“Come back to me,” he said, his eyes sparkled like the light on his roses. Cupping my cheek with his hand, he moved our heads together. “No matter what happens next, this isn’t the last time we’re together.”
I leaned into his touch—he knew I couldn’t guarantee what he asked, but that wasn’t the point. He wanted me to know he didn’t care what his grandfather said, he was going to fight for us. And I was going to fight just as hard.
“I promise we will be together again soon.”
Chapter Six
Cinaed:
The neolithic stones loomed against the pre-dawn sky, their weathered surfaces painted in shades of violet and deep blue. I was struck by how old the place felt, which shouldn’t have surprised me given they were put there five thousand years ago. Still, even for a phoenix, this place was ancient.
Bart was the first into the circle, followed closely by his brother Leo. They were a pair. The serious older brother who suppressed his playful side to tackle the world’s problems, and the more carefree younger one who tried to hide the exceptional mind behind humor. Even Roderick couldn’t explain why they chose to conceal parts of themselves.
“This is astounding,” Bart said, his purple stone glowing as he traced detection spells through the air. “An extraordinary amount of magic has been cast inside this stone circle. The echoes still reside in the stones.”
“Careful,” Leo said as we moved closer. “He’s half a step from geeking out on us.”
I probably should’ve laughed, but I was focused on what Bart had discovered. Placing my hand on one of the megaliths, the stone pulsed under my palm, thrumming with dormant power. “They don’t just remember, they’re preserving something.”
Cael joined his mate, placing a hand over Bart’s. He’d shifted to his elven form to enhance his earth magic. “There are spells woven into the stones. They’re old and powerful, but entwined closely with the Earth.”
“Someone is watching us.” Gundhram moved closer to me and Leo.
Father had contacted someone he said might be helpful, but I forgot to tell the others. “It is probably my father’s friend.”
“I’d nae presume to call myself his friend,” a voice said from below the hill. “But I am here because Prince Malachy asked me to come.”
The phoenix who walked up the hill was older than any I’d seen before. Far older than my grandfather. He carried his age like a well-loved cloak.
“I am Aonghas.” His amber eyes fixed on me. “Yer father thought I might know somethin about this place, young Prince FionnLaoch. I know many things, so it might be best to ask me what you want to know.”
“Do you know who placed the magic in these stones?” Bart asked.
“Nae, laddie.” He rested his hand on the side of a towering stone. “They were old before I was born.”
It was hard to determine the level of Aonghas’s willingness to provide information. He said he’d come to help, but it was clear he’d only give us information if we asked the right questions. “What were they used for?”
“That’s a popular question.” The expression on Aonghas’ weathered features shifted. “I’m not sure who built them or why, but druids still roamed these isles when I was a child. They used the Ring of Brodgar to banish demons. They also used the Stones of Stenness, but it’s much smaller and not as powerful.”
In coming here, we all half expected Aonghas’s answer, but hearing the words was still shocking. “Are you sure?” I asked.
“I’d nae hae said it if I weren’t.” He removed his hand from the stone and moved toward the center. “The rings are older than written history, but I’ve watched over them for close to twenty-eight centuries. Before Katarina and Adelais created the Great Ward, these stones and others around the world kept us safe. And if demons managed to come for us, the druids used these circles to send them back.”
“Excuse me?” Leo said, pulling his wool peacoat tighter around his body. “You said it was a popular question. Has someone else asked about it recently?”
“Aye.” Aonghas spat toward an open space. “Trio of mages came asking questions, here and at Stenness. The locals sent them to me, but I turned them away. Didn’t like their aura.”
My fear was visible on everyone else’s face. “Can you describe them?”
“I ain’t much good with words, but I can show you.” He pointed to me.
I knew what he was offering and it spoke of his trust in my father. This wasn’t just viewing his memories, it was experiencing them. Whatever Aonghas was feeling, I’d feel as if I were him. “You honor me.”
“It don’t take a genius to know them three had something to do with King Ailpein’s disappearance.” He held out his hand. “You bein his kin, I want to help you find him.”
Fortunately, Aonghas wouldn’t see my thoughts because I wasn’t as committed to finding my grandfather as he expected.“I need to show what I see to my friends. I won’t share more than their faces, but I need your permission first.”
“Your Highness is polite to ask, but do whatever you need to find our king.”
