Avelina gave her a quick explanation, then finished by saying, “Alex has chosen John to be the bearer of the sapphire sword. Legend has it he must marry within two moons, but since he is so young, he cannot do so.”
“But could we not become betrothed,Seanair?” John suggested. “Would that not complete the legend, make it intact? I’ll want no other lass but Coira.”
Coira blushed and smiled, clearly pleased by the thought.
Logan jumped to his feet and said, “Works for all of Scotland. Coira, do you agree to marry John when you are eight and ten?”
John smiled and reached for her hand. She clasped it and nodded. “Of course. Naught would make me happier.”
“’Tis done, Grant,” Logan declared. “John Alexander Grant is the protector of the sapphire sword. You must never let it fall into another’s hands, John. You’re to use it to eliminate whatever evil is plaguing our land, and once your duty is done, you must hide it and protect it with your life. Do you accept this charge?”
“And you must marry Coira when the time is right,” Avelina added.
“I am honored to accept.” He tilted his head. “But how will I recognize the Queen of the Fae if she appears to me as she has to you?”
“You’ll not miss her,” Logan said. “It’s a rare lass who appears within a swarm of butterflies.” He clapped John on the back. “Now go off and find Chrissa and Drostan with your sire and the guards waiting outside. Be sure to kill any evil along the way. There’s something bad out there. I can feel it.”
John glanced at Alex, seeking verification of what Logan had said.
“There are guards awaiting you. They’ll bring you to your sire. You’ll be riding with the Highland Swords, lad.”
“You must use it this day,” Avelina said, her voice harsher and more urgent than usual. “In fact, I would urge you not to hesitate. I can feel the rage inside of the sword. ’Tis reacting to evil around us. You’ll know what to do when the time comes. John, I’ve heard of your past success with the spectral power used by the Highland Swords. It has been dormant for a while now. Am I correct, Alex?”
“Not exactly dormant. We had no need for it for a long time. Dyna thinks it will return when necessary. I have to trust her instincts.”
“It may be because you needed the last piece, this sword. My guess is your niece and nephews were given their ability to protect John and the sapphire sword. Please consider that, John. The two powers are likely connected. They create the same storm surges. Use the sword well because together, their power could be even stronger.”
John, clearly humbled by what Avelina said, squeezed Coira’s hand and nodded. “I vow to do my best to protect the sapphire sword, guard it well, and only use it to protect our clans and all of Scotland.”
“One last thing,” Avelina said. “John, as bearer of the sapphire sword, I suspect you may have some powers of sight. You may get the inkling that something evil is near, that something feels wrong. Trust your gut. You’ll learn over time when ’tis real and when ’tis false, but until then, trust all that you feel. I also found that the closer I was to the evil force, the more the sword heated.”
“Heated?”
“Aye, the hilt will warm to your touch, much like the spectral swords. Another reason why I believe they are connected.”
“I shall do my best,” John nodded emphatically.
Avelina gave them each a swift hug, then said, “If you ever have questions, you’re always welcome on Menzie land. Both of you. And if you ever feel you’re in a bind, please call out to Erena. She will help you.”
John nodded before he left, Coira followed, and the door closed behind them.
“I think you chose well, Alex,” Avelina said. “I’m glad to turn it over to someone new.”
“Now he needs to find the bastard who’s out to get half of Scotland,” Logan said. “My belly won’t rest until he does.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Alex is there to escort one more granddaughter to her betrothed.
Chrissa woke up and raced to the window, throwing the shutters back and hanging out the window.
Maryell mumbled, “Well?”
“’Twill be a most glorious day. Not a cloud in the blue sky. A perfect day for my wedding!” she declared, throwing her arms up over her head, as giddy as any lass on her wedding day. “I wonder what Drostan is doing.”
“Yelling at someone to let him sleep,” Merelda mumbled, her face hidden under the covers.
A knock sounded at the door and Chrissa giggled. “You’ll not sleep another minute, and you know it.”
