Set in stone, p.30
Set in Stone, page 30
"Easy, son. I know there's reasons for it, but a good commander should foresee problems and work to avoid them."
"I want to meet this Verena," Hamish said eagerly. "I'm on the work crew today, if they don't cancel it now that the army's arrived."
"Find her if you can." Connor's feelings for Verena were so jumbled, he was not sure what he wanted to tell Hamish about her. "Be careful. She's dangerous."
Hamish laughed. "What, is she going to hit me?"
"She might."
His smile faded. "But she tastes rocks, right?"
"Yes. Find out how it works. Any information you can gather might be very important."
"Don't worry, Connor, I'll ferret it out of her."
Jean placed a hand on Hamish's and said warmly, "No offense, Hamish, but you're not exactly the ferreting kind. More like the fall at her feet kind."
"Hey, no fair," Hamish frowned.
Connor smiled with them, but in his mind he heard Verena saying the exact same words, and the sound of her voice warmed him. He shook the memory away. He needed sleep. He was getting cracked.
Jean said, "I'm summoned to the manor house tomorrow too."
She explained that Lady Isobel had sent word that three ladies would be allowed to visit for an abbreviated Women's Circle meeting.
Connor frowned. "Mom, shouldn't you be chairing that meeting?"
She nodded and patted his hand. "Normally, yes, but I don't have access. Cinaed somehow convinced Ilse she spoke for the circle, and no one else has been allowed in to see Lady Isobel."
"Now's not the time for her games." Connor's simmering anger easily focused on Cinaed. "People are getting hurt."
Hamish spoke up, "Stuart's been bragging that his mom's going to take over as chair, that she's the only one showing leadership during the crisis."
Lilias said, "She sees only a chance for personal gain through this tragedy."
The truth of it saddened Connor, and further fueled his rage.
"I could just skip it," Jean offered.
"Oh no, dear. You must go. You're the one person we can trust to bring us word about what they're plotting."
"And while you're there, try to locate where they keep the prisoners," Connor added. "I expect there will be another battle soon, and I'm going to try to free dad and the others."
"How could you do that when the entire army can't?"
"I'm still working on it."
He hadn't really thought about it until he said it, but he realized that's what he had to do. He could no longer count on anyone else. He had this rare ability to establish affinities with multiple stones. He had to explore it further, learn all he could, and figure out how to rescue those prisoners.
"I'll try to come visit again before nightfall."
He rose and gave his mother another hug, traded shoulder punches with Hamish, and turned to say good-bye to Jean. Instead, she led him to the door.
"Connor, we need to talk."
He followed her outside. "I thought that's what we were doing."
She smiled, just a little, but it quickly faded. Whatever was on her mind, it was serious. Connor tried to imagine everything he might have done to upset her. He stopped after thinking about kissing Shona twice, wrestling so close with Verena, and . . . well, there was no way she knew about all that, did she?
Jean drew him away from the door and tucked her long, blond hair behind one ear. Connor hadn't seen her much in the past couple days, and drank in the sight of her. As much as Shona dominated his life right then, she could not match Jean's pure, innocent beauty.
"Connor, this may not be the best time to talk about this."
"All right. I'll see you later," he said, hoping she'd wait until he had more time.
As he turned to run, Jean grabbed his hand. "Don't be such a grout-for-brain. This is important."
"Jean, there are armies preparing to kill each other, and maybe all of us too. Just tell me what's bothering you and I promise to help."
She touched his cheek. "That's one of the things I love about you, Connor. So eager to help, no matter the cost."
Love? It suddenly felt very hot in the cool, early morning breeze.
She cocked her head to one side a little, like she did when puzzling over a healing mixture. "You're to be a Guardian." She sounded sad.
"I am." He had to be Guardian. It was the only way. He reached for her hand, but she slid her fingers from his.
"Connor, Guardians aren't allowed to have families."
He blinked. That's not where he had hoped the conversation was going.
Jean met his gaze, and her face suddenly looked anguished. She continued in a rush, "Connor, I can't promise to you, not Cursed, not even if you become Guardian. I couldn't have children, knowing Teagair would be refused, that they'd be taken."
She threw herself into his arms and sobbed, "Connor, I'm so sorry."
He held her awkwardly, at a loss for words, as confused emotions battled for dominance. Part of him exulted that Jean confessed she cared for him, that he was holding her close, that she seriously considered promising to him.
At the same time, her words tore at him, proving his worst fears. She could not see past his Curse, no matter her feelings.
Then again, his growing affection for Verena confused him all the more. Did he really love Jean? He had always assumed he did, but how could he feel so attracted to Verena?
What about Shona? Could she really care for him, or was he just a curiosity to him? He couldn't make head nor blade out of any of it, and that just made him want to Curse-punch something.
How had life gotten so complicated?
After a moment, he pushed her gently away and brushed tears from her cheeks. He turned her face up until their eyes met. "Jean, I don't know what's going to happen in the next day or two, but you must know you'll always hold a place in my heart."
She smiled weakly and rubbed at her face. "You're not angry with me?"
"How could I be?"
"Oh, Connor, you are a special man."
She kissed him tenderly on the lips.
Chapter 48
In the manor house, Verena stepped into the study where Wolfram stood by the window. He moved to greet her, and she handed him a small, ornately carved wooden box that he placed on the desk.
"Is it well shielded?"
"Yes."
"That was a masterful performance, Verena. Despite your father's disapproval of your presence here, if you weren't so valuable as a Builder, I would recommend you as a foreign operative."
"Thank you, sir," she said softly, her eyes downcast.
He squeezed her shoulder. "It's always hardest when we're forced to work through those we genuinely respect."
She nodded. "Why is that?"
"Because they probably wouldn't understand."
"Yes, sir."
The words comforted her a little, and she tried to hide the powerful conflicting emotions that burned in her heart. She believed in this mission, but couldn't help think of Connor's strong hands holding hers, of the trust in his eyes as he took the little stone.
What would he say when he learned the truth?
A man in a simple green coat entered the room and took up the box. Wolfram said, "I want someone listening at all times. Bring me hourly reports."
"I will see it done, general."
Verena excused herself and climbed to the empty third floor where she paced for a long time.
Chapter 49
When Connor reached the camp, a soldier ushered him directly to Carbrey's command tent. The general was sitting on his cot, still looking pale and weak. Shona sat in a chair nearby, wrapped in a thick, blue cloak, flanked by the various captains.
When Connor entered, Rory clapped him on the shoulder. "Glad you survived, lad."
"Thank you, sir."
"Where have you been?" Shona asked. She shifted and her cloak fell open a little to reveal her bandaged hand held gingerly in her lap. Her concern warmed his heart and eased some of his concern.
"They captured me again."
"That's becoming a bad habit," Captain Rory said.
"I'll work on it."
General Carbrey moved to a hard-backed wooden chair beside the large map table. "I take it they sent you as messenger."
"Yes sir. I bring word from General Wolfram."
"Wolfram!" Carbrey snarled. "Are you certain?"
"Yes, sir."
Carbrey took a steadying breath. "I should have expected this. Tell me lad, what did you see of his army?"
"I saw about a hundred regulars, maybe eight Rumblers, the four Wingrunners that attacked Captain Rory and Lady Shona, the Sapper Anton, and two fellows who look a lot like you two."
He finished by pointing to the two captains with the twin swords on their backs.
The two exchanged grins. "Aye, we know the Allcarvers," said one.
The other flexed his hands. "Might be this time'll do it."
Carbrey said, "Only under the right conditions."
"Of course," they replied in unison, but the glint in their eyes suggested they'd close with the others if any chance presented itself. Connor decided he wanted to be standing far away when that happened.
Carbrey barked a laugh and leaned over the table and the map on its center. He pounded the surface with a fist, "The old wolf has over-extended himself this time. He won't escape me again."
Connor's heart sank. The general's face brightened with anticipation for battle, making him look younger, despite his salt-and-pepper hair. Connor hadn't yet delivered Wolfram's message, but he worried how Carbrey would respond.
Carbrey, still staring at the map, said, "Where did he come from? How could he bring such an army into Obrion without detection?"
"Sir, I believe they crossed directly from Granadure, from the far side of Mount Ingram."
"That mountain is impassable."
"No, sir, I'm afraid it isn't."
Shona spoke. "Connor found a way through. Initially he was going to show them so they could leave."
"I think they must have found it," Connor said.
Carbrey frowned. "It is the only explanation that makes sense." He looked over at Connor, "How is it that you found this trail when no one before you ever has?"
Connor shrugged. "I've hunted all over these mountains. I go places no one else goes. I almost missed it."
"Explain."
"It's a tiny trail, barely more than a scratch across a cliff. Most people wouldn't even realize it was a trail. It's very dangerous."
"Then it would be hard for an army to cross."
Connor nodded. "Very hard." He thought of those huge plate-armored soldiers with their massive weapons and shields, and shuddered at the thought of trying to traverse the mountain weighed down with all that gear.
A little smile played across the general's lips. "Then he cannot easily get reinforcements." To his captains, he said, "We will strip the garrison at Merkland and flood this valley with troops. We'll cut him off and destroy him."
"General," Connor said, talking over one of the captains, who was speaking about troop dispositions.
Without turning around, Carbrey said, "Never interrupt your superiors, boy. You delivered your message. Don't pretend to greater honors."
Connor's face reddened with the rebuke. For a moment, he'd felt accepted here, believed that his opinion mattered. He should have known better. He was still an untested Linn, not even a full Guardian, despite his rare affinity. Still, Wolfram's words rang in his mind, and he hadn't even delivered the terms yet.
"But sir," Connor said, pushing the words through the fear. "There's something else you should know."
"You presume to interrupt a second time? Do you really think it is you who should decide what I need to know?"
"No, sir," Connor stammered. "I'm sorry, sir. I just thought you'd want to know Wolfram is planning to attack Merkland."
"Why would Wolfram tell you that?"
"He didn't. I overheard him and Captain Ilse discussing it. Ilse figured you'd strip the garrison and recommended they invade and attack Merkland while its defenses were weak. I didn't get to hear the final decision."
Shona moved to stand beside Connor and placed her good hand on his shoulder. "I told you he was useful to have around."
Carbrey considered the news. "Wolfram is a crafty devil. He would attack Merkland, especially now. What better way to gain what he wants than to lure our army out here to this forsaken land. He'd be free to attack at his pleasure." After a pause, he continued softly, "It fits. Until now I could not see why he would focus so much energy here despite the quarry. Good work, lad."
"Thank you, sir."
The general pointed at one of the captains. "Dispatch a Strider downriver immediately. Order the garrison to full alert, and bring the prisoner to me under heavy escort."
The captain saluted and left the tent.
"Do you think it wise to bring him here?" Rory asked.
"He's safest with me. Let Wolfram break his army against Merkland's walls. He won't find what he's after." He paced from the table and spun back to the group. "We'll play his game and make him think he's tricked us."
Connor yearned to ask about the prisoner, but dared not interrupt Carbrey again.
The general stood, "I've sparred with Wolfram for years across the border. He's a crafty son of the Tallan like no other, but this time he's committed himself too far. His faith in this Builder girl will be his undoing. This time, I'll destroy him."
"What if Wolfram brings in more reinforcements?" Rory asked. "We outnumber him, but it would not take much to shift that balance."
"Boy," Carbrey motioned for Connor to join him at the map. "Tell me about Mount Ingram. Where is the best place to station a company to deny them access to this trail of yours?"
The map was a complete waste of time. Connor knew what had to be done. He did not want to say it, but could not think of another option.
"Sir, there is another way. The mountain can do the work for us."
"How?"
"I can tell a company of your men how to trigger an avalanche to wipe out the trail entirely."
Chapter 50
When Jean returned from saying good-bye to Connor, Lilias noted her tear-streaked face. Her heart went out to the young woman, but she could not offer wisdom and comfort right then, especially not with Hamish loitering about. Besides, she was not entirely sure what to say.
Her son was growing, changing. She'd dreaded this day all of Connor's life. Already she saw him becoming a man who might save many lives, but he was also growing apart from the town. He no longer fit in, and that tore at her heart.
She motioned Jean to resume her seat, and called Hamish over from where he was rooting for food in Mhairi's cupboards. The boy never stopped eating.
"We have plans to make."
"I thought we did that," Hamish said. "I talk with Verena, Jean finds Hendry and the other prisoners and spies on Lady Isobel, and you . . ."
His voice trailed off and Lilias said, "And I orchestrate our little revolution."
Jean perked up from her quiet sorrow. "Revolution?"
She gave them a long look. They were so young, and yet who better to entrust the future of the town to than the rising generation? Besides, she trusted no one more completely. At least, no one she had such ready access to.
She took a sip of her rapidly cooling cider. "Armies gather around our town and open battle will probably be joined before nightfall. Do you think we'll remain safe?"
"They only said they want the Cutters," Hamish protested. "Why would anyone hurt the rest of us?"
"They may not plan to, but do you honestly think they'll hesitate if battle dictates the destruction of our town to grant them some advantage?"
Jean shook her head. "They'd slaughter us without a thought."
Hamish paled and pulled a carrot stick from his mouth. "What can we do?"
"First, we follow our plan. Connor needs the information we can gather for him."
"We need to prepare," Jean said. "Despite the threat of Daor, we might need to run before it's too late."
Lilias smiled. Such a smart one. The boys only saw her beauty, but this one had real promise. She really needed to pull the girl aside for a little talk.
Hamish looked stunned. "But we can't. Lord Gavin said."
Jean said, "Lord Gavin's a fool."
Hamish gaped, and Lilias spoke. "Jean is right. We cannot bury our tools and hope the mountain splits for our good. We may need to orchestrate our own escape."
"But what if he rescinds Teagair?"
"We'll deal with that when the time comes." She spoke the words with confidence despite the paralyzing fear at the thought of losing her children. "Better to risk living as slaves than accept death without fighting for freedom."
"No one will go," Hamish said.
"They will if we prepare them, if we flee together, at once, before the Grandurians can stop us."
"They'll kill us," Hamish said.
"Not if we do it right. They don't have the numbers to fight a battle and chase us at the same time."
"They might kill the prisoners," Jean said.
Lilias took a deep, steadying breath. "They might."
"Then how can we do it?"
"How can we not?" Lilias surprised herself by the heat in her voice. Hamish rocked back in his chair under the intensity of her gaze, and she held him with it.
