“He’s here,” interrupted Aileen, coming to a halt. She did not see him, but rather felt the wave of his emotions prick her outer conscience.
No one questioned Aileen, they just all froze as one, until Aunt Lily saw him emerge from the crowd some distance away.
If anyone had remarked that Aidan Kerrigan was tall, it would have been a huge understatement. The man loomed over others at six foot, seven inches, and when he would pass by others noticed. At fifty-five, her dad could easily pass for someone of forty. However, she did notice a slight graying at the temples, but it only added character to his rugged features.
Aileen thought back to a conversation she’d witnessed between her mom and aunt. Aunt Lily teased her mom, saying Aidan must have been chiseled from a dark Irish God with his looks, and large indigo eyes. Her mom had winked. “If you only knew.”
Her dad strode past her aunt and the others, giving her a quick nod before he stood in front of Aileen. He reached out and gently touched her hair. “So like your mother’s,” he murmured softly.
“Oh Dad,” Aileen choked out, stepping into his loving embrace. He held her, stroking her head and soothing her in words of Gaelic, which made her sob even more.
Aileen was the first to break contact. Looking up into his eyes, she saw his pain mirrored hers. It was then she realized they both needed each other so they could heal. If it meant she had to be the stronger one, so be it.
“I’ve missed you so much, Dad,” she muttered into his chest.
“Aye, as have I missed you. I’m glad you are here.” He pulled back and cupped her face with his hands. “This is the home of your mother and yours, too.”
She nodded slowly, sensing he wanted to say more, but kept silent.
They both could hear everyone sniffling behind them, and her dad turned toward Aunt Lily, reaching for her hand. He gave her a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you brought her to me.”
“It was long overdue, Aidan,” replied her aunt.
He scanned the rest of the group, and they all made a lunge for him ending in one big group hug.
“Ladies, please...” He chuckled. “It’s been eons since I’ve had so much attention.”
Aileen stepped back to give the others some room, marveling at how much she’d truly missed her father. He was a giant in the mass of her friends, but she saw the shadows that haunted him, and worried.
He angled his head at her, giving her a wink.
Yes, it was good to be here...
back home
.
Chapter Six
“Dogwood leaves, flowers, and wood can be used as a protective charm. The four petals symbolize the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.”
“This is where you live?” A shocked Aileen stood on the path in front of her father’s home, and scanned the massive architecture he called home.
“Do you like it?”
“It’s a castle! What’s not to
like
?”
“Aye, that it is, named Balleycove.” He gave her a wide grin.
“How long have you had this?” Aileen asked, still stunned by the vision in front of her.
Her dad remained quiet, as if deciding what to say. “Let’s just say it’s been in my family for a while.”
She shot him a look filled with confusion. “Excuse me? And why did I not know about this?”
He stepped away from her, keeping his hands tucked behind his back. Taking a deep breath, he cast a look over his shoulders as if sizing up some great decision. “Your mother and I thought it best not to say anything.”
Aileen walked over to her father and placed her hand on his arm, watching as he looked down to where she touched him. “Dad, what is it you’re
not
saying?”
Grasping her hand with such fierceness that Aileen stiffened, his voice remained low. “Before you were born, your mother had a vision of your destiny taking you to Scotland, and it would end here. We decided long ago we would never tell you of your home here, for fear that you would visit, and your life would end.”
“Then why in the blazes did you send for me now?”
His eyes bore into hers, and for a brief moment, she swore they changed color.
“Because I believe it’s time you came home. Even your mother’s vision was not clear about your path here. She had prayed over the years she would get more, but none came.”
“I wish she would have told me, Dad. She tried...you both tried to protect me too much, without realizing that perhaps I’m supposed to be here.”
“Yes, that’s what I’m thinking, especially since I’ve come across something which leads to that conclusion.” He rubbed a hand across his jaw. “My colleague found a book in the diggings. At first it depicted drawings of plants and herbs, along with some medicinal advice.”
“Oh Dad, what a find!” she exclaimed. “Is it something the Society can help research?”
He held up his hand to silence her. “I would prefer they don’t hear about the book, just yet.”
Aileen frowned. “Then why send for us? I don’t understand.”
He stepped in front of her, placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked directly into her eyes. “On one of the pages your name is inscribed, and underneath is a picture of your pendant.”
The ground beneath felt as if it had opened up and swallowed her whole. She tried to speak, but words failed her. The air was too warm even as a cool breeze skittered across her face. At the moment,
impossible
was her only thought.
“I’ve got you, honey.” Her dad tucked her close. “Believe me when I saw it, it felt as if I had been punched in the gut, too.”
She grasped her pendant, as if it was her lifeline. Finally, when words could be fully formed, she muttered, “You must be mistaken. It’s probably just an ancestor.”
“Nae, Aileen. The pendant is yours. Your mother had it made after she had the vision. She used to hang it on the mobile in your crib for protection. It is your distinct moonstone pendant, complete with the Celtic spirals.”
“No, Dad, you must be wrong. I would like to see this book.” Pushing him aside, she gave an unladylike snort and walked toward the castle.
Her father had gone from a grief-stricken man to one who lost his mind. If she understood his meaning, she would have had to be transported back in time when the book was written. “Poppycock!” Glancing back at her father, she just shook her head.
She passed her aunt on her way inside, who gave her a questionable look.
“Aileen, are you okay?”
Aileen waved to her. “Sure, only my father has lost his mind. I think coming to Scotland was not in our best interest.” Then she paused in thought. “But you know what? I think we should stay and take advantage of my father’s hospitality. Just take a look around. It seems as if he’s some grand laird, and I’m just finding out about it.”
“
Aileen
.” Aunt Lily cautiously moved toward her.
Aileen pointed a finger at her aunt. “Did you know about this castle?”
She watched as the truth splayed out across her aunt’s features. “I can explain,” her aunt said slowly.
“Don’t bother. I’ve already heard enough, and at the moment I don’t really know what to believe.” Aileen stormed off to the sounds of the others. At least she would feel safe and normal being around them.
****
Aileen spent the rest of the afternoon in the company of Cara, Sally, and Gwen exploring parts of the castle. Maeve and Teresa went to tour the garden with the caretaker. She did not say a word to them, yet realized Gwen knew something was bothering her, and waited until they were alone to mention anything.
“I wish you would tell me what’s crawled up your ass, Aileen,” snapped Gwen.
“Is it that obvious?”
Gwen tapped her finger on her chin. “Well, let’s see, first you started to compare your father to one of the lost boys who should be with
Peter Pan
. Then you said you were going to place a call for the wagon and have the men in white jackets cart him away. Hmmmm, I would say something is definitely wrong with you.” She narrowed her eyes at her. “You might have had the others in fits of laughter, but I for one, found it disturbing.”
Aileen cringed and walked over to an alcove where a huge bench sat. The sky was turning to dusk, and red and gold streaked the horizon. She sat and gazed out the large bay window that overlooked a town and the sea beyond. Seagulls cawed in the distance, and she pressed her head against the glass. “It’s so beautiful here, isn’t it?”
Her friend walked over and sat down next to her. “Yes, it is. A land filled with magic, that’s for sure. Your father said Arbroath Abbey is south of here, and his dig is nearby.”
She frowned. “Yes, magic with gateways to other realms through stone circles. Could it truly be possible?”
Gwen grabbed Aileen’s hand and said in a hushed tone, “How could you not believe? You of all people comprehend that magic is real. Look around you, Aileen. Your blood, my blood, is part of this land. Did you not feel it when we arrived?”
“I did the moment I saw the land from the plane,” whispered Aileen.
“Then what’s bothering you?” Gwen squeezed her hand.
Aileen stood retracting her hand from Gwen’s. “I can’t talk about it at the moment. However, when I solve this riddle, you’ll be the first to know. Now, let’s see if we can go find the others. I think Maeve mentioned dinner is at eight, and I’m starving.”
Gwen narrowed her eyes at Aileen, but only nodded. “I’ll be the first you tell?”
Aileen laughed loudly. “Yes, Gwen, I swear!”
****
Dinner was a lavish scene—filled with many different delicacies to tempt them all. A chicken broth with vegetables and dumplings started them out, followed by venison filled with sage, almonds, and apples. Then there was salmon with dill sauce, roasted asparagus, and fingerling potatoes. A spinach and bacon salad with a warm balsamic dressing, and freshly baked bread, too. Dessert consisted of a warm apple tart and a cheese platter. Wine flowed freely across the massive oak table, along with the conversation and laughter.
Aileen sat next to Gwen and Teresa. Her father sat at the head of the table next to Maeve and her aunt. Every so often, he would attempt to send a question her way, but her answer was a shrug, for she did not wish to engage in any conversation with him.
Glancing around where they sat, she could only think of it as the great hall. A huge stone fireplace rose at the far end. All along the walls were richly woven tapestries depicting life in medieval times. She was sipping her wine, when one of the tapestries caught her attention. Placing her glass down, she excused herself, walking over to the wall where it hung.
The tapestry was magnificent in its colors. Rich in golds, greens, browns and reds, it was divided into four panels. Each of the panels held a man standing alone, half facing away. In the center of the four panels was a dragon, and beside the dragon was a young woman. She had long dark locks and wore a crown of silver. In her lap, a book rested, with one of her hands across the top of the leather as if bestowing a caress. Her eyes held sadness, and Aileen actually felt sorry for her. Yet, it was not the woman she was drawn to, but the Highlander in the bottom left panel. Dressed in a long plaid and boots, with his dark, short-cropped hair, he stood out from the rest. Then she noticed the medallion around his neck. The stone was green, but curved around it was a dragon. All of the embroidered men were striking. Yet, this one called to her. He stood proud, arms crossed over his massive chest. Aileen started to reach out and touch him, when a husky burr spoke quietly behind her.
“I see you’ve taken an interest in our
Knight
.”
She spun around coming face to face with a devastatingly handsome man. She thought her father was tall, but this one was taller with an amazing pair of sky blue eyes. His dark auburn hair was tied back in a leather thong. Her mouth dropped opened, and then she snapped it shut. She quickly turned her focus back to the tapestry to hide the heat spreading across her face. “Knight?”
“Aye. They are all Knights.” He moved to peer at the tapestry, a frown marring his features.
Aileen glanced at him sideways. “They don’t really look like knights, except for that one on the top left side. He’s the only one wearing armor.”
“And yet they were,” he responded. “They were of an ancient order, descended from Ireland. Part man, part fae, each gifted with an elemental power. They ruled for over a millennium, until the death of their sister.”
“How sad,” gasped Aileen. “What happened?”
“She was killed on sacred ground defending the man she loved.” He turned to look at Aileen. “One of her brothers took his sword preparing to slay her lover, when she stepped in front of the blade, ending her life.”
“How tragic, but only legend, right?”
“Nae, lass.”
“What tales have you been telling my daughter, Liam?” Her dad’s voice startled her. So involved in the tapestry scene, she didn’t realized he’d followed her.
“Why, only the most important one of all, the Order of the Dragon Knights.” The handsome stranger flashed a smile at Aileen. “I’m sorry, but we have not been introduced. I am Liam MacGregor, a colleague and old friend of your father’s.” He took hold of Aileen’s hand and placed a gentle kiss across the top.
Something skittered through her senses, and a ripple of energy washed through her body. She trembled slightly and slowly removed her hand from his. Narrowing her eyes at him and then at her father she said, “Well, you must have known him from birth, since you seem to be about my age.”
Liam burst out laughing and slapped her dad on the back. “Oh, she’s an intuitive one.”
“Aye, she is.”
Aileen eyed them both suspiciously.
“I’ve known Liam all of his life. He knew your mother, too.”
“I am sorry to hear of her passing,” Liam said solemnly. “She was a beautiful spirit, and her light extinguished far too soon.”
“You knew my mother?”
Liam nodded.
She turned back toward the tapestry, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Yes, she was too young to leave us.” Aileen brushed away a drop that had slipped down her cheek, “As with this young woman, too.”
Letting her gaze travel back to the knight with the medallion, she asked, “What is his name, Liam?”