Quest of a Warrior (Legends of the Fenian Warriors, Book 1)(6)

The blow of Loran’s words struck like a knife, tearing into his heart. Stumbling back, Conn rubbed a shaky hand over his face. “Why?”

“It is not my story to tell, Conn. You will have to ask her.”

“She has passed the ten years of seclusion?” His question was one of shock.

Loran nodded. “Abela has been a priestess for almost one hundred years.”

The moment Conn had pledged his life as a Fenian Warrior, he walked away from his Fae family. The years of training and traveling the Veil of Ages had become his new way of life. He never had a wish to stay locked within the walls of the crystal palace, as he had often shouted to his father. No, he was born a warrior, something he and his father did agree upon.

Now to learn his twin—his sister had chosen a path of isolation within a deeper part of their world, shocked Conn. Her love and spirit of life always infused others, and he believed she would have made a kind and loving queen. He would have honored her until the end of his days.

But now…

“Can I see her?” uttered Conn softly.

Loran shrugged. “It’s entirely up to her. I can pass along a request.”

Conn stepped away. “No. If Abela wishes to see me, she’ll send the request. I’m sure she’s aware that I have returned.”

“She dwells deep within the caves,” admitted Loran.

Conn’s smile was sad when he replied, “We are twins. I felt her brush of power within my mind the moment I returned. I might not be able to communicate with any others, but I shall always have this connection with her.”

“Ahh…” murmured Loran.

Fisting his hands on his hips, Conn shook his head. “I cannot believe my parents would allow her to leave the light of the Fae realm and seek such isolation.”

Loran crossed his arms over his chest. “Why? It is a great honor to be chosen into the holy community. To be one at times with the land, seeking and learning its knowledge—a great gift, indeed. You chose your path and Abela her own. Your parents were stunned in the beginning, but they have since given their blessing. She is a light among our people, especially during the great fire festivals. They revere her and the other priestesses more than our own king and queen.”

Conn glanced at his friend. “Is she happy?”

Smiling, Loran nodded. “Abela’s beauty is enhanced by her love of the world below and her people. She is extremely happy and understands the purpose for what she has chosen on this path.”

Sighing deeply, Conn made his way to the council table. “Then I am happy for her. Now, tell me what can I expect from this trial?”

Loran brought the chairs over to them with a flick of his wrist. Sitting down, he motioned Conn to the other chair. “You have several choices. The first, charges will be read and you will be given time to give your account. The second, you waive a trial and proceed to the Hall of Remembrance to witness your offenses through the mirrors of your life. With each, a judgment will be decreed.”

Conn snorted. “Those are my only options? You make it sound like I’m guilty no matter if I give my account or not.” He leaned his forearms on his thighs. “They may as well pass a verdict, since none of them will listen.”

When his friend remained silent, Conn blew out a frustrated breath. He wanted no part of the Hall of Remembrance. His memories were clearly as vivid within his mind. There was no need to have them flash in front of him.

Loran closed his eyes. “They are returning.”

“Good. I wish to end this.”

As both Fae stood, their chairs vanished. Loran took hold of Conn’s arms. “Whatever happens, know you will always have friends here in this realm.”

“You honor me with your words, Loran, and I thank you.” Embracing his friend, Conn went and stood behind the truth stone.

As the Fae council members appeared within the room, Loran nodded to each in greeting and stepped aside.

Seneca remained standing, waiting for the members to settle into their chairs. Turning her gaze to Conn, she lifted a golden leaflet. “Conn MacRoich, are you ready to hear the charges against you?”

“I am.”

Her voice rang out clear and crisp. “Conn MacRoich, Fenian Warrior for the Fae, you have been brought before this council for the crime of using the key entrusted to you to lock and unlock the realms without consent of the King, Queen, or Elders on the earth date of October 31, 2016. Furthermore, knowledge has been presented to show that on more than one occasion, the veil of time was altered. As a result, you have changed the course of an entire generation. These are severe and cannot be left unpunished. The Key of Realms has been restored back to the king. However, the timeline for this clan has had an impact on the destiny of one human.” Snapping her long fingers, the leaflet disappeared.

“You may now give your account.”

Uneasiness slithered inside of Conn. In all of his time crossing the veil, he had never misused his powers—only for the greater good. Yet, somewhere, somehow, he had failed. And this bothered him immensely.

Conn clasped his hands behind his back. “As a Fenian Warrior, and keeper of the key, I deemed what I believed was right. Sealing both realms kept the evil from escaping into one or the other. Lachlan and the Dark One were vanquished. I will make no apologies. I was given the key, not to protect, but to be used in the event of chaos. As for the second charge, I recall no misconduct within the veil of time…” He paused, dreading his next words. “Yet, I ask to be shown this occurrence in the Hall of Remembrance.”