The Blue Sapphire

By M.T. Melder

Suddenly Nika, Rose's large black dog, stopped and bared her teeth at the line of trees to their left. The hair starting at her neck and down the top of her back was standing straight up. Kenrick and Fergus both pulled their swords out of their scabbards and moved to stand next to Nika, in front of the other children. Something was in the trees, and judging by Nika’s reaction, it wasn’t a friend.
All at once, a group of about ten men ran out of the trees and headed at a dead run toward them. They were not from the glen and were all strangers to them. Braced for the attack, Kenrick yelled for the children to move back. An Arrow came whizzing past him and struck the foremost man in the neck, he dropped instantly. Heather, who regularly wore her bow and quiver of arrows even to the table for meals, had killed the first attacker. Without hesitating, she notched another arrow in her bow and let it fly.
This one struck a second raider dead center of his left eye. Lily, Rose, Brice and Griffin had pulled their dirks out and were standing ready on each side of her. They knew she would not have time to pull out her knife. Tara, the falcon, was flying just overhead. She was diving and trying claw or bite any attacker she could reach.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.T. Melder
• Release date: Jun 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465863669

M.T. Melder

I was born and raised in New Mexico. I have a very large family, and several brothers and sisters. The year I turned 16, my family and I, moved to Texas. I fell In love with the land, and found the man of my dreams there. Texas will always have a special place in my heart. Together my husband and I had three beautiful children. A little girl, we named April, and then we had twin boys. We named them, Justin and John. We moved to Tennessee for a quieter way of life for the children, and I think we succeeded. The cats in the book actually exist. Smoke and Icarus belong to the boys, just like in The Blue Sapphire. I also have a Boston Terrier, named Stormy. She is due to make an appearance, in the next book in the series, although, I think being a dog is too ordinary for her. Stormy, as well as a few more members of my family are going to show up! I hope you enjoy the book.

Book preview

The Dragons of Dunmore Glen

Book One:

The Blue Sapphire

Written By:

M.T. Melder

Copyright © 2011 by the author

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

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Acknowledgments

To my children, April, Justin, John, and little Caitlyn (Ya-Ya) and also to the rest of my family, without you this book would never have been written. You are all in here, or in the next two books. You just have to figure out which one is you. . . Human or animal and I'm not telling. To my Brothers and Sisters, blood or adopted, you are my strength and my life line. Keep the faith and never stop laughing. We are so much better off now that we are grown, aren't we?

I would like to thank Donald's family. I love you all and I am so proud to still be a part of your Clan. You molded him into my other half and I am thankful for you and your love all of these years.

I would also like to thank The Mid South Riders. A group of bikers located in West Tennessee. They are the best of the best. Without their love and support for the last five years, I would still be curled up in a corner. They used their love and kindness to gently keep me going and they and their known associates still squeeze my hand or smile into my eyes. They are there as much as I need them and I know that their help is only a phone call away. Thank you for your love and thank you for being with me for Rigid's last ride.

Last but not least, I would like to thank Susan and Jane. They listen to me talk for hours and never once rolled their eyes (At least, not when I was looking). They brewed me coffee, read and reread paragraphs. They stayed up all night looking for just the right eyeball or researched something I didn't have time to do. I am grateful to them for their hard work and encouragement. I raise my coffee cup to you! I love, love, love you, my two Sissies. Susie for your huge heart and your sweet words to me. To Jane . . . Because if I said let's run naked up the street you wouldn't say why? . . . You'd just say When?

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all of the people in my life, who came to shine their light on me, and then left for the next horizon. I hope the next sunrise treats you better and I hope you you know we love you. Mom and Daddy, Chuck Warren, Chuck Holland, Tristan, Our five Powledge Angels, Marty, Patrick, Sylvia, Jimmie Joe. The list is too long to name every one of them, but you are there. May the road rise up to meet you.

I especially miss my own Dragon, Larry Don. Wherever you are, I hope you hear me. I love you, I miss you and you took my heart with you, when you died. I think of you when I go to sleep and you are the first thing I think of, when I wake up. I said forever, but I didn't know how true it was, until you were gone. I will see you when it's my time. Please try to come and see me in a dream every once in a while. . . and I said dream not a nightmare . . . I don't want to see you in a mask or with a long knife. I had enough of your sick jokes while you were here. Say hi to God for me and save me some chocolate cake.

Love Always,

Mary

Introduction

Scotland, 1391 AD, The Highlands

Deep dark night, the sound of crickets chirruping begins softly. An Owl hoots eerily from the tree tops, another answers back. In the distance, a frog croaks, and soon it seems as if a hundred others have joined him. Just then, the moon starts to peek over the tops of the trees. The night’s sounds start to intensify. A wolf's howl joins in and the pack echo's his song. The sound of the animals seems to reach almost thunderous proportions, and continues the music, until the entire moon clears the trees. The night sounds start to slowly fade and settle back into a more tolerable level. It was almost as if the animals just wanted to say ‘welcome’ to the moon, then go on back to minding their own business.

Slowly the shape of a large Castle starts to form out of the darkness. Four stories high with round turrets on the top at each corner. Sturdy grey battlements were built chest high, between each of the turrets. At the front of the castle, on the ground floor. Is a dark, heavy, iron banded door. Large enough for a mounted horse to ride through. It is shut and barred securely for the night. The Castle has an outer wall of the same marbled stone, as the rest of the keep. As the moonlight glows brighter, the marbled stone of the Castle seems to twinkle and glow, brighter in some places, darker in others. A glitter of ruby color is seen for a moment, and then disappears. The color sparkles again, some where else along the wall. Where ever a stray beam of moonlight touches the castle.

In the quiet following the moon rise, the guards along the top of the Castle and in the gatehouse breathe a sigh of relief. They know that, if it were them launching an attack, they would have planned it for the moments just passed. The guards settle in for the last few hours of duty, relieved, but still wary. This is a time of unrest, and no one is ever completely safe.

In the background of the Castle sits a large mountain, with deep crags and trees growing from the sides of the cliffs. A clear blue pool, almost the size of the keep is fed from a waterfall coming from a fissure halfway up the cliff. The falls roll and tumble down to fill the pool with cool clear water. Mist swirls and floats, coming out of the mountain with the water, twisting and turning, touching each drop as it hits the surface of the pond and splashes back up. The mist floats across the surface of the water, to caress each blade of grass. It rolls and twists, completely covering the glen. It creeps through the meadow and forest, touching the trees and causing leaves to rustle as it passes. Finally the mist comes to the surface of a small lake. It rolls lovingly out to the center, here the mist lies the thickest. Rolling and sighing, and finally settling into a thick cover over the surface. Soothing in its presence, almost like a warm living blanket.

The mountain range continues to curve around the keep, as if the mountain had arms to wrap around it, effectively protecting the castle on three sides. There are select guards trained to watch only for intruders coming down the cliffs. Although no one had ever attempted to breach the keep this way, The Laird was taking no chances. This was his land, his people and his family. Every possibility of attack was covered. To get to the base of the mountain from the keep, from any side is a brisk two hour walk. The castle grounds have to be passed through first, then the paddock for the work horses. A huge barn was set against the paddock with a large walkway, typically kept sealed halfway through

The pride of the keep is the horses allowed to run free in the green meadow and woods beyond the barn. These horses are bred and trained for people all over the world. All of them are of champion stock. They are the best of the best. These horses are bred for their stamina, beauty and intelligence. Buyers were told, if they were not satisfied with one of these horses, for any reason. They had only to return it. In over a hundred years, not one horse had ever been returned.

This is a keep full of laughter and happiness, loyalty, and love. Because the people, who live here, truly are, full of all of those gifts. We would all like to think that our families are special, and they all are, but every once in a while, a family is born with abilities far beyond the normal scope. The trick is, to learn when and where to use those abilities for the good of all, and not for selfish reasons. Every family has their own secrets and things that they would not want to be told to just any one. Some secrets are better, some secrets are worse, and some secrets are just too good to be true. Clan Mac Myers is no different . . . . This story is how deep their secrets go, and just how far they will go to protect them.

The Story begins

Chapter 1

Castle Dunmore, Clan Mac Myers

As the sounds from the moon-rise begin to fade, at the rear of the Castle, on the very edge of the battlements, sits a large, grey Falcon, her feathers glow softly silver in the moon light. She is staring intently out at the foot of the largest mountain. As she stares, a faint glow is seen coming from the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. The glow is reflected in her large dark eyes for a moment. A voice coming from behind her seems to interrupt her and the glow fades. She blinks her eyes and turns her head towards the voice.

Her eyes focus on the figure of an old woman, sitting in one of two armchairs, piled high with cushions. She has a blanket thrown across her lap and both of her hands rest on a cane. She seems to be very old, but also very healthy. Her eyes are clear and her cheeks glow with good health. A set of double doors leading into a turret room stand open behind her. Seen in the firelight a large very comfortable looking bed built low to the ground and piled high with furs stands empty. The covers are thrown back and there are two pillows on the bed. It is obvious that some one is missing.

Well Tara . . . I asked you if could see him? The old woman asks.

The bird lets out a tiny long low sound and the old woman Harrumphs. She peers closely at the bird and says If you can't at least tell me the health of my own family . . . Then what good are you?

The old woman waves her hand towards the sky and says, Go find Keith and tell him, I said, that he needs to force them to return to the keep. We are too old for this nonsense . . . Him to be chasing those two all over hill and dale, and me to be waiting up for the three of them to return!

With that, the old woman’s stands up and heads into the room and the fire. The Falcon gives another low sound and swoops from the tower. She heads straight for the water fall and the largest mountain behind it.

Tara sets a zigzag course during her flight. Peering into the shadows around the barn and checking the edges of the haystacks in the fields. When she reaches the open meadow, she sees a snow white stallion, standing at the top of a small rise, staring around him with suspicion. The Falcon swoops down and circles his head, beating her wings to stay aloft. The stallion trumpets loudly and comes up onto his back legs, pawing wildly for a moment. He then drops down on all four legs and takes off at a dead run after the falcon. Other horses seem to pour out of every shadow, falling in behind the Stallion and following him blindly in the moon light. There are other horses around, but they are not of the same caliber as this herd. They are the farm horses and the wagon horses. They only look up as the herd thunders past and go back to sleep standing on three legs, or continue to chew lazily on the hay stacks.

The Falcon reaches the water fall well ahead of the herd and takes a slow swoop around the pool, still watching closely. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she turns up and flies directly in front of the water fall and speeds past where the water pours out of the side, she continues up and over the trees on the edge of the cliff. She flies inland away from the edge until she sees a faint glow ahead. She sees that a large bare area is the source of the glow. It is a small hill with a large opening in the center. The ground is blackened and littered with several different sizes of rocks. From man sized boulders, to stones smaller than an egg. She makes a few circles above the opening and deciding that all is quiet, she lands lightly on the mound and moves slowly forward, peering warily down into the opening.

The moon has already moved past it zenith, but there is still enough light to make out shapes. A few stray beams filter down and reflect off of two large glowing stones. The stones glow and dim and glow and then dim. The bird seems to peer closer and then keens softly. Two small streamers of fire between the stones flare softly. Tara sees a dark shape all around the stones that is catching the light, and reflecting deep rich colors, Shiny black, deep rich red, pure emerald green and warm royal blue. The colors seem to reach out to Tara for just a moment. This time when she keens it is a clear pure note, that echoes around the room. Immediately the ground begins to shake. A loud deep rumble starts up and the opening starts to glow brighter. The falcon leaps backwards and a few stones start to roll into the opening. The Falcon squawks loudly and leaps into flight. Heading back to the face of the cliff, as she looks back at the mound, the glow starts to dull and the rumble is already fading.

Gladly she soars over the cliffs edge and plummets down to the pool. The herd is milling around the pond, drinking and lipping at the grass near the edge, while the colts jump and splash around in the shallow end. Tara lets out a loud screech, circles the herd and heads back toward the keep. There is a determined look in her eyes as she begins the trip back, and she takes the time to land occasionally and peer under trees and behind bushes. At the edge of the forest nearest to the keep, she settles on the highest branch of a pine tree and starts to watch for any movement. Patiently she scans the grounds and keep. There! . . . Finally! . . . Moving stiffly towards the keep is a stooped figure with a cane, making its way to the kitchen door.

Tara leaps off of the branch and glides after him. Almost to him, she sees the tails of two cats running ahead of him. The first cat Smoke, a fluffy pure white, with dusty points at his face, paws and tail. Tara knew that if he turned to look at her it would be with eyes of beautiful clear crystal blue. Almost side by side with Smoke ran the second cat, Icarus, his body was long and sleek, and his fur is a deep golden color, shot through with burnt orange stripes. His eyes were the exact color of pure molten gold. The cats are just ahead of the man and the kitchen door is swinging close. The cats make a leap through the door, and it snaps shut. Just out of reach of the man’s hand. He is cussing furiously as he swipes for the handle again, while trying to go up the steps at the same time. He doesn't notice the falcon settling on the rail next to him until she keens again and ruffles her feathers at him.

The man leaps back clutching his cane like a weapon and catches himself before swinging at the bird. Christ Tara! You scared the HELL out of me . . . Are you trying to get one of us killed? Here I make it all the way back, safely to the castle just to die of fright! Rowena will give you to Maggie for the stew pot if she finds out how I died. A man is supposed to die in battle or a knife fight with an army. Not scared to death on the steps by a chicken!

Tara fluffs her feathers at him, keens softly and moves a couple of inches closer to him. His face softens and he reaches his hand slowly out to her. Using the back of his hand and fingers, he rubs down the feathers on her neck and chest and looking deep into her eyes, he smiles softly at her and whispers, Go on to your own bed now, lassie. They are back, and I will be with Rowena almost before you can get there. He hesitates and says, and thank you Tara, for watching' me back once again. Tara keens softly and takes off flying almost straight up to an open shutter on the fourth floor and disappears inside.

The old man goes in and shuts the door, bolts it behind him and starts up the stairs. Again just as he steps onto the fourth floor landing he looks down the hall and just catches another glimpse of the cat’s tails as they enter a room and the door swings shut behind them.

I sure would like to know how they do that. He says and turns to the next flight of stairs going up.

On the roof of the keep, he makes his way to the turret room he shares with Rowena. He enters the room quietly and shuts the door. The room is dim and he can see her laying there asleep in the light of the fire. He leans back against the door frame and remembers how he made it to this day.

Keith had lived at Dunmore his entire life. He had spent his first years in the stables working with his father. His Da was a good man and had a well respected position as one of the breeders and trainers for the prize horses. His mother was a seamstress and was known for the beautiful clothes she made for the women in the village. The Lairds wife had worn one of her dresses to court and had actually been complimented by the Queen.

Around his sixth year, his mother and father had both died in a fire. Not having any other family nor brothers and sisters. His days after their death were lonely and uncertain. He had spent two days and nights in the chapel with his parent’s bodies. At first the villagers tried to get him to come away with them but he had refused. They left him be until the Laird returned, all decisions for the care and housing of the Clan was for him to decree. It just happened that the Laird was visiting Port Town during the time of the fire. The villagers had decided to just leave him be and left food and water for him. The Laird had arrived back on the day of their funeral and upon hearing of the accident, he came immediately to Keith. Standing solidly there beside him, as the small boy watched everything in the world to him being lowered into the ground.

Through the prayers and the burial neither of them spoke or moved. As the mourners moved past to speak to the boy and tell them of their sorrow at his loss, he merely nodded or shook his head. The small boy stood there, accepting of his fate in one of the most courageous ways the Laird had ever seen. He knew this boy and his father was one of his best friends. He knew how much pride ran through the little boy’s veins and he was searching for a way to ease his pain and give him a sense of belonging.

When the last shovel full of dirt had been tossed on the graves and the men had taken their tools and left. The Laird turned to the boy and asked Master Keith, I wonder if I might have a word with you in my study? I have a favor to ask of you and I discuss all of my business there. Will you go with me?

Aye Laird, I will. He answered him and followed him up to the castle.

When they had settled in the study and the Laird had ordered a meal to be brought. They began to eat and when Keith had slowed down eating he turned to his Laird and asked You wanted to ask me a favor Sir?

Aye Keith, I did. As you know, My Lady wife and I have been married for several years. We were blessed with the one son early in our marriage. We had hoped for a large family but it was not to be. We just returned from seeing yet another healer and the news was not good. We will never have more children and the thing that bother us most of all, is our son growing up alone. It’s not good for him. He needs the companionship of brothers and sisters, and he needs to learn to share his wealth with others. He won’t learn that by being the only child and sure of owning everything he sees.

Keith sat there, following his reasoning and not saying a word. Merely nodding when the Laird paused to looked at him.

We were wondering if you would do us the honor of becoming our Foster son.

Needless to say he had accepted. The Laird and Lady had never treated him as an adopted son. They gave him his choice of any room in the castle for his own as long as it was above the servant’s floor. That was over fifty years ago. Now he was considered an uncle of the family and he couldn’t be happier. He had married his true love and she was considered as much a part of the family, as he was. He pushed away from the door and made his way to the bed. He undressed and slipped under the covers and into bed beside the woman. He leans over her and stares, smiling softly down into her face. She looked the same to him as the day he married her, so many years ago.

Rowena he whispered quietly.

Her eyes pop open and she smiles softly. Keith, thank God. Did Tara find you?

Aye she did He replied, We are going to have a talk about you having me followed, when we wake up!

He continues without waiting for an answer. "I don't think I can go through another night like this one again.

Those two are so quick and agile; I almost killed myself trying to keep up. Something about the falls intrigues them and they get a little bolder each time they go there. Tonight, they found a path up the side of the mountain, but the path ended well below the top of the outlet for the falls. I am sure that they spotted the cave behind the falls, and I’m sure that’s the next trip they have planned. If they make their way in, I will never be able to follow them. There are too many secrets in there and they need someone with them to steer them in the right direction. I have decided to have a talk with the Laird tonight. He is going to have to put a stop to these trips at night or find some one younger to watch them. There are plenty of people here trustworthy enough to guard them and keep their secrets and it's not like every one here doesn't know."

Rowena smiled softly and replied. I agree, after dinner tonight, we will have a talk with their parents. She looks at the window and sees that the sky is just starting to lighten. For now, just get some rest. They won’t leave the keep again until after dark. We have plenty of time to recuperate, and I am sure Tara has warned Lily, that something is afoot and she is after them now. That girl understands how their minds work, better than any one here; she will be ready for the next mess they get into. Besides, they might confide in her about what is going on, and she can make these journeys unnecessary in the future.

Keith chuckled and settled further into the bed. Don’t get your hopes up where those two are concerned. I’ve seen them get into trouble without leaving their chairs. They are like flames to a moth as far as trouble is concerned. His eyes were already closing. Go to sleep love. I have a feeling that things are going to get exciting around here in the next few days. As we passed through the barn, they took the time to stop and hide a few large lengths of rope under the hay. Heaven only knows what they have planned for that.

Chapter 2

A handsome young man with dark hair throws his arm across his eyes. Today is the day of rest and he has worked hard for a couple of months. Da had told him to get some extra sleep this morning and with three mares ready to foal, it might be the smart thing to do. At seventeen, Fergus was well filled out for his age. He was already taking on more and more responsibilities. With the unrest in Scotland, he knew he needed to be prepared for just about anything. He was up before the sun every day, practicing with his sword and horses. After breakfast it was onto the castle business which included the books and the disputes between the clan members. He also set time aside to learn the ways of the Royal Court. He knew that he would be at court this year with the family, and it was better safe than sorry. So he allows himself to drift back into sleep.

In the room next door are two beds. The room is large and airy. The falcon Tara, rustles around on a stand next to the younger girl, Heather, (about fourteen) with long dark hair, but it is the red haired girl, Lily, (about sixteen), who rolls over and fixes an eye on the bird. Tara moves over on the stand to the side closest to Heather, and peeps softly to the oldest girl.

She whispers softly, I suppose it's my turn now right? And that Rowena sent you? Tara just ruffles her feathers and puts her head under a wing. The girl crosses over to a night stand, pours water into the basin and proceeds with getting ready for the day.

A short time later, dressed and hair brushed. She opens the door to the nursery and peeks in on her youngest sister, Rose. She also had long hair, but it was very blonde and had so much curl in it, it seemed shorter. Unless it was braided, it tended to turn into a huge mass around her shoulders. Thank goodness she had a Nanny, Lily dreaded the thought of having to tame that mess every morning. At eight years old, Rose was already tall for her age; Lily made a mental note to ask her Mother about moving Rose out of the nursery. It was time for a room change with a bigger bed. As she passed by her parent’s room, she could hear the sound of her Mothers laughter and her Fathers voice answering her. She decided that later would be a better time to speak to her.

She continues across the hall and taps lightly on the door. Without waiting for a response, she enters and looks at the first