by Kara Griffin
He joined her in bed and held her in his arms. “I know a way.”
Katriona sensed his aura. Rhyder was at peace and even though his mind was troubled, his heart was not. She caressed his chest and smiled to herself. “What way?”
“We never spoke of children. I want sons and daughters, lots of them. That would bring happiness to our home and joy to those we care for.”
“I haven’t given it much thought, but children would be a welcome blessing.”
He nudged her head with his. “We should begin making a babe this night if you’re well enough.”
“I am.” She giggled when he flipped her to her back. His lips pressed her abdomen until she writhed beneath him. Katriona returned his kisses and her skin flushed. She removed her underdress and tossed it aside.
“I like this side of you, sweet lass. Aye, naked and wanting.”
He pulled her beside him and kissed her neck. His mouth suckled and the pull of her skin brought forth desirous moans. How she loved him.
Their love play went from teasing and playful to intense and vigorous. Katriona cried out when he joined his body with hers. She rejoiced at the pleasure flowing through her entire body. As he wooed her body’s reaction, she gripped his arms, waist, and arse, trying to keep him as close as she might. They climaxed together in a mindless surrender.
Katriona lay back breathless and thoroughly pleasured.
Rhyder yawned and rolled next to her. He kissed her hard and groaned when she pinched his arm. His kiss turned to a grin.
“What has you smiling?”
Rhyder tapped her nose. “You do. I want to go on the morrow and find Shrisy and ensure she is well. If it wasn’t for her, I never would’ve found you. She led me to Wulfar’s lands.” He told her how Olor explained her connection to the dragon and how Shrisy allowed him to ride her.
“Olor says I’m to help the great woe. I am not certain how, but I want to see your dragon again.” Her hand played over the etching of the dragon on his chest.
He forced her to her side and lay behind her. His body flanked hers and he held her close. “I must think about it. Shrisy may not wish to be seen.”
“I might be able to—”
He pressed a finger on her lips. “Because, sweet lass, dragons prefer light-haired lasses with blue eyes not brown.”
She gasped and laughed when he pressed a kiss on her shoulder. “You are teasing me. I didn’t think you recalled me telling you that I said almost the same thing to Mali. How I miss her. I would like her to come for a visit soon. I should’ve asked Papa.”
“Until we find my foe, none will be permitted to visit. I won’t endanger others. It’s bad enough our own followers are at risk.”
She sighed and pressed his hand over her stomach. “I understand and you’re right for we shouldn’t endanger anyone. I wish this was ended so we can be at ease. You’ll take me to see Shrisy, won’t you?”
He pretended to snore and ignored her question. Katriona giggled lightly and closed her eyes. It was good to be home.
Chapter TWENTY-THREE
Early morning light filtered into the cave. Rhyder held a torch high and approached Shrisy. She screeched and stomped her feet on the rock, sending debris from the vibration of the high perch. He carefully stepped forward and called to her, but her yowl so loud it echoed off the high ceiling of the cave. He pressed his hands on his ears, hoping to defuse the sound.
Shrisy blew a heavy breath and her nostrils widened.
“You’re angry. I came as I promised. I was delayed.” He held out his hand wishing to appease her. But her eyes glowed with red, a sign she wasn’t happy. “If only there was a way for me to discern what troubles you. I would do anything to make you content.”
Shrisy screeched and flapped her wings. She was agitated.
“I will leave you be.” Rhyder retreated from the cave and walked along the beach. None were about at the early hour. The isolation soothed him, and yet he was confounded by Shrisy’s attitude. It was odd because she seemed pleased to welcome him at first and then annoyed by his presence. If only he could figure out what plagued her.
He hastened his steps and neared the incline. There, he spotted Olor. He wondered if the priest might help with his problem. At the rise, he stood before Olor and knelt and bowed his head in respect. “Priest, good morn.”
“My lord, I expected to see the fairy. You’ve been home days and yet she has not come to seek me.” He leaned on his staff and kept his gaze direct.
“My wife has been forbidden to leave the hamlet.”
“Och, so you are afeared.”
“Damned right I am. Someone tried to kill her. If you wish to see Katy, you are welcome to visit her in the hamlet. I’m sure she would be pleased if you came.”
“More like question me until the next morning light dawns?”
Rhyder laughed. The old priest knew his wife well. “Perhaps, but I must ensure her safety and until my foe or foes are caught, she is to stay within the walls. You are always welcome.”
“Then I shall go to her.”
Rhyder walked beside Olor and was skeptical about asking him if he deduced what troubled Shrisy. But other than asking the priest, he didn’t know how to figure out Shrisy’s woe.
“You are silent, my lord. Is there something you want to discuss?” Olor used his staff and ambled next to him.
“Shrisy, my dragon.”
“Ah, the beast. Only one can tell ye what’s in that beast’s heart, for there is great woe there. I cannot reason what troubles her.”
Rhyder breathed deeply and decided the answer needed consideration. The old priest always spoke in riddles and he never understood what the man implied. He bid the priest a good day and stopped at the training field to observe the younger soldiers skills.
Sawyer trotted toward him. “Your Grace, all are diligent with their tasks. They’re doing well, much better than I expected. I suppose Dillon and Gwill are doing a good job.”
“Aye, the young lads are progressing and improving. Is Dillon and Gwill on the field?”
“Nay, they must be on sentry duty.”
Rhyder pressed his lips and considered that. “I gave no order for them to do so. They’re supposed to be training the men and only that. Sentry is set to a schedule.”
“Well, they’re not here. I’ve asked the elders sons to help for they’ve finished the harvest and have more time to attend the training field.”
“That is good. Will you tell them it is my desire for them to continue to train the men? They have skill and patience, which is greatly needed in dealing with the younger soldiers.”
“Aye, I agree. I will let them know at once.”
Rhyder paced along the edge of the field surveying the young men. He motioned to Sawyer to join him. “I require a more important task for you.” He leaned against the post of the paddock at the edge of the field and continued to peer at the men.
“What is it, Your Grace?”
“I will soon need to leave and meet with Cenwahl. I’ve delayed long enough. Will you ensure Katy’s protection whilst I am away?”
“But I should travel with you. We can have her guarded—”
“Are you refusing my command?”
Sawyer leaned against the post and shook his head. “Of course not. It’s just Milady—”
“Needs someone to protect her, and I trust no other to do so but you. If I cannot be with her, then you will watch over her.”
“Then, of course, I shall do my duty.” Sawyer bowed his head.
“Good. I must go and meet with the elders before I leave. They want to discuss our adversary. Mayhap they have a suspect in mind. Let us hope they do because no men within the ranks has acted suspiciously.”
“And what of Shrisy? You went to her?”
Rhyder pulled away from the paddock fence and nodded. “Aye, but she continues to glare at me and I have yet to discern why she’s standoffish.”
“You’ll figure it out.”
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“You always say that. Mayhap I will, and until then I suppose we have to put up with her churlish nature. At least, she hasn’t come near the hamlet again. There are the elders. I must go.” Rhyder set off and caught up to the men before they reached his home. He motioned them toward the gate and stopped when he reasoned they had enough privacy.
The elders stood in a circle and none spoke until he gave them leave. “What say you? Have you thought of who is against me?”
Robert grumbled and pressed his beard. “‘Tis the truth we discuss the matter at great length.”
“Aye, and we can think of none that wedded someone from Cenwahl’s clan,” Llywelyn said.
“But when we were younger, we were a mite busy protecting your father,” Hugh said.
Garth nodded. “There was a lass who disappeared. Remember her?”
“But we never found her,” Robert said. “The entire clan was called upon to search for her, but we never found a trace of the lass. I don’t recall her name.”
“If we want to ferret out this foe, I say we call a gathering. We’ll assess the families and mayhap that will spark a remembrance,” Llywelyn said.
Hugh rocked on his heels and smirked. “If we call the men together, Milady might pick out those who attacked her. Ye did say she saw the men.”
“Och, but she didn’t recognize them. They might not live in the hamlet. Could they be from a farmstead or those who live farther afield?” Robert asked.
“Could be,” Hugh said. “Still it is worth a try. She might see them.”
Rhyder shook his head against the idea. “I don’t like it. It’s too risky and I won’t allow Katy to be put in further danger.”
“She won’t be for she’ll be well guarded by the entire hamlet. We should call for a gathering for the fall festival. None will suspect our motive for calling the followers together,” Llywelyn said.
“That is reasonable. It would be expected that we hold a harvest festival, for we have done so for years. Katy will need a trusted guard.”
“Aye, our sons will be gladdened to attend to her protection,” Hugh said. “Best to ensure her safety with more than one guard.”
Rhyder agreed and bid them to make the arrangement. Given time, the elders hopefully would recall the lass they mentioned. Perhaps she had something to do with his foe’s intent. Since the harvest festival was only a fortnight away, he needed to visit Cenwahl at the soonest and find out his news.
The time to end the treason was now before winter’s harsh weather set in. And as he thought the words, light snow began to fall.
Chapter TWENTY-FOUR
The days since her return kept her busy. With Merrion and Luella’s help, she furnished their home with more comforts. The area next to the kitchen now boasted a good many stools fashioned with comfortable pillows and cushions. It took days to sew the fabric and to stuff them. She asked Merrion to sew a tapestry, and after long consideration, they thought of a scene which would be perfect for their home: a fearsome dragon that blew not fire but hearts.
She had a moment to breathe and decided a relaxing, long walk was in order. Wynn was usually by Rhyder’s side but this day, he lay by the hearth.
“Come, Wynn. Cease lazing around and we’ll get some air. Let us see if we can find Olor.” She stepped outside and Wynn strolled by her side. Katriona didn’t notice Sawyer following.
She glanced down the lane and saw Father Matthew speaking to one of the men. He held the Good Book in his hands and appeared to be lecturing the soldier. Katriona turned when he shouted her name. She practically ran through the hamlet in her hope to avoid the man. Wynn though she played with him and barked madly. Gods be praised, she lost the man.
At the gate, she bent over and tried to recover her breath. She was stopped by the guard. “I’m sorry, Milady, but His Grace forbids you to leave the hamlet.”
“But I want to find Olor. Wynn is with me. No harm shall come.” Katriona reasoned whoever had attacked her must not be in the hamlet because since her return she’d been safe and no one tried to harm her.
“Open the gate.” Sawyer stepped forward. “I’ll stay with Milady and keep her safe.” He followed her through the gate and pulled his sword free of its scabbard.
“That’s a mite premature, isn’t it? Your sword is not needed. I don’t want to take you from your duties and don’t need your escort.” She didn’t want there to be awkwardness between them either, but it was there. Her aura mute and she didn’t get a sense of his emotions when he took her hand and led her through the threshold. She hadn’t yet figured out why she got an uncomfortable mien when he was near.
“You wish to visit Olor and my duties can wait.”
“I should have asked Rhyder to take me, but he’s been busy and I don’t wish to bother him.”
“He’s meeting with the elders. They are his council now.”
She smiled and snapped her fingers to bring Wynn to heel. He traipsed ahead, but with Sawyer’s presence, she wanted Wynn by her side.
“Are you angry that he has sought their guidance? I get the feeling you are displeased by this.”
“Not at all, Milady. The elders know everyone within the kingdom and hopefully, they’ll help Rhyder figure out who attacked you. You’re limping.” He was about to take her arm, but she stepped to the side.
She was still leery of him and she had enough problems to consider without adding his aura to the mix. “My leg still heals and sometimes pains me, but it is nothing to be concerned about.”
“Mayhap we should return.”
“We shall after I visit with Olor. He is probably by the cliffs.”
“I can take you to his home.” Sawyer turned and led her in the direction of the woods. “He’s likely there for the weather too cold for him to wander near the waters.”
The newly fallen snow chilled her toes. They walked for ten minutes when a small cottage came into view. Katriona was surprised at how homey the cottage appeared. Tall pines covered with a white dusting surrounded the wooden structure and only one window flanked the door. Shutters kept closed likely helped abate the autumn chill.
“Shall I knock?”
Sawyer motioned for her to do so. “I will wait here and keep guard.”
She walked ahead and was about to knock when the door opened.
“Come in, fairy. I’ve been awaiting you.” Olor looked well. His lips pressed together in a wide smile. “My home is small but affords a wee bit of comfort. Sit and warm yourself by the fire.”
She glanced around the one-roomed home. A small kitchen took up one corner where rabbit furs hung on the wall drying. A wooden bed sat opposite and hay littered the floor. But atop the bed lay warm covers which afforded warmth during cold nights. In the center, a low rock wall encircled a hearth which rose up to the roof. The wood within the hearth burned and sent heat throughout the small confines of the home.
She sat in the only chair and thought to offer it to the aged man. Before she could, he pulled a stool from the kitchen area and sat facing her.
“The last time I saw ye, you were running away.”
“I would’ve come sooner, but Rhyder wouldn’t allow me to. Much has happened since I saw you last. I am sorry I didn’t listen to you.”
“‘Tis dark in here and I cannot see your face. These old eyes need help sometimes.” He waved his hands in the air and three wall torches backed by stone lit and lightened the abode.
“How fairs you?”
“I am well.” She explained her attack, her family’s reunion, and Rhyder coming to fetch her. “It was silly to deem he didn’t want me.”
“Our lord has waited for you a long time. Come now and ask your questions for you always have many.” He chuckled and pressed his long cloak with his hands.
She smiled. “You are very wise and I thank you.”
Olor guffawed. “You are trying to sweeten me, but there’s no need, fairy. For that tells me you are hesitant.”
“I want answers but fear
them. What I most want to know is why my awen left me, but then it returned? I thought I lost my gift and whilst I was recovering it returned quite suddenly.”
Olor took his staff in hand and leaned on it. “I told ye, fairy, that if you forsake your awen, it would forsake you. Your gift is connected to your senses. Aye, so if you are overwrought with emotion your senses cannot connect to your gift.”
“That makes much sense. So I shall remain calm if I’m to receive the aura.”
“If you are too emotional, your awen will not be able to overcome your sensibilities.”
She settled her hands in her lap and nodded. “I’m not sure I like having this gift for most times it brings me sadness or pain.”
“You were chosen by the Gods for a reason, fairy. You need to figure out why before…”
She twisted her hands in her lap and reflected on his words. It wasn’t like Olor to be hesitant. “Before what? Please, I need your guidance.”
“I’ve heard of others who had similar gifts to yours and they lost their ability when…” he cleared his throat.
“Olor, please, tell me. When what? What are you afraid to say?”
“Your husband surely wants children.”
“Rhyder spoke of such recently. Aye, he wants children as do I.”
“You may lose your magical essence when you’re carrying a babe. Your senses and ability may hinder your awen from feeling the aura of others.”
“Will I lose the awen forever?”
He gripped his staff to keep it from falling from his lap. “That is for the Gods to decide, fairy. But you must choose if you are willing to lose the awen before you…” His eyes closed and groaned. “Take my hand, fairy.”
She did as he bode, and Katriona instantly flooded with visions. They came too quickly for her to grasp any understanding or meaning. She handed the staff back to him.
“‘Tis the wood from an ancient rowan tree which gives me some ability to see the future. Yet this power does not tell me the emotions or sentiment of those visions. Their meaning often baffles me.”
“How remarkable. And you say…”
