by Kara Griffin
“Your babe will come. It is unfortunate you will lose your awen before you might aid the great woe.” He gazed at the dirt floor and shook his head.
She scrunched her eyes. “The great woe. You mean Shrisy?”
“The dragon remains here. She awaits ye. Only you shall aid her. But now that your awen subsides…”
“If it’s subsiding does that mean…?” Her face brightened at the thought she very well might be carrying a child. “I shall pray I don’t lose my aura. Should I find Shrisy now? Mayhap it’s not too late and I can help her before that happens.”
“You cannot traipse there now for the cliffs are treacherous this time of day. Will ye join me for my nightly meal?”
“I wish I could, but Sawyer awaits me, and I’m sure Luella has supper ready. I will come again soon, and I thank you for your help.”
“I am here, fairy, for you always.”
She bid him farewell and found Sawyer who sat, leaning against a tree trunk in wait for her.
“You’re ready to return, Milady?”
She nodded. Wynn ran from the nearby woodland and carried a fowl in his mouth. “Yes and my thanks for bringing me here. Olor is a great help to me.”
Sawyer smiled and took her arm. “Let me help you, too, for you are limping. At least, hold on to my arm for support.”
She did as he requested and as they walked home, the sky darkened to night. Sawyer’s aura evaded her, and she was grateful for she’d had too much to contemplate as it was. Rhyder stood by their home with his horse’s reins in hand. “I thought you went to the beach? I just returned from the cliffs in search of you.”
Before she could answer, Sawyer stepped forward. “I took her to visit Olor. I’m off now unless you need me to…”
“All is well.” Rhyder inclined his head and his commander walked away.
“Are you angry? I know you forbade me from leaving the hamlet, but I needed to see Olor. I probably should have sent for him, but he’s aged and I didn’t want to inconvenience him.”
His face remained serene, and he showed no displeasure. “I revere the man, always have. He is wise, and it’s best to keep him appeased. I’m not angry that you left the hamlet and am gladdened that Sawyer was with you. How was your visit?”
She clasped his hand and walked along with him to the horse pen. “Informative.”
“That’s all you have to say?” He laughed. “The priest was able to answer your questions?”
“He did. I am thankful he is here. Shall we find out what Luella prepared for supper?”
Rhyder eyed her suspiciously. “You won’t tell me his answers? How easily you avoid the subject, but aye, I am hungry.” He walked with her to the house and remained quiet.
Katriona had much to consider. Olor’s insight gave her pause on more than one matter. She placed her hand on her stomach and smiled. As much as she wanted to tell Rhyder the good news of their forthcoming babe, she wanted to confirm it first. No sense in raising his hopes when she didn’t know for certain she carried a babe.
Bringing a new life into their family should be a joyous time. If it wasn’t for the men who attacked her, who were still out there…the dragon and her great woe…she would gladly reveal the news to him. But saying the words might bring him more worry than happiness.
Chapter TWENTY-FIVE
With the harvest festival drawing near and only a sennight away, Rhyder needed to meet with Cenwahl. He’d put it off long enough. Cenwahl indicated he had news and perhaps knowledge of who his foe was. Before he would leave, he needed to ensure Katy stayed within the hamlet. He found her in the kitchen. Her hands were covered with flour and some of it smattered her face. The sound of her laughter lightened him.
He set his arms around her from behind and whispered in her ear. “You look beautiful covered in flour.”
She turned in his arms and dusted him with a layer of white. He chuckled at her startle.
“Don’t sneak up on me. You’re awake early this morn.”
“I am leaving the hamlet and will be gone for a few days.”
“You’re going to visit Cenwahl?” Her eyes widened. “I hoped you would put it off until after the festival. Can it not wait?”
“I want to put it off, but he claims to have news and so I must go. While I am gone, Sawyer will protect you. Worry not.”
“How can I not worry? You must be cautious. Don’t trust Cenwahl. I hope you’re taking skilled soldiers with you.” Katy held on to him and he smoothed his hands on her shoulders.
“I’m always cautious, sweet lass.” He smeared the flour from her cheek. “I want your promise to stay within the walls.”
“But I vowed to visit Olor. I made him a new cloak for his is old and tattered. It’s getting cold, and I wanted to get it to him before the weather turns.”
“Sawyer will have a soldier take it to him or he’ll have Olor come to visit you. Try not to miss me too much.”
“I have much to keep me busy with the harvest festival. With all that, I doubt I shall even notice you are gone.”
He laughed at Luella’s face when she smirked.
Katriona’s face whitened and she hastened to a chair. He knelt beside her. “You’re unwell. I should delay my journey.”
“No, it’s nothing. Perhaps I’m overheated. I’ve been near the fire most of the morn.”
“If you’re certain?”
“I know you’re anxious to meet with Cenwahl. Just return as quickly as you can and unharmed.” She touched his face and leaned against him.
“I will.” He wanted to give her a passionate kiss but Luella stood close. He gave her a peck on her lips and retrieved his sword. He grabbed an extra cover for the journey because the nights were cold and the wind brisk.
Outside, he met Sawyer who lurked nearby. Since their return from Wulfar’s lands, he hadn’t gotten a chance to ask what he thought of being related to their once-considered enemy.
“Walk with me. I am meeting Robert, Llywelyn, Hugh, and Garth. They’ll travel with me to Cenwahl’s holding.”
“The elder’s sons. So you’re going, Your Grace?”
“I need to find out what he knows before the harvest gathering. If we can find the foe before then, Katy won’t be in danger and can enjoy the festivity. We all might enjoy it.”
Sawyer kept in stride and walked beside him. “You’re still intent to call the followers together?”
“It may be the only way Katy can point out who her attackers were. That is unless I might find out who they are beforehand.”
“I don’t like the risk to her safety.” Sawyer opened the paddock for him and led his horse from the pen.
“I don’t either, and unless Cenwahl has news for me, it may be the only way. Before I go, I want your pledge to ensure Katy’s safety. Don’t let her out of your sight.”
“I give my solemn oath, Your Grace, to watch her. You won’t be more than a day or two. All will be well.”
“Mayhap two days at the most. Why? Do you deem this duty beneath you?” Rhyder scowled and when his friend took long in answering. He shoved his shoulder. “Sawyer, do you?”
“No, Your Grace, of course, it’s not beneath me. I should tell you, I plan to leave the hamlet. I need to depart at the soonest.”
Rhyder stopped walking and turned to face him. “You will leave our kingdom?”
Sawyer pressed his hands over his tunic and averted his gaze. “Your Grace, it’s not that I want to leave the kingdom or you, but I must. Wulfar asked me to return and I want to learn more about my family and what happened, how I came to be here.”
“I am your family.” He hadn’t meant to sound cross, but his friend’s declaration fueled his dislike for what Sawyer might find. The last thing Rhyder wanted was his friend’s grief.
“Nay, you are my king.”
“And friend and brother. Will you deny this?” Rhyder didn’t want to challenge him on the matter, but with his friend’s withdrawal of late, it might be wise to understan
d where he stood.
“You’ll always be my friend, but brother, nay. The time has come for me to go. I will look after your woman while you’re gone.”
“How soon will you leave?” Rhyder never expected his friend’s abandonment. He didn’t understand why he wanted, or as he said, needed to leave.
“I will give you a fortnight upon your return and then I shall leave. Hopefully, your foe will be revealed to you by then and you and Milady safe.”
“You know how important you are to me. You’re like a brother.” Rhyder blocked his path and forced him to discuss the matter further.
“Brothers part ways for many reasons. Nay, my mind is set. I must go.”
“What reason makes you want to leave? It cannot be because you seek to become familiar with Wulfar and his kingdom.” Rhyder scowled and took a breath to cease his affront.
“Have I not the right to want to know my family? But I cannot speak the reason, Your Grace. Trust that I am doing what’s right.”
“Right by whom? We will continue this discussion when I return from Cenwahl’s, and I beg you to reconsider.”
Sawyer handed him the reins of his horse. “The lads are waiting for you, Your Grace. Safe travels.”
Sawyer left him standing there hoping he would agree to reconsider his decision, but he didn’t. He said nothing and hadn’t given a reason for his departure. Something forced his commander’s decision; he only wished he discerned what that reason was.
Rhyder rode out with the elder’s sons and kept a good pace considering the dusting of snow on the trail. The sooner he got there, the sooner he might return. During the journey, he contemplated Sawyer’s reasons for wanting to leave. It certainly wasn’t because of Wulfar’s declaration that Sawyer was his long-lost brother.
His connection to Sawyer was more than brotherly. He was his closest confidant and commander-in-arms. No other person was privy to his most guarded secrets and thoughts. That was until recently. Lately, he kept his own counsel on many matters. Perhaps his aloof manner caused Sawyer to disregard their friendship.
The trek to Cenwahl’s land took a little longer than a day. The lads he traveled with gave no complaint at the little rest he took. As they approached Cenwahl’s walls, he slowed his pace. The guards bid him entry. Rhyder left his followers by the gate and approached the hamlet’s king.
Cenwahl approached. “Pendragon, you finally came. I thought ye might not.”
“You look like hell.” Rhyder took his arm in greeting.
“Come and drink for I have thought long and hard at who your enemy be.”
Rhyder followed Cenwahl to his home, a rundown cottage whose thatch had seen better days. The recent snows still dripped through the thinned portions. He wanted to ask why he hadn’t made repairs, but his hamlet’s upkeep was of no concern to him. Still, winter neared and such repairs should have already been attended to.
“Sit. I will pour you a cup of the best wine for I’ve saved this for such an occasion.”
“What occasion?” Rhyder thought his behavior odd and his words even more so.
Cenwahl motioned to the two soldiers standing guard to leave. “Leave us. Be gone.” He set two goblets on a wooden tray and flopped down in the chair at the end of the table. “I will tell ye that later. Now, I want to impart the terrible news…for I must speak the names of your enemies.”
Rhyder lifted the goblet handed to him and sniffed the wine. It smelled more sour than sweet. He set the cup down and turned his attention to Cenwahl. “The names?”
“There be a sorrowful telling first before I reveal that to you. You see, I had a brother. He was younger than me but ruled our kingdom when our da died. Lachlan aspired to be the leader here for I haven’t the fortitude, never had. I thought my brother’s sons would one day wish to take the kingdom and so I have held it for them. All this time I’ve been king, I’ve awaited either of my brother’s sons to come.”
Cenwahl picked up his wine and took a long drink. He continued, “The lads were wee when my brother died. There was plenty of time to attend the matter.”
“Your brother’s sons are now grown?”
“They are, but they refused to take over this kingdom even though I pleaded and gave sound reasons why they would make a better king than I.”
Rhyder pressed his temples. Cenwahl was taking his good old time in explaining. “I’d rather have ale,” he said and pushed the goblet of wine forward.
“If ye don’t want it, I’ll drink it.” Cenwahl rose and retrieved another cup from the end of the long table. “There be ale in the jug there. Help yourself.”
Rhyder poured half a cup and took a small sip. He waited for Cenwahl to finish his drink. The wine was definitely intoxicating for Cenwahl’s speech slurred.
“Why did your brother’s sons refuse the kingdom?” He reminded Cenwahl where he left off.
“The lad’s mother fled when my brother died. She murdered her husband and when I accused her, she ran off in the dark of night. She took her sons from us.”
“Why did she kill her husband? Had you proof she killed him?”
Cenwahl belched and peered into his wine cup. He shook his head at his own thoughts and pounded his fist on the table. “She stood over his body with a bloody dagger in her hand. Only she was present and only she did the deed. I never suspected my brother’s treatment of her until recently.”
“Did his mistreat his wife?”
“Aye, aye, he was a brute. God almighty, I hadn’t known. I should have for he was an arrogant knave. If only she explained what he did to her, but she ran away and returned to her people with her sons in tow. I didn’t realize Lachlan stole her from her home and forced her against her will to wed him. He claimed he wedded her with the priest’s blessing, but he lied…lied about everything.”
“Who was she?” Rhyder took his cup in hand and drank more than a sip. He needed to be clear-headed though and the ale harsh.
“Rachel came from a farmstead on your lands. Her sons are grown now and come to see me, to provoke me, to torment me, to remind me of my brother’s mistreatment. I wanted to make amends but they refused my offer of the kingdom. I begged them to return but they declined.”
Rhyder got a sick feeling in his stomach. “And the names of these lads?”
“They blame us all for their mother’s death for when she fled and returned to her people, she was turned away. Shunned she was, for her promiscuous behavior. It was thought she was a trollop and sought the attention of my brother. But that was untrue. The woman perished from fever in the cold that winter. Her sons took over a farmstead nearby and gained employment.”
“The names?” He didn’t mean to shout, but the more Cenwahl spoke the more he tensed.
“Gwill and Dillon.”
Rhyder shot to his feet. He paced beside the table. “How can they be my enemy? I’ve given them an esteemed position within my kingdom and trusted them.”
“The lads hold anger against us all and I blame them not. We deserve their ire, aye, we all do.” Cenwahl poured the last of the wine. “My family’s shame sits upon my shoulders and is mighty weighty.” He pulled a dagger from inside his tunic and set it in front of him on the table. “You must find out why the lads go against you, but I suspect it’s because of your hamlet’s rejection. The lads wouldn’t own to why when I asked. But they are irate that none helped their mother. I suspected my brother’s mistreatment and I did nothing. The thought that our family brought this despair upon your kingdom is more than I can bear.” He picked up the dagger and held it. He slid his finger over the worn leather of the handle.
At first, Rhyder thought his intent was to threaten him. Given Cenwahl’s age, he was no match for his strength. He would have the dagger dislodged from his hold within seconds. Rhyder waited for his attack.
“You must promise to take in any of my followers, Pendragon. They will flee when they learn of my death.”
“Cenwahl, we can work out this problem.”
“Nay, it is too late. Too much unpleasantness lies beyond. None will follow a decrepit old lord such as me after they hear of our family’s dishonor. Look after my people, Pendragon. Promise me.” Cenwahl stood and staggered toward the hearth. He called the two soldiers that had been in the hall earlier.
Rhyder didn’t understand what he was doing until he held up his hand and shouted for his men to stand by the door.
“As God as my witness, and you fine soldiers, none shall condemn Pendragon, for I take my own life and be it no fault of his.”
Before his soldiers could get to him, Cenwahl thrust the dagger into his chest. He fell to the floor. Blood covered his tunic and spewed from his mouth. Cenwahl ceased shaking and his last breath expelled.
Rhyder stood motionless and in shock at what the old lord did. He didn’t blame Cenwahl for his brother’s atrocious behavior, but it was obvious he held tremendous guilt.
“I must return at once to my land.” The thought of the two brothers loose within his walls twisted his gut. “Bury your lord, and if you shall want, you may come to me. I will take any in and all your people onto my lands.”
“Will you allow us to join your soldiers?” a man asked.
“If that is your wish, you’ll be welcome. We will open our gates to you and your families. But I must go before…there is danger afoot.” Rhyder ran from the cottage and whistled to his soldiers. “My lady is in peril.”
Chapter TWENTY-SIX
The morning started off well enough. Katriona kept busy even though she was tired from a restless night. With Rhyder gone, she tossed and turned. It was the first gathering that she would attend as Rhyder’s wife since the Beltaine festival was overlooked because of her departure. She wanted it to be a wonderful time for all.
Proof of her babe showed itself when the previous afternoon, she had to lie in bed and rest. Graciously, her stomach settled and she needn’t hold the chamber pot as she did last eve. Tiredness came upon her, but she had no time to waste. There was too much to do to ready for the harvest festival.
Not only would the kingdom rejoice in the great harvest, but she too held the time of year dear. Halegmonath was the greatest holy month and beheld special religious significance to her. Without her gift to the Gods, the year would bring disenchantment. She’d had enough unhappiness in recent months to last several years and she wasn’t about to displease the Gods.
