The Wildcat of Braeton

by Claire M Banschbach

  “I tried tae convince them tae stay, but they refused tae come back as long as Adalwulf had favor with Father. Tam and I stayed tae keep an eye on things. Then last winter, about three score Durnians showed up, and they have controlled the valley since. There are hardly any warriors left. Adalwulf now rules through Father,” Ranulf finished the frustrating tale.

  Aiden stood silent, thinking over what had been said. “Have you tried tae raise warriors from the settlements?”

  “We tried, but Adalwulf threatens a larger Durnian invasion if any resistance shows. The people won’t take up arms, and the warriors won’t return either,” Tam said.

  “Bloody cowards!” Aiden exploded angrily. “They disgrace their own Clan. I can’nae believe it!”

  “They won’t listen and I’m ashamed tae say that I’ve almost given up hope. You and Will could have taken this valley back single-handedly.” Ranulf gave a faint smile.

  “Since Will is not here, we’ll do the best we can,” Aiden said. “I’ve spent the last seven years fighting in one war or another, and I’m not about tae let this Adalwulf destroy our home. He’ll have tae kill me first!”

  “I’m glad you’re back, Aiden. But for now, don’t do anything rash. Our best chance is tae catch the Durnians unprepared.” Ranulf said. “Now that you know everything, you should go visit Father.”

  Aiden hesitated, all his fear and doubt rushing to the surface. “Is that a good idea?”

  “You’ll have tae see him sooner or later. But, Danny, just know that your leaving grieved him more than he let on. And also be warned that he has changed, and not for the better,” Ranulf said.

  They descended from the tower and Ranulf led the way to the chamber where Laird Gòrdan spent most of his time. Aiden took a deep breath and entered the room. Laird Gòrdan stood at the window, gazing out toward the lake.

  “Tam, is that you?” he asked absentmindedly.

  “No, Father, it’s Aiden. I’ve come back,” Aiden said.

  Laird Gòrdan did not turn. “What kept you? Your mother is dead yet you were not here. Did you not love her?” he asked abruptly after a silence.

  “No, sir, I did very much! Ranulf only just told me she was dead,” Aiden stammered.

  “Ranulf!” his father mocked. “Ranulf telling tales, trying tae tell me what tae do, just like William! Trying tae steal the torc!” He whirled around. “And now you! Skulking around, joining those who plot against me!”

  “No, Father! I would never plot against you! You know that!” Aiden protested.

  “Do I?” his father asked. “You were always lying and disobeying me!”

  Aiden listened in silence, cut to the heart by the change in his father. Despite their arguments in the past, he did love his father. Now it seemed Laird Gòrdan hardly remembered his son and took a strange delight in accusing him.

  “What? No answer? I thought as much!”

  “Father!” Aiden pleaded. “Please, what happened tae you? You know me! I would never hurt you like that!”

  “Would you? Because of you, my wife died before her time, and I lost another son. You ran away tae spite me. I do not know you. Leave me.”

  His vision blurred by tears, Aiden stumbled to the door. Before leaving he turned to his father again, but Laird Gòrdan had turned back to the window. Gathering himself, Aiden stepped into the empty hall and leaned wearily against the wall. After the events of the past hour, his world seemed twisted and shaken and devoid of any color.

  Tam found him a short time later sitting by the shores of the lake.

  “How did it go?” he asked Aiden as he sat down beside him.

  Aiden shrugged noncommittally, not willing to talk about it.

  “Davy didn’t tell me everything, did he?” he asked suddenly.

  Tam sighed and shook his head. “I’m afraid not.”

  “Tell me.”

  “Aiden, hasn’t your day been bad enough without hearing the rest?” Tam protested.

  “Come on, Tam. At this point it can’nae get any worse.” Aiden tore a grass blade apart.

  “When Will left, he said he was going tae try and find you. After he was gone, Adalwulf convinced Father that Will was a traitor and tae banish him from the Clan. He had riders proclaim it all over Braeton. Will won’t be coming back. Ranulf tried talking Father out of it, but when he started trying tae bring the warriors back, Adalwulf accused him of trying tae take the torc. Father won’t speak tae Ranulf anymore.”

  “What about you, Tam? Anything I should know?” Aiden asked.

  “No, I haven’t threatened Adalwulf in any way yet. Although I’m sure he could get rid of me whenever he wants.”

  “Are you carrying a weapon?” Aiden didn’t like the way Tam seemed resigned to the fact.

  “Adalwulf has forbidden the Braetons from carrying swords, but Ranulf and I both carry knives.”

  “Good.” Aiden didn’t hide his relief that at least they were armed. He unbuckled his swords and laid them on the grass beside him.

  “Where did you get those?” Tam asked.

  “In Gelion. I traded my claymore for them.”

  “What did you do in Gelion?”

  “I served as a squire in the governor’s palace for two years. One of the men there taught me how tae use them,” Aiden said.

  With Aiden’s permission, Tam took one of the blades and unsheathed it. There was a gash on the handle near the pommel.

  “What happened here?”

  “That happened in a fight with an Argusian. I nearly lost two of my fingers,” Aiden said.

  Tam returned the sword to the sheath. “What’s that mark on your vambrace?”

  Recognizing his brother’s attempt to get his mind off the events of the day, Aiden answered, “A phoenix; in Calorin I was part of a lord’s personal bodyguard known as the Phoenix Guard. It’s on most of my gear.” He pulled a dagger from his belt and showed it to Tam. On one side of the blade was a rising phoenix, and on the other was engraved a word in Calorin.

  Tam traced over the flowing script. “What does it say?”

  “Emeth. That’s the name I went by in the South. It means ‘faithful,’” Aiden said.

  Tam slowly repeated the strange word. “It suits you.”

  Aiden smiled. “After a while you get used tae it. Our captain had the knife made for me.”

  “How long were you in Calorin?”

  “I swore an oath of service for seven years.”

  “That’s a long time,” Tam commented.

  “Aye, I guess it was. But it was good for me. I changed somewhat while I was there,” Aiden said thoughtfully. They sat in silence for a few minutes watching the waters of the lake lap gently against the shore.

  “Well, we can’nae stay out here forever, and I want tae see how well my horse was taken care of,” Aiden said.

  They rose, and Aiden buckled his swords back on. Tam noticed the dagger held in a sheath on one of the cross belts.

  “How many knives do you carry?” he asked.

  Aiden grinned. “Depends on the day, but usually four,” he answered. Tam shook his head in disbelief. “You wouldn’t believe how often a few extra knives come in handy. There was one time I was tied tae a tent pole—”

  “What—”

  “It’s a long story. They thought they had taken all my weapons, but I still had one hidden in my boot. After some maneuvering I managed tae get it out and cut myself free,” Aiden finished.

  “So did you escape?”

  “Ah, no. I got caught again, but the next day I was present during some ‘negotiations’ and returned tae the Guard in time for a battle.”

  “One day I’ll get all of your stories from you and put them in a song,” Tam said.

  “Well, then, I’ll only tell the ones in which I played hero.” Aiden smirked.

  Tam laughed. “And as bard, I’ll take creative liberties.”

  “You have a deal.”

  In the stables he found Narak had been well quartered in
a stall and supplied with hay and water. Despite his full trough, Narak nosed at Aiden. He slapped the stallion’s nose, and Narak blew gently in his face. Aiden picked up his packs from nearby and the brothers walked back to the hall. As they entered, an imposing figure stopped them.

  “You must be my Lord Gòrdan’s son who just arrived,” he addressed Aiden.

  “Aye, I am, but who are you? I haven’t had the pleasure,” Aiden said.

  “Your pardon. I am Adalwulf.”

  Aiden inclined his head. “An honor. My father spoke highly of you.”

  “I thank you.” Adalwulf said. “We eat in an hour, would you join me?”

  “Again, you honor me.” Aiden flashed a disarming smile which faded as the man turned.

  As soon as Adalwulf was out of sight, Tam turned to him.

  “Aiden, what are you doing?”

  “It’ll be easier if he’s not trying tae kill me. Torsten might be a problem, but I’ll assure Adalwulf that it was a harmless mistake.”

  “You? Harmless?” Tam snorted.

  “What? You don’t think I could pull it off?” Aiden accused.

  “Well, the fact that you’re practically a walking armory had me convinced otherwise,” Tam said.

  “Have some faith, laddie!” Aiden smacked him on the head before bounding up the stairs.

  Ranulf met him halfway up. “There’s hot water, and I had some of Will’s clothes laid out. You’ll have tae wear his until some are made for you,” he said.

  Aiden nodded his thanks and continued on until he came to his old room. Pushing open the door, he slowly entered. He was relieved to see that nothing had changed since the day he had left.

  He laid his packs on the low bed covered with a deer skin. On the chest of drawers that sat by his bed was a wooden box. Inside were the small carved warriors that had waged many a war on the floor. Aiden reached in and took out his favorite one. A solemn-faced warrior wielding a spear sat astride a prancing horse. The figurine had played a prominent part in his games.

  Setting it upright on the top of the drawers, he took off his cloak and hung it on a peg by the door. He hung his bow and quiver alongside it with his sword belts. His leather tunic and chain mail he left on the overstuffed armchair by the fireplace.

  Pulling black pants, a blue shirt, and a soft leather tunic from the pile, he went to the adjacent room, bathed, and then dressed.

  The clothes fit well, although Aiden was unused to the softness of the cloth after the rougher garments he had worn in Calorin. He felt too light without his mail and swords. Pulling on his boots and buckling on his vambraces, he picked up his daggers and slid them into place. Two hung in plain sight on his belt, the smallest fit into his boot, and the last, which usually stayed on his sword belt, he put into a sheath under his tunic where it sat unseen against his ribs.

  Feeling less than ready, Aiden left the room and went downstairs. The great hall had been changed. Tables had been set up, and benches pulled away from the wall. Fresh torches blazed in sconces on the wall. The people who remained in the fortress all gathered in the hall for supper. Quiet murmurs of conversation filled the hall as Aiden glanced around the room. Adalwulf had not yet arrived, but several Durnians already sat in the hall.

  Aiden noted where each Durnian sat, automatically memorizing their location and the weapons they carried.

  Just relax! He told himself as he prepared to meet his enemy.

  He tried to tone down his reactions, heightened by his years in the Phoenix Guard. Unfamiliar footsteps sounded behind him, and his hand went to his dagger.

  Ranulf eyed him suspiciously. “Are you about tae stick me with that?”

  “Sorry, old habits.” Aiden released the hilt.

  “Be careful. Torsten will be keeping a close eye on you through dinner. He usually stays close tae Adalwulf,” Ranulf said.

  “Lovely!” Aiden muttered. “I hoped I wouldn’t have tae see him for a while.”

  The brothers made their way to the main table which sat at the top of the hall in front of the Laird’s chair. They seated themselves to the left of the chair as Tam entered and joined them. New whispers broke out as people began to recognize Aiden as the Laird’s son who had finally returned.

  Everyone had begun to sit as Adalwulf and his guards entered. The Durnians stood as their leader passed, but the Braetons remained seated, scowling sullenly. Adalwulf seated himself familiarly to the right of the throne. Aiden rose as he came to the table and greeted him politely. Aiden had purposely chosen his chair so he was close to Adalwulf.

  Ranulf looked surprised, and Tam shot him a look that said “don’t ask.”

  “My Lord Gòrdan, regrettably, will not be joining us,” Adalwulf said.

  “Ah, indeed a shame! Tell me, how is my father’s health?” Aiden asked.

  “I wish I could give you good news, but he is gradually fading. The years have been hard on him.” Adalwulf looked properly distressed.

  “It must be a great comfort tae him, and tae all, that you have helped so considerably with matters of the Clan,” Aiden said.

  To his left, Ranulf choked on the contents of his tankard, and Adalwulf’s eyes narrowed. But he could catch no trace of sarcasm in Aiden’s face.

  “May I offer you some wine? It’s Durna’s finest,” Adalwulf asked.

  Aiden accepted, watching him carefully as he poured wine from the flagon on the table.

  “I hear you have traveled much.” Adalwulf handed him the glass.

  “You heard right. I am somewhat restless. I never stay long in one place,” Aiden answered half-truthfully.

  “You have been many places?”

  “I have traveled the South extensively, and I lived in Gelion for a short time. I have never been tae Durna though. What is it like?”

  “Petty and small minded. People are afraid to take control, to rule as a country should be ruled! I had plans, ideas, but they drove me out!” Anger flashed in Adalwulf’s face, but Aiden thought it looked forced. “But I digress. Will you stay long?”

  “As I said, I never stay long in one place. There are a few people I wanted tae see again. One lives in a neighboring settlement. I assume it would be no trouble if I visited for a few days?” Aiden asked.

  Adalwulf again scrutinized his face carefully before tipping a nod almost to himself. “No, not at all.”

  Aiden rejoiced inwardly. He had a way out if needed, and he was safe for the moment.

  * * *

  The next few days passed uneventfully, but Aiden felt on edge. The Durnians had complete control of the valley, and everyone moved in constant fear of them. Ranulf and Tam wanted to be rid of them, but didn’t know how. Aiden saw that neither of them had the experience to stage a war or rebellion, especially Tam. He was almost glad of that fact. After the blood he’d seen, he felt protective of both of them, but especially his younger brother.

  The Durnians did not threaten Aiden. Adalwulf only ruled because of his intimidation. After the wars he had fought in, this seemed like an insignificant infestation to Aiden, but he could not see a clear solution yet.

  He racked his brain for any plan, and then one night, it came to him. He lay awake most of the night, fine tuning it, and then he began to pack. He needed to visit Jamey.

  Chapter 6

  Corin remained at Kingscastle for two days after Aiden left. He had passed on the news to Darrin and his father of another Calorin invasion and their possible alliance with Durna. They agreed not to spread the news in order to avoid undue panic, but Corin still took the Hawk Flight to strengthen the border.

  Even though he now bore the responsibilities of the General of the warbands, he was not yet officially named to that position. He was fighting the promotion as well as he could. He didn’t want it, feeling that he didn’t have enough knowledge or experience for the task. He would be content to remain Captain of the Hawk Flight. But, in addition to the Hawk Flight, he had taken another personal command of forty men called a deugain. He had perso
nally selected the men for the deugain as well as replacements for the Hawk Flight. To both bands, he had imparted some of his own training, turning them into two of the best fighting forces in Aredor.

  The entire Hawk Flight met at the caves, and Corin gave his men the news.

  “It looks like you were right about the Calorins trying again, sir,” Lieutenant Flynn said.

  “Aye, but I would rather have been wrong,” Corin said.

  “When do you think they’ll attack?” Liam asked. In the war, Liam had been Corin’s second-in-command in his patrol, but now held his own command.

  “I don’t know, but this time we’ll be ready,” Corin said. “I don’t want word of this getting spread around just yet. We’ll start patrolling like we did in the war. Most of you know the routes, so make sure you teach the new members everything you know about our ways here. The lieutenants and I will arrange for you all get leave time regularly. We’ll be settling back into the caves as quickly as possible and then start out on patrol.”

  There were no questions. The stories told of the Hawk Flight during the war, and the captain’s reputation as a fighter and strategist gave even the newest warriors reason to trust Corin implicitly. They dispersed into the secret caves of the Hawk Flight. The warband was larger than it had been during the Calorin War, now numbering almost eighty strong, but the caves were able to hold them all easily. Before Corin went in he gave a sharp whistle. An answering call came from the sky, and Karif swooped down and landed on his arm.

  “It looks like we have more hunting ahead of us, my friend,” Corin said. In answer, Karif shrieked his challenge to the sky.