Arriving in Ireland - Chapter 2

Several hours later, Keegan wakes to the captain speaking over the intercom.

“Good evening, this is your captain speaking. Please fasten your seat belts and prepare for landing.”

Eagerly, Keegan opens her window shade to take in the scenery before landing. There is a beautiful body of water and lots of greenery surrounding Shannon airport- just outside of Limerick. That wasn’t something she was accustomed to flying out of Atlanta, GA. She relaxes into her seat rubbing the sleep from her eyes and stretching as the plane comes to a swift landing. She glanced at the note card once more then places it back in her bag.

Grabbing her carry-on from the above baggage compartment, Keegan makes her way down the ramp, through the airport, and out the front doors. Next she locates a taxi and gives the driver the address from the note card. He informs her that it would be about an hour drive from the airport and off they went.

As they neared County Tipperary, Keegan is completely awestruck by the medieval and Celtic ruins and what appeared to have once been a grand castle?

This is so different from the states. She muses.

Turning down a tiny gravel road, a large forest comes into view with some sort of cottage nestled just in front of it. A little too large to be a cottage, but just as cozy, that must be the inn! Keegan concludes to herself.

A few moments later, Keegan finds herself at the doorstep of the inn right in the middle of the beautiful Irish countryside. The sign above the door reads:

Murphy Lodge

Huh. She thinks to herself with a furrowed brow noticing the it was named after her family – well what she assumes is her family name.

She has always dreamed of visiting another country, Ireland interestingly enough, but could never fully imagine the sights, sounds, or smells that she is taking in first hand.

As she walks in the front door of the inn, she is greeted by a handsome young man by the name of Kenneth. With an outstretched hand, he welcomes her and introduces himself.

“Hello there, I’m Kenneth, the caretaker here at Murphy Lodge; you can call me Ken.” He said in the most magnificent accent she’s ever heard.

He looks so familiar. Keegan muses.

Unable to find her tongue and captivated by his gentle-cool touch, strong voice, and light brown eyes Keegan mumbles “I uh – huh – I’m”

“Keegan Murphy!” He finishes for her. “I’ve been expecting you.”

“You have? But how?” Keegan blurts out astonished.

“Well, for starters you look exactly like your very distant, yet very well known ancestor who opened this inn on the castle grounds centuries ago.” He shares then pulls his hand from hers - that she embarrassingly didn’t realize she was still holding – then motions to a portrait on the wall.

Below the portrait read a name:

Keegan Murphy

“We have the same name? And did you say castle?!” She asks curious yet almost frantically.

“Indeed you do. And my family has been watching over this estate - that includes your family’s castle for hundreds of years. I will share more with you after you settle in, but for now I will leave you with this. There has been a prophecy foretelling your arrival just as long as we’ve been watching over your estate.” He says with a mischievous smile.

“Prophecy? Castle? Have I just stepped into an episode of the Twilight Zone?” She asks.

“Enough questions for now. You must be famished. Let’s get you to your room to settle in and then we can meet in the dining hall. Laura will be delighted to share her cooking with a new face.” He says warmly – almost affectionately.

Ken leads her down the hall to the right of the front desk. This place looks even bigger from the inside. Keegan thinks to herself while mechanically following Ken down the hall. The walls are lined with whitewashed brick from about her waist down and a warm cherry wood above extending to the ceiling. Above are exposed beams and chandelier style light fixtures with soft warm bulbs.

At the end of the hall is a large wooden door with some sort of bird engraved on the top center.

Keegan furrows her brow. I wonder what kind of bird that is? She thinks to herself.

“You will be staying in the Phoenix suite while you’re here.” Ken offers kindly and opens the door.

Phoenix! That’s it! She feels silly not realizing it sooner.

Almost at a loss for words, she thanks him and reaches for the key he's holding out for her.

“It’s beautiful.” She almost whispers.

“It was your ancestor’s private suite. She designed it herself and my family has kept it preserved ever since -"

“Ever since what?” Keegan questions.

“That’s a tale for another time. For now, you should take some time to get settled in. I see you’ve brought a small bag, but you’ll find the closest and armoire to be stocked with a full wardrobe in your size. There’s a bathroom through there and the number to the front desk is on the nightstand next to the phone. I close up at dark, but my room is directly across from this one. Knock at any time if you need anything at all. Dinner will be served within the hour. I’ll come by and walk you.” He says with a smile.

“I honestly don’t even know what to say. Yesterday, I was wondering if this was some kind of prank and now I have a suite with a brand new wardrobe in Ireland. Please excuse me while I pinch myself to be sure this isn’t a dream.” Keegan laughs nervously.

"No dream my dear." He gently places a hand on her shoulder to offer a kind word, but a spark of electricity jolts them both instead and they jump. Silence befalls the two of them and they gaze awkwardly at one another.

“Woah, I’m so sorry. I’ve suddenly been zapping random objects and - I guess people now.” Keegan offers in an attempt to relieve the awkwardness.

“Oh I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ll be back to escort you to dinner soon!” Ken stated nervously and quickly exits the room.

Before she could take in the details of the room, Keegan walks over to the enormous king sized bed and flops onto her back. She needs a minute to wrap her mind around – well everything.