THE MORRIGAN CHRONICLES

I WENT BACK to the room and Neil was sitting up in bed.

“Come here.” He extended his hands towards me.

I fastened my long sword down the center of my back with my two medium swords crossing over it. I preferred the medium ones and with two swords, there was nothing that was a match for me.

I leaned down and kissed Neil, but pulled away. “I’m sorry my love, I can’t. Change of plans for today. You’ll be training with Brian and the group of Knights he’s been working with. It’s time you begin to learn to fight as a team. To lead them.”

I tried to make it sound like it was my plan all along but wasn’t sure he bought it. It was a good reason as any, though, and it would be useful for him to begin training with others and not just me.

“What are you going to be doing? I’ve never seen you use those smaller swords. Why do you have them on?” He was up and getting dressed, the muscles of his body slightly distracting my thoughts.

“I’ve got some recon to do. I’m not sure when I’ll be back. Probably gone a few days. A week at most.” I continued placing various knives into my boots.

“Morrigan.” He turned me so I faced him. “You’re arming yourself like you’re going into World War III. What’s going on? And don’t say recon. Something’s up.”

I was going to speak with King Conall and gather a few of my fellow Teulu. Once I had the king’s approval, Emrys could take us to these creatures and we could find out what was going on. I loved Neil and I trusted him. But I needed him to focus on his task, which was to learn as much as he could. Not worrying about me.

“Neil, it’s all precautionary. I’m more than capable of handling a situation if it should arise. I’ll tell you everything when I get back. I love you.” And with that I kissed him and walked out, heading to the King’s quarters.

It was still early but I knew the King would be awake. I didn’t hesitate when I knocked at the door. And kept knocking. And didn’t stop until the door flung open with a mostly naked King standing in the doorway looking perturbed.

“Good morning,” I said cheerily.

The King stood in his underwear, tall and solid. Anger left his face at seeing me. His eyes lifted and the half grin he reserved for just me when I intrigued him replaced his grimace.

“Morrigan. You seem rather chipper this morning. Why, if I didn’t know better I’d say you were excited about something.” His grin widened.

I was giddy. Actually bouncing as I stood. I heard Deidra in the background sigh in annoyance as the King mentioned my name. I may have bounced a little higher after that.

I relayed what Emrys had told me, and my plan. I was anxious to see what these creatures were capable of, and to be honest, it had been a long time since I’d come across anything I’d never seen before. That, and as much as I enjoyed training and my time with Neil, I was created for battle. Real battle. I enjoyed hunting, tracking and fighting my enemy. Ridding this world of those that would do harm to others. I thrived on it.

“Can you at least come in so I’m not standing in the hall in my underwear? It’s really not regal at all.” He opened the door wider.

I entered but couldn’t sit. I was too excited. The King never bothered to put on more clothes and the view was not one I minded. I felt the stupid grin on my face, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t suppress it. Deidra was banging around in the restroom and finally I heard the water run. I found joy knowing I had probably ruined her day. Yay Morrigan!

“So all it takes to make you a happy woman is to agree to let you take five of your Teulu and Emrys on a scavenger hunt for vampires and werewolves?” He was mocking me but I didn’t care.

“Yes! Yes that’s all that I want. One week’s time, maximum. I know this is all tied to us, somehow. I just need to get more pieces of this puzzle.”

I hated sounding like I was pleading but the King could decide to not let me go and then… oh hell, let’s get real, I was going anyway. I knew it and he knew it. But him giving permission would make things much easier.

“You know I trust you, Morrigan.” I melted a little every time he used my name and he knew it. Why had I ever told him that? He paused, I know, to let my name linger for a moment before he continued. “I trust you more than anyone on this realm or any other. If this is what you wish then so be it.”

I jumped over to him and gave him a hug. He kissed my cheek and pulled away with a serious expression. “We don’t know these creatures. I want you to promise me you’ll be safe. You’ll be methodical and observe before you jump in. You will return unharmed.”

“I promise I will return unharmed, as will my men,” I vowed. We took promises very seriously. Even the smallest of things were not taken for granted.

“I want you to come back unharmed. Promise me, Morrigan, that if you have to, you will save yourself. Even if that means at the cost of another’s life.” He was serious.

“Conall,” I only called him by name without his title when it was just us. “You know I cannot make that promise. I will always fight like hell to stay alive and I fight like hell to keep my people safe. But I could never sacrifice one of them to save myself.”

I hoped he wouldn’t change his mind. He rubbed his chin with his long fingers. Two days of unshaven scruff. That was my favorite look on him.

He smiled reservedly and nodded. “I guess that’s the best I’m going to get from you.”

“I’ll return in a week or less. Two tops.” I started out the door.

I heard him yell down the hall, “Seven days, Morrigan. That’s all you get.”