Highland Guardian

By Barbara Monahan

Lila O'Donnell is a beautiful second generation Irish American, and something else. She is a Seer. While on sabbatical in Edinburgh, she meets the handsome Cormac MacClaire, who just landed a professor's job in the university. They fall in love, and are soon married in his familys ancestral castle. Despite its questionable background, she loves the intriguing estate. Soon she meets Dermott MacClaire, Cormac's identical twin. Seductive and intensely erotic, she finds it impossible to resist his strange sexual pull. Lila soon finds herself part of a scorching hot love triangle. When Dermott is suddenly kidnapped, she is unwillingly drawn back in time to the 17th century, and the Fae. She must do her part to save her husband, and her marriage. Celtic legend, shape shifters, and faery princes, not to mention a most incredible castle, will keep you glued to each page. This is a time travel romance which will hold your interest to the very end. Highland Guardian is book two in the best sellers Ancient Echoes Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481709897

Barbara Monahan

Barbara lives in Pennsylvania with her family. She is a retired nurse who now devotes most of her time to writing paranormal time travel—her passion.

Book preview

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Thirty

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For my friends Sue H and Barb Mac, this one’s for you.

Also Gracie, always in my heart.

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Ancient Echoes Series, Book Two

Highland Guardian

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Dermott and Cormac MacClaire were identical twins, yet there was a significant difference between them. Both almost six feet with broad shoulders and perfectly toned muscular bodies, they resembled ancient warriors from a time long passed.

Their rich inheritance included a noble bloodline from generations of ancient Druid ancestors, along with an angel’s intelligence from their immortal warrior father. Mesmerizing deep blue eyes held ancient secrets unknown to most highly educated aristocrats today. With vastly superior intelligence, they amazed their teachers throughout school, and effortlessly graduated college with the highest honors possible. As MacClaire descendants, their lineage was rich in ancient mystery, magick and Druid secrets.

But Dermott’s personality was a complete opposite from his twin’s. Being two minutes younger than Cormac, his official time of birth was marked down as midnight, on the eve of Beltane. In addition to that, there were the intricate designs on his left arm. These strange purple markings resembling tattoos caused the Scottish midwife to flee from the room and his unfortunate mother to faint on the delivery table.

The finest physicians were unable to explain their meaning, or diverse artistic shapes. Lovely Celtic knots flowed into various cryptograms, forming designs without a beginning or end. Some experts in Celtic legends offered another, more disturbing explanation. They said it symbolized the never ending life cycle. This was a theory which remained to be seen.

After much research by his uncle, it was determined these strange interweaving bands and Celtic knots were said to possess magical powers, according to several books on Druid art forms. It hinted of high nobility, and something else, something which deeply troubled his ancestor.

But his ancestral namesake and oldest living of his family members, looked upon the markings with unspoken fears. Dark, worrisome thoughts filled his mind, thoughts which he’d keep strictly to himself for the time being.

Then, there was Dermott’s over confident sense of sexuality. Filled with sizzling erotic desires, Dermott’s mysterious pull with the opposite sex rivaled that of his brother’s in every way. Women flocked to him, both single and married, sensing his mysterious abilities to send them into a frenzied state of lust.

He had been known to spend hours on end with the lasses, his sexual preferences insatiable.

Cormac on the other hand was tamer, wooing the lasses in more conventional ways. He could often be heard telling others he felt Dermott had been enchanted, or bewitched under some ancient aphrodisiac potion.

Dermott was a born warrior, showing his leadership capabilities at a very young age, while Cormac much preferred to sit for hours in the castle’s large library, lost in ancient manuscripts.

The twins loved each other unconditionally, yet Cormac sensed something coming, something which could destroy that close bond forever.

PROLOGUE

Lila made her way down the underground hall, the earthy smell of moss lingered in the dank air. She neared the sealed chamber where the mysterious mirror had been hastily left, never to see the light of day again.

Too dangerous, the others called it, after discovering its true purpose. Drawn by some unknown power, she was unable to resist its strong pull.

Both her husband, and the rest of the MacClaires, had specifically forbidden her from ever going near it again. But the seven foot, intricately framed antique was more than just a lovely looking glass; it was a forbidden portal to another dimension, the world of the Fae.

This mystical and long forgotten place in antiquity was today little more than a memory in a child’s fairytale world. But for Lila it was real, as real as the ground she stood on. It was also a world where an ultra-seductive male awaited her, ready to fulfill her most secret desires.

Lila pressed her lips together and formed the musical sounds from a long lost world. These were beautifully powerful sounds, which magically opened the door to where the mirror had been abandoned, never to be used again. The heavy splintered oak door opened instantly, as if welcoming her. Her breath hitched deep in her throat when she saw it, propped against one of the subterranean walls supporting the castle. It seemed to call to her, taunting her with the promise of ecstasy.

Lila’s heart raced as she brushed the tips of her fingers across that cool glass, dark glass which showed nothing, not even her reflection. The contact of her skin against the glass created an unmistakable vibration, as the small storeroom began to tremble and groan. She knew he was there, awaiting her just past the thin barrier of time. Suddenly, the glass began to ripple, then cleared as her handsome warrior appeared.

Standing just six inches shorter than the height of the mirror itself, he was a vision of male perfection which would cause any woman’s heart to race. Blonde hair hung loosely around his broad shoulders, trailing down to a firm, sexy waist. His face was sculpted as if by an artist’s hand, lips full and ready to seduce, and golden stubble grew around his mouth and jaw. His eyes were the most beautiful mesmerizing blue eyes imaginable, eyes which promised paradise. His muscular body was that of a fierce warrior, honed to perfection. In short, he was a masterpiece of male perfection.

Come, he said softly, holding out his hand beyond the boundaries of the mirror’s ornate frame. It was more of a command than a request, and Lila responded eagerly. His voice was like silk, soft and seductive, his smile confident. He knew her every dark desire, and could deliver her wildest fantasies. She eagerly reached out to grasp his hand, as white hot sparks shot out from the glass, illuminating the dimly lit room. Lila was home again.

CHAPTER ONE

Cormac, get the door! Lila yelled for the third time that afternoon. The tall young man with golden blonde hair finally rose from the soft leather sofa, where he’d been sprawled for hours. He was barefoot, snug faded blue jeans hugged his trim waist. His black tee pulled taunt over the rippling muscles of a perfectly ripped and toned abdomen. He could easily be a cover model for any romance novel.

Cormac MacClaire stalked toward the door of his seventeenth story Boston high-rise. A torque of solid gold graced his neck, a gift from his parents on his eighteenth birthday. Beautifully engraved with his name, it would have denoted high status if he lived in another time. Deep blue eyes filled with mysterious knowledge for his young age, now burned with irritation as he stared at the door. He was in no mood for company, after spending the entire night partying with friends. After all, your twenty first birthday should be a memorable one, right?

Cormac fumbled with the combination lock, which if he hadn’t consumed so much alcohol last night, wouldn’t have posed a problem. He also wouldn’t have ever opened the door without first inquiring who was there, usually armed in some fashion. Boston was a big city, and crime was always one step away.

Okay, give me a minute, he growled irritably, fumbling with the lock which had been recently installed. As he cracked the door to peer outside, a cold steel blade pressed firmly against the tender skin of his neck.

Cormac MacClaire, the tall stranger smirked. Clothed in black from head to toe, he had the darkest eyes Cormac ever looked into. The strange man stared at him with an expression which could only be described as chilling. He spoke with an Irish lilt, mixed with something else, something Cormac hadn’t heard since his early childhood.

Who the hell, are you? he demanded, as the steel pushed deeper against the delicate skin of his neck.

Lila, his wife, was immediately at his side. Cormac, who was . . . she trailed off suddenly, gasping as her mind tried to understand what was happening.

The man’s gaze abruptly shifted toward Lila, his blade still pressed firmly against Cormac’s throat. An immediate look of recognition spread over his youthful face. He bowed his head in respect, and said something, something she couldn’t understand. She felt his fear as he gazed into her eyes, as if asking for something . . . perhaps forgiveness?

There was a certain glisten to his pale skin, and her mind flew back to the bedtime stories her grandmother told her years ago while in Ireland. Stories of the Fae, and how they had been banished from their land by mysterious intruders. Some historians say these intruders were the ancient druids, who used their magick and incantations to drive them into another dimension. Others, however, pointed to a powerful mysterious race which came from the sea, to kill and plunder.

She remembered her grandmother’s words. "You must never fear the Fae child, for their blood runs in your veins, too."

She loved her granny dearly, and kept this deep in her heart, telling no one.

Lila sucked in a deep breath, as she watched the blade press deeper against her husband’s tender skin. "No! Drop it at once!" she ordered. Immediately, the unknown assailant dropped his blade. As it hit the floor, she watched in amazement as he bowed his head reverently, doubled over, and fell to the ground.

Cormac jumped back in relief, as he watched the intruder suddenly slump to the floor, the end of a silver blade firmly planted in his back. He recognized it immediately, spinning around to find the tall blonde man grinning at him. Happy Birthday son, he smiled, with a thick Scottish brogue.

A huge grin spread across Cormac’s face, as he watched his father bend down to retrieve the dirk. He relaxed, breathing a deep sigh of relief. Glad to see you, your timing was excellent. How did you know?

Just a hunch, Kieron smiled, looking down at the dead body. Guess he won’t be celebrating with us. He pulled out a white cloth from his back pocket, and wiped the blade spotlessly clean. His long blonde hair matched Cormac’s to perfection, as it carelessly fell across broad shoulders.

Kieron MacClaire was the father of twin boys, Cormac and Dermott. He was also an immortal angel, and a member of the Keepers of the Light. These warriors were voluntarily sworn by oath, to keep the increasing amounts of evil and darkness from overpowering this world.

Are you okay? Kieron asked, stepping to Lila’s side. She was trembling from the sudden assault, but tried to show a degree of bravery.

Yeah, I guess so, she said reluctantly, glancing down at the unknown intruder at her feet. Her visions were becoming more frequent, just as her grandmother had warned.

Lila O’Donnell was a bright twenty year old Bostonian, from a second generation Irish American Family. She was also a Seer. She first met Cormac on a field trip in the spring of last year. It was hosted by the local university, to promote National Ancestry. Tall and lanky, she had what most girls dreamt of. Long gleaming dark hair hung almost to her waist in a carefree, sexy fashion. Her skin was pale and flawless, like the finest porcelain, and her beautiful blue eyes spoke of her rich Irish heritage. She was a stunning beauty, who attracted Cormac at first sight.

Being a second generation Irish American, her family still followed the old Irish beliefs and traditions, along with much of its folklore. They were also well versed in the legends of the Fae, which her grandparents in Ireland took much pain in being sure she learned.

Having recently earned her Doctorate in Anthropology, she jumped at the chance to visit Edinburgh for the one month seminar. It was a once in a lifetime chance, and one not to be missed.

It was there in Edinburgh while attending classes in the university, that she first encountered the bright, sexy young Scot. Cormac was interning for a position as professor, and Lila was instantly snared by his sexy looks, and vast intellect. The attraction was immediate and undeniable. They soon began to date, marrying in a large ceremony at his family’s lavish castle estate, shortly afterward.

Many of her family members from Ireland were able to fly in to attend the lovely ceremony, held in Aberdeen, Scotland. It took place in the castle’s world famous lush gardens, and resembled a ceremony right out of a fairy tale. Neither knew how much of a fairy tale it really was. Complete with bagpipes and kilts, it was the wedding from heaven.

Cormac had originally suggested the large ceremony be held in the newly constructed chapel, attached to the castle. But after visiting the site, Lila had decided against it. Never having given him a good reason for her decision, she simply told him the gardens were so much lovelier at that time of year. She kept the real reason hidden deep in her heart.

. . . . . . . . .

Good to see you again lass, Kieron smiled, as he bent down to plant a kiss on her forehead. She could see her husband’s likeness each time she looked at his tall, masculine build and mysterious blue eyes. The MacClaire twins had taken their sexy, masculine traits from their warrior father, and their more tempered, logical ones from their mother.

Guess I put a damper on his birthday plans for you, he told them, glancing down in disgust at the unknown intruder.

Who the hell was that guy, and what did he want? Cormac growled. His day was beginning to take a turn for the worse.

We’ll talk inside, Kieron suggested, effortlessly dragging the dead body into their living room. You might want to lock it, he told them, glancing at the door. I don’t know if he was working alone.

Cormac obeyed instantly, turning to reset the combination lock to their elegant apartment. He turned to his wife, who was clearly shaken by the unexpected event. It’s the same one, she told him, as she gazed down at the corpse.

Are you sure, Lila? he asked. She had been experiencing bad dreams lately, dreams which warned her of such an attack.

Yes, definitely, she murmured, closing her eyes and looking away from the gruesome scene.

How will we dispose of the body without the police knowing? she asked nervously.

Kieron grinned, Not a problem, I have my ways. Don’t worry about the police; they’ll never know it happened.

Care for a drink? Cormac asked, stepping to the liquor cabinet. He reached for the bottle of Glenfinnan, which was set aside for times like these. It happened to be Kieron’s favorite.

Aye, I’d love one about now, he smiled, as he bent down to examine the corpse. So fill me in on what’s been going on.

Do you know who he was? Lila asked abruptly, staring nervously at the corpse, as though she expected it to get up and leave.

Not at this moment, he replied, swirling the glass and savoring the rich aroma, but I have my hunches. Who or whatever he was, he certainly knew exactly where to reach you. It does seem quite odd. He gave her a strange expression, one that told her there’d be no secrets when it comes to his son’s safety.

She’s been having the usual dreams and more of the same type of visions, Cormac told him. The doctor just increased her medication, but up to now, it hasn’t changed things.

Kieron watched his daughter in law intently, as she sat fidgeting with her glass. He was sure the unknown man had recognized her, and also sure that Lila would remain silent about it.

Have you ever seen him before Lila, perhaps in passing, or a casual meeting through friends? Kieron’s piercing blue eyes searched hers for the truth. He seemed to have recognized you immediately. The situation gave him cause for concern.

No, not face to face.

He gave her a strange look. Care to explain?

Cormac tensed as he began to realize this was no random act of violence, someone was stalking him, and now for some reason, his wife seemed involved. He bent forward on the couch and looked into her eyes. Are you sure, Lila? He seemed to drop that dagger the minute he saw you, almost as if he knew you. He turned in time to catch his father’s troubled expression.

Lila bristled from the sudden onslaught of persistent questioning. I don’t know why, she snapped defiantly. She was tired of feeling like her worth as a person was judged solely by MacClaire standards.

Kieron watched her defiance intently, carefully forming his own opinions.

Suddenly, a loud crack of lightening sounded just outside their living room window. The three watched in surprise, as the sky grew dark and heavy rain pelted down on the Boston skyline.

Extra pyrotechnical effects for your birthday, Kieron grinned, watching the lightening crack and sear through the air, leaving its strange formations in the midtown sky.

Lila silently fought a new, unexpected feeling of dread which came out of nowhere. I didn’t think we were going to get rain today.

There is no rain, Cormac pointed out, just lightning.

He watched as his father observed the unique lightning patterns as they shot across the sky. Something was troubling him, that much he was sure of.

After several awkward moments of silence, Kieron spoke up. Dermott has been kidnapped.

What! Cormac yelled, jumping up from the sofa. When?

Two days ago, sometime in the early morn. The earth rumbled, the skies grew dark and he disappeared. We searched the castle all day, but could find only his neck torque on the floor of the chapel.

Cormac nervously fingered his own golden torque, identical to that of his twin’s. Chapel? he said, was he meeting someone there?

Not that we were aware of, Kieron replied, as his eyes were suddenly drawn to the magnificent sword hanging on the living room wall. No one knew he’d gone there, until Alistair spotted his torque lying on the floor. Apparently there were a few spots of blood, and a piece of black fabric on the floor, also. He felt there was a struggle.

Black fabric? Cormac scowled, His?

No, Kieron said, as he again experienced the strong pull from the opposite side of the room. His eyes were drawn to the heavy blade. He didn’t remember seeing it the last time he visited. It was stunningly beautiful, and reminded him of something he’d once seen long ago, something which allegedly had been banished for all eternity.

Something new? he asked, getting off the sofa to inspect the unique blade.

Cormac was puzzled. Isn’t that what you and Mom sent for my birthday?

Kieron’s eyes narrowed as he shook his head. No, son. Unfortunately it wasn’t from us, and I don’t remember any one else mentioning it.

Cormac was stumped. Well, if it’s not from you two, then who else would have sent it?

Do you mind if I take it down? Kieron asked, as he stepped over to the unique sword.

Of course not, go ahead, he shrugged. Maybe you can tell me something about it.

Kieron unhooked the elegant blade from its clamps, holding it effortlessly in his hand. He said nothing as a tingling surge of energy immediately jumped to his hand. Just as he’d expected, this blade was clearly enchanted by something quite powerful. As he took in its beauty, he wondered who would have sent his son such a prize.

It appears to be either a priceless find, or an excellent replica of something I once saw. He held the sword reverently, examining the intricate markings along its blade.

When? Cormac asked, walking back to the sofa.

Long ago, before I met your mother. There was a legend about a sword much like this one.

Cormac watched as his father fondled the blade, as if it were a priceless treasure.

At one point in history, a terrible battle occurred between ancient foreign warriors. They were said to possess great mysterious powers, and fought over a stretch of land, somewhere near where Ireland and Scotland now lie.

Druids? Cormac asked, as his father gently replaced the sword on the wall.

No son, this was even earlier than that. Some said they were from another realm, and came to this earth to conquer and set up a new life here. They were locked in a fierce, bloody battle with the people who we now call the early Celts. There was much bloodshed and carnage, for these Celts had no way of defending themselves against the skillfully armed invaders. They say the young leader of these Celts prayed constantly to the Gods to send him help, but none came. One night after almost dying in battle himself, the young warrior had a dream. He was visited by a lovely, ethereal woman who presented him with a special sword, forged by a mysterious unknown power and enchanted with a spell of victory. Unknown runes ran the length of the sword, the same as this, and it proved a quick death to all who opposed it.

What happened to it? Lila asked, intrigued by the story.

Kieron began to chuckle. "Well, apparently it was so powerful, that after it totally annihilated the enemy forces, the people insisted it be banished from their land. It was so potent, they feared it would end up in the wrong hands, and rightly so. The story says it was buried deep in the ground, somewhere on sacred land. The location was never known. The young Lord finally grew old and died, never disclosing its whereabouts to anyone. It’s come to be known as the Sword of Justice."

Cormac sat silently, face paled. He was clearly stunned at the strange story. Son? Kieron called out, pulling him back to reality. Is something wrong?

He turned suddenly, eyes slightly glazed. Ah . . . no, I’m fine, he smiled. That was quite a tale. Kieron watched him intently.

Lila turned to her husband. I too have heard of that story, long ago when I was still a kid. Apparently it was very famous once.You’re right, it was supposed to have been buried deep in hallowed ground, so the wrong person wouldn’t end up with it. You don’t suppose . . . She trailed off as a loud crack of lightning struck the cement outside their window.

How did it arrive? Kieron asked.

It was delivered mysteriously. Just showed up outside the door a few days ago, after someone rang the bell.

Yeah, Lila added, by the time we got to the door, they were gone. No note or anything.

It does seem quite strange, Kieron added, glancing back at the blade. I believe this sword is priceless, it would be nice to know who to thank. Obviously, they don’t want their identity known.

Makes no sense, Cormac shrugged, glancing over at his wife. I know I checked the box it came in several times, before I threw it away. It was empty, and I remember thinking it seemed kind of strange, especially for Mom.

Kieron chuckled as he nodded his head in agreement. Aye, she does get a little carried away with cards and such. Tell me, have you held it for any length of time?

Yeah, once or twice before I finally hung it on the wall.

And, what did you think? He was searching to see if Cormac experienced the same surge of power he had.

It’s sure heavy, he grinned. That must have been a very strong dude that used it.

Kieron sighed with relief. He hadn’t felt the dormant energy within the sword, but why?

I found it hard to believe that you two sent it, since you always knew of my dislike for that kind of stuff.

Aye son, I remember, Kieron smiled, dropping the issue.

It’s enchanted, Lila said suddenly, drawing the immediate attention of both Cormac and Kieron.

Kieron’s head spun around in surprise. How did you know that? he asked. She never mentioned too much about the sword, when it first showed up outside their door.

I don’t know, she said defensively. "I just know it. What difference does it make?"

Calm down, Lila Cormac insisted. There’s nothing wrong with that. It just seems a little odd, since you’ve never talked about it at all.

Kieron watched the two. It was quite clear to him, Lila was hiding something, even if she didn’t realize it.

Could it have been meant for Dermott, and sent here by mistake? Cormac asked casually, ignoring his wife’s strange comment, and returning to the sofa. He’s the one who’s always been so weapon crazy. Perhaps it arrived here in error.

Kieron sat back on the sofa. He leaned against the soft cushions, stretching his legs, and reached for his glass. Very possibly, he sighed, he did have a very active enthusiasm for weaponry like this.

He took a drink, then placed the glass on the coffee table. Remember that course your brother took a few months ago?

Yeah, Cormac chuckled, the one with the weird professor. I remember how he made us laugh when he described that dude. Always wearing black, and taught a crazy course in Ancient Spells and Demonology. I think he was certifiably nuts.

Kieron chuckled at his son’s description.

He turned to his wife. He told us this professor claimed he was one of the Fae, and possessed great mystical powers. Said he could shift into any form he chose, and conversed nightly with a black griffin.

Gryphon? Kieron said, looking up suddenly. A strange choice for a companion, yet they’re renowned for their intelligence and fierce loyalty. I would venture to guess it wasn’t a gryphon in reality, but something else.

Or someone else? Cormac joked.

Kieron nodded with a smile. You never know.

Lila began to laugh. If you grew up in Ireland, that might not seem too strange. We always have a story to tell that borders on the paranormal. Anyway, there are many people in this modern world who enjoy learning about the occult. That doesn’t necessarily mean he was involved.

Kieron’s smile was tolerant. I’m not talking about the modern world, lass. I’m quite sure this entity teaching that class is much older than you realize.

Older? she said, with a faraway look.

Cormac agreed, as he looked at his father. What did you do when you found out about it?

"I had discussed quitting the class with your brother, but he told me he felt strong enough to resist such garbage, as he put it. Said he was in it for amusement. I sense in some way they were struggling for power."

Power? Cormac scowled. What type of power?

Something very old. He wanted to both befriend your brother, yet he was competing with him at the same time. He could apparently sense Dermott’s great capabilities for unleashing powerful ancient magick, and was in some way intimidated. That’s my guess for now.

Cormac nodded. I do remember reading a few chapters about the Fae in one of the old books housed in our library. Apparently they were quite powerful, and skillful to boot.

Aye, Kieron agreed. "They’ve come to be known as Time Walkers in some circles, mainly due to their unique ability to shift through time, apparently in whatever shape they choose."

Lila frowned. Time walkers? Shift through time? What are you guys talking about?

Cormac reached over to take her hand in his. She felt the unique power of his own heritage surging, just below his skin. A powerful spirit who can take the shape of man or beast, he explained.

Like a shape shifter?

Somewhat, he smiled. But a shifter usually changes into the same creature, and doesn’t alter from that. Time walkers change into anything they wish, and possess powerful magick from ages ago.

Cormac chuckled at her bewildered expression.

It goes back to the legend of the Fae, Kieron explained, not quite fully human, but more of a unique hybrid, existing temporarily here on this earth. They were immensely intelligent, and today’s generation either refuses to believe they ever existed, or feel they’ve retreated into some other astral dimension by force. Of course, in every race of geniuses, there are those who have gone rogue. His expression grew dark.

Lila sat spellbound, recalling stories told to her by her long departed relatives, relatives who felt it strangely important for her to hear such stories. My family told me much about the Fae when I was a child, she said, with deep longing. Especially my granny. It’s a folklore which reaches back to ancient Ireland and the early Celts. She told me long ago, there was a special book, or manuscript I guess you might call it. It was very old, and existed in my father’s side of the family for as long as anyone can recall. It was always closely guarded, and never spoken of in public.

Cormac’s expression was intense. What kind of book? You never mentioned it to me.

She smiled knowingly. I guess because it was a topic heavily shrouded in secrecy for as long as I can remember. Sort of a family tradition, I guess you could say. No one ever spoke of it except behind closed doors, and in hushed voices. It was almost as if it was sacred.

Why? he asked, trying to make sense of what she was telling him.

She sighed, gazing out the window with a faraway look to her eyes. "That’s the strange part. Granny always referred to it as The Book of Powers, and told us it had been a family secret for generations, for as long as anyone can remember. Whenever she or granddad referred to it, it was always very secretly, in hushed undertones and never in public. I can remember seeing the fear in their eyes, even then. I wondered what could be so terrible, to put such fear in their hearts?"

Lila took a few minutes to reminisce. She sat back in her chair, staring out the window. She told us that particular book had been hunted throughout history.

Kieron suddenly looked up in interest. Hunted? By whom?

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don’t know, they never told me. Sometimes I felt they were keeping something from me. Apparently, this book contained the names and hierarchy of Fae Royalty, members of the Seelie Court and their Queen. The Tuatha Dé Danann or Tuatha Dé, grannie would call them. She said the book explained each person’s magical energies, endowed by the Goddess Danu herself. It seemed a very secretive thing, since we were never allowed to talk of it openly. Her eyes sparkled with a combination of joy and fear.

"There was also something else in that book,