The Last Celtic Angel Read online

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  1663 Liberty Drive

  Bloomington, IN 47403

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  Phone: 1-800-839-8640

  This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

  © 2010 Wallace Jan Ecklof. All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

  First published by AuthorHouse 7/26/2010

  ISBN: 978-1-4490-9720-2 (e)

  ISBN: 978-1-4490-9718-9 (sc)

  ISBN: 978-1-4490-9719-6 (hc)

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2010909227

  Printed in the United States of America

  Bloomington, Indiana

  This book is printed on acid-free paper.

  Cover by Kim Gledhill www.kimgledhill.com

  Photography by Nicole Hymowitz [email protected]

  CONTENTS

  “LEGEND OF THE CELTIC ANGEL”

  PROLOG

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  INDEX

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  “LEGEND OF

  THE CELTIC ANGEL”

  Once a long time ago in the beginning of the time there were two races of beings one was as old as time itself, and possessed extraordinary powers, and they lived in the world of the Sidhe under the mound of Tara in ancient Ireland. They were known as the fairy folk, and they were as gods before the coming of the One God. The other race was new and was of the human kind called Man whose destiny was to overcome the older races and rule Middle Earth as was foretold by the runes of the Seers.

  It was at this time that a prince of the old race called Tuatha De Danaan angered the Fairy King with his mischief-making of the people of Man. I came to pass that he was brought before his lord for punishment. The Lord commanded that he be sent to dwell among mankind on Middle earth and to live as one of them. He thought the prince would learn humility.

  The Prince in his anger rose up against his lord and was vanquished along with his followers. When he was again brought forth before the King of Kings, the Lord said to him. “Thou art banished from the world of Magic and the heavens most high. You and all your people shall be doomed until you shall find a way to redeem them and so set them free.

  As the centuries sped past, the Prince forgot the purpose he was exiled and soon all memories of who he was faded with each new reincarnation. Because of what he was he became a loner, and outcast. He still retained certain powers that he no longer understood. He was as a freak, someone to be feared and suspicious of. He could talk to animals bend them to his will, in battle he had no equal, but he had no friends, no one to share his victories or pain. He was alone and haunted by dreams he did not comprehend.

  One day he met someone who did not fear him, and shared with him his exploits and adventures. He now possessed a friend and confident that he could share with, and he grew to love him. His dreams began to take substance in his mind and for the first time in over two millennia he remembered who he was.

  He strode forth to walk once again with those whom he had rejected, to touch and be touched with laughter and gratitude. Love now filled his heart, he accepted his fate, watching and waiting for the deliverance before it was too late. He had to fulfill his destiny, to reach the stars and hold once again the warmth of goodness, to dream the dreams of the gods and not of men.

  On that day, he discovered what he was meant to do, but at the cost of his friend’s life. The Prince lost him because his friend took his place in battle and so gave up the most precious of his possessions, his life. He wandered the world from that time until he came upon a female of the world of Man, the Prince found earthly love, this human emotion was like none he had ever known in the world he knew and began a new era for him.

  In time, the woman became his wife, one that would become his soul mate, and he cherished her every single day, but she, being of the human kind, aged and grew sickly and in the end she was taken from him.

  In his grief, he remembered who he was and why he existed. He cried out to the Lord, his king and asked, “Why did you take her, why could you not take me?”

  The Lord’s voice answered, “Your penance is not done and your work is not finished. You must learn from the pain you now feel in your heart, a real sense of loss before you may come to the path to forgiveness.”

  With a heart that was now broken and feeling that his soul was empty, he begins the search for forgiveness. He must find those of his kind and return them to the path of light and glory. He now knows his penance is to find the Children of Danu and return them to their conciseness and destinies.

  Again he cried out to his kinsman. “When I have done this Lord, may I come home for I have suffered greatly?”

  The Lord spoke to him, “When your time, there is done, you will once again sit at my table and take your place among your brethren. It was love that brought you back, and it will be love that will set you free, but only tears can cleanse your soul.”

  “When will I know,” asked the prince?

  The Lord and King of Kings replied. “When love suffers you to cry for all the innocents, and you sacrifice your immortality, then shall I set you free to commence the journey and return?”

  PROLOG

  I was making my first trip back to Ireland since leaving there as a boy to immigrate to America. My business in Belfast researching old Celtic myths would keep me in Ireland a while before returning home. I must know if my friend, who helped me redirect my life and the destinies of so many others, is the last descendant of a mythical and ancient tribe. They landed on the island over two thousand years ago from Spain and conquered Ireland, also known as the second invasion. I have to know if these legends are based, in fact, so I can then begin to explain to myself the events of the last twenty five years.

  Upon leaving the hotel in London, I hail a cab and head for Kings Cross Station for the train that will take me to Edinburgh. The cabby drops me off at the platform nearest a waiting train. Hearing a loud speaker call for all aboard to Edinburgh; I head toward the platform indicating my train. Before stepping aboard the car nearest me, I ask the conductor where my cabin is located. He looks at my ticket and says, “Cabin number twenty two sir, it’s ahead two cars.” Thanking him, I proceed to the car he’s indicated.

  The stewards are passing by the cabins calling out that dinner will be served in the main dining car. Brought back from my revelry of the past I realize that I was a little hungry and proceed there straight away. Passing through a few cars I notice there aren’t many passengers taking advantage of the opportunity to alleviate their hunger pains, with many deciding to catch some sleep instead. Upon arriving at a car that serves as a dining car, I’m shown to a booth and given a menu. The selection through small provides a nice selection of five entrees, selecting the lamb chops I ask the steward for a glass of water.

/>   “Father, excuse me would you care for some company for dinner.” Says a young man accompanied by a beautiful woman.

  “By all means please sit down I detest eating alone.” I soon learn that their names are Shawn and Tara, and they’re on a return to Ireland from their honeymoon. Shawn asks about my itinerary.

  “I’m taking the ferry from Stranraer to Ireland then on to Belfast by train.”

  Shawn says, “That’s wonderful we shall enjoy each other’s company as we are going the same way.”

  We talk through dinner and finally after tea, Shawn suggests we retire to the Club Car and enjoy a few drinks, as we have some hours before reaching Edinburgh.

  That’s seemed to be a marvelous idea, as I did not desire to spend the next few hours peering out a window. They were such a charming young couple, so I agree.

  I observe upon entering the Club Car that there’s a middle age sonorous gentleman, a policeman, a middle age woman and a well dressed man in his early forties; sitting around imbibing some drinks engaged in conversation.

  Stepping up to the bar I order water with a twist and some wine for my two dinner companions. We sit down and listen to our other fellow traveler’s conversations.

  “These trips are utterly boring lately with so many taking the air shuttle,” expresses the rotund man.

  The middle aged woman chimes in. “I just don’t feel safe in one of those air planes. I rather enjoy the train, its old fashioned and a traditional way to enjoy one’s travel. Don’t you think Mr. Ives?” She refers to the well dressed gentleman.

  “Well Mrs. Marklund, I take the train because me company does not pay for travel and the coach is more economical. I do wish they would put in some of those new movie machines, as I do agree with Mr. Montague that it can be a wee bit boring.” The man called Ives complains to her.

  Mrs. Marklund turns toward us smiling. “Hello there, Vicar you must be excusing us, please allow me to introduce our fellow traveling companions. My name is Mrs. Marklund and that stern looking gentleman in uniform is Officer Mac Swain, the Line’s answer to security with so much terrorism.” Mac Swain gets up and tips his hat toward us. Mr. Ives and Mr. Montague each stand as she introduces them to us as well.

  “May I present Mr. Shawn Ryan and his bride Tara; they’re on their way home to Ireland. My name is Tom Scanlon, tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I’m sure.” After shaking hands, we’re invited to join with them. Thanking her, we find seats.

  Mrs. Marklund is quick to point out that they all have traveled together for some time, commuting from London to Edinburgh on business.

  I explain that I’ve been in America for the past sixty years, and am returning to Dublin for the first time since leaving as a small babe.

  “We’ve all traveled so long together we’ve run out of interesting stories to alleviate the monotony. Perhaps you might share one with us of America.” Mr. Ives asks me.

  “Well if it’s a tale you’d be wanting, have you never heard of the Celtic Angel? They all say no, but Mr. Montague says if it’s a religious one he’d not be interested.

  “No it’s not a religious story, but one from an old Celtic legend played out in modern times. It’s about people who come together to form a family, that learns friendship, loyalty, love, sacrifice and faith. They also face tragedy, greed and murder, it’s not necessarily about the Almighty, but how their lives are impacted one upon the other. Sit yourselves down and make your selves comfortable, for it may take while if you care to listen.” They all want to hear my tale even Mr. Montague.

  “I will have to start me story in the middle and then must go to the past, before I may proceed to the present. I’ll mind you that this is a true story, although some among you may not believe.

  The story takes place in Florida in the US of A. It’s a place of almost endless sunshine, tourism, and wealth and the International Horse Show.”

  Mr. Mac Swain asks “Is Florida not where the Yanks have Disney World?”

  “Yes it tis, but this story is about a place in and around the Palm Beaches, where the fabled wealthy from around the world gather.” I can’t help noticing now, all my listeners have inched up a little further forward with anticipation, as I begin my tale.

  CHAPTER 1

  “The Job Interview”

  Frank Collins, Desk Editor of Pro Horseman’s Magazine is sitting at his office when the intercom screams, “Collins, come to my office!” He looks at the lighted switch blinking and sees that it’s Old Man Ellsworth. Punching the answer button he answers, “I’ll be right up sir.” Collins picks up his assignment book and hurries down the hall toward the elevator to the Publisher’s office on the double.

  Entering the elevator for the short ride upstairs he wonders what’s got Ellsworth the Publisher, so heated up this morning. Walking briskly he enters the publisher’s executive suite and greets him. “Yes sir, Good morning, how was your weekend?”

  . “Good thank you, have a seat Frank.” Ellsworth’s answers briskly and gestures toward the conference table at the rear of the office. Ellsworth is a large man standing almost six feet four and weighing around two hundred and sixty pounds with salt and pepper hair, he doesn’t look near his sixty six years.

  Ellsworth is standing looking out the penthouse suite’s windows that over look Palm Beach while he waits for Collins to take his seat. Turning toward Collins he asks, “Frank, what have we got on this Rancho de Los Angeles business?”

  “Well sir not much, I’ve sent over three staff writers to try to interview this Doyle guy, but we can’t get past the front gate. Research has turned up nothing on him except, he seems to be independently wealthy with some very good connections, both locally and nationally. He has a license to board and train horses, they also picked up some rumors that he has some kind of special ability to work with unmanageable animals. We’re still working on that angle, but nothing specific. We’ve dug up something else; he was given a Rehab license about a year ago.” Frank knows how the old man likes concise reports, so he leaves nothing out, something that the old man carried over from his old newspaper days.

  “What are you telling me, he’s turning that place into some kind of drug and alcoholic half way house? No wonder my phone’s been ringing off the hook. That’s all my wife and her society crowd will have to hear. Listen Frank, find out what’s going on out there, and if it is one of those camps for no-hopers than let’s see if we can apply some pressure to get him to move it somewhere else. Melody and some of her snobbish friends will drive me nuts if we don’t, she thinks the power of the press can do anything. Keep me on top of this will you, I don’t want to be the last to know, or hear it from one of her parasitic friends, ok.” The look on Ellsworth’s face tells Collins how serious the old man is.

  “Yes sir, Mr. Ellsworth, I‘ll get right on it and see what my friend at PBSO can dig up for me, he owes us some favors for the concert tickets you got for him last month.” Frank tries to reassure him, He realizes the meeting is over and gets up to leave when Ellsworth’s phone rings.

  “Yes, I’ll take the call,” Ellsworth tells his secretary, and motions Frank to stay.

  “Hello Honey what’s up?”......Yes in fact, we were going over the whole issue just now…Frank is taking care of it right now…He was just leaving… Of course we’re giving it a priority…… No honey it won’t be necessary for you to call her… Just as soon as I can find out anything you will know honey… Well it seems the man is quite wealthy, and has some very influential friends, so we must proceed carefully, but if he’s doing what you heard… Of course we have to put a stop to it… Rest assured Darling, I’m aware of where we live…Yes…. Goodbye, see you tonight”…

  “You see what I’m putting up with; they’re fixating on this. Run this stat you hear me, she’s driving me nuts.” He’s almost pleading with Collins to help get her off his back.

  Upon leaving Ellsworth’s office, Collins goes to the coffee shop for a cup of java and Danish then walks to his
office. He can’t help thinking how the old man dotes on his wife who happens to be twenty five years younger than him. He thanks God Ellsworth is married to her and not him. That still leaves a huge problem, how to find out what’s going on, and does it fit into the format of an equestrian upscale photo magazine. The whole thing seems to be a newspaper story or at least one for the supermarket rag tabloids. Ellsworth still thinks he’s the editor and chief of one of his wife’s family papers like the Herald, even if they get the scoop. How does it fit with the National Horse Show story? Collins knows it’s not for him to reason why, just get it done then it’s up to The Old Man, he’s the publisher.

  “Good morning Mr. Collins,” his receptionist greets him respectfully. “Your ten o’clock appointment is here, will you see her now? She’s been waiting for forty minutes, I told her you were in a conference upstairs with Mr. Ellsworth.” Agnes hands him the applicant’s folder, and frowns at her boss. Collins thinks to himself, that she really could use a boyfriend to mellow her out.

  “Give me a minute to look over her resume, and application, and then send her in.”

  Opening the folder and reading over a well written and concise resume, he notices she has some great qualities that the Magazine is looking for as far as background, and the application looks to be good as well. He hits the intercom and tells Agnes to send her in.

  There’s a knock on his door. “Come in.” Collins answers and looks up as an attractive woman enters his office, and walks over to him and sticks out her hand.

  “Hello Mr. Collins, I’m Deanna Gaynor it’s a pleasure to meet you. I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to interview with the Magazine.” Taking her hand, Collins is impressed immediately with her and invites her to sit down.

  “Ms. Gaynor your resume says that you were a junior and colligate equestrian and you also attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia. I see you wrote for the college newspaper and year book, but you’ve not worked in the last twelve years, why don’t you bring me up to speed with that?” Collins sits back in his overstuffed chair and waits for her response.