Lokai's Curse by J. Lee Coulter Read Free Book Online Page B

world who derive power from harming others. That filth hurt you simply because it pleased him to do so. It had nothing to do with you saving the bairn. Either he was born with this evil or he learned it as he matured…I know not which.”
    Diedre glanced around the glen as she absorbed his explanation. “It still does not excuse what he did to me.”
    Lokai frowned. “You are right, Sprite. There is no good reason for what he did.”
    She loved it here. Everything was peaceful and serene. Beautiful flowers of every description surrounded her dripping with fairy dew. There was nothing ugly or hateful in this place. Only serenity…and peace. She sighed and nodded, as she took Lokai’s proffered hand. “I am ready, husband.”

Chapter V
    “Here are me grandbabies!” Seamus bellowed as Mary and two other women entered the hall with their wriggling bundles. They ascended the dais to permit a better view to Seamus and Alred as Garrick presented the babes.
    “This is me heir…Garrick Seamus,” he proudly declared as green eyes gazed up to meet his boldly. “And here be me second son…Alred Lokai Brodie. And our daughter…Corinne Diedre Brodie.”
    King Alred’s gaze jerked up glancing at Seonaid in surprise. His eyes misted as he spoke. “You honor us, Garrick…Seonaid. Your mother would be delighted.”
    She returned his smile…her heart swelling with love…and pride. The men fussed over the bairns until they grew drowsy and dozed off. Mary and the maids returned them to the nursery as they continued their visit .
    Natasha had kept her head down and her hair covered as she retrieved the babe, Alred, from Seonaid’s arms. It would not do for her to be recognized, she thought as she hurried back to the nursery with her charge. She was not ready.
    She had been fortunate to acquire this position in the household. It gave her easy access to the laird and his lady. Before she disposed of them, though, she had to learn where the Spear of Destiny was kept. It was essential to her plans. She had searched every place she could think of for the last two moons but had had no luck. He must keep it elsewhere. But where? Of course! His old nurse, Hagar! She must have it!
    “Tasha…Tasha, be ye well?” Mary asked as she gained her attention. “Ye look a bit peaked. Mayhap, ye should take a break from the bairns for the rest of this day.”
    Natasha schooled her expression as she glanced at Angus’ wife. She must not appear over-eager. With a weak smile, she replied, “I am sure it is naught…just a bit weary.”
    “Aye. The bairns be a handful. Go along with ye. Lily and I can handle them for now. Take some time to rest.” Mary smiled sweetly up at her.
    She hesitated for a moment then acquiesced. “I thank ye for your thoughtfulness, Mary.” She made a quick bob and hurried out.
    ***
    It had taken Natasha a lot longer to walk to Hagar’s crofter hut than she had anticipated. It had grown dark several hours before she had arrived. Narrowing her gaze, she surveyed the area. There was no sign of anyone else and she knew there were no dogs to give her presence away. She rubbed her palms together in anticipation. She could feel the pull of the magical spear…even from this distance. She dropped to her knees in the underbrush when a sliver of light escaped from the hut while the old woman hobbled to the well.
    Hagar paused, staring in her direction for a moment, as if she could see her. Shaking the foreboding from her fragile limbs she retrieved her bucket of water and shuffled back toward the door. She never made it.
    The bucket fell, spilling its contents on the dark earth as Hagar crumpled to her knees gasping in pain. She looked down to see her life-blood darkening the black gown as the sword was withdrawn from her ribs. She fell to the ground and rolled to her back to see Natasha standing over her holding a sword dripping with her blood…a maniacal smile on her face.
    “Why?” She gasped.
    “The dead tell no