Dragon Knight's Axe Read Online Free PDF

Josh.
    “Now, I’m really insulted.”
    Fiona laid a hand on Rory’s arm. “Don’t be. You are a gorgeous man—”
    Before she could finish, he grabbed her fingers and placed a kiss across them. “Truly?”
    She pulled back her hand. “If you’d let me finish, I meant it as a sisterly compliment.”
    Josh choked on his beer. “Told you.”
    Rory burst out laughing. “That you did, my friend.”
    Fiona sat back listening as the conversation turned toward music, each having a varied opinion. She let her gaze linger out among the crowded pub. Soon the musicians would be playing, making the atmosphere lively.
    Feeling warm and relaxed, Fiona snapped back to attention when she heard Rory mention Navan. “What about it?”
    Becca pointed a finger at her. “We are not discussing work, remember?”
    “I only asked a question.” Fiona glared back at her.
    “And to answer your question, I’m taking over the dig at Navan,” replied Rory.
    Her mouth dropped open in shock. “That’s great. I didn’t realize this was something you wanted. I thought you wanted to pursue a position in administration, not babysitting a bunch of students.”
    Rory took a sip of his beer. “I have a love affair with the past almost as much as you do, Fiona.”
    Love affair ? Fiona never thought of it as such. A passion, yes, but love affair? The past spoke to her. Her Nana called it a gift . Maybe you’re right, Rory. Perhaps that is why I can never relinquish an artifact until I’ve fully deciphered its meaning.
    She blinked when Rory called out her name. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?”
    “Would you care to come out to the dig tomorrow? I need a fresh pair of eyes. Besides, you could see where your tablet came from.”
    The musicians had taken up their instruments and started to play an old Irish ballad, but she had no trouble hearing Rory’s words.
    “I would love to!” she exclaimed, ignoring Becca’s protests.

Chapter Five
    “To control one’s destiny ’tis foolish, for it will bind the person in chains upon a path of uncertainty.”
    Alastair held his head in agony. If he could just move, he would pummel the person responsible for the constant pounding. With each thud of the hammer, blinding pain shot through his head. Finally the pounding subsided. Cracking open one eye, he took a look at his surroundings. Obviously, he was the only one still abed. Forcing himself to move, he threw off the fur wrap. The room spun around, and he closed his eyes briefly until the sensation passed. Opening them once more, he stood up.
    His stomach rebelled, and he bolted for the door, heaving the contents of his stomach onto the ground. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he was relieved to see no one had witnessed his humiliation. Stumbling forward, he sat against a tree. Instantly, the warmth of the bark seeped into his back, soothing away the tension. At first, Alastair fought the magic of the land, but he was too weak.
    My own fault .
    He bent his head on his knees and tried to breathe deeply. Hearing footsteps, he did not bother looking up. If it was an enemy, they could slay him where he sat.
    “You know better than to play chess with the MacGuinnes,” chided Gunnar.
    “Leave me, bastard.”
    “Tsk, tsk. You know very well I have a mother and father—alive and well.”
    “Ass,” he growled.
    Gunnar chuckled. “How long did it take for you to beat him?”
    “All night.”
    “Och, that’s a lot of mead, aye?”
    Alastair could only grunt. If Gunnar continued with his chattering, he would pull out his dirk and cut out the man’s tongue along with the smirk he knew was on his face.
    “Here, I brought you a remedy. It will help with the mind and body.”
    Alastair lifted his head, slowly opening his eyes. Holding out his hand, he nodded when Gunnar handed him the cup. Sniffing the contents, he tossed it back quickly.
    “God’s teeth! What the bloody hell was in there?” He handed the cup back.
    Gunnar