Celtic Stars (Celtic Steel Book 4) Read Online Free Page B

presence.  His marble-like blue eyes added to the mystery.  Everyone knew he was blind since birth, but he had a way of navigating that made it appear as if he was fully sighted.  Jamie’s ability to read auras left him with no handicap.  In fact, Jamie was probably a better judge of character than anyone.  After all, it was hard to hide your energy and seldom did anyone’s intentions go unnoticed by Jamie Burke.
    ‘Would ye please explain to me why me and me guards were stopped?”  Jamie shouted thunderously into the center of the room, to anyone and everyone all at the same time.  His voice was authoritative and determined and there was no doubt he meant to be taken seriously.
    Patrick rose from his seat and reached a hand towards Jamie, who promptly accepted it.  “Jamie won’t ye please have a seat?” asked Patrick. Obliging him, Jamie walked to the back of the Council Chamber and sat in his newly established position at the table.  As the heir to the Burke clan Lordship, Jamie had become the leader of the Burke refugees now living in O’Malley territory.  Patrick made him a member of the O’Malley Council the moment he expressed his desire to wed Daenal.
    “I think we’re all here,” said Galen from his perch at the scribe’s table in the corner of the room.  "Ruarc, Lucian, Airard, Jamie, Gemma, Darina and, oh -  Kurt couldn’t make it.”
    “Let us begin,” Patrick said.  I’ve had a discussion with Gemma earlier about some matters that the Council may need to be aware of.  These things may have some bearing on how we can help Daenal.”
    “Help Daenal?”,  interrupted Jamie.  “I was on my way to get Daenal back and yer sentry stopped me!”
    “Jamie,” spoke Airard softly from across the table, “I believe something very important is about to be said and I think we all would like to hear it.  Can you give Gemma just a moment of yer time?”
    “Would this have anything to do with Gemma being a shifter?”  Jamie asked.
    Darina gasped, placing her right hand over her mouth and her left hand on her protruding belly, “What do ye mean she’s a shifter?”
    Lucian stood up, wrapping his fingertips atop the Council table.  “Jamie,” he asked, “what makes ye think Gemma is a shifter?”
    Galen, who had stopped taking notes moments before, stood as well. As did Ruarc, but Airard snickered under his breath,“I’m sure it’s quite evident to Master Burke.” He said chuckling again, this time his shoulders visibly shaking.
    “Patrick,” exclaimed Darina, “What does this mean?  Shifter-  what do ye mean?” she repeated directing her question to Jamie.
    Gemma interrupted, “Jamie’s right, I am a shifter and I think I can help find Daenal.”
    “I don’t need any help finding Daenal,” stated Jamie, matter-of-factly.  “In fact, I think we all know where she’s been taken.  The only question is whether or not it’s too late.”
    “Well.  Where is she,” asked Darina.  “If we know where she is, why haven’t we gotten her?”
    Jamie grunted, an I told you so kind of reminder that this is exactly what he was on his way to do. “Well, unless you can climb Finnegan falls, I’m quite certain you won’t be able to bring her back.”
    Darina gasped and her uncle Ruarc continued, “that’s right Dragon’s Point.  I realize none of us ever really believed in dragons, but after what happened, we’ve got no choice.  And we can only assume the Dragon would take her to its lair, which happens to be high atop the port at Finnegan Falls.”
    “But what has that to do with Gemma?” questioned Darina.
    Jamie and Lucian spoke in unison.  “Show her.”
    Gemma rose and giving a reluctant sigh removed her cloak and handed it to Airard to her right.  “Would ye hold on to this for me?” she asked
    Gemma was a lovely woman, not only was she the elected leader of the Island of Women, but she was one of the most respected women in all of O’Malley clan.  She