“That was her name?”
“Aileen Kerrigan was the daughter of one of the most honored Fenian Warriors.”
Brigid pushed away from him. “How is that possible? After everything you’ve told me?”
Duncan chuckled softly. “Have I not told ye about the story of the Fenian Warrior who defied the fae to marry a human?”
She playfully smacked at his chest. “No, you have not.”
Scooping her up into his arms, Duncan silenced her pout with his lips, taking her gasp into his mouth. Slowly breaking from the kiss, he said, “I shall tell ye over a verra long bath.”
“We can’t.”
Duncan arched a brow as he started to ascend the steps to their chambers. “And why not,” he growled.
She snorted. “Because the tub is in Stephen’s chambers, and they’re filling it.”
“Ye think a tub of water can stop
me
?”
When Duncan reached their chambers, he placed Brigid down. “Make ready, wife. For I mean to take ye several times before my meal.”
Giving her a swat on her bottom, he stormed down the corridor, bellowing loudly for two of the men. Apparently, Duncan was bringing the tub
and
the water to their chambers, whatever it took.
Chapter Forty-Four
“I cannot eat, I cannot sleep, I cannot breathe. I am a ghost wandering the hills out of sync with this time.”
~Aileen Kerrigan, as told to the Guardian
Aileen grimaced glancing down at the bowl of oatmeal and fruit. Her mind rebelled at the food, but her body screamed. A battle of wills they fought daily. There was no escaping it now. She needed to keep up her strength. It was important.
Necessary
.
She sensed her aunt’s footsteps approaching. Taking her spoon, she dipped it into her meal. Upon returning, her gifts had taken on more power. Clutching her pendant, she rubbed her finger over the stone, remembering.
“Good morning, Aileen,” said Aunt Lily, stopping to place a kiss on her head. “It’s good to see you eating.”
Aileen nodded, taking a spoonful into her mouth.
“Coffee?” asked her aunt, pouring some into a mug.
“No, thanks. I’ve got some tea.”
Giving Aileen a shocked look, she rested a hand on her forehead. “Are you feeling ill? Coffee has been a staple in your life since you were a young teen.” Stifling a laugh, she added, “You used to sneak your mother’s as I recall.”
“I got used to not having it when I took my
trip
.”
“Ahhh, but I don’t think you ever mentioned that you wanted to give it up? You used to drink coffee as much as your father...” She paused. “I’m sorry. I should not have mentioned him.”
Seeing the crestfallen look on her aunt’s face, Aileen reached out to grasp her hand. “It’s okay to talk about him. It’s a good memory.”
Aunt Lily squeezed her hand back. “And Stephen? Are you ready to talk about him?”
“My love for Stephen will never die. He would want me to live. But for as long as I live, there will not be another,” Aileen stated.
Her aunt took a sip of her coffee. “Gwen and I will be staying on to help you and Liam.”
“I know. Gwen spoke to me last evening. I agree with the decision to let Maeve take control of the Society in Boston. That is, until you return.”
“I will stay as long as you need me. Have you spoken to Liam on when you’ll depart for Loch Ness?”
Aileen pursed her lips at the mention of Liam’s name. Shoving another spoonful into her mouth, she shook her head no.
“Will it always be this way between you both?” Her gaze grew troubled.
Sighing, Aileen stood and took her bowl over to the sink. She was tired of always being angry. All it took was for Liam to walk into a room and her fury would ignite. She was still embarrassed at the way she yelled at him the other day in front of everyone. He didn’t even say a word—he just let her vent.
Her shoulders sagged, as she leaned against the sink. “I honestly don’t know,” she muttered. Turning around, she pounded her fist against her chest, saying, “My father and Liam were wrong in what they did. Hell, even
Stephen
was wrong in what he did!”
Aunt Lily sighed. “Was it so
wrong
for them to protect the woman they loved?”
“You can’t count Liam with that group,” she scoffed.
“Aileen, this isn’t like you to shield yourself in anger.”
Her eyes blazed with fury. “Well, perhaps it’s the new me. They had no right...none of them, even you!” The words flew out before she could stop them.
Her aunt winced. Placing her cup down, she started for the door.
“Wait.” Aileen rushed forward. Hugging her arms around herself, she whispered, “I’m sorry, Aunt Lily. Will the hurt ever go away?”
Taking a step toward her, she cupped her hand to Aileen’s cheek. “The pain will always be there, though in time, it will fade.”
“I fear it will never fade for Stephen,” she sobbed, collapsing into her aunt’s arms.
****
The last few days were spent in preparation for their journey to Loch Ness and Urquhart. Aileen requested a side trip to visit the ruins. She needed to walk the grounds where Stephen had lived. It did not matter to her that the place no longer resembled his home, only that some part existed.
She had made strides in being cordial to Liam, too. When she said good morning to him yesterday, he actually stumbled in shock causing her to laugh.
Loading the last bag into the car, she turned back to the gathered group. Aileen had said her good-byes to Maeve, Teresa, Sally, and Cara yesterday before they left to return home. It seemed strange to her, thinking Boston was no longer her home. Now, Scotland would be the only place she would call
home
.
Her aunt and Gwen were laughing over something Liam said. Aileen blinked. Did he just wink at Gwen? He’d best remember that he was on the fae’s black list. His fate still undetermined, and one she prayed did not mean his death.
Aileen embraced Gwen first. “Be careful with that one. I don’t want you to lose your heart over him.”
Gwen actually giggled, catching Aileen off guard. “Whatever, my friend. Love you.”
“Love you, too, Aileen,” whispered Gwen.
“Love you, Aunt Lily,” she said, giving her a hug.
“Love you so very much, Aileen. Safe journey.”
Getting into the car, she realized her aunt was crying. “Stop. I’ll be back in a week.”
Her aunt nodded and blew her a kiss.
“Ready?” asked Liam.
“Yes, and I meant what I said this morning. I want to learn how to drive in this country. If I’m staying here, I can’t get around on a horse.” Pausing in thought, she continued, “Well, not all of the time, right?”
“You’ve been to the stables?”
Aileen glanced out the window when she answered. “Yes. I can’t imagine not seeing a horse every day.” Angling her head back around at Liam, she added, “Besides, my father’s horses are quite beautiful.”
“Yes, your father did love his horses,” responded Liam.
The next few hours passed in relative silence. Occasionally, Liam would point out a landmark to her, giving her a brief bit of its history. Aileen tried to take it all in, but as they drove higher into the highlands she ached to see the Scotland of old.
The scenery passed by her in a blur.
Sheep dotted the hills, and she longed to get out and walk alongside them. Feeling cramped in the vehicle, she rolled down the window. Summer was in a few weeks, and though the air held a chill, the sun warmed her face.
“Would you like to stop for lunch? I know a great little pub outside of Pitlochry.”
“Is it that obvious?” she grumbled.
“Yes, you’re frustrated.”
She let out a sigh, wiping a loose strand out of her eyes. “Sure. I could use a walk, too. How much further to Newtonmore?”
“Only a few hours. We’ll stay at Larken House for the night.” Pointing his hand to the right, he added, “Blair Castle is just beyond those trees.”
She gave him a small smile. The higher they went, the melancholy clawed a deeper furrow. Didn’t she just travel these roads a few weeks ago?
Oh Stephen...
It wasn’t much longer until they drove up to a small pub, nestled amid some pine and birch trees. Aileen almost laughed, for it reminded her of an inn. Sure, there were cars, but overall it screamed medieval.
“The Red Branch Tavern? Any symbolism to the mythological Red Branch of Ireland?” she asked.
Shrugging, he hid behind a look that held many secrets.
Getting out of the car, she stretched to ease the kinks. She followed Liam as they trekked through the dirt path, passing a sheep dog sitting off to the right.
The moment Aileen entered the pub the warmth and aromas assaulted her. Boisterous laughter shot out from one end as a group played darts in the corner. Liam directed her to a table near the window. No sooner did he pull out a chair than someone shouted his name.
“By the hounds!” roared the man, marching over toward them.
Aileen cringed, as a manic Highlander stormed their way. However, there was something about his eyes that reminded her of someone.
The man jabbed a finger into Liam’s chest. “What makes you think you can stroll into my pub and not even greet your brother?”
Blinking, Aileen instantly recognized the similarities. “Brother, as in
Fenian Warrior
,” she croaked.
“Aileen, this is my blood brother
and
Fenian Warrior, Rory. And Rory this is—”
“She is Aileen Kerrigan, daughter of Aidan Kerrigan,” he interjected, staring at her in shock. “Sweet Mother Danu.” Grasping her hands, he searched her face. “I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. We all
felt
his passing.”
Aileen could not move. Finally, after a few moments, Rory gently led her to her chair. “Welcome, daughter of Aidan.”
Then turning around to his brother, he firmly grabbed him in a hug. “Sakes, Liam, do you ken what you’ve done? I feared you dead,” he hissed.
“Can we discuss this later? We could do with a couple of your best ales and some food.”
“Excuse me,” Aileen interrupted. “I’ll just take a glass of water.”
Rory frowned, yet shook his head in agreement. “Any preference on the food?”
“What’s the special for today?” she asked.
Rory bent his head. “Guinness stew and dill bread.”
Aileen let out a small gasp. “That was my dad’s favorite.”
Rory beamed a smile at her. “It is now a regular on the menu, too.”
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“Of course. Later, brother.” He nodded to Liam as he walked away.
Scanning the room, Aileen would have bet all of her money there were more than several Fenian Warriors in the pub.
As if sensing her thoughts, Liam said, “Yes, they are all warriors. It is a gathering place and out of the way. A haven for them to rest and stay for a time.”
“How could I
not
tell,” she drawled. “And before you take this as some sort of compliment, are all warriors so gorgeous?”
Rory returned, bringing them their drinks and food. Hearing Aileen’s comment, he interjected, “Yes, we are. But Liam is the ugliest of us.”
“You wound me, brother,” said Liam reaching for a drink.
Aileen disagreed. Liam was by far the most handsome of them all. Furthermore, she would never divulge that little secret to anyone,
ever
.
Dipping her spoon into the stew, she inhaled its rich aroma. The first bite sent her taste buds spinning. Taking a sip of water, she then took another bite, closing her eyes in the sheer pleasure of eating.
“So it agrees with you, Aileen?” Rory asked.
“Oh yes,” she uttered between mouthfuls.
Rory pulled up a chair and sat down next to Liam. “Where are you staying the night?”
“Up at Larken House,” replied Liam, taking a swallow of ale.
“Why are you here, Liam? Have you heard from the Elders?”
“We are taking Aidan and Rose’s ashes to Loch Ness. It was his request to have them scattered in the loch. And I have had no news regarding my fate.”
Aileen slowly put down her spoon. “Would they truly take your life, Liam?”
“Yes,” interrupted Rory. “It is the only law where if broken, death is the punishment.”
Flinging out her hand in frustration, she blurted out, “But how could a loving people do such a horrible thing?”
Liam’s tone was solemn when he spoke. “If we did not have this law, then I believe the warriors would have meddled with the timeline many times over. It is there for a purpose, and to answer your question again, I fully understood the risk I was taking when I brought your father back in time. So did he.”
“You must have had your reasons, brother.” Rory clenched his fist on the table. “But I’ll be damned if I lose you without a fight.”
“It is not your fight, Rory. Do not involve yourself.”
Rory barked. Then pointing a finger at Liam, said, “Isn’t that what Aidan said? But it didn’t stop us from trying.”
Liam shook his head slowly. “This is not the same.”
“Humph! We shall see.” Glancing at Aileen, he asked, “When will you release your parent’s ashes?”
“Dawn, the day after tomorrow.”
He grasped her hand firmly and gazed into her eyes. “Then we shall be there with you.”
“Why...thank you,” Aileen stuttered. “Liam can give you directions.”
His smile was sad. “I know the location. It was one of your father’s special places for contemplation.”
Tears pricked her eyes. Squeezing Rory’s hand, she simply nodded.
Standing, Rory removed their bowls and glasses. “See me before you leave, Liam.”
Liam rolled his eyes. “Yes, brother.”
Crossing his arms across his chest, he looked out the window. “He may think he is going to stand and fight alongside me, but I will not let him. I will not involve anyone else in my fate.”
“If you want to go and talk to him, I’ll be outside. I want to take a short walk before we head back on the road,” said Aileen.
Liam snapped his attention back to her. “Yes. I’ll only be a few moments.”
“Take your time.” Standing, Aileen went around to Liam and hesitated briefly before placing her hand gently on his shoulder. “I may not agree with what you did, but I don’t want your death, either.”