Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series)

by Isabelle Stewart

  “When we reach Fairmore we will store our horses there and get fresh supplies. The terrain from there gets a little rough heading to the hidden cavern. The horses would not make it through the slit anyway.” Cadmon said.

  “Let’s head out.” Lawler said as he swung into the saddle and watched the rest do the same.

  Kedryn looked up at the sky and felt a rain drop splash on his cheek. He pulled his jerkin tighter around him. It seemed the closer they got to the mountains the colder the weather had become. As they rode the rain started to come down heavier and Cadmon stopped them. He reached into his saddle bag and pulled out a hooded hide and pulled it over his head. Kedryn dismounted and watched as Niall and Lawler pulled out similar hide cloaks.

  “Well that’s just great.” He muttered under his breath.

  Cadmon walked over to him. “I take it you do not have a impermeable cloak.”

  “Nope.” Kedryn said.

  “Here. Take mine.” Cadmon said and just as he was to pull it over his head Kedryn stopped him.

  “Hang on. I think I might have something in my pack after all. Maybe not as warm as yours but it will at least keep the rain off.” Kedryn said as he searched through the inside pockets and found what he was looking for.

  He unrolled a dark green rain poncho that his mom had bought him when she took him to the last Green Bay Packers game they attended. Kedryn pulled it over his head and let out a laugh at their puzzled looks. He looked it over and then at the small yellow G on the left side of his shoulder. He was very thankful that he didn’t let his mother pick out the one with the huge yellow G. Nothing like a bright yellow bull’s-eye on your back.

  “Something from my realm. But not as stylish as yours.” Kedryn shrugged.

  Niall laughed. “Most certainly not. But at least you will blend in with the trees.”

  Cadmon mounted and looked around and pulled his cloak tighter around him as the rain drops grew bigger. “Let’s head out and take the trail to the side of the road. It seems to be more occupied than usual.

  The rain began to mist on their way to Fairmore handfuls of villagers were passing by just out of sight. Lawler saw a large carriage with two men riding horses in front and recognized two brothers. They had bunked with him at Carrick’s training camp. He turned his horse around rode up to the two men.

  “Jonathan. Sebastian. What in God’s name is happening? I think we passed five family’s heading away from town.”

  “You have not heard?” Jonathan asked as he reigned his horse in.

  “Heard what?” Kedryn asked as he came to a stop next to Lawler’s horse.

  “The whole village of Dublaine was burned to the ground. Along with most of the villagers. Women, children, men all murdered in their sleep by a Firbolg raid. Lord O’Cuinn and Lord MacCionaoith have ordered anyone living close to the mountain to evacuate.” Sebastian said.

  Kedryn felt uneasiness rise in the pit of his stomach. “What of survivors?”

  Jonathan looked at Sebastian and then to Kedryn. “Only a handful of soldiers survived. The Lieutenant in charge was taken by surprise and slaughtered in his home along with the rest.”

  “Dillon and Bevin. Gone?” Kedryn almost whispered to himself thinking of Aodhan. He heard Lawler let out an angry roar and head Cadmon’s way.

  Kedryn reached out and grabbed the reigns of Lawler’s horse as it passed by. “He had nothing to do with it.”

  “How do you know he is not leading us into a trap!” Lawler said as he yanked the reigns out of Kedryn’s hand.

  “I trust him.” Kedryn said

  “Let’s go. Is there anyplace safe where we can leave the horses and find supplies?” Niall asked the men.

  “Our estate is just outside the boundaries. Lawler, you have been there before and know of the underground stables. I believe there are still supplies in the larder.” Jonathan said as he glanced back as the stopped carriage a few paces away from them.

  “I remember and thank you. Also thank your father and mother for us.” Lawler said as he nodded his head to the gentleman who was peeking out of the curtained window of the carriage.

  “It will be done.” Jonathan said as he turned his horse and rode to the carriage followed by his brother.

  Nudging his horse to a trot Lawler rode off and the others followed. Kedryn decided to stay directly beside Cadmon just in case Lawler lost his head again. He decided to ask him about his hatred for all Firbolg. Carrick is one and he doesn’t dislike him but another matter for another time.

  When they reached the edge of the estate Lawler branched off onto a dirt path. Kedryn looked in awe at the huge sprawling estate in front of him and to the large stone building just ahead. Lawler dismounted and led his horse to the building and opened one of the doors and walked in.

  The others did the same and followed. Kedryn watched as Lawler walked his horse to the back of the stable and pushed on a stone. A hidden panel slid open and he led them down a ramp to a separate area where they could hide their horses. As they prepared hay and water Kedryn looked up to see little pin points of light, dirt and roots of what he assumed was grass above them.

  “The horses will be safe here. There is a hidden passage that they can get out of if they need to.” Lawler said as he walked to the hidden panel and slid it open again.

  Kedryn looked back at the horses and watched as the panel slid shut. “Where is the larder?”

  “It is this way.” Lawler said as he led them to a small section off of the main house.

  They stopped outside of a small rock covered side room to the manor house. Kedryn walked up to the door and tried it.

  “Locked.” Kedryn said and turned as Niall walked up to him.

  “I got this.” Niall pulled out what Kedryn could only call lock picks. After a few short moments he turned the handle and the door opened.

  “Nice.” Kedryn said as he pulled the hood of his poncho down and shook the rain off of it. Niall tugged at Kedryn’s poncho.

  “What is this material? What animal could possibly make something like this?”

  “No animal. It’s man made and called plastic. It is good for keeping the wet off, but not the chill.”

  “You have a very interesting realm.” Niall said as he tugged at the plastic to see how sturdy it really was.

  Lawler shoved past them and gave Kedryn an irritated look. “Quickly now. I want to get out of here as soon as possible. I don not wish to be here if a Firbolg raid runs across this place.”

  After they had sufficiently raided the larder and filled their packs Cadmon took the lead again heading to the mountain. He looked up as the rain started to go from a mist to rain.

  “We should reach the cave late tonight I suggest we set up camp. I will scout ahead in the caves to make sure the way we will go has not been discovered.” Cadmon said as he pulled his hood closer.

  Their pace picked up as they walked and stopped just short of the mountain. Rain soaked, cold and exhausted they decided to find a place to rest for the night. Niall left their group to scout around and shortly returned.

  “There is not much for shelter here. How far away is the cave? Can we take shelter at the mouth?” Niall asked

  “Long enough for us to get sufficiently soaked. I am up for it if you are.” Cadmon said and looked around at everyone who mumbled in their agreement.

  “I say if we can get out of this God forsaken rain. Let’s go.” Lawler said as he shook water off his cloak.

  “I agree. Let’s head to the cave.” Niall said and looked to Kedryn.

  “I believe it’s agreed on then. Lead the way Cadmon.” Kedryn said.

  Chapter 21

  Down in the archives of the castle Lara scanned old scrolls, books and anything about Lia Fail. She just couldn’t get it out of her head that it may mean something. Not to mention it kept her mind off of Kedryn and his mission.

  She was impressed at the condition of the older section of the study. It was not how she pictured where old archives
would be. She had pictured a dust and cobweb covered disorganized room in the bottom of a tower. The books were organized by centuries but nothing else. Frustrated she closed another volume and a puff of dust rose up from the book and let out a cough.

  “Guess the dusty part still remains the same.” Lara said.

  Standing up she walked over to the one freestanding bookshelves that separated the ancient texts from the new. As she set the book back in place a hand reached through and grabbed hers.

  Lara let out a loud screech and bent over trying to calm herself. Aodhan came around the corner laughing.

  “That is not funny!” Lara could barely breath out.

  “Quite to the contrary, my lady. You should have seen your face.” Aodhan said still laughing. “What exactly are you looking for?”

  “Anything linking my realm to yours. I am finding out so many things in Ireland relate to here. Not to mention it keeps my mind off of other things.” she said and picked up a book and then set it down. She brushed some hair behind her ear and sighed.

  “Like Kedryn.” Aodhan said as he picked up a book and looked at it. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

  “Yes, like Kedryn.” Lara readjusted her hair.

  “I can help. You really have not discussed with anyone what you are looking for. Mother thinks you come here to read but I know better. You are looking for another way home.”

  “Yes.” Lara looked away from him.

  “Are you so eager to be rid of me?” he said crossing his arms as he raised an eyebrow.

  “It is not that.” Lara turned to him and hit him in the arm. “That is for the scare.”

  He let out of laugh and rubbed his arm. “Still. You should have seen your face.”

  “If you must know I was curious about the name of the castle. Lia Fail, the stone of destiny, is a standing stone in Ireland on a hill called the Hill of Tara. In my realm it is rumored that the stone was placed there by the Danann.”

  “I am beginning to see your interest and know where we should start.” he gave her a short bow. “Follow me my lady.”

  Lara took his hand and let him lead her out of the room.

  Chapter 22

  Cadmon pulled out a piece of paper and charcoal and started to draw a rough map of the caves. “I will take the path through with you until it forks off. There is a crevice in the floor that you will go down and take the direct path to the castle. It leads beneath the water fall and under the castle. You will take a short tunnel that leads straight to a trap door opens to a hidden corridor just outside of Kiara’s chambers. If you get lost just keep heading up.” he finished the drawing and handed it to Kedryn.

  “Very reassuring. Again tell me why should we trust a Firbolg?” Lawler said as he threw a stick into the fire.

  “What is your problem? I can understand your hatred when it comes to Faolan. Cadmon is another story.” Kedryn said.

  “I do not want to talk about it.” Lawler turned from the fire.

  “We will have to deal with this sooner or later.” Kedryn said.

  “Understood.” Lawler said as he stood and walked over to where his pack was.

  Niall stood and scanned the cave for a look out. “It will be a rough journey through the cavern. I suggest we rest tonight.”

  Cadmon looked around avoiding Lawler’s glare. “We made good time. I will take first watch.” Cadmon stood and walked over to a rock formation where he could see the front of the cave and start of the cavern. He climbed up as the others grabbed their blankets to settle in for the night.

  Niall jumped back. “Kedryn! Watch out for the snake!” he said and watched as Kedryn jumped back.

  “Where? Where is it?” Kedryn said as he frantically looked around. He turned to Niall who was laughing hysterically. Lawler was trying to hold it in and finally let out a laugh.

  “Funny, real funny. I hate snakes.” Kedryn said as he sat and rolled up into his blanket.

  A shriek sounded from where Niall was. Kedryn rolled over trying to jump up. The blanket caught on his foot and he fell over. As Kedryn thudded to the floor Niall had his dagger out and was pointing it at a tiny snake that was slithering away. Lawler started laughing harder as Niall sheathed his dagger and shrugged at Kedryn. They all were laughing when a growl echoed though the cave.

  In one motion Cadmon leapt off of the rock and ran to the back of the cave pulling his sword from it’s sheath. The creatures were on him in an instant and Pooka jumped out from all sides with their long hairy arms clawing and fangs snapping. As Kedryn was running to join the fight he heard a roar sound from behind him. A large black horse with glowing yellow eyes ran past him. He turned ready to fight but the horse bowled over the creatures. The pooka backed off and ran growling and squealing back into the cave.

  Niall helped Cadmon to his feet as Lawler stood ready at the entrance of the cavern. Everyone watched the entrance ready if any of the monsters decided to come back. After a few minutes Kedryn turned and looking cautiously at the horse that shimmered into a wolf. Kedryn swore it smirked at him and it trotted back out of the cave.

  Kedryn fingered the amulet and turned to Cadmon. “It seems our little follower is pretty useful. How are you?”

  “I will have more bumps and bruises than what I received from cut throat.” Cadmon said as he dabbed at a cut on his arm.

  “Your capture will be more believable to Lord Faolan. I have bandages in my pack.” Niall said.

  “Leave them. If I was a captive I would have escaped without bandages.”

  “Good point. The question now is do we sleep or move on?” Niall said.

  Their heads turned as the wolf trotted in dropping a pheasant at Kedryn’s feet. It shimmered into the large black horse and kneeled down.

  “Thank you.” Kedryn said and started when he heard a voice in his head.

  “Sleep all of you. None will return while I am here.”

  Lawler grabbed his head as the words echoed in his mind and looked at the others who were just as confused as he was.

  “A pooka speaking is very rare indeed. Should we trust it?” Niall asked.

  “Sleep human. You will be safe.” The pooka lay the rest of the way down with its head turned looking into the darkness of the cavern.

  Kedryn grabbed his blanket and sat down. “It saved Cadmon and that is proof enough to me.”

  “Agreed, we should get some sleep.” Cadmon said as he carefully lay down and looked to the horse. “Thank you.”

  Kedryn was the first to wake and he turned to see the horse still as stone keeping watch. He stood and walked over the pooka who turned it’s head to him. Kedryn sat down and took the falcon amulet off of his necklace.

  “It seems we should discuss this.” Kedryn said as he started to flip the falcon through his fingers.

  “You do not need to speak out loud let the others sleep. As for the amulet what would you have me do? I am bound by the magic’s placed on it by the first. The lady spared me by placing the falcon into her brother’s hands.”

  “Damon. Who is the first?” Kedryn asked and then tried to keep from speaking and concentrated on his thoughts as he looked at the falcon.

  “The one of evil that is seeping into this land. The next was decent but still ordered. You the third has not asked of me. You have given without being asked and that is why I helped with the others.”

  Kedryn looked the horse in it’s glowing yellow eyes. “How is it that they did not attack?”

  “I am one of the line that descends from the Lord of all Pooka. The evil one captured me while I was defending my own and bound me to the amulet.”

  “You appeared as a wolf cub the first time I saw you. Why not just stay the form of the horse?” Kedryn quit moving the pendant through his fingers.

  “Men will try to catch and tame the horse. I find it easier to move about as a wolf cub.”

  “What can I do to release you?” Kedryn asked as he put the falcon amulet back on.

  “You would release
me human?” The horse gave him a curious look.

  “I would.”

  “The second tried to release me by destroying the amulet. He did not succeed.”

  Kedryn leaned forward. “I thought you only came when called. How is it that you were so close?”

  “Curiosity, I suppose.”

  “Thank you. I should wake the others.” Kedryn stood up and patted some dust off his pants.

  The horse shimmered and the wolf appeared. “ I will take my leave. The others will not interfere with your journey through the caverns. There are other dangers that are of the natural kind. I will not be able to help you in such matters.”

  “You will not come with?”

  “There is a taint on me. The evil one with sense my presence and use his magic to pull me to him.” The pooka walked past Kedryn and out of the cave.

  Kedryn shivered and for the first time on their journey he felt uncertain about the trip through the mountain. He knew about the dangers of exploring caves but this was a whole new realm. Who knows what hazards lie within the mountain.

  Cadmon stirred and rolled over rubbing a hand across his eyes. He reached over and shook Niall awake as Lawler sat up and looked around. Kedryn reached over to his pack and pulled out some dried meat and bread for them to eat and grabbed for his water. He had a couple of bottled waters but decided to keep them for an emergency situation. As his mom would say You never know. He sighed at the thought of his mother. Kedryn missed her and knew she was safe but probably worrying herself sick over him. The sooner they got back the better.

  Pulling out a pen and leather notebook out of his pack Kedryn turned to Cadmon. “How about we go over the plans again.” He handed Cadmon the pencil and book. “Could you re-draw the map in this?”

  He held up the map that was nothing but a smear of charcoal. Cadmon smirked and shook his head as he took the pen and book from Kedryn. “What is this?” He asked as he held up the pen.

  “Without going into detail. It’s a container of ink.”

  “A very small container of ink. When we branch off the main path I will be taking an underground tunnel that leads to a small village just outside of the castle.” Cadmon said as he re-drew the map.