Quest of a Warrior (Legends of the Fenian Warriors, Book 1)(2)

Each day food was brought to him. And each day he issued a request to meet with the Fae council. The Fae guard delivered the same message at the end of day. “When the Fae were ready, they would summon him. This was a time of reflection, and he should use it wisely.”

Conn dug his hands into the dirt. “Rid me of this anger, Mother Danu. I find it growing daily.” Though in his heart, he believed she also had turned her back on him, as well as his own people.

Removing his hands, he blew out a sigh and leaned back on his thighs. Closing his eyes, he fought the wave of despair. It left him weak and frustrated of life. In his entire existence this was the first time Conn had walked such a path of emptiness. However, his thoughts did not waver on his decision to join his other two brothers. He had done what he believed to be right. When Fenian Warriors, Liam and Rory MacGregor pleaded their case to assist the Dragon Knights of ridding the world of the evil druid, Lachlan, Conn willingly sacrificed all.

He fisted his hands on his knees. “We did not alter time,” he hissed out into the silence. “Only shielded and protected the knights. How could you have expected us to stay hidden and watch as the worlds—human and Fae collapsed into darkness? Have we not done the same before? Why is this time so different?”

Conn bowed his head. “If you deem our act unjust, then take my life, Mother Danu. Return my life force to the cosmos.” Fury erupted within him. Grabbing a handful of soil, he tossed it against the wall. “End this!”

“Do not sit at my feet and ask me to take your life, Conn MacRoich! I give life! Your blood was mingled with mine thousands of years ago. You speak as a human and not Fae. Your time of reflection has ended. The choices you make today will be your new journey. Choose wisely, my Warrior, for the road ahead is unstable. Yet, first, you must address the Fae council.”

His body trembled as he slowly stood. The glass dome disappeared, and the tree limbs gracefully made their way down the sides of the walls, absorbing the crystals. The four walls splintered into an array of colorful lights, forcing Conn to shield his eyes from their radiance.

Breathing heavily, he lifted his head to the circle of sunlight streaming down. “I will and always shall be your Warrior, Mother Danu. No matter the path I choose. Thank you.”

A soft breeze hinting of roses swept across his face, and Conn inhaled her scent.

“Great Goddess! Did they not give you any fresh clothing?” bellowed Ronan.

Glancing over his shoulder, Conn smiled weakly. Looking down at his soiled, tattered clothing, he replied, “I would assume by your shocked tone that I require new clothes?”

“Aye, most definitely. Ye have been ordered to appear before the Fae council. I thought it best to be the one to deliver the good news.”

Conn arched a brow at the man’s speech.

Ronan laughed. “And before ye say another word, I am still embroiled in a Scottish clan affair and find I must maintain the language.”

Turning around, Conn embraced his friend. “I am happy to see it was you and not an unfamiliar face to escort me to the council.”

The warrior leaned back, and his face turned somber. “I made the request on the day they brought ye here.”

“Have you given your account of the battle?” asked Conn.

“Aye. The moment I returned.”

“And here you stand, unpunished?”

Ronan rubbed a hand through his beard, a smile forming on his mouth. “I approached the council and gave them my terms.”

Shocked, Conn shook his head. “Terms? What I would have given to be present to see the reaction of the council members—especially the administrator.”

“I believe some of them paled,” replied Ronan. “One of my conditions was to be your escort when they called ye forth.”

“Sweet Goddess,” he muttered.

His friend shrugged. “What could they do? I broke nae laws.” He placed a hand on Conn’s shoulder. “And so I would do so again.”

Conn nodded. “Any other conditions I should be aware of? You do realize I may be put instantly to death.”

“Nae,” reassured the warrior. “Your life—including Liam and Rory’s were spared many moons ago from a request made by an individual.”

“By whom?” demanded Conn.

“Margaret MacKay MacFhearguis,” Ronan uttered softly.

Stunned by the revelation, Conn went to lean against one of the oak trees. “Why?”

“She deemed too many had suffered and died. The Fae granted her request immediately. They would do anything for their beloved Dragon Knights, especially the keeper of the Book of Awakening—Margaret.”

Conn had roamed the earth for thousands of years and in that time, not one human had pledged to see him safe. On the contrary, they came to him for aid, protection, wisdom, and at times, anger. His heart filled with a deep respect for Margaret, and he prayed the day would come when he could tell her how much the plea meant to him.

“’Tis hard to fathom?” asked Ronan.

Nodding, he moved away from the tree. “Never has this happened in my lifetime.”

Ronan chuckled softly. “The humans do surprise us from time to time, aye?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Would ye like me to do the honors with your appearance?”

Conn glanced at him as they moved through the forest. “Absolutely not. You would see me in shimmering clothing.”