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

by Isabelle Stewart

  Damon lowered his eyes to the table. “Whatever the men decide will be my fate.”

  Orla picked at the strawberry tart in front of her and looked at him with her eyebrow raised “If you have any of your father in you young man you will make the right choices. Blaine told me of you and your sister’s fate and I believe any man here would have done the same.” She narrowed her eyes at Aodhan daring him to contradict her. “Come ladies. Let us take our tarts and drink to the sitting area and leave the men to talk.”

  Reluctantly Bevin stood and followed the rest out of the dining room. She gave Damon a worried look and he shrugged.

  Aodhan narrowed his eyes at Damon and looked to Carrick. “General I believe you should take over this little meeting.”

  Carrick leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Damon, I believe you should go first. Start from the beginning and make it short. I am most interested in what happened to your family and why you ended up where you did.”

  Looking up from his plate Damon looked around the table. “It all started when the struggle for power began. My father and Cadmon’s father were the highest on the list of the council to rule after Faolan’s father passed on. Lord Shiloh had wiped Faolan’s name from the list years after he had witnessed the cruelty his son was capable of. He tried

  many times to make Faolan change his ways. None knew of the conspiracy until it was too late.”

  Taking in a shuttering breath he looked down at his plate. “Faolan conspired and killed my parents. He forced my sister into a tournament to compete for both of our lives. She won and became consort to him. As long as she did his bidding I was allowed to live. When I became old enough he used the same threat with me.”

  Cadmon put a hand on his shoulder. “All of our families were affected by Faolan. At least one of your own did not betray your whole family.” he looked to Carrick. “Lady Paili was killed in the struggle to rescue Kiara inadvertently by Lord Faolan himself. Cyri has now taken her place.”

  Lawler let out a low hiss and they all looked his way. “Someday she will get what she deserves. A shallow grave.”

  Aodhan leaned forward in his chair. “Why are you here?”

  “Kedryn saved me.” Damon looked to Kedryn.

  Eion took a sip of wine. “Why?”

  Kedryn ran his hands though his hair. “I saw that if I did not spare his life Lawler would not be here with us.”

  “He has proven himself and I believe that the past is past now.” Niall said and nodded to Damon.

  Damon looked down at his hands. “Thank you.”

  Eion shifted in his seat. “There may be more to this story but I think we get the point. Carrick what do you think.”

  Carrick appraised the young man he once knew as a child. “I knew your father well and he was a good man.” he looked to Cadmon “Same goes for you. You two will stay in the barracks here and train with the men. Fight with us during final battle.”

  “It would be an honor to fight for you.” Damon said.

  “There is another thing.” Kedryn said as he pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and slid it across the table to Carrick. “The Firbolg army is immense. I did a quick sketch and I’m thinking you will need to change your strategy.”

  Carrick let out a low whistle. “Aodhan, how long do you think your little side excursion will be?”

  “Two weeks at the most.” Aodhan strained to see the paper.

  “Good. That will give us time to send out a summons to Liam and for them to gather for an emergency council meeting in Quenith. We will need to discuss a new strategy.”

  “If I might make a suggestion.” Kedryn said and watched as the paper was passed from Eion to Aodhan. Each mans face getting grimmer by the minute.

  “Of course.” Carrick said

  Kedryn stretched and leaned forward with his elbows on the table. “My mom has studied many different strategies of famous generals of all nations in my realm. She may be able to help come up with a plan.”

  Carrick stood. “We will discuss this tomorrow before you three leave. For now. I believe we should meet with the ladies and talk no more of war for the night.”

  In the sitting area they found the women quietly talking.

  Orla stood up from the loveseat. “We have decided to spend the rest of the day in Tralee and stay the night at the manor house. I know the perfect little place to get a fine meal and browse the shops.”

  “I really think I should stay here.” Lara said looking at Kedryn.

  Orla raised her eyebrow and gave Lara an annoyed look. “Nonsense. Why would you even suggest such a thing.”

  Lara tried not to look embarrassed. “I would like to spend some time with Kedryn. Besides I have no money to pay with.”

  “Oh dear. You are, or will be, family. What is Aodhan’s is yours. You will be spending plenty of time with your son on your trip to find the portal.”

  “Go ahead mom she is right.” Kedryn said.

  Lara walked up to Aodhan holding out her hand giving him a devious grin. “Remember that. Your mother specifically said what is yours is mine.”

  Aodhan rolled his eyes. He took out a coin pouch and handed it to Lara. “Enjoy, my heart.”

  Lara pretended to weigh the pouch in her hand. “I’ll try not to spend it all in one place.”

  Kedryn walked up beside Aodhan. “You do not know what you just got yourself into.”

  Pulling out a larger coin pouch Aodhan jingled it in front of her and snatched it away before she could grab it. Bevin took Lara’s arm.

  “I am ready to get back to a civilized life among family and friends.”

  Kiara walked to the door. “I second that.”

  “I will run to the cottage and get some things we may need.” Lara said.

  Orla raised a hand and stopped her. “Nonsense. You can pick up everything you need in town.”

  Shanna gave Carrick a swift kiss “Behave yourselves. We will take Orla’s carriage and meet us for breakfast at the manor house in the morning.”

  “As you desire, your carriage awaits.” he shooed her away and watched the women file out the door.

  Carrick looked around at the group of men. “What shall we do to pass the time?”

  “I for one would like to hear about the journey to rescue Kiara.” Eion said.

  At that moment Kedryn remembered the bag from the cavern. “Let me get the bag we found and then I’ll fill you all in. I wish I would have remembered it while mom was still here. There is one crystal that would make her eyes pop out of her head.”

  Turning Kedryn walked out the front doors and to his horse. He watched as the carriage disappeared down the road to Tralee. Removing the frame pack attached to the saddle he pulled out the bag from the frozen cave. It was damp to the touch. He quickly walked back into the sitting area where the men had all taken a seat. Kedryn set the bag down and took a seat on the stool next to the fire place.

  “On the way there was a cave in.” Kedryn looked to Niall. “Lawler and I got stuck behind some rocks and there was this cave behind us. I’m thinking sub zero temps.” he looked at their confused faces “Very cold.”

  Lawler picked up the bag and got a closer look at it. He pulled out some clear crystals that felt cool to the touch and handed them to Eion. “The poor bugger that was carrying this bag did not have a chance. He almost made it out before he froze to death snapping his legs right off.”

  Damon looked away from the fire. “Someone tried to enter the crystal cave? That is madness. I have heard rumors of it’s existence along with other caves that are just as deadly.”

  Digging further in the bag Lawler pulled out the green crystal. Kedryn held out his hand and he gave it to him. Holding the crystal up to the fire light he smiled. “I can’t wait to show mom this.”

  “What is the significance of the green crystal? Why did you risk your life to get the bag?” Lawler asked.

  “It’s one of those realm things that separate our worlds.” he though
t about how he would describe Superman to them.

  “There is a story in my realm of a man who is basically indestructible. He is from another planet and in the story there is a green crystal like this one when he threw it into the frozen part of my world a huge crystal fortress, much like the crystal cave here, formed. It’s called the Fortress of Solitude. I suppose that is the best way to describe it.”

  A curse came from Lawler and Kedryn looked to him. He was nursing a finger and pulled out a shard of crystal. Aodhan reached over and healed his hand. Lawler cautiously rummaged through the bag and found a leather bound journal. He leafed through it and his face grew grim. Pulling out an envelope with exquisite writing on it he started to read the paper inside. He threw the bag and paper down in disgust and stood. “Oh dear God. That woman is going to pay!”

  Cadmon picked up the piece of paper and started to read it. He looked to Lawler “She is no sister of mine. Cyri is not even human in my eyes.” He gave the paper to Aodhan.

  Aodhan read the letter and looked to Lawler who was fiercely pacing the room. “My condolences Lawler. It appears she knew she was sending him to his death. Unfortunately for your brother he thought he was getting his true love a prize.” he looked up at everyone’s questioning faces that have not seen the letter and started to read.

  My Dearest Love,

  I have been summoned to the palace and will miss you greatly. There is a tournament that I have been invited to view. Since you have not yet returned from your travels to your homeland I leave you this letter.

  There is a cave within the mountain. One which has crystals that I much desire. I will not be home until two weeks from this day. You will be well rewarded with all of your desires when I return if you have completed the mission I have set before you. Prove your love to me as I love you.

  I have enclosed a map to the cave in the mountain.

  Your dearest love and wife,

  Cyri.

  She was not summoned to the tournament. She entered of her

  own free will. I would be dead or worse if my sister would have won.” Cadmon said.

  “How did she know about the cave?” Kedryn asked.

  “She is very devious I would not be surprised to hear she knew all the hiding spots I had.” Cadmon said.

  Lawler sat down and looked through the bag again. He found his brothers dagger and pulled it out. “When this is all said and done. I would like to try and get his body out of there for a proper burial.”

  Eion stood and put a hand on his shoulder. “I will help you with that.”

  Lawler looked to Eion. “Thank you.”

  “Please continue with your story. Then I believe we should do something productive. Cadmon I hear you and Damon are very apt with weapons. After we hear the rest of the story I would like to test that theory.” Carrick said.

  “It would be an honor.” Cadmon said and looked to Kedryn.

  Kedryn continued on with the story and when he got to the part about Scanlon getting hit on the head by Bevin they all rolled with laughter.

  Aodhan stood. “She must have been very lucky to get the jump on him. I wish I would have been there to see that one.”

  “Where is he anyway?” Kedryn asked

  “He headed back to Quenith. It seems he is going to hear the pitter patter of little Scanlon feet. He did not want her to make the journey.” Carrick said.

  “That is wonderful news.” Niall said

  “Yes it is.” Aodhan walked to the door.

  “ I’m all wound up. Can we go spar now?” Kedryn said.

  “Lets go.” Lawler said and walked out the door.

  Carrick led them to the shed and started to pull out some blunt weapons to train with. He handed Cadmon a sword and took one himself. He walked over to the circle area that he and Kedryn sparred at before. The men stood outside the rope to watch.

  Carrick readied himself and he and Cadmon started to circle.

  Cadmon attacked first with a thrust that was deflected with an aggressive counter by Carrick. They both backed up studying each other. Standing at the ready Carrick moved forward with a diagonal cut at Cadmon only to strike empty space. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Cadmon spin and strike down at him with the sword. The weapons made a loud clanging noise as they struck together.

  “It is true what they say you have a good eye and knowledge of

  swordplay.” he lunged at Cadmon. “But do you have the strength of heart?”

  Cadmon circled Carrick and got through his defenses and tapped his lower back. “Cunning overcomes brute force.”

  “You remember your lessons with Kayne.” Carrick said almost letting his defenses down and parried a forward thrust.

  The sound of a carriage making it’s way to the house stopped Cadmon and Carrick.

  “Draw?” Cadmon asked.

  Carrick started walking to the house and said “Draw.”

  They headed back to the manor house to find not Orla’s carriage but another. It was large and black with gold designs of the house of Tynan. A man jumped down from the seat and opened the carriage door. A woman stepped out of the carriage holding a baby. She looked at the group of men.

  “Cadmon. It seems that I am in luck.” she looked to the man with her. “Could someone please take Gil somewhere to rest and clean up? It has been a hard ride.”

  “I will.” Niall walked up to the man. “This way.” he led him to the barracks.

  Cadmon walked up to her giving her a warm hug. “What brings you here Aalia? Does Gavin know you are gone?” Cadmon quickly drew back from her and looked her over. “I sense Faolan’s taint. It must be a strong spell if I can sense it.”

  Startled Aalia looked down at the sleeping baby in her arms. “There are times I forget you have Druid blood in you. Please. I need your help. I am looking for the Druid Eion. I thought I would start here since Carrick has the resources to find him.” She looked around at the men surrounding her. “It’s also good time to visit my sister and her new baby.”

  “I am surprised you left Gavin’s side to visit Kylie.” Cadmon said.

  “I have my reasons. Do you know where I could find the Druid?” she looked at him determined.

  Cadmon pointed to Eion. “It seems your luck remains. Eion is here.”

  “Truly? He is? I must talk to him so that I can continue on my journey and rejoin my husband as soon as possible.”

  “Why on earth would you go back?” Cadmon asked.

  “He is my husband. Faolan has manipulated him into believing he is doing the right thing. I need to find a way to convince my dear husband how wrong he is.”

  “Gavin is a smart man. Lord Faolan must have provided some believable proof.” Cadmon said.

  “That he did. All false, of course. Please, where is the Druid?” Aalia anxiously looked around.

  Eion stepped up to her. “I am Eion, my lady.” he looked to the men with curious looks on their faces. “Give us a moment. Please, this way.” Eion gently took her elbow and guided her into the manor house and to a chair by the fire. He could feel the magic surrounding her.

  Looking down at her son she shifted in the chair. “It is my son.” she looked to Eion. “Lord Faolan cursed him.”

  Eion held out his arms. “Let me see the child.”

  Giving the sleeping baby to Eion she looked at him hopefully. Eion examined the baby and looked to her. “This is very powerful magic. Did you know that you are tainted also my lady?”

  She looked startled. “I suppose that should not surprise me. What of my son? Is there anything you can do to help? Lord Faolan said that if he does return in six weeks time he will die.”

  “The spell can be undone. I will need help however. There are many weaves of magic surrounding the child. I will gather who I need and we can start freeing your son.”

  She stood and kissed him on the forehead. “Thank you.”

  “Anything for a beautiful woman.” Eion said.

  Aalia blushed and took her son from hi
s arms.

  “I shall return in a moment.” Eion said and walked out the door.

  Eion looked over the men. “Kedryn, Cadmon and Aodhan, I will need your help. The rest of you should remain outside. Continue with the sparring if you wish.”

  Walking back inside Eion watched as Aalia paced by the fireplace.

  “Is it true? You are the new Firbolg Generals wife?” Kedryn asked.

  She stopped her pacing and looked to Kedryn. “Yes. If you are going to ask me their plans I do not ask and he does not tell.”

  “You are a very observant woman. Surely you have seen something.” Aodhan said.

  “I was kept busy healing the men and taking care of my son. Nothing else.”

  Aodhan walked up to her taking the boy and hugged her. “It has been a long time Aalia. Are you heading to see Kylie and Marcus?”

  “Yes. Kylie just had a little girl.” Aalia said and looked to Cadmon. “They named her Charlie.”

  Cadmon let out a little chuckle. “Marcus stuck with his fathers name even though the baby is a girl?”

  Aalia crossed her arms. “What is so funny. It is a good name and at least they did not use Charles.”

  “It is not the name that I find amusing. I was just thinking that when little Drake becomes a man and tells all of his friends about his cousin Charlie. They will get a huge surprise when a lovely woman walks into the room.”

  “So they will.” Aalia said and let out a laugh.

  Their attention was drawn to Eion who moved a couple of chairs to make a bigger space before the fire. Eion walked into the middle. “This will take all of us. Lord Faolan has had months to weave what we will attempt to undo in one evening. We will start with the boy and then you Aalia.”

  Kedryn looked around. “I don’t understand. What do you expect me to do? My powers are pretty much useless.”

  “I can channel the magic through all of us. It will overpower Faolan’s spells so that I can remove the weave one at a time.”