The Wildcat of Braeton

by Claire M Banschbach

  “That’s reassuring,” Gòrdan said. “There is one more thing. I have a feeling that William is in Aredor. Find him, and let him know that his home is open tae him.”

  “I will, Father,” Aiden said.

  “The Festival is held at the end of the harvest. I already plan for Artair and a score of men tae go along. Tam is going, and I believe some of the men will bring their families.”

  “How long will we be there?”

  “The Festival itself lasts for a week. I will leave it tae you and Artair tae decide when tae come back,” Gòrdan said.

  They parted ways, and Aiden went down to the training court behind the stables. In the months since he returned, his father and he had been slowly building a new friendship. As a young boy, Aiden had built up resentment against him and he found that he had held on to it for all these years. His father was trying and Aiden could only do the same.

  At times, despite their best efforts, they still found themselves at odds, but the remembrance of years past helped them through. He had never hated his father, and he had some fond memories of his childhood, but it would still be some time before he could completely trust him again.

  Aiden strung his bow and began to shoot. His arrows fell wide of his intended marks and he muttered in frustration. He knew his arm was still weak and he shouldn’t complain, but he just wanted to get back to normal.

  He drew a knife and sent it crashing into the target. He sent two more spinning after it. Retrieving the daggers, he repeated the process again and again as he varied his throws underhand, overhand, and to the left and right sides.

  He nodded in satisfaction as his last knife smacked solidly into the center of the target.

  “I’m glad you didn’t know how tae do that ten years ago,” Neason said behind him.

  Aiden barely repressed a startled flinch. He had been so focused that he hadn’t heard anyone approach.

  “I made do with what I had,” Aiden said as he turned around.

  Neason gave a slight smile and rubbed his ear unconsciously. “It still aches from time tae time.”

  “It was just a pinecone,” Aiden protested.

  “A bloody big one!”

  “I had saved it all winter.” Aiden’s half-smile was mirrored by Neason.

  “I figured I should come apologize,” Neason said.

  Aiden eyed him up and down. He wore a short sleeved shirt under the heavy brigandine. Bracers covered his forearms, above which were two tattoos; on the left, the circle of Clan Dyson, and on the right, an intricate three way spiral. Neason was the Champion of Clan Dyson.

  “You’re not just waiting tae jump me again?” Aiden asked suspiciously.

  “Och, I doubt I could even get close enough tae,” Neason said. “Besides that, just looking at you, I’m fairly sure that you could get the best of me any day.”

  “Don’t lie. You’re practically a giant compared tae me. Not tae mention that enormous claymore you’re carrying,” Aiden replied.

  “Well, I’d definitely have less of a chance now. And I did come tae see you. We heard some stories about the fight, and it’s not hard tae get people around here tae talk about you. Truth is, when we heard how you had left, I wished I had the guts tae do something like that.”

  “You? I always thought you weren’t scared of anything.” Aiden was surprised. “And you became the Champion.”

  “I never felt like I really earned it,” Neason said. “But you have.”

  “No, I’m just the idiot who thought I could hold off four hundred Durnians with fifty men. It’s a miracle we made it through alive. If Ranulf hadn’t come along when he did, I’d have died,” Aiden said.

  “We never got that version of the story.” Neason didn’t seem surprised to hear the bare facts.

  “Aye, you never hear how deathly afraid the ‘hero’ is either,” Aiden said.

  He and Neason walked toward the target where Aiden pulled the knives free and sheathed them. Neason extended a hand, and Aiden clasped it firmly.

  “Come back around in a few weeks, and we’ll see how good you really are with that oversized rabbit skinner,” Aiden said.

  Neason laughed. “I’ll be looking forward tae it.”

  Aiden found Ranulf a short time later.

  “How did Neason become champion?” he asked.

  “He and a few other warriors were out hunting one day. It was just after the Calorins had taken control of Aredor. The story goes that twenty Calorins had crossed the border and surprised them. Neason fought them off while his companions escaped. He killed most of the patrol and, even though he was wounded, helped one of his injured warriors get away. But if you ask him, there were only twelve Calorins and the other warrior was helping him more than the other way around. There were other battles, but that one gained him the respect of the Clan,” Ranulf said.

  “Dyson helped the Hawk Flight in the war. Did he fight then as well?” Aiden asked.

  “Aye, he was named Champion shortly after the war ended. How do you know about the Hawk Flight?” Ranulf turned a puzzled frown at him.

  Aiden hesitated. He couldn’t tell Ranulf the real reason he knew so much about the war.

  “My friend that I mentioned? He commands the Hawk Flight.”

  “You know the Hawk?” Ranulf exclaimed.

  “It’s a long story. But yes,” Aiden said. “How do you know about him?”

  “We’ve all heard about him, mostly from Dyson. That was just before Adalwulf came,” Ranulf replied.

  Aiden grinned. Corin would love to hear that he was famous not only in Aredor but also through Braeton.

  * * *

  Gòrdan watched Aiden during the evening meal. He sat at one of the lower tables with Blair and Jamey, listening attentively as Neason spoke. The Champion gestured with his hands as he described a battle. Neason finished and the conversation continued, punctuated by frequent bursts of laughter.

  “How does he do it?” Ranulf wondered. “He hates someone in the morning, and by dinner it’s like they’re lifelong friends. Does he have no enemies?”

  “He does. But I have a feeling that they’re all dead,” Gòrdan replied.

  Chapter 17

  William scanned the path. As in the weeks before, there was nothing to see. He turned and made his way back to the camp. He briefly reported to Lieutenant Flynn and joined Padrig by the fire. The smell of lunch pervaded the sheltered campsite. Will had been with the Hawk Flight for nearly a month now, still amazed with how quickly they had accepted him, especially as an outsider.

  He had moved through the training courses within a few days, passing with a high recommendation from the gruff captain. The members of Corin’s patrol that had been at Kingscastle at the time had welcomed him once they saw his skill. Will still thought a large part of his reception was because the Captain had accepted him without issue.

  “Anything to see?” Padrig asked.

  Will shook his head. “Same as always. You think there will be another attack?”

  “The Captain seems to think so. Some Braeton brought him news that seemed to worry him. If he thinks something might happen, then we’d best stay ready,” Padrig said.

  It was a complacent trust that Will had seen throughout the entire warband. He knew Padrig had fought in the first war, his missing finger proving it. Will knew that Aiden’s return and the news of Calorin was no coincidence.

  There were more stories told only in the Hawk Flight about the first war and the strangers that had helped the warband in the last great battle. He wanted to ask Corin about it but was afraid that he would get no answer.

  The rest of the patrol began to trickle back into camp. Lieutenant Flynn took their reports and made quick notes on a piece of parchment. They had just begun to eat when hoof beats sounded and Kara rode into the camp. She saluted Flynn and handed him a dispatch. The men looked up expectantly as she reached into the pouch again and pulled out letters from their families. When she finished, she helped herself to some fo
od and came to sit next to him.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t have anything for you.” She was still a little shy around him despite him telling her he wasn’t much of a Laird’s son anymore.

  “That’s all right,” he said. “I’m used tae it by now.”

  “Has there been any news about…?”

  He shook his head. He had met Brian from Clan Dyson. The captain had greeted him respectfully when he found out who Will was, but was not able to tell him much about Clan Canich other than there had been a battle and Laird Gòrdan still ruled. But all Will really cared about was news of Aiden. What had become of his little brother?

  “I’m sure he’s fine,” Kara replied to his unspoken question.

  “How did you know?”

  “The Captain was asking me the other day if you’d had any news about your brother,” Kara admitted. “Do you think you’ll hear from your family?”

  “I doubt it. I’m still banished, remember? And they don’t even know where I am,” Will said, unable the edge of sadness in his voice. It was still hard for him to admit to anyone that he had been expelled from his own Clan.

  Kara offered a brief smile. She at least was of the Clans and could probably imagine what that would be like. But she could still return any time she wanted.

  “I’m sure things have changed by now,” Kara said. “They say the Durnians are gone, so there’s no reason someone couldn’t come looking for you.”

  “Kieran was just here the other day telling me the same thing. You and he are quite the rays of sunshine, aren’t you?” Will said.

  “He’d like tae think he is,” Kara replied.

  Will laughed. He didn’t mind the young twins. There was a sort of understanding among them. All three of them were Braetons who had not seen their homes in a long time. And Will was just grateful to hear the brogue again. It made home finally seem closer.

  * * *

  Kara waited until early afternoon for Flynn to write a report for her to take back to Kingscastle. This was her last stop before heading back. She dozed off and on beside the campfire, its heat adding to the summer warmth. She let the tang of the pines fill her nose, lulled even closer to sleep by the quiet rustle of the forest. She had come to love Aredor possibly even more than Braeton. Of course she would never admit that to Kieran. Someone cleared his throat, and she opened her eyes.

  “Ian, what are you doing here?” Ian was part of Llewellyn’s patrol. There had to be a good reason for him to be here.

  “Catching you sleeping on the job apparently,” Ian said. “You should be ashamed.”

  “Why? You do it all the time.” She yawned.

  “Horrible lies!” Ian sat down next to her. “But to answer your question, Captain had some new patrol orders that he sent in with Llewellyn. I got picked to bring them.”

  “Kieran hasn’t gotten his lazy self out here yet?”

  “He’s running another message to Clan Dyson, so he’ll be a bit behind.”

  “You’re still here, Ian?” Flynn’s second-in-command asked.

  “You act like you’re trying to get rid of me, Trefor.” Ian laughed. “I haven’t told Flynn yet. You know you don’t disturb him when he’s writing.”

  Trefor only laughed.

  “I heard that, lad,” Flynn said as he came up. “You’re smarter than you look.”

  Ian laughed with Kara. Everyone liked the tall, distinctively red-haired lieutenant. He usually didn’t carry a sword, being more than capable with the ornate longbow and dirk he carried. Ian relayed his message and Flynn gave Kara his letter. Kara tightened Delyth’s girth, and Ian took his horse’s reins.

  “Which way are you going?” he asked.

  She pointed to the path she would take, yawning again.

  “Stop that,” Flynn ordered, stifling his own yawn. “We’ve still got a few more days before we can sleep in a wonderful bed again.”

  “I will think of you all when I get back tae Kingscastle.” Kara flashed him a sweet smile.

  “It’s a good thing you’re pretty,” Flynn told her.

  “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said tae me,” Kara said, her voice catching a little.

  “Oh, get out of here,” Flynn said good-naturedly.

  Kara grinned and mounted. She waved to Ian who was going the opposite direction. She wished they were going the same way. She rarely got to spend much time with him or Kieran anymore. She held Delyth to an easy trot. It would take them all day and into the next to reach the castle.

  * * *

  Kara rode in behind a group of warriors. She greeted them and received cold nods in return. She was used to it by now. Not everyone approved of her riding with the Hawk Flight. It was the same story as she rode through the town. Several of the older women glared at her, their message clear—men’s clothes and men’s work were not appropriate for a young woman.

  But Kara saw several girls and young women looking admiringly at her, and some dared to wave. She smiled and waved back, bringing more disapproval. She knew she had no reason to be ashamed. She had the blessing of the captain and the other lieutenants. That was enough for her.

  A groom took her horse, but she was stopped before she could go to the barracks office. Amaura had seen her in the courtyard and came to greet her.

  “Kara! I was hoping you’d be here soon.”

  “You’ll have tae hold your plans for a little while. I’m a bit dirty,” Kara said.

  “Not to worry, I just wanted you to help me convince Mera to have dinner with us tonight,” Amaura said.

  “I have tae find the Captain first, and then I’ll be free.”

  “Well, you won’t find him in there.” Amaura pointed to the barracks. “He is out walking with…” She paused for dramatic effect. “A woman.”

  “Our Captain? With someone?” Kara couldn’t quite believe it.

  “Aye, and wait till you see who it is!” Amaura seemed about to burst.

  She led Kara into the castle and up a flight of stairs to a window that overlooked the gardens. They both peered out and saw Corin and Mera on a path below.

  “Mera?” Kara said. “They’re perfect for each other!”

  “That’s what I thought!” Amaura exclaimed.

  “So that’s the real reason for dinner tonight.” Kara understood now.

  “Yes, I want her to talk! I must know everything!” Amaura said. Mera could be quite secretive, and it killed Amaura. Laughter floated up to the window.

  Kara smiled a little wistfully. “They look happy together.”

  “Don’t worry, Kara. We’ll find someone for you someday.” Amaura looped an arm around her.

  “If she survives not turning in reports,” a voice sounded behind them.

  Kara whirled around. “Lieutenant Martin! Fancy meeting you here.” She attempted a casual smile.

  Martin maintained his glare for only a few more seconds. “What are you two doing up here anyway?” he asked.

  Amaura pointed triumphantly out the window. Martin glanced out.

  “Ah, yes, our budding romantic. Who would have guessed?” he said.

  Kara and Amaura laughed.

  “How long have you known?” Amaura asked.

  “For a while. They are both an open book to the master.” Martin tilted his nose up with a superior sniff.

  “The master?” Amaura scoffed. “I don’t know why women fall for you.”

  “That’s because they don’t know me like you do.” Martin grinned as he began to walk away. “Oh, and Kara, he’s leaving. You’d better get down there and report before you have to tell him you were spying on him.”

  Kara took his advice and hurried back to the barracks. She arrived just before Corin. She knocked on the open door and entered. Gerralt looked up from his desk.

  “Ah, Kara,” he greeted her amiably before going back to his work.

  Corin eyed her skeptically as he sat down. She only smiled and shrugged slightly. She seemed to be the only person in the whole army tha
t Gerralt didn’t mind. She handed in the reports from Liam and Flynn. She answered his questions as seriously as she could. Amaura’s excitement had taken over her. She still couldn’t quite believe what she had seen.

  “Everything all right, Kara?” Corin asked suspiciously.

  Kara hid her smile. “Yes, sir. Is that all?”

  “I suppose it is,” Corin said. She hurried out of the room as fast as she dared.

  Karif landed on the open windowsill and began preening. Corin looked longingly at out the window as a fresh breeze wafted in. Gerralt cleared his throat, and Corin glared at him before turning back to the endless piles of paperwork.

  * * *

  Corin woke early the next day. It looked like a beautiful morning until he remembered what day it was. Lord Mabon was coming. He disliked the lord and knew the feeling was entirely mutual. In fact, Lord Mabon made it his sole purpose in life to argue and contradict everything Corin said.

  He spent the morning out on the training fields, working the recruits for the Hawk Flight. Evan was progressing quickly and Andras had been less vocal of late. Corin thought it was probably because Andras realized he would have to work harder so that Even would not surpass him. It was making life more pleasant for all involved.

  After returning to the castle, Corin changed to fresh clothes and joined his father and Darrin in the courtyard to greet Lord Mabon. Karif alighted on his outstretched arm and turned somber yellow eyes to the troop of men entering the castle gates.

  Corin unconsciously reverted to the silent and guarded look of the Phoenix Guard. Karif felt him stiffen and fluttered to his shoulder to better glare at the newcomers. Corin knew that the lord wasn’t an enemy, but Mabon still set every fiber of his being on edge.

  A young girl of about four years suddenly darted out from behind the stables. Lord Mabon’s horse reared in surprise, and the lord cursed. Corin jumped forward and swept the girl out from under the flailing hooves. Lord Mabon brought his horse back under control and looked around angrily as if he would try to blame Corin for what happened.

  King Celyn stepped forward to intervene.

  “I’m sorry for that, Lord Mabon,” he said. “Your journey was pleasant, I trust?”