Stone of Destiny (The Danaan Trilogy) Page 10

  “Do you think you two will ever work things out?”

  Her smile was sad. “I’ve been hoping he would forgive me for a long time. I haven’t given up, but I don’t see it happening any time soon.”

  We walked up the stone steps back into the main part of Niamh’s house. She pointed down the hall past the weapons room. “Just down there are the guest quarters. If you’d like, you may stay here this evening.”

  Back down in the dining room Ethan was laughing at something Liam said. Watching the two of them was like looking at a couple of old friends. It was completely surreal.

  Niamh closed her eyes and some drinking cups floated into the room and landed on the table. Ethan’s eyes widened and he slid me a questioning look.

  “Oh, didn’t I mention the telekinesis?” I said, laughing. “Up until today I’ve only seen it a couple times.”

  “That’s pretty cool. Can you do that Liam?”

  Instead of answering, Liam focused on the pitcher full of water. Nothing happened at first, but after a minute, it levitated and tipped enough to fill one of the cups before setting back down.

  “Whoa, nice,” Ethan said, clapping Liam on the back.

  The cool water helped clear my head and I was ready for the next move. We would walk to the Bruidhean to talk to Saoirse. Like Deaghlan, Saoirse didn’t even try to mask her otherness. She was incredibly beautiful and just looking at her was like staring into the sun.

  She was too alluring, too much for one person to take in.

  That first step outside in Tír na n’Óg felt like walking into a fairytale. I don’t think words can describe the way everything comes to life before your eyes. It’s like being legally blind your entire life and then you put on super strength glasses and everything comes into Technicolor focus.

  Niamh and Liam walked ahead of us, and I could tell it was difficult for them to keep our slow human pace.

  Ethan reached over and grasped my hand. I looked up at his face and he was grinning like he was punch-drunk. I choked on my laugh.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Nothing,” I said. “I just recognize that look on your face.”

  “Yeah?” he asked, tipping his head to the side. “What look would that be?”

  I shrugged. “You look like I felt the first time I was here. Overwhelmed, awestruck.”

  “Uh-huh,” he said, yanking me closer as we walked. “Don’t forget this is my second time here.”

  I peeked at him, knowing he was teasing me. “So none of this affects you this time?”

  He lowered his head and whispered in my ear. “Some things always affect me.”

  “Hmm,” I said blushing. He was still just as cocky in this world as any other.

  Bright light filtered through countless trees surrounding the path to the Bruidhean. I smoothed my hair back with my free hand as we walked.

  “Wait!” I turned around just as Samantha ran up to us. Her eyes were wide and she wrapped her arms around her sides.

  “I thought of something else I needed to tell you,” she said as Niamh and Liam walked back to us.

  My brows rose. “Okay.”

  “Aoife had this necklace she kept rubbing between her fingers while she talked to the others. She said it wasn’t enough, but she knew where to find more. Something about a falling mine?”

  Niamh’s eyes narrowed as she listened to Samantha. “Not falling mines. Fháillan mines. But no more fháillan mines are left in Tír na n’Óg.”

  “I’m sorry,” Samantha said, fidgeting. “That’s all I remember. But it seemed important.”

  “Where’s Ciarán?” Liam asked.

  Samantha looked down at the ground, wringing her hands. “I left him back at the house. He wouldn’t agree I should come, but I needed to.”

  I looked at Ethan, who just shrugged. “Does that mean he’ll be right behind you?” I asked.

  “I don’t think so. They were all sleeping when I left.”

  “I’m glad to see you’ve removed the steel from your body. Is it all gone?” Niamh asked.

  “Uh, yeah. Ciarán and I had a talk about that. I honestly had no idea. I don’t know why he never told me that iron was like kryptonite to all of you.”

  I started to ask her how she got through the portal, but she beat me to it.

  “I looked in your thoughts while you were going. I saw Niamh put her hand up on the wall in the root cellar, so that’s what I did.”

  Niamh looked uneasy, but Liam looked impressed. I didn’t know what to think.

  “We’re on our way to see my mother,” Niamh said as she started walking. Samantha hesitated. Niamh glanced over her shoulder. “Come along.”

  `

  Samantha looked so relieved I thought she’d burst. She scampered over to my side and gave me a tentative smile.

  “It’s really cool here,” she said, a grin peeking through.

  “It’s incredible,” I said, looking at her. She was at least two inches shorter than me. I realized I didn’t even know how old she was.

  “Twenty-three,” she said, walking along.

  I rolled my eyes at Ethan and laughed. “It was bad enough having Niamh answer my thoughts out loud, now I have you doing it too.”

  Samantha’s hand flew up to her mouth, eyes wide. “Sorry about that,” she said. “I’ve really gotten a lot better at not doing it, I swear.”

  “I was just teasing. So, you’re twenty-three and so am I. That’s pretty weird. For sisters.”

  “Yeah, I guess. I’ll be twenty-four next month, so we’re almost a year apart,” she said.

  “How did you know how old I am?” I asked.

  “Oh, when you were telling me how old you were, you were thinking about your birthday and how it’s in June,” she said, shrugging as though this happened all the time.

  “It does happen all the time,” she said, giving me an apologetic glance. “I mean, I don’t really have many friends. People are always weirded out by me. My parents can’t even stand being in the same room as me. So, yeah I try not to answer thoughts out loud, but it doesn’t always work.”

  My heart did a little flip-flop. Aside from the whole answering people’s unspoken questions, I could totally relate to what she’d just said. It might have been for different reasons, but my whole life most people never felt comfortable around me. A lot of that had to do with not knowing what to say to the daughter of a schizophrenic. But it had been a while since I’d let it bother me.

  Ethan was quiet as we walked. I glanced at him and he was transfixed looking at the flowers and trees, taking it all in. I did feel much more lucid during this trip to Tír na n’Óg. Samantha seemed to be fine, too. I assumed it was her Danaan blood that kept her from being affected.

  Without turning around, Niamh said, “That’s right, Allison. You have some too, which makes the transition between worlds a little easier.”

  “Have some what?” Ethan said, looking at me with a lopsided grin.

  “Danaan blood,” I said. He might not admit it, but I could tell he was feeling it. His eyes were just a little shinier than usual and his smile was just a little goofier. “I was thinking about Samantha being part Danaan and that’s why she isn’t overwhelmed by the differences here.”

  No matter what my frame of mind was, Tír na n’Óg was magnificent. I took in the cornflower blue sky. Here, it only rained at night. Fluffy white clouds had just started floating in overhead, which told me it was late afternoon.

  We reached the top of a hill, which held a spectacular view of a river valley below. Just beyond that river, a mountain range stretched up and along as far as the eye could see. Within the tallest mountain lay the Bruidhean. Hundreds of Danaan lived in its walls. At the heart of the palace was where the king and queen lived.

  “Whoa,” Samantha said as we made our way down toward the river. “It’s like we’re stepping onto the set of The Fellowship of the Ring.”

  “That’s funny. I thought the same thing the first time I saw
it. Those movies were fantastic, but of course the books were better.”

  Samantha looked horrified. “You actually read all of those?”

  I was going to defend my love of all things Tolkien, but Ethan spoke up. “Are you trying to get yourself killed? You can’t tease Allison about books or you’ll get the Look of Death.”

  My eyes narrowed, and for a minute I considered pushing him into the river. But instead, I had to laugh. “Hey, say whatever you want. I’m a proud book nerd.”

  Samantha laughed too. “Books aren’t really my thing,” she said, and quickly added, “no offense.”

  “None taken,” I said, shrugging. “It’s fine. Different strokes and whatever.”

  The smile Samantha gave me was shy. “I’m more of a visual person. Painting, photography. I would love to shoot this place with a camera,” she said, looking around.

  Several yards up the river, an outcropping of large, flat stones extended from one side of the river to the other, forming a natural bridge. Waterfowl in otherworldly shades of indigo and chartreuse dotted the pools around the stones. They watched as we crossed the river, bowing their slender necks, it seemed, in greeting.

  “This must be what Snow White felt like,” Samantha said under her breath as she hopped from stone to stone.

  I laughed. “Just wait ‘til you see the squirrels.”

  She whipped around, her eyes huge.

  “I’m just kidding,” I said, pressing my lips together to keep from laughing.

  She studied me for a second before moving forward.

  From the river, a stone path led to the base of the mountain. It eventually became a staircase that wove its way up through the trees to the entrance of the Bruidhean. The sky was darkening and small spheres of light, known as fey lights dotted the path.

  Niamh led us into the large entryway. The heavy wooden door closing behind us echoed in the empty hall.

  “Strange that I can’t hear anyone,” Niamh said, frowning.

  “Very strange,” Liam agreed.

  I moved in closer to Ethan as we walked further inside. Just being here brought on a wide range of emotions. I’d seen my mother in this gathering room, sane and as clear headed as anyone. I’d been as helpless as a newborn foal when I met both Saoirse and Deaghlan. I’d also learned about the horrible things Breanh was doing to Ethan. I pushed back those memories, trying to keep my head clear for what lay ahead.

  Nobody came out to greet us, the place felt totally deserted. Niamh moved faster, holding up a hand, telling us to wait. Her form blurred as she darted off to search for signs of anyone.

  When she returned, her face was drawn tight. “My parents aren’t here. Folk are about doing their regular activities. But my mother has gone to the shore to see the damage done to Aoife’s land.”

  “Saoirse never leaves the Bruidhean,” Liam said, frowning.

  “There’s more,” Niamh said. “Aodhan’s been here. He showed up this morning demanding to meet with the king and queen.”

  “What does that mean?” I asked. “Why didn’t he tell us he was coming?”

  Liam and Niamh stared at each other, their faces not giving anything away. I looked at Samantha.

  Can you hear what they’re saying to each other?

  Her eyes flicked up to mine and she shook her head.

  No. I can’t get through their mind shields. It’s really frustrating.

  Niamh began pacing. “When Aodhan left Liam’s house, he was livid. We just figured he needed some time to cool down after his falling out with my father.”

  “This is good though,” I said. “Weren’t we all wondering when your parents would do something about Aoife?”

  “I suppose you’re right,” Niamh said, still pacing.

  “What’s the best thing to do now?” Liam said.

  “We’re going to Aoife’s house, aren’t we?” I said, looking between them.

  “Of course,” Niamh said. She took a deep breath and met my eyes.

  Slow, deliberate footsteps came from the front entry. We all turned toward the gathering room entrance.

  Deaghlan stood in the doorway, a slow smile slipping onto his face.

  “And now you’re here,” he said, his arms held wide.

  “Father,” Niamh said, her brows furrowed.

  “Your hero has come rushing in to save the day,” Deaghlan said with a flourish of his hands.

  Niamh tilted her head to the side, but didn’t respond.

  “After I came back to see about setting things right, Aodhan showed up and whisked your mother away to see for herself the damage Aoife has done,” Deaghlan said, articulating each word.

  “As though Mother didn’t already know?” Niamh said, her brows shooting up.

  “Of course she already knew. She knows all, doesn’t she?”

  Niamh didn’t respond. Her face was a mask. I could almost see the cracks beginning to form as her all-too-human emotions fought to break free.

  “Well, what are they doing about it? I asked Deaghlan.

  He turned to regard me, much like someone would regard gum on the bottom of their shoe. I could tell the instant he noticed Samantha by my side.

  Ignoring my question, he glided over to us. Samantha took a step back so she was behind me.

  “What do we have here?” Deaghlan asked, his voice loaded with charm.

  “This is Samantha,” Liam said moving over to my other side.

  “Well, hello Samantha,” Deaghlan said, tilting his head to the side.

  Samantha’s voice was barely a whisper. “Hi.”

  “And this is Deaghlan, Niamh and Aoife’s father,” Liam said.

  So that means he’s my grandfather?

  I busted out laughing and even Niamh smiled, hearing the question in Samantha’s mind.

  “That’s correct, Samantha. He is your grandfather,” Niamh said, barely concealing the laughter in her voice.

  Deaghlan’s reaction was priceless. His eyes bulged and his mouth gaped. He looked like a fish on the line.

  “While this is all very entertaining, perhaps someone could explain to me what is going on?” Deaghlan said.

  “The quick version is Aoife had a baby and didn’t tell anyone. That’s pretty much all you need to know,” I said.

  The line of Deaghlan’s jaw tightened. “So it would seem. Funny how Saoirse didn’t see this coming.”

  Nobody spoke for a beat. I was never able to handle awkward silences well.

  “If Aodhan and Saoirse are there, why aren’t you with them?” I asked.

  Surprise widened Deaghlan’s eyes. “You’re rather feisty, Allison. I like it.”

  I laughed without feeling. “You didn’t answer the question.”

  In the blink of an eye, he was in front of me. “That’s simple. Saoirse and Aodhan had things under control. I don’t think my presence was required.”

  Ethan moved to my side, putting his hand on the small of my back. Deaghlan was completely unmoved.

  My hands balled into fists. “What? Are you feeling left out, Deaghlan?”

  Deaghlan prowled even closer, lowering his head so I could feel his warm breath. “Easy, Allison. You forget who you’re talking to.”

  “Father, let’s get back to the issue at hand,” Niamh said.

  He’s right, Allison. Don’t push him.

  Staring at the floor, I pushed down the irritation inside me. Being mad at Deaghlan made it easier to not become ensnared by him. When I looked back up into his icy blue eyes, my anger was replaced with pure, raw fear.

  Deaghlan smirked and stepped back. Without looking away, he said to Niamh, “Your mother won’t be long. She’ll return and you can make your plans. Perhaps even let me know what they are.”

  He turned on his heel and was gone.

  “What is his deal?” I asked Niamh.

  She sighed. “It’s like you said. He’s feeling left out. It happens whenever he neglects his responsibilities for too long and my mother makes decisions without hi
m.”

  “I don’t like the guy,” Ethan said, his hand curving around my waist.

  “Can’t say I blame you,” Liam said. “But don’t do what Allison has done and provoke him.”

  I shrugged at the look he gave me. “Why should I let him bully me?”

  “It’s best to just let him go on and not react,” Niamh said.

  “Let’s go find Aodhan and Saoirse,” I said. “It’s too bad you guys don’t have phones in this place.”

  “I don’t usually need one,” Niamh said, smirking. “It must be the pollution in Aoife’s land that’s keeping me from reaching my mother. I’ve never come home and not been able to communicate with her.”

  “You’ve never had trouble hearing my thoughts around iron, how come that happens here?” I asked.

  Niamh smiled. “Here is very different from there.”

  “Allison, I think it would be best if the three of you stay here and let Niamh and I go on ahead,” Liam said.

  I blinked. “No. No way,” I said, not sure I heard him right.

  “Let’s not make this an argument,” Niamh said. “It will take Liam and me minutes to get there, where it would take the entire group hours.”

  “Wait,” I said, backing up. “What are we supposed to do here?

  “Just wait. Get some rest if you can,” Liam said.

  I looked at Ethan to back me up, but the apologetic look he gave me said that wouldn’t happen. Was I being irrational? Samantha’s voice snuck into my head.

  They’ll be fast. It makes sense for them to go on ahead. Don’t take it personally.

  I blew out a breath. “Fine,” I said, shrugging. “Go then.”

  Liam looked torn for a moment. “I’d like for you to trust me, okay?” he asked, looking between me and Samantha.

  I didn’t answer, but Samantha nodded. Liam ran his hands through his hair and with one last look, he and Niamh took off to find Aodhan and Saoirse.

  Within seconds of Niamh and Liam’s departure, three young women came into the gathering room. They all wore jewel-toned gowns like most Danaan females. Their hair was braided with flowers and flowed down their backs.

  The women led us upstairs and down several long hallways to what I remembered as the guest quarters. There was a common room in the center of a half-dozen bedrooms. Couches with throw pillows arranged haphazardly took up most of the space.