The scout, p.21
The Scout, page 21
“Ready?” he asked.
I nodded and he offered me his arm. I took it, in part because of the support it offered but also for any excuse to be close to him. We left the house, passing by a small sheep pen, and then strolled into the woods. The sky was a brilliant blue, filled with white puffy clouds, and the forest was bursting with all manner of shades of green. Birdsong and the rustle of leaves created a soft chorus of song as we walked and I turned my face to the sun, basking in its warmth and the beauty of the day.
We took our time following a slightly cleared trail, the edges of the village still visible through the trees. Aengus moved slowly, something I appreciated, given the state of my sore body. As we walked, I studied him, not bothering to hide my obvious interest. He was sporting a few days’ of stubble, but there was something about the light scruff that made him more handsome. For a man who was no warrior or farmer, he was surprisingly fit and well-muscled, with broad shoulders that slimmed into a tapered waist. Every now and then, sunlight would filter down through the trees and give his blond hair that alluring golden sheen. I wanted him to be mine. He should be mine.
He will be, Fianna said, its voice seeming to whisper on the breeze that blew through the trees. I will grant you both more than you have ever dreamed. Just help me convince him. Help him see the grand future that awaits you.
A shiver of anticipation passed down my spine. Banrion. I was inching closer and closer to such a future. Aengus glanced over at me, a slight furrow in his brow, and I flashed him a smile to put him at ease. He didn’t need to know of my deal with Fianna just yet.
“How are you feeling?” he asked. “Just tell me when you’re ready to head back and we will.”
“I’m feeling fine,” I replied. “Being out here… it lets my thoughts not dwell on what happened.”
“Do thoughts of the attack still trouble you?”
I averted my gaze, not wanting to admit what he already knew. He’d been there when my memories had haunted me in the night. When I had felt Bran’s teeth digging into my skin all over again, shattering the bone. It was a weakness, one I loathed, despite Aengus’ insistence that such things happened.
“No,” I told him.
“I’m happy to make you another tincture,” he said. “Dark thoughts are not easy things to bear.”
Somehow, with his last words, I knew we were no longer just talking about me. It was the perfect opening to pry a little deeper.
“Something has troubled you these last few days,” I said, careful to keep my tone and expression soft as I slowed my steps, bringing us to a stop.
“I have had many things to consider since my mother passed,” he replied with a slight grimace.
Silence fell between us as I weighed my next words. I knew his father had returned to Cnoc almost a week ago, but Aengus had been tight-lipped about what all had transpired before he left.
“I take it these things you have had to consider have not been pleasant?” I asked.
At first, he did not answer and I feared that perhaps I had pushed too soon, but then he let out a heavy sigh, coming to a stop as his shoulders slumped.
“I have not told anyone this,” he said, his gaze on the village, barely visible through the trees. “But perhaps speaking of it will ease my mind.” He glanced over at me, his brow wrinkled. “I must ask that you do not repeat this to anyone.”
I took his hand in mine and gave it a squeeze. “I promise.”
He looked back at the trees again. “My father confessed a truth to me. One that my mother, on her deathbed, made him promise to tell me. My parents were not my true parents by blood. My father was Ri Cadfael’s brother, Fionn, and my mother was a castle servant. I was born to her, at Castle Clogwyn, but she and Fionn were not together in any sort of formal way. My presence within the castle walls apparently made Cadfael furious. He had become Ri shortly before I was born and he forced my mother to get rid of me or lose her place at Clogwyn. She gave me up. It was only by luck she was friends with my adoptive family and they were willing to take and raise me.”
I did my best to look surprised, as if I had never heard any of his story before this moment, but inside, I could feel both pleasure and anticipation building. He knew the blood that ran through his veins, the blood of the line of Blaidd, and I’d heard the resentment in his voice when he’d spoken Cadfael’s name.
“I have wondered,” he said, dropping his chin and running his thumb along the back of my palm, “why it is you, Lorcan, and the others do what you do. And I think, perhaps, I am beginning to understand. Cadfael is a man who ruins everything he touches.”
“He stole everything from me.” I paused, waiting for Aengus to look up and meet my gaze before continuing. “He stole my family, my home, and any hope I had for a future. Blaidd needs change. It needs a Ri who will usher in a new era.”
His breath caught and he looked away. “I cannot disagree with you, but…” He shook his head, working his jaw. He was uncertain. I could feel the tension radiating from his body into mine through our clasped hands.
“It’s time for something new in Blaidd,” I said softly. “Someone new.”
I gently brought my free hand up to the side of his face, turning it toward me. The rush of emotions he was feeling was written all over his face and I brushed my thumb over the stubble along his jaw.
“These last few days have been more perfect than I could have ever imagined,” I told him. “I didn’t think I would ever have such happiness again. I will miss you when I leave this place.”
His gaze dropped to my lips, his breathing growing slightly unsteady. “I find that I will miss you as well.”
I was the one who kissed him, but he was the one who pulled me tightly to him with a passion I had not anticipated. I’d kissed my fair share of men, but none of them compared to Aengus. He was confident, firm, and heat surged through my body as I opened my mouth to him. A low groan tore from his throat as he deepened our kiss and pushed me up against the trunk of a tree. I didn’t even care about the rough bark digging into my back as his muscular body pressed up against mine. He was mine and I was going to keep it that way.
A shout broke us apart, both of us breathing raggedly as Aengus used the tree trunk to brace his hands on either side of my head. The shout came again and I frowned when I was able to discern my name. Aengus looked over his shoulder, his body tensing as Dara’s voice drifted through the trees, getting louder with each shout. I swallowed hard as a dull ache settled in my chest. I wasn’t ready for this to come to an end.
This is no ending, Fianna said, its words soothing me. You have not lost him. But the game must be carefully played.
“He’s waiting,” Aengus said, unsteadily taking a few steps away from me.
I nodded, Dara’s unwelcome presence a silent reminder of all that stood between us, and Aengus offered his arm again. Our walk out of the forest was much quicker than our walk into it had been. Dara was pacing at the back of the house, his horse tied and waiting, the beast looking as if it had been ridden hard. Aengus called a greeting and Dara whirled around, his eyes narrowing as he looked between the two of us.
“It’s time to go, Alannah,” Dara said, motioning for me to come to his side before looking over at Aengus, his brows drawn in. “Lorcan has need of her and he hopes you’ve done a decent job, healer.”
I stiffened at his rude tone but Aengus offered an easy smile.
“She’s healed well,” he replied. “She should be ready.”
“I’ve gathered your things,” Dara said to me. “Lorcan wants you to ride back instead of shifting, to save your strength. Let’s go.”
He brusquely motioned for me to follow him before turning on his heel. A bitter taste filled my mouth and I scowled at his retreating back. There was no good reason for him to be in such a snit.
“I know you must go,” Aengus murmured and as he looked down at me, I saw the longing in his green eyes. “I will not try and stop you, but I…”
Our kiss had meant something. I could hear it in his voice and feel it in the sparks that crackled in the air between us. I couldn’t defy Dara and Lorcan right now, but something had been forged here these last few days between Aengus and me. Something Fianna and I both could use to our advantage, knowing that Aengus knew the truth of who he was.
“I’ll come back to you as soon as I can,” I said, holding his gaze. “I promise.”
He nodded, stealing a glance at Dara, who still had his back to us. Before releasing his hold on me, he brushed a brief kiss over my lips. I hated walking away from him. Lifting my chin, I strode up to Dara, who had already untied and mounted his horse. He pulled me up into the saddle with him, barely giving me time to get settled before urging the horse into a gallop. This was only a setback. I would have forever with Aengus. Fianna would make sure of it.
Chapter 31
In Shambles
Seren
It was late afternoon by the time we reached where Drystan’s camp should have been, but what we found a few miles from the river left me sick to my stomach. There was no encampment awaiting us, only the scene of a fire and a battle that was now over. I reined Ceol to a quick halt, my heart thudding in my chest as I surveyed the ghastly sight before me: the blackened grass, the dead trees, and the hints here and there of what had once been a tent or a weapon. Though I saw no bodies, I could see where a large fresh grave had been dug away from the river.
“We were too late,” I said, swallowing hard.
“The bodies have been buried.” Cian’s voice was tight as he pointed to the grave. “There must have been survivors of some sort.”
“Shall we see if they have fled to the village?” Domhnall asked.
North, Daughter of Blaidd. You must go north. The Wolf Spirit’s voice whispered to me, a breeze ruffling the loose strands of my hair.
“I think we should check the surrounding areas first,” I said, casting Cian a sidelong glance, hoping that he had felt the Wolf Spirit’s presence as well.
Domhnall frowned. “And what if whoever attacked them is still lurking?”
“I agree with Seren,” Cian said. “We check the surrounding areas first and then we head to Dearg.”
I urged Ceol into a trot, pointing the stallion north, while Cian and Domhnall fell in behind me, Domhnall doing so with a huff. I ignored his grumbling as we skirted the site of the battle. As we passed the grave, I sent up a silent prayer to the Spirits to help guide the souls of the lost from this realm to the next, all the while hoping that Bran was not among the dead.
My stomach churned as we continued following the river. I didn’t want to think of the consequences if my visions had indeed become reality. We rode for roughly a half mile more before we caught the first glimpse of canvas tents. I let out a long sigh of relief, the tension in my shoulders easing. There had been an attack, but it hadn’t ended in annihilation.
I urged Ceol into a faster pace, Cian and Domhnall coming to ride abreast with me as we approached the edge of the camp. Warriors stood guard, their numbers and stances making it clear that they were on high alert. I heard shouts break out when they spotted us, and by the time we reached them and brought our horses to a halt, the five warriors standing guard had been joined by six more companions.
“I must speak with Pennathe Drystan,” I said as I swung from Ceol’s back.
There was a shuffling among the crowd of warriors and they parted for Lewella to push her way through. She tilted her head at the sight of me, blinking rapidly. When I caught sight of the bandage wrapped around her upper arms, my chest tightened. I hoped the war band hadn’t suffered too greatly.
“Seren,” she said, her brows slightly raised. “We weren’t expecting you.”
“I must speak with Pennathe Drystan,” I told her. “The matter is urgent.”
She nodded slowly before calling for warriors to see to our horses. I unlashed Rhonwen’s bow and quiver from Ceol’s saddle before the stallion was led away. Lewella motioned for us to follow her and I fell in step with her, Cian and Domhnall sticking close behind us. We made our way through the rows of tents toward the camp’s center and my sense of unease grew as we passed more and more injured warriors.
“What happened?” I asked Lewella, keeping my voice low as we walked. “We passed the burn site a half mile back.”
Lewella pressed her lips together into a grimace. “We were attacked—ambushed, rather. It caught Drystan by surprise, but luckily for him, we managed to keep from being overwhelmed.”
“Did it catch you by surprise?” I asked, noticing her carefully chosen wording.
“Drystan and I have not been in agreement of late regarding this foe we fight,” she replied, casting me a sidelong glance.
I knew Father and Drystan both expected loyalty from those around them—demanded it, even—but I couldn’t help but see the cracks that were forming. Cracks like Laoise and Domhnall being bold enough to question Father’s capability. And perhaps Lewella is another, I thought as Drystan’s large canvas tent came into view.
Lewella spoke to the warriors standing guard outside and in moments, we were let in. Drystan was in deep discussion with three of his warriors, the embroidery on their shirts denoting their high rank. Lewella motioned for us to stay where we were. She walked over and spoke to Drystan and though I couldn’t hear what she said, he looked over at us with a scowl. He waved Lewella off and she rejoined us.
“He’ll speak with you in a moment,” she said. “I’m afraid I’m needed elsewhere.”
“Of course,” I replied. “Thank you for seeing us here.”
She gave me a respectful nod before stepping close and dropping her voice once more. “Don’t let him intimidate you.”
I held her gaze and gave a nod before she saw her way out of the tent. A churning settled in my stomach as we waited for Drystan and I shifted my weight, my grip on the bow tightening. I didn’t have any reason to believe that he would be more open to my knowledge than Father, but I had to try. Especially after the recent attack that had transpired here. Fianna was not going to rest until it had destroyed all of Blaidd.
“We saw what it did too,” Domhnall said quietly, resting a hand on my shoulder. “We will tell him as much.”
I glanced over at him, giving him a weak smile as he gently squeezed my shoulder. His hand lingered before dropping away, but I didn’t have the time to dwell on it, as Drystan finally dismissed his warriors and turned his attention to us.
“Dare I ask what has drawn the three of you here?” Drystan asked, crossing his arms as he faced us.
“The Spirits have shown me something that has the power to potentially change the tide of this fight,” I answered, lifting my chin as I addressed him, refusing to shrink back under his glower.
“Does your father know you’re here?” Drystan raised his brows.
“I came of my own accord,” I replied. “But only because of—”
“I do not have time to listen to the whims of a girl who understands neither war or strategy.” Drystan picked a map up off a table and turned his back to us. “Go home, Seren. You are not needed here.”
I could feel my face flush as the dismissive response, my shoulders tensing with fury.
“You do not wish to listen to the wisdom of a seer?” Cian said. “Or have you decided to deem yourself so above the Spirits that you do not need their guidance?”
“Being a seer does not necessarily make one wise,” Drystan snapped.
“Neither does being a warrior chief,” Domhnall said. “By refusing to listen to Seren, you refuse the Wolf Spirit as well.”
Drystan whirled around, his face reddening as he narrowed his eyes at Domhnall. “One of these days, boy, you are going to overstep your bounds one time too many and then Cadfael is going to send you back to Seabhac with your tail tucked between your legs, like he should have done years ago.”
Domhnall stiffened, one his hands clenching into a fist. He started to take an angry step toward Drystan but I put an arm out and stopped him. The last thing we needed was some sort of fistfight between Domhnall and Drystan, even if Drystan deserved it.
“The Spirits have shown me Rhonwen’s bow,” I said, holding the weapon out in front of me, “and they have shown me that it has the power to kill Fianna’s shadow creatures.”
Drystan turned slowly, pressing his lips together before he let out a short laugh. “It’s a bow, Seren. A relic of a time past. Nothing more.”
“You dare insult the Spirits thus?” I said, heat flushing my body. “You dare doubt them?”
“I find it difficult to believe that the Spirits would make such an outlandish suggestion,” Drystan said with a sneer. “That bow has been sitting in the Ri’s study at Castle Clogwyn for five hundred years. You think you are the first to try and use it? It is an ordinary weapon of ordinary means. Whatever power it once held is long gone.”
“We saw it kill a shadow creature with our own eyes,” Cian said, his jaw tight. “We were attacked on our way here and if it hadn’t been for Seren wielding that bow, we would all be dead.”
“A story is not proof.” Drystan’s tone was sharp, his brows narrowed.
“You discount the word of two witnesses and the woman who wielded the weapon herself?” Domhnall drew back his shoulders, a clear challenge in his voice.
Drystan let out a low growl and snatched the bow from my hands before yanking an arrow from the quiver. He nocked the arrow on the bow but as he went to draw it, the bowstring snapped and the arrow dropped to the ground. Drystan grimaced, shaking his arm where the string had popped him before giving the weapon a disgruntled look and thrusting it back at me. My stomach clenched as I took it from him. Our one chance at defeating Fianna and he had ruined it.
“Clearly a simple bow,” he said. “And an ancient one at that, that has quite obviously seen too much age. Nothing more. Fianna will not be defeated by wild imaginings. I suggest you go home to Castle Clogwyn, Seren, where you belong. Domhnall, I would hope you would be capable of seeing her back, though Cian, I must request that you remain here for at least a few days.”
