Page 47 of Enchanted

In that same moment, Aria raced into the chamber, her face set with a look of determination but also fear. “I apologise for interrupting, but I thought I should tell you this immediately.”

“What is it?” Graeme asked, standing, and moving to his wife’s side.

Keiran’s stomach clenched at the overly bright look in Aria’s eyes. Something had not simply frightened Aria, it had terrified her.

“It is only a feeling, but I sensed that Oberon has returned, and not simply to the area. He is in the castle. I cannot sense where or how he accomplished that task, but he is here. The time for planning is over. We must act immediately.”

A dark shiver passed through Keiran as he and all gathered at the table stood, ready to spring into action. “I must find Rosalyn and warn her.”

Alastair nodded. “The battle has begun. Alert the warriors. I want every nook and cranny of this castle searched for the intruder.” He turned to Graeme. “Send me your fastest rider. I need to get that message to the Earl of Aberdeen as quickly as possible to his estate on the Isle of Skye.”

Graeme nodded. The men headed towards the door, but stopped when Aria held up her hand, stalling their movements. “There is more,” she said, her voice tight.

“Tell us.” Alastair’s brows creased.

Aria straightened. “One of the scouting parties has returned. Within the hour, Lieutenant Long’s men will be at our gates. They have a battering ram and several cannons.”

Keiran tensed. “How will we implement our plans now?”

A muscle moved spasmodically in Alastair’s throat. “Graeme, Tormod, Callum, the three of you will figure out a way to get the whisky containing a sleeping draught to the Englishmen.” To Aria he said, “Find your mother and sister. I need the three of you to be ready with whatever magic you can use to aid us.”

When she nodded and raced from the chamber, Alastair turned to Keiran. “Go find Rosalyn, then join Orrick and myself in our search for Oberon.” He turned to the Grey Lady. “Mother, we could use your help as well to find the fairy king. You see things we do not.”

I will help,she said before vanishing in a swirl of mist.

Their enemy was not only amongst them, but also at their doorstep. “Alastair?” Keiran turned back to his brother from the doorway of the chamber. “There is another way to send Oberon back to Fairyland.”

“How?” he asked with a hint of desperation in his voice.

“We use the final magic contained in the Fairy Flag,” Keiran said, emotions raw. He knew Alastair did not want to be the laird who used the last of the magic it contained. “It would spare Mother and save us all.”

“And doom Graeme for all eternity when he is drawn back to Fairyland along with the flag’s magic.” Alastair shook his head. “I cannot do that to my friend and Aria’s husband. There must be another way.”