Page 7

Chapter Seven

S trange sounds, a combination of screech and roar, sounded outside the window, waking Padriag from deep slumber. He slipped from the bed, curious to see what happened outside. It was still night, as the moons shone above, turning the sky to dark shades of deep orange and brown. There were no stars in this realm, or perhaps there were, but because of the strange coloring of the sky, they were not visible.

In the distance on a hillside, a herd of auroch made a formidable sight. Two of the beasts lowered their heads and charged toward each other, their massive antlers clashing, the sound almost like thunder.

“What the hell are they doing?” Padriag grumbled. Why didn’t the dumb animals fight during the day? It was possible they were nocturnal animals, or that one attacked the other while they slept.

He watched enthralled as the battle continued, now invested in one of the beasts who was a bit smaller than his opponent.

His door opened and Liam walked in, sword in hand, scanning the room. The Brit came to stand next to him and watched the fight for a moment. “I was wondering what all that noise was.” Liam’s bedchamber was across the hall, his window facing in the opposite direction. “I thought someone was attacking you.”

Another loud screech and roar sounded.

“Do I sound like that when I’m fighting?” Padriag asked.

“Yes, you sound like a wounded beast.” Liam turned from the window. “I am going to try to go to the other realm. I hope that this area does not keep us from being able to dematerialize.”

“I’m curious to see if it works. I haven’t felt any pull to go. If you return, I want to know what happens. If everyone is doing well.”

Liam studied him for a long moment. “I will return. As I’ve said, I plan to continue moving between the realms until you are rescued.”

The knight’s sacrifice was great, but Padriag knew better than to try to talk him out of it. Liam’s honor would not allow him to rest until either Padriag was indeed free or Liam lost the ability to move between the realms. It was Padriag’s fear that if that happened, Liam would carry the burden of guilt for years.

“You are aware I don’t hold you responsible for killing me. right?” he asked with a grin. “What’s murder between friends?”

During a particularly difficult quest that Meliot, the evil wizard, had set for them, Liam had been forced to pierce Padriag through the heart. Although Liam’s ability to see the future had shown that Padriag would live, Liam had no way of knowing if Meliot had tampered with his vision.

Padriag survived, and it became apparent to them that, although Meliot could bring them to the brink of death, they couldn’t die. According to the curse, it was only after an imprisonment of three hundred years that would they become mortal, age, and eventually die.

The deadline was imminent and thankfully the other four had been rescued.

“Go,” Padriag urged and a scant second later, Liam disappeared.

The clashing of the aurochs sounded again and Padriag closed the shutters. The sounds were muffled, not loud enough to wake him if sleep came, which he doubted.

Flames danced in the hearth casting long shadows across the floor. Studying the mesmerizing movements, Padriag slid onto the bed.

He stared up at the ceiling considering what it would feel like to gain his freedom. When Tristan and then Gavin were rescued, Padriag fully expected to be freed before Niall, who’d insisted he wished to remain behind. Never had he thought to be the last one entrapped and facing life in yet another realm. As thankful as he was for Sterling’s hospitality, he would never be part of these people.

Esland would never truly be his home.

The sound of movement woke him and Padriag opened his eyes just enough to see who it was. One of the servant women was adding a log onto the fire, while another one poured what looked to be tea into a cup from a tray that had been placed atop a table that seemed to serve as a sideboard of sorts.

“Rise in health,” the woman pouring the tea greeted, her attention on her task.

Padriag wasn’t sure what the proper response was, he would have to ask Sterling. “Thank you.”

The woman seemed satisfied with his reply. He watched in silence as they laid clothes out for him and poured steaming water into a basin from a bucket. The silver-haired women spoke to each other in Eslandian, seeming to find something humorous. When they noticed he watched them, they bowed their heads just a bit and hurried from the room.

“I bet they were overcome by my sexiness,” Padriag murmured. The probable truth was that the women were curious about his red hair. With everyone looking almost identical there, he’d garnered lots of curiosity.

Once he dressed, Padriag descended to the first level and strolled about while searching for the prince.

“Did you rest well?” Sterling asked when Padriag found him outside. The prince sat at a table with a goblet of some sort of juice. There was a platter of fruit in the center of the table, as well as cuts of meat and cheese.

Sterling motioned to another chair. “Join me for first meal.”

“The fighting aurochs woke me,” Padriag said. “Do they do that every night?”

A grin spread and Sterling shook his head. “When a young male auroch reaches maturity, the sire challenges him to battle. Usually, the elder wins. It is not a fight to the death, despite how it sounds.”

“It sounded like a thunderstorm and a tornado dueling.” Padriag leaned forward. “Are there storms here?”

Sterling nodded. “They are called wonders here.”

“Your language is nice to hear. Very soft and lilting,” Padriag told the prince. “I should learn a bit if I am to stay.”

“I can arrange for a tutor,” Sterling informed him.

“That would be helpful. I appreciate it. Can I ask, how is it some of you speak English?”

Sterling shrugged. “My sisters and I were taught languages of other realms. Your English, as you call it, is one of them.”

They ate in silence for a bit. The juice and fruits tasted different from anything Padriag had ever tasted, but at the same time, it was delicious.

“What keeps you here?” Sterling asked, his gaze locking with Padriag. “What keeps you away from the other realm?”

Ire rose, but Padriag tapped it down. “I want to leave, believe me, I don’t want to stay here and die away from my homeland.”

“And yet,” Sterling said, his attention on the view behind Padriag. “You are not planning to leave. You have resigned yourself to remain here until your death.”

What the hell did the man know? “Have you ever left this realm?”

Sterling’s iridescent eyes met his, then he looked away. “I have.”

“Can you imagine dying away from here? In a place that you didn’t know existed. I want to return to the land where I was born. I have been fighting to get out of here.”

“I would not wish to be taken from my homeland. I do not wish it for you either.” The prince’s brow furrowed. “Padriag, you must first release yourself from your burdens. Only then will you be able to allow those who work tirelessly to help you.”

“Have you ever seen the Matrix movie?” Padriag asked, sure his smile would annoy Sterling, who stared back blankly. “You remind me of Morpheus.”

Padriag was sure the prince had no idea what he was referring to until Sterling chuckled. “I suppose you see yourself as Neo, but I think you’re the spoon boy.”

“The bald kid that bent silverware. No way. I’m Trinity, she’s kick ass.” Padriag cocked his head to the side. “How did you watch the movie here?”

Sterling pushed from the table and stood. “I have not watched it, it was forefront in your mind.”

He felt his eyes narrow. “Stay out of my head.”

“I do. But you sent me the images, wishing me to have something in common with you. Our worlds have more parallels than you can imagine. I must attend to some matters. Enjoy your meal,” the prince said, pushing back from the table.

“Talking in riddles is annoying,” Padriag called out after him.

* * *

Liam woke to find the bed empty, John was already up. He slid from the bed feeling tired. They’d argued the night before over Liam’s insistence that he had to spend most of his time in the other realm.

John had not been happy when Liam told him that he and Padriag lived in Esland. “If anything happens to you, I will never know. You are not responsible for Padriag. I’d understand if you went there to check on him, to give messages and such. But you elect to spend your time there and visit here.”

Despite Liam’s long life, this was his first real relationship. He’d not wanted to be involved with anyone, not until everything was solved. But he was in love with John, could not see life without him. He’d explained it to John, who wasn’t convinced.

Upon entering the kitchen, John was pouring a coffee into a second cup and then pushed it to him. “I heard you get up.”

Each time Liam saw John, he couldn’t keep the lightness in his chest. John was his perfect match. Handsome, quiet, studious, but also passionate.

“I do not wish to argue when I am with you,” Liam began. “As far as we know Meliot believes I am still trapped and its imperative he continues to. I will do everything I can to keep my absences shorter. I promise.”

John’s gaze lifted to his. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“I made a vow.”

Closing the distance, John placed his hands on both sides of Liam’s face. “If we are to continue to be in a relationship, Liam, I want to be a priority.”

“Do not leave me,” Liam said, a tremble in his voice. “Please.”

John’s arms came around him and Liam collapsed against him, needing the comfort that only John could give.

“I am doing my best to be patient. But I want you to consider options. Speak to Padriag and the others. Allow yourself to be happy. I want to make you happy.”

Unable to form words, Liam took John’s mouth with his own, allowing the kiss to convey the depth of the feelings, a caring so deep he was unable to describe it in words.

They would move past it, Liam was sure, it wasn’t fair to expect John to stand by while he continued life in the alter-world. At the moment, however, there was no choice.

In truth, Liam wasn’t sure of his place if he remained in Scotland. There was nothing for him in England and even if there was, John’s life was in Edinburgh. According to Tristan, he’d made arrangements so that Liam was financially well-off, with enough money to live out his days.

But there had to be something to strive for and at the moment, Liam couldn’t figure out what it was. In all probability, he was driven by challenges.

Once Padriag was free, traversing a new way of life could be his next challenge. Yes. He would view it as another conquest.

John pushed away and turned back to the stove, where eggs sizzled in a pan. “And just like that, your mind is a hundred miles away.” After spooning the eggs over toasted bread, John walked out of the kitchen.

Liam squeezed his eyes shut. If he didn’t get himself together, he was going to lose the love of his life.

* * *

Right after she’d entered the library, Erin felt a wave of relief as John arrived at Dunimarle, though something about him seemed ... off. There was a weight in his posture, a quiet tension in his face that hadn’t been there before. Without so much as a greeting, he strode inside, dropped into a chair, and pulled a worn notebook from the crossbody satchel he always carried.

“So, where do we start today?” His voice was clipped, edged with frustration. “I need this whole thing to be over. I hate to admit it, but I’m growing tired of us chasing our tails. Lately, it feels like we’re getting nowhere.”

Gwen exchanged a glance with Erin before speaking. “I understand your frustration. Your situation is much more complicated than mine or my sisters’.” Her tone was gentle, but there was an underlying concern in her eyes. “I just hope the men can convince Liam to limit his time in the other realm.”

“He’s more useful here than there,” Tammie added. “But I get it—he doesn’t want Padraig to feel abandoned.”

John let out a slow, weary breath, his shoulders sagging as if the weight of everything he carried had finally pressed him down. He nodded in quiet agreement but said nothing, his fingers absently skimming over the edge of his notebook.

Something was gnawing at him. Erin could see it in the shadows beneath his eyes, in the exhaustion carved into the lines of his face. She wondered if he was beginning to lose hope.

Despite her desperate wish to save Padraig, Erin knew she had to agree with the group. Something held Liam tethered to the other realm, as though he wasn’t quite ready to return to Scotland. Whether it was unfinished business or sheer reluctance, they couldn’t force him.

“Let’s try our summoning again,” Gwen suggested, glancing at Erin. “This time, with Erin’s help. Hopefully, it will work better.” She motioned for everyone to hold hands, her expression determined.

Erin took a steadying breath, her fingers threading between the others’. She had memorized the incantation and, as they began to chant in unison, she closed her eyes, willing herself to focus solely on Padraig. The image of him surged to life in her mind—the wild tumble of red waves that cascaded over his broad shoulders, a fiery halo that had intrigued her from the first moment she saw him. She had resisted the urge to sink her fingers into the thick strands, but the temptation had never truly faded.

A deep, rumbling voice broke through the ritual, shattering her concentration.

“Thanks for the party invite. Where’s the cake?”

Erin’s eyes flew open, her breath catching as she jolted in place.

Padraig stood before them, solid and real, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Padraig!” Tammie gasped, leaping from her seat. She practically launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You came!”

His hazel-green eyes flicked across the group, assessing each of them in turn, but when they landed on Erin, something in his gaze softened. The smirk deepened.

“Hi, Erin. Nice to see you again.”

Her stomach clenched, heat creeping up her neck as an unwelcome shiver ran down her spine. The effect he had on her was nothing short of infuriating. It wasn’t just that he was devastatingly handsome—it was the way he unraveled her, stripping away her carefully maintained composure with a single look. She hated feeling so unsteady, so unlike herself, but there was no denying it.

Padraig Clarre affected her in a way she’d never expected. Especially not from a three-hundred-year-old man.

“Let’s give them time to talk and figure out things,” Tammie said ushering the others from the room.

“We’ll be across the hall,” Gwen motioned to the doorway as the group filed out of the room.

“Do you mind if we go to the kitchen?” Padriag asked. “I’m hungry for anything from here.”

“Sure,” Erin replied, standing.

“After you.” Padriag motioned for her to walk past.

The pull between them was tangible when she moved closer to the doorway. Then, for some unexplainable reason, she stopped and looked up at him. “If we are to do this, I need to feel more comfortable with you. Can we hug?”

Surprise was evident, his expression instantly changing to what she could only call startled.

“Of course.” Padriag opened his arms and Erin cautiously moved into his embrace. Instantly, the familiarity of the last time they’d touched came to mind. It had not been a romantic situation, running for one’s life could never be that. But the solid chest, the thick arms and the smell of a combination of leather and meadow reminded her that this man had risked his life for her.

His embrace tightened, and when he pressed a kiss to the side of her head, Erin smiled, glad that she could give him what he’d not had in centuries. Being touched by a woman attracted to him.

“You feel wonderful. I could remain like this forever.” His voice, muffled by her hair, sent shivers of delight through her. It would be awkward to be the first to push away, but Erin feared dragging the man to the nearest bed and demanding he take every bit of clothes off.

“I bet there’s cake in the kitchen,” Erin said, already hating having to move away from him.

Padriag released her, but couldn’t seem to stop touching her, his fingers wrapping around her upper arm, his eyes pinned to her face. “That sounds great.”

The spacious kitchen was fitted with modern appliances and gleaming marble countertops. A round table with four chairs was surrounded by a bank of floor to ceiling windows. The cook brightened upon seeing them enter. A woman of about forty waved for them to sit, seeming to understand the only reason for them being there was the need to eat.

“I’m starving,” Padriag said to the woman, flashing her a smile.

Cook seemed impervious to his attractiveness, then again, she saw the other handsome men, including Gavin, who had to be the most beautiful man on the planet, on a daily basis. “Sit,” she instructed.

“I’ll start with cake,” Padriag said, pointing at what was left of the dessert that was kept on a plate under a glass dome.

The cook not only offered Padriag a slice of cake, but also made Padriag a plate heaping with sausage, roasted tomatoes, potatoes and turnips. The man ate like someone starved for many days. He moaned and closed his eyes, relishing every bite, making Erin smile.

Although left alone in the kitchen, she sensed he didn’t want to talk in-depth there. So she asked surface questions.

“How old were you when you left here?”

“Five and twenty.”

“What of your family? Did you come from a large family?”

A shadow cross his face, his gaze falling to the table. “Somewhat. I had two siblings, a brother and sister, both older than me,” Padriag replied, his tone even. “My parents both came from large families, so I had many aunts, uncles and cousins.”

Her heart broke at realizing how hard it must be to outlive your relatives, especially your siblings. She decided to not continue to ask about his family.

“You speak more modernly than the others.”

It was nice to see his good-natured grin return. “I came back to Scotland constantly over the years. The changes in the world fascinated me. The others would perhaps wait a decade or two, finding it hard to come knowing they couldn’t stay.”

“Totally get that,” Erin replied. “I am not sure what I’d do in your shoes.”

“Since my home was turned into flats, usually younger people lived there, making it easy for me to keep up with trends and language.”

“Being that you are physically young, it would be strange if you spoke like other older people,” Erin remarked with a giggle.

He lifted his right eyebrow and looked down his nose at her. “How dare you.”

As hard as she tried Erin couldn’t stop herself from grinning. “You have such a great sense of humor.”

It was cute when he responded with a sheepish shrug.

“We should probably return to the library. I am not sure how long I can remain here.” Padriag got up and hurriedly poured a coffee into a large mug. “Don’t have this over there.”

Once in the library, Erin got her notebook and settled onto the couch. He lowered to sit next to her, leaving a respectable distance between them. When she crossed her legs, he slid a look at her exposed leg. Inevitably, the thought of how long he’d been without sex crossed her mind.

Erin cleared her throat. “I have written down the curse you told to them, but is there more to it?”

His shoulders lifted and lowered. “That is all I remember.”

“Can you repeat it for me please?” Erin asked.

Moving his gaze toward the open window, it seemed as if he wished to be anywhere but there in that instant.

Until moon’s pale light and dawn’s last breath,

I send thee to the brink of death.

Chains of darkness, will not unbind ? —

Never to be released, your soul, or your mind.

“Interesting.” Erin checked her notes, he’d said it word for word, nothing different, but it felt as if the third line stood out to her the most. “Do you feel as if something else, besides the curse, is binding you to the other realm? Is there someone or something that you have reservations about leaving behind?”

Brows lowered, he pondered her question. “I have lived there for a very long time. If you ask if I will miss anything about it, of course I will. To be honest, it feels more like home there than here. I want to leave, I wish to return here, especially now that I do not live at the keep.”

“What is the place like. Where you live now?”

As he described an unbelievable world, Erin listened for any changes in tone, for expression of fondness. Nothing stood out.

“What of the people there? Who comes to mind that you will miss when coming here?”

He sucked in his bottom lip in thought, catching her attention, especially when he released it. Padriag had a nice mouth, the bottom lip slightly thicker than the upper.

“I am not going to miss anyone. Other than the men I grew close with, the only other people I know are Sterling, his sisters, and, I suppose evil Meliot. I most certainly will not miss him.”

Erin had so many questions written down, she skipped some to ask the ones she figured would help. “What do you look forward to the most about coming here?”

The wicked grin and darkening of his eyes when looking at her, made the answer very evident. Erin felt her eyes widen and her cheek redden. “Other than that. What else?”

“Food, the fresh air of Scotland, being with my friends, seeing them marry and all of us grow old.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “Oh there are cars now, so driving will be great.”

She wondered where he would get income from. After all, he would be in a new world without any marketable trade, but it wasn’t important at the moment. “I was told you have some magical abilities. Have you tried to sense answers to breaking the curse?”

“I have tried so many things. Not just for myself, but also for the others. But nothing ever worked. My magic is limited to protective wards, invisibility, and lighting. I can make things float, but that’s pretty useless.”

“Does it work here?” Erin leaned forward. “Can I see it?”

Padriag shrugged. “I have never tried it here.”

“How about we try together. I have no abilities, but for some reason the group across the hall think I am the one chosen to rescue you.”

“Do you have a spell yet?” Padriag asked.

Erin nodded. “The start of one. It’s not finished. At least I do not think it is.” She held out her hands. “Try your magic, maybe see if you can weave a ward around us. I will chant the spell.”

When they held hands, it suddenly felt silly. Casting a spell wasn’t something Erin ever thought to do, especially not with a witness.

“Relax and trust,” Padriag said, his eyes meeting hers. “You have to believe it for it to work.”

It had to work. If she was chosen for this, it was up to her, and she had to try hard. Taking a deep breath, Erin closed her eyes.

The warding spell was easy to sense, it was as if the air was filled with static electricity, gently sizzling but not feeling threatening.

In a soft voice, Erin called to the spirits as she’d been taught by John. “Come spirits of light, hear me, help me. I await you, come spirits in your power.”

She waited unsure if it had worked or not. Padriag squeezed her hands, and she began the spell she’d written.

“By love unbroken, by bond unshaken,

I summon the heart that fate has taken.

Break these chains, undo the night,

Return, my knight, to truth and light.”

When she began repeating the spell, the room spun, and she found it hard to stay seated. Losing Padriag’s hold, Erin was tossed from the sofa and landed on the floor. Unable to see as everything became dark, she heard a thud, followed by Padriag’s curse.

“Shit. I banged my head.”

There was nothing different about the room, other than one of the sofa pillows on the floor, Padriag lying next to the fireplace and Erin on the rug.

“What happened?” Gwen exclaimed, running into the room, John and Tammie behind her.

“I think Erin may be on the right track with her spell,” Padriag said, jumping to his feet and hurrying to help Erin up. “Something didn’t want her to finish.”

“That’s amazing,” Tammie said, hands clutched in front of her chest.

The women and John sat around the table once again, going over the spell and trying to figure out what, if anything, needed to be added or changed.

Padriag, who’d spent most of the time pacing, came up to Erin and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I have to go back now. Can I speak to you privately?”

“Of course.” Erin stood and together they went outside.

He glanced around and took a deep breath. “Strange how the air smells differently here. The scent is so familiar, it feels good to inhale it.

Reaching for her hand, he brought it up to his lips, kissed the back of it, and then held it with both of his.

“Erin, thank you. I don’t dare hope for freedom. I sense that I may not be freed. Yet, I greatly appreciate everything that you and the others are doing.”

Struck silent, Erin wasn’t sure what to think. They’d just made progress, why was Padriag so convinced that he’d not be able to break his curse.

When she looked up at him, his gaze fell as he seemed to struggle for words.. “When the time comes, I believe you will know it. Please stop trying. Go back to living your life. I can’t ask you to continue this indefinitely. It’s not fair to you.” He looked toward the house. “And it is not fair to them. I do ask one thing of you, do your best to convince the others that I have accepted my fate.”

“I-I don’t understand,” Erin stammered. “Why are you so convinced it won’t work. Everything they have been doing, it’s working. What happened today, that is definitely progress. You even said ...”

“What everyone needed to hear. The way we were thrown off, means the spell did not work and will not work. It is the wrong one. If there is a spell to break the curse, I doubt you or anyone can find it.”

“I can’t give up. Not now,” Erin replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Padriag shook his head. “I best go.”

To her utter surprise and delight, he took her in his arms and kissed her. Erin returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck, melting against him.

Mine.

The word slammed into her mind. More than a thought, or a wish, it was a sense that he was to be hers. Padriag would not be left behind. She felt it in her bones.

“Padriag.” Her words sounded husky as she spoke into his ear. “I am not giving up.”

His mouth took hers once again, and he pulled her close. Then he broke away, his eyes locked with hers until he dematerialized and was gone.