Dyna said, “I’ve heard the legend. Many years ago, an evil spirit found the sword, stole it away, and tried to kill many undeserving people, including Avelina Ramsay. The Queen of the Fae, a woman named Erena, came to Avelina and told her to find it and steal it back. The fae do not want it in the hands of evil.”
“But what is the purpose of the sapphire sword?”
“I don’t know if I can answer that, but Grandsire will tell you that the forces of the Grants and the Ramsays had to protect Avelina to save the sword, supposedly because it can havespecial powers. Grandpapa always speaks of it being a powerful storm unlike any other. But ’twas so long ago. Does she still hold the sword, Grandsire?”
“Aye, she still has it or knows where ’tis hidden. She married Drew Menzie. It hasn’t been fifty years yet, but if the evil is strong enough, it could take place.”
“But who will she give it to?”
“I think I know.” The old man smiled, tipping his face up to the wind. “’Tis time.”
The Scot’s Deception
Book 5
Oh, did I get hate mail for this, but you all knew it was time. I led you there slowly, letting you down easily. And if it hadn’t happened, the angels in Clans of Mull would never have come to be!
Prologue
Maddie comes to Alex one more time, and even Alex is shocked by her words…
1314, the Highlands of Scotland
Alexander Grant closed his eyes, hoping he’d be blessed with a visit from his wife, who had passed on before him. She came to him in his dreams, something that happened no more than twice a moon. He treasured each instance, holding the feelings close to his heart.
A mist appeared at the opposite side of his chamber, and he climbed out of bed, praying it was his wife.
“I’m here, Alex.”
Her voice came to him in a soft whisper, the same voice she had used with him in bed after their lovemaking, talking quietly so as not to awaken the bairns down the passageway.
“I miss you so, Maddie.” Her voice, her scent, his memories…they nearly undid him.
“Alex, is that a tear? Oh, Alex, do not cry. ’Twill not be long now, I promise.”
“Maddie, when will you trust our bairns and grandbairns to do battle on their own, to see Scotland move ahead with the skills and sense we’ve raised them with? I’m nearly eightysummers, love. My bones pain me daily now, and I can no longer use my sword. My movements are slowing.”
“But you can still use your mind. Do you recall long ago when your mother spoke to you about the fae?” She moved closer and reached out to brush the wetness from his cheek. Her gown was the heavily brocaded green one she used to wear at the holidays, gold thread stitched into the bodice. She even carried the scent of the pine boughs she used to carefully arrange around the great hall.
Forcing himself to listen, he thought back to his mother’s stories. “Aye, she always told Brenna and me that the fae would help protect this land from evil, but they would sometimes need a wee bit of help from us.”
“And do you recall Avelina’s power?”
“Aye, she was chosen by the fae to wield the power in their relic, the sapphire sword, and to protect it until she passes it on.”
She stepped into his arms, her finger tracing his jawline. “You are as handsome now as ever, Alexander Grant.”
As soon as she touched him, his aches and pains disappeared. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her slowly, savoring her. She was the one who pulled away, a look of regret on her face. “Alex, the time has come for Avelina to pass along the protectorship of the sword. She will bring it to you. ’Tis up to you to choose who will hold its power.”
“Tell me who should wield it, and I will see to it, Maddie.”
“You must determine that. I cannot do it for you, but I trust your judgment.” Her expression turned solemn. “The sword will be needed soon. A big battle is coming, Alex. If all goes well, King Robert will finally send the English back home. You’ll finally understand our grandbairns’ power.”
She moved back until their gazes locked. “But you’re needed for something far more important to me. Please be patient, husband.”
“Anything for you. What has you worried this time?”
“There are two more problems. One is that an evil force plans to overtake Grant Castle, and the other problem is much, much worse.”
