep her voice steady.
“There is a clause he had me draft over a month ago. In the event you were unable to take control of his estates, he bequeathed all to the Society of the Thistle with a provision that Liam MacGregor would remain at Balleycove as the estate manager.”
Aileen was confused. Did her father think she wouldn’t return, for fear of her death? Or was there more? Did it really matter now? She was stuck here
forever
.
She had not realized Mr. Kenny was silent, waiting for her to respond. “Well, since I’m here”—she glanced briefly at Liam—“I will be taking full control and don’t require Mr. MacGregor’s assistance.”
Mr. Kenny coughed. “I’m afraid Miss Kerrigan that part of the additional clause does include Mr. MacGregor as estate manager, regardless if you are in charge or not.”
Aileen’s eyes went wide. “You’re kidding?”
“I don’t jest, Miss Kerrigan,” he replied.
“Is there anything else?”
Digging in his briefcase, Mr. Kenny pulled out an envelope. “This is for you.”
She stared at the envelope. Reaching out tentatively, she took it from him. “Thank you. Is that all?”
“Yes. Your father’s last request was his ashes be taken to the Great Glen and released into Loch Ness along with your mother’s ashes.”
Aileen swallowed. So, he didn’t want to return to Ireland. Clenching the envelope, she stood. “If that is all, I’m sure Liam can show you out.”
He stood abruptly. “Again, Miss Kerrigan, I am truly sorry for your loss.”
She bit her lower lip and only nodded. Without glancing at Liam, Aileen walked out of the library. Even her father’s final instructions had been made without her knowledge. Her entire life was one where her paths were chosen not by her, but by others.
She wanted to scream at them. Hysterical laughter bubbled forth, and she ran out the front door.
Clearing the estate, she roamed up the hill to get a view of the ocean. Breathing hard, she paused. “What good would yelling do, when you’re all dead!”
Slumping down on the ground, the melancholy returned cloaking her and seeping into her veins. It was Aileen’s constant companion.
With hands that shook, she opened the envelope and withdrew the letter.
My dearest Aileen...
I know you can never forgive us—your mother and I, for the life we kept from you and that is as it should be. Would we do the same? Perhaps...We loved you fiercely and the moment your mother had her vision, plans were formulated for your protection.