Chapter 43
After their trip to Daroonga Castle, the spirit Logan and Kieran shared revealed what it discovered about Slate’s whipping. Seeing Dakota twitching in his sleep, Kieran now knew what was triggering it.
Logan quietly entered Dakota’s bedroom, joining his mate. Keeping his voice low, Kieran said, “When Dakota wakes up, he must be told what’s happening to Slate…it’s the only way to keep Slate alive until we get there.”
“I know. Do you think Dakota’s ready for it?” asked Logan.
“Yes, he’s far stronger than he knows and it’s time he learns it.”
“Will you be able to do it or should I have Mystia bring Oracle here?”
“I can do it, our spirit will guide me.”
“Good. Dylon wants to talk to Colton and Ian, so if you are okay here, I’ll go get them.”
“I’m fine. Dakota will be sleeping for a couple of hours more, so go do what’s needed,” Kieran said.
“Love you, babe,” Logan said as he left to get his brother and Ian.
“Ditto, macushla.”
~/~/~/~/~
If the Scottish Wolf shifters helped them, Dylon’s last problem would be solved.
Waiting for Colton and Ian to join him, he went over his plan again, checking everything from what would happen when, to who’d be doing what.
The door to the suite opened and Logan entered with Cody, Colton and Ian following him.
After they were seated around the table, Dylon began by handing out copies of his plan of attack and rescue.
Giving everyone time to read it, he said, “Our reconnaissance mission tonight was successful…first in confirming the location of Slate and, second, in determining how many shifters we’re up against.”
“Did you see Slate?” asked Ian.
“No, but we learned he’s in bad shape…we either get him out tonight or it’ll turn into a recovery mission,” Dylon answered grimly.
“We also found out the mercenaries and Slate are protected by 55 shifters. I don’t know who they are and don’t have the time to find out, so I’m assuming they’re trained soldiers-for-hire, which means we must be prepared to fight to the death. ”
“Do we have enough enforcers to handle 55 shifter soldiers?” asked Colton.
“Yes, but I can’t use them. I need them here to protect Fionn and everyone else who remains behind.
For all I know, taking Slate was just a red herring to get us to leave Fionn unprotected when we attempt the rescue.
Remember, Dakota told the kidnappers he wanted to talk to Slate before he’d tell them the whereabouts of Fionn’s hoard.
If their goal was actually to get possession of the hoard, they’d have had Slate call Dakota, but no call was ever made.
That leads me to believe their target is still Fionn.
My guess is his father intends to have Fionn tortured by the mercenaries before, ultimately, killing him. ”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but if Slate is that close to death, how do you know he’ll survive another day?” asked Colton.
“We don’t. While time is of the essence, what’s more critical is how we’re going to rescue Slate when the odds are against us.
To put it bluntly, I need about 50 to 75 shifters I can hire for the rescue mission and the only ones close enough are your Scottish Wolf shifters.
So I need your permission to speak to them about it. ”
Ian looked at Colton for a few seconds, then turning to Dylon, said, “I don’t have any objections, but these shifters have never met me, so my permission is worth nothing, even though I’m their king,” Ian paused, before saying, “but I know someone who can pave the way for you with them.”
“Captain Brian Crannach,” Logan said, grinning.
“Yes, he knows them quite well,” Colton chuckled.
“Where can I find him?” Dylon asked.
“He runs sightseeing tours on Loch Ness,” answered Logan, snickering, “you know, for tourists to snap photos of the Loch Ness monster.”
“What’s so funny?” asked Dylon, puzzled by Logan and Colton’s reaction. “It obviously has something to do with Crannach so care to share so we all can enjoy the joke?”
Logan smirked. “Ever hear of the Loch Ness Monster?”
“Of course, who hasn’t heard…you’re fucking with me! Crannach is the Loch Ness Monster?” asked Dylon.
“No shit!” exclaimed Cody.
“Well, actually he is a sea serpent shifter but a human once called him that when he saw Brian swimming in the loch and it stuck,” Colton explained. “Ever since Ian’s father died, he’s been helping the Scottish Wolf shifters so he’s your man.”
“Perfect! How do I get hold of him?” Dylon asked.
Colton shrugged. “He’s always at his boat.”
“Doesn’t he have a phone?”
“Nope, not as far as I know. If you want to see him, you have to go to his boat,” Colton said.
Dylon looked at Logan. “I’m going to need a lift.”
Glancing at the time, Logan said, “If we leave right now, I can get you there while it’s still dark, pick up the Captain and fly you both to Ian’s subjects, but when we come back, I’ll have to land outside of Inverness because it’ll be getting light.
I won’t be able to fly you all the way back to Edinburgh. ”
“Fine, I’ll hire a car to drive us back,” Dylon said.
“I think I should go with you,” Ian said.
“No!” exclaimed Colton. “You’re pregnant and you’re not getting on the back of a dragon to fly anywhere.”
Ian stared at Colton intently, then said slowly, “Did you say ‘no’? I thought we settled the issue of your need to over-protect me.”
“Why don’t you both go?” asked Logan, mediating the disagreement. “I know you’re fully capable of going by yourself, Ian, but it would make me feel better if you had Colton along in case there are any problems with the Scottish Wolf shifters.”
“Babe, I’m sorry,” Colton said. “I’m freaking out over your pregnancy but that’s no excuse for my behavior.”
“Thank you, babe,” smiled Ian, “I would love it if you were at my side when I meet my subjects for the first time.”
“Good. Let’s get a move on while the sky is still black,” Logan said, getting up from the table. “I’ll see you on the roof in five minutes. I just want to see Kieran before we leave.”
~/~/~/~/~
Logan found an isolated place to land near the dock where Captain Brian Crannach’s boat was tied up and, after shifting, he led Dylon, Ian and Colton to it.
“Captain,” Ian called, standing by the gangplank. “He might be sleeping.”
“Should we go aboard and knock on the cabin door?” asked Dylon.
Suddenly, there was a splash on the far side of the boat and shortly thereafter a dripping wet Brian, wearing only shorts, appeared on deck to greet them.
Walking over to Ian, he bowed. “Sorry, Your Majesty, I was enjoying the darkness of the night. Please, come aboard. Let’s talk down below.
” Unlocking the cabin door, the Captain stood back as everyone single-filed down the narrow steps, before following them.
Taking a seat across from Ian and Colton, Brian asked, “What canna do for you, sir?”
“Captain, I’m sorry to disturb you at this time of night but time is of the essence. I have need of your assistance but it’s complicated so I think it’s best if my brother-in-law, Dylon, explains,” Ian said.
“Aye, he’s your brother-in-law?” asked Brian.
“Yes, is there a problem?” asked Ian.
“Naa, it’s not every day I meet someone the gods have gifted. I’m honored to meet ya,” Brian said, adding, “Tell me what you need me to do.”
Dylon explained everything that had happened since Logan and Kieran saved Fionn, including Slate’s kidnapping.
“Everything’s ready to go but I need to hire about 75 men who’ll keep the men guarding Daroonga Castle busy while my group goes in and rescues Slate.
We have to go tonight, which doesn’t give me enough time to fly in more enforcers.
The odds of success without extra help are poor.
The only shifters close enough for me to hire are the Scottish Wolves and I need someone to introduce me so I can present my offer. ”
“Aye, I can do that, but they won’t accept your money,” Brian said, “and if you offer it, you’ll be insultin’ them. These are proud shifters and they won’t be takin’ kindly to havin’ an invasion of mercenaries on their home soil. If ya want their help, ask for it, but dinna mention money.”
“Thanks for the advice, Brian. I’d like to go as soon as you’re ready. Logan needs to fly at night,” said Dylon.
Brian looked at Logan. “How’s the Shaman?”
“Kieran’s fine. We’re expecting a pup,” Logan answered.
“Congratulations,” Brian smiled. “You’re the one flying me today?”
“Yes, Captain.”
“Humph, make sure you don’t do any tricks.”
“I won’t,” Logan said, “Kieran would skin me alive if he found out I did any fancy stuff with Ian on my back.”
“Gimme a minute to change, then we can go.”
~/~/~/~/~
Dylon was standing in front of one hundred kneeling Scottish Wolves dressed in kilts, their broadsword tips buried in the soil in front of them as they swore their fealty to King Ian and his mate Colton—driving home, like nothing had before, that Ian was, indeed, royalty.
Looking out over at the rugged and fierce looking shifters, he was reminded of a book he read long ago about them, and the fighting techniques they’d perfected.
He knew if they’d help him, there wouldn’t be a mercenary alive by the time the fighting ended.
After Ian accepted his subjects’ oath of loyalty, he instructed them to rise, and Brian gestured Dylon forward to speak.
Starting with Logan and Kieran’s rescue of Fionn MacDùghlas, he recounted the failed kidnapping of the young dragon and finished with the kidnapping of Slate.
Then, pausing as he remembered what Brian had advised, he implored the warriors to help him fight to save his brother-in-law.
The shifters stared at him in silence. Then a man stepped forward, saying, “Aye, the name’s Angus MacGhille. We would be honored to fight for your cause but we canna do it unless our King orders us to.”
Brian stepped over to Ian and murmured, “They’ve sworn allegiance to you. Now you must give them orders to fight the mercenaries.”
Nodding, Ian stepped forward, “Angus, is this a fight you deem worthy of you and your men?”
Turning around to face the gathered shifters, Angus asked, “What say ye?”
One by one, the wild and strong shifters raised their broadswords and when Angus was the only one left who hadn’t, he turned back to his king. Slowly raising his sword, he cried out, “Aye!”
“I order you to fight with Dylon and his men to drive these foreign shifters from our land.” Stepping down from the flat rock where he stood, Ian then mingled with his subjects, greeting each one, asking about their families and their occupations, before returning to the rock.
Then, facing them again, he stood quietly until all were silent, and said, “May the gods guide our swords of righteousness.”
As the air filled with howls for battle, Angus walked over to Dylon and said, “We are honored to fight with you.”
“As I am with you,” Dylon said. Then, pointing to Logan, “He is the brother of the King’s Consort. His name is Logan.”
Angus walked over to Logan. “The Fates have smiled upon us by bringing back our king and his consort. We are at your service.”
“And I, at yours,” replied Logan.
Angus turned back to Dylon. “Come, tell me your plan and what you need my men to do.”
~/~/~/~/~
Kieran waited until Dakota had showered, dressed and eaten breakfast before leading him to the sofa in the living room of Dylon’s suite where they sat side by side.
Placing his hand on Dakota’s leg, Kieran said, “Last night, when you were sleeping, Dylon, Logan and I checked out Daroonga Castle. Slate is being held there.”
“You found my mate? When are we going? Where’s Dylon now? He didn’t go without me, did he?” asked Dakota.
“No, he hasn’t gone there, yet…he went to recruit men to help us rescue Slate and we’ll be leaving tonight to get him,” Kieran responded.
It was Kieran’s voice that tipped off Dakota that something was wrong and, though he was afraid to ask, there wasn’t any other choice. “What’s wrong with Slate?”
“Slate is dying,” Kieran said. Dakota’s cry of pain filled the room as Kieran watched tears roll down the gentle and loving man’s cheeks.
Grabbing Dakota’s hands and holding them tight, Kieran said, “I need you to help him…help him stay alive until we can get to him…Dakota, do you hear me? Slate needs you!”
Kieran’s insistent voice finally broke through and Dakota’s eyes focused on the man who’d helped him so much during these dark times. “I don’t understand. What can I do from here?” asked Dakota.
“Oracle didn’t tell you everything about what happens when two life forces are combined into a single one. I’m not sure why, but I do know you’ll have to be very strong to do what Slate needs right now. I believe you are.”
Dakota nodded, “Tell me Kieran. Tell me how I can save my mate’s life. I will do anything. I can do anything.”
“Because you and Slate share one life force, you each can provide whatever’s necessary for the other by using your mind.
Slate now needs the mental toughness you have, Dakota, and while he got a boost to his mental strength when your life forces joined, you can now intensify it to increase his will to survive until we get there. ”
“Anything he needs…only I don’t know how to do it.”
“I know sweetie, I’m going to help you. Remember when you were using your Shadow Voice with Warren?
” Kieran asked. After seeing Dakota nod, he continued, “Okay, first you have to remove your block so you can feel emotions and hear thoughts. Go ahead…good…now find Slate’s thoughts…
they are going to be weak but search until you find them. ”
Dakota closed his eyes, intent on finding his mate’s thoughts through all the shadow voices flooding his mind.
Frequently sidetracked at first when strong negative thoughts overpowered his attention, he soon became adept at discarding them until he finally homed in on his mate’s thoughts.
Unnerved at how faint they were, he exclaimed, “I found them...what do I do? Quickly, tell me what I should do!”
“Call upon the part of you in Slate and use it to strengthen his will against the pain. Give him a reason to live. Do it now, Dakota!”
He did it…Slate’s thoughts were becoming stronger…his mate was fighting to stay alive…to come back to him and their pup…and then across the miles, his mate’s thoughts suddenly were filled with love for him and their pup.
Kieran knew the moment it happened—the love between the mates shined on Dakota’s face, as tears of joy slowly rolled down his cheeks.