Free Dragon Knight's Sword by Mary Morgan Page A

wrongdoings. In the end, Alex would obey his brother, their laird, until that day of reckoning.
    Patrick only acknowledged the druid’s presence for the sake of his laird—nothing more. Moving aside, he went over to the hearth and stood.
    “Sit, Lachlan. Wine?” Michael asked.
    “Certainly.”
    A servant came forth bringing a cup for Lachlan.
    Lachlan nodded his thanks to Michael and took a seat next to him, without giving Patrick any acknowledgement. Taking a sip of the wine, he placed his cup down and spread his palms down upon the table.
    “I bring ye grave news, my laird, one which will surely be of concern to ye. Duncan Mackay has left upon his quest to seek out the sword.”
    Michael’s lips thinned and he slammed his fist onto the massive table. “Nae!” he roared.
    Patrick had sense to stay by the hearth and not breathe a word. For if Lachlan’s words were true then it would mean war again with the Mackays. His only concern was for Adam. Where are ye, Adam?
    Michael stood and looked at Patrick, anticipating his thoughts. “We need to find Adam, now!”
    “I know, brother,” responded Patrick. He walked over and placed his hand on Michael’s shoulder. “I’ll ride out with some of the men before dawn’s light.”
    Michael tensed, then placed his hand across Patrick and laid it on his shoulder. “I ride with ye.” He then faced Lachlan. “Where did ye hear this news, and do ye ken where the Mackay is traveling?”
    Patrick blanched. He had never heard Michael ever question Lachlan.
    Lachlan slowly looked up from his cup of wine. “A vision came to me by the great goddess, one ye should heed, my laird.”
    Michael stilled himself shortly in thought, and then nodded to Lachlan in understanding. Making his way from the hall, he motioned for his men to follow.
    Moving away from the hearth, Patrick went to follow Michael, but not before Lachlan stopped him with his words. “Travel quickly, lest your brother die at the hands of that beast Mackay.”
    Patrick slowly turned, steeling his emotions as he spoke. “We shall see if the Mackay is indeed a beast.” He left, leaving Lachlan in his place.
    “If ye are not careful, Patrick, ye may be the brother to perish. One can only pray to the gods for it to be so,” as an evil smile spread across the druid’s face.

Chapter 12
    “If you lead the dragon to safety, will he choose the path filled with light or will he want to remain in the dark, therefore believing himself saved?”
    They had traveled during the day, and night was approaching fast. Stopping only once to tend to their horses and their needs before journeying onward, they made sure their new traveling companion was never far from their sight.
    Cormac slowed, watching the falcon.
    As if sensing his thoughts, Duncan said, “Yes, she never ventures far, as if she is guiding us.” He slowed Brandubh, the horse snorting as if in agreement with Duncan.
    “It cannot fool ye either,” Duncan muttered, as he laid a gloved hand on Brandubh’s mane. “It’s leading us to the druid, aye?” Brandubh gave another snort and Cormac laughed.
    Duncan chuckled softly and then froze. Something or someone was in the trees ahead of them.
    Cormac was the first to unsheathe his sword, as Duncan did as well, dismounting quickly from Brandubh. Giving a quick nod to Cormac and a wave of his hand to signal where he was going, Duncan moved as a warrior approaching his enemy. Sword arm raised, he was prepared to do battle with whatever was behind the trees.
    A screech from the falcon sent both horses darting back and forth, hoofs stomping the ground in protest. The falcon dived and swooped at Duncan, talons outstretched as if to tear at him. If Duncan had not moved fast enough, he would have been doing battle with the falcon.
    The falcon descended again. Cormac had Duncan’s back as Duncan was ready to lunge at what or who was coming forth. He did not want to kill the bird, but he feared it was a distraction with