In the marketplace, several of the women approached Fiona, worried about the possibility of their men going off to fight and questioning her about the situation.
A young woman touched her arm. “When will Lord Kellach order the soldiers to depart? My man goes with him and I would know.”
“Mine, too,” another said.
“We have the right to know,” an older woman cried.
She listened in disbelief! This was the first time she’d heard anything about Kellach being asked to lead. Fear and anger coursed through her. How dare he keep this from me! He couldn’t go, she wouldn’t let him! What if he didn’t come back—what would she do? Tanith’s reaction was the same and they headed home, gearing up for a confrontation with their men, knowing without being told that it was only a matter of time. Going to war was in Kellach’s and Siran’s blood and they would not allow themselves to be left behind.
She was a shadow, waiting in the dark house, when he finally returned. The baby was sleeping in his cradle and the quiet was almost palpable. Kellach slowly removed his weapons and undressed, leaving on only his braccae, delaying the inevitable. He knew her too well to believe something was not wrong. When, after some moments, she still did not speak, he turned to her, resignedly breaking the silence.
“Do you wish to speak to me?” he began unnecessarily.
She did not move nor did she answer.
“Are you unwell? Has something caused you concern?”
She drew a deep breath, as if readying herself for battle. “Tanith and I were in the market today. We heard that you would be leading the soldiers against the nomads. Why didn’t you say something to me?” The dam broke. “Why did I have to learn about it from someone else? Did you think I wouldn’t find out? Did you think I wouldn’t notice if you were gone.” Tears overflowed, coursing down her cheeks and falling to her breast unchecked. Kellach moved to comfort her but she jumped away, not giving him the chance.
“I haven’t made up my mind to go. I saw no reason to worry you unless and until I made my decision.”
“Your decision? It’s not your decision! It’s our decision to make. We’re a family, or had you forgotten that?” she cried. The baby woke up with a start and started crying. She lifted him up, cradling him to her breast, crooning soft words. “This baby needs a father, he needs you and if you go, I’m afraid I’ll never see you again. Don’t you understand? I don’t want to live without you. I won’t live without you.”
Kellach flinched at the anguish in her voice. Nothing he could say would ease the pain she was feeling. “Too many have died,” he tried to explain, “more than you can ever know. Too long have we allowed them to war on our people. We have to fight back or we won’t survive.”
Fiona whirled. “Why can’t someone else go? Why does it have to be you?”
“The Council has asked me to lead, I am the best equipped to do so.” He was trying to make her understand, trying to make himself believe. “I would not do this if I felt someone else was a better choice.”
Her head dropped, and he could barely hear her reply. “No, you would go no matter what. It’s what you were bred to do. Nothing I can say or do will change your mind. All I can do is wait and pray that you return.”
“Durlach will stay behind. He will be near you at all times.”
Fiona nodded, not prepared to accept the inevitable but knowing she had no other choice. “When do you go?”
“We leave in three days’ time. Men from every settlement will meet at the oasis to the north and we will move on the nomads from there.”
“How long?”
“I have no way of knowing. With luck, I will be home before the first storms of winter.”
“So long?” Tears filled her eyes again. “And if it doesn’t go well, what then?”
“I will return, no matter what. We cannot fight them in the snows and it will be spring before they gather for another strike against us.” Finally, she allowed him to wrap her in his arms. She cried, tears wetting his chest.
Forty
Kellach refused to be apart from her for the time remaining. Other than a few quick trips to check on preparations for the journey, he spent his time at home. Fiona left her patients to Xio Li’s care and focused on him as well. Had it not been for his imminent departure, the days would have been ideal. He was attentive, loving, caring—all the things that she craved and needed right now. Con basked in the special attention and even the dog benefited. Time passed too quickly and they only had this one night before he left. Con was settled in his cradle, sleeping soundly and Machar had confiscated the dog, needing his support, as Siran would leave with Kellach in the morning as well.
Forcing themselves to put thoughts of his departure aside, they made love slowly, taking their time and relishing each moment. Neither had slept all night and now the first rays of day were lighting the sky to the east. Fiona lay wrapped in his arms, weeping quietly. When Kellach rose to dress, she clung to him, afraid to let him go.
He held her until she released him. “I would not go did I not feel I had to.”
“I have this awful feeling I’ll never see you again,” she cried. “I can’t stand it.”
He stroked her face, looking deeply into her eyes. “We will be together again. Have no doubt about that.”
Her tears continued to fall. “I’m holding you to that—don’t think I’m not.”
He dressed, pausing often to touch and caress her and when Con awoke, he held him for a long time, cuddling him and playing baby games. Too soon, it was time for him to leave. Fiona dressed and quickly braided her hair into a long plait, planning to accompany him as far as she could.
Warriors gathered in the open square in front of the dwelling, waiting his command. At least half the settlement’s soldiers would be on this campaign, more had volunteered wanting to be part of this great army, but the settlement could not afford to be so undefended. Kellach’s war horse was saddled and brought around. The huge stallion stomped and reared, fighting the handler for control. The foot soldiers were already on the road, along with oxen pulling heavily laden carts of food and equipment and camels carrying large bundles of supplies. The horse patrols would follow close behind. An air of excitement permeated the men in anticipation of the forthcoming hunt and ultimate battle.
Across the square, Tanith clung to Siran. A number of other women were also in attendance, wanting to be with their men as long as possible. Kellach gave her one last kiss, his mouth hungrily ravaging her lips. She gave back all that she could, putting into that kiss every vestige of emotion she possessed. When at last his lips left hers, she felt bereft, as though it was the last time. A huge weight pressed on her chest, even the mere act of breathing was painful.
“I’ll send word as often as I can,” he whispered, stroking her cheek.
She nodded, at least there was that hope. Kellach mounted his horse, his eyes never leaving her and the baby.
“We will be together again,” he promised. “Do not forget that.”
He spun the horse around and they cantered off, Siran falling in on the right and Elochad on his left. The rest of the soldiers fell into line and they were soon gone from the square. Fiona and Tanith ran behind them, needing to see them for as long as possible. When they reached the edge of the settlement, they stopped. Kellach turned and raised his arm, saluting her, his face unreadable. Fiona stood rooted to the spot, her vision clouded by a wash of tears, watching until they were too far away to see, only a cloud of dust in the distance. A feeling of foreboding pervaded her so strongly that it was like a miasma hanging over her. Tanith was weeping as well and sobs could be heard from the other women.
It was only when Con grew fussy and wanted to be fed that she turned and made her way back.
The days passed slowly and only by throwing herself into her work was she able to endure his absence. The nights were the loneliest, the bed seemed too big and empty without him. Life resumed, although the departure of so many men was fel
t throughout the community. Tension was high and fighting among the citizens erupted in the streets frequently. As a result, Durlach added extra guards and placed a curfew on the public traffic beginning at dusk each evening.
Forty-One
Voadicia had not allowed any of her guards to accompany Kellach, seeing this as an opportunity to gain more power without having Kellach to deal with. Her guards increased their terrorizing and bullying of the citizenry and, on several occasions, Durlach clashed with her over their uncontrolled conduct.
Voadicia treated Durlach as an inconvenience and went about as though she ruled. Alstrom was seldom in attendance and it was whispered that his health was declining rapidly. Fiona had thus far been able to avoid any confrontations with Voadicia and kept her visits to the market at a minimum.
“I refused to be intimidated by that witch.” Tanith tossed her head, throwing caution to the winds. “Voadicia has no rights over me or my family.”
Fiona glanced around the marketplace, fearing Tanith’s comment would be overheard. “You can’t say things like that out here,” she hissed. “Voadicia’s spies are everywhere and she’s not the type to ignore such a remark.”
“I do not care.” Tanith’s mouth thinned. “That filthy harlot doesn’t rule me or my family!”
“Unless Alstrom shows some backbone, I’m worried she does.”
A messenger from Kellach finally arrived. They had made it to the rendezvous point at the northern settlement and all was well. Excursions into the high plateaus had failed to find any significant groups of nomads and unless signs were found soon, they would be returning, waiting until spring to regroup.
Red-faced, the messenger relayed a private message. “Kellach sends his love and he says he misses you every day.”
Fiona thanked him and sent her own message back. “Tell him I love him too and look for the day when he returns.”
The young male’s eyes bugged, his Adam’s Apple bobbed. “How am I to give Lord Kellach such a message without appearing foolish? He is not one to be reckoned with, though when he speaks of you, his eyes are less hard and he is less…threatening.”
The messenger had nothing else to add and left as quickly as he had come.
Fiona’s heart swelled. Kellach might be home soon! Her steps lightened and the weight pressing on her chest lifted. Taking deep breaths, she allowed hope to spring up. Maybe she had been wrong…maybe she would see him again.
After that, messengers arrived frequently. Small skirmishes had taken place, but no large groups of nomads were encountered. It appeared the rumors were just that, rumors and nothing more, and they would start home soon. Fiona was ecstatic, if all went well, Kellach could be home within the week.
Forty-Two
Fiona was outside. Connach was in his cradle, while she ground herbs and hung medicinals out to dry.
Xio Li ran up, panting as though she had run a long distance. “Fiona, must come.” She grabbed Fiona’s arm and tried to pull her along. Conan, alerted by Xio Li’s excited attitude, began barking and jumping.
Fiona pulled free. “What are you talking about, what’s going on?”
“Baby die if we don’t get there soon.”
“What baby? What’s happening?” Fiona turned and lifted Con from his cradle, protecting him in case he was the targeted child.
“Pleasure girl down by river have baby and don’t want it no more. She take him to desert to die.” Xio Li’s eyes were horrified. “She going to kill baby.”
“Oh, no,” Fiona gasped. “When did she leave?”
“Not know. I down by river and hear talk. She bad girl,” Xio Li spat. “Should not have baby.”
Fiona ran across the square and pushed open Tanith’s door, “Tanith, can you watch Con for awhile, I have to go with Xio Li.”
Tanith nodded, her eyes wide in confusion. Fiona shoved Con at her and ran out the door, heading towards the stables. She led the mare out, saddling her quickly. Xio Li did not know how to ride and was very frightened of the horse anyway, so they rode double, Fiona handling the reins. Xio Li pointed her in the right direction and they cantered off, praying that time was on their side. They headed towards the desert, glimpsing passing patrols in the distance. On and on they rode, the desert looming ahead, fearful that they had been too long.
Since it was late fall, the heat wasn’t as intense, nor the desert as forbidding as it would have been in earlier months. They caught sight of footprints heading into the desert, small enough to be from a woman, but neither of them knew much about tracking and they could be following anyone.
They dismounted, finding it easier to be nearer to the ground while searching for signs. They lost the tracks in a rocky area so they decided to split up and keep searching. Fiona walked quickly, scanning the area, hoping to find some indication that the girl had passed that way. Scrub brush littered the landscape, providing little cover in the otherwise barren expanse, and if she was anywhere near, it should be easy to spot her. Fiona could see Xio Li in the distance, head down and searching. Hopefully, they would find something soon.
Fiona was beginning to believe that their efforts were pointless. She glanced up and noticed buzzards circling in the distance. Her stomach knotted, it didn’t look good. She ran as fast as she could, waving her arms and screaming, hoping to scare them away. A small form lay on the ground, still and unmoving, a tiny unwilling sacrifice left there by an unfeeling mother.
She raced to the tiny body and attempted CPR, but it was too late! She hadn’t got there in time. The little boy was dead, his skin tinged blue, suffocated, dried tears still streaking his small face. Rocking his little form back and forth, she couldn’t see for the tears spilling down. How could anyone be so cruel? At that moment, she hated this place, hated the cruelty and barbarism. Sobs burst from her, she would find the mother and make her pay and if she couldn’t, she would see that Kellach did. Some things she might have to overlook, but this was not one of them!
She sat there weeping until her mind registered the sound of galloping horses. A lump of fear grew in her chest as they surrounded her. Voadicia’s mounted guards circled her, their faces malevolent and pitiless.
One particularly brutal-looking individual sneered at her. “The sacrifice of children is a crime punishable by death.”
Fiona gasped. “I did not murder this child. I was trying to save him.”
The sound of their cold laughter sent chills down her spine. “You lie! We have heard of you. This is not the first time you have murdered children. You will come with us. Voadicia awaits.”
“I am not going anywhere with you. I’m Lord Kellach’s wife. You can speak to him when he returns.” Standing as tall as she could and lifting her chin, she tried to appear haughty, refusing to allow them to see her fear.
“Kellach has no say in crimes committed outside the protection of the military. That right belongs to Voadicia.”
Fiona started to shake, dread choking her. There was nothing she could do but go quietly with them. Perhaps Tanith would know what to do. Her peripheral vision caught a small movement. Xio Li moved as if to stand up. Unseen by Voadicia’s guards, Fiona moved her head in a silent “no,” praying Xio Li would understand.
“Take her,” the brutal-looking officer directed, “and bring the dead child as well. Voadicia will want to see the evidence of her crimes.”
Xio Li crouched behind a large boulder, watching the exchange. It was her fault Fiona was here. They should have not left the settlement without Durlach’s protection. Voadicia must have had Fiona watched, the guards had found them too easily. She waited until they galloped off and then started back, keeping low and out of their sight. It was a long way back to the settlement, but she had no choice. She had to get there as soon as possible and find help for Fiona.
The ride back was an even greater nightmare. The guards made no effort to disguise their lust, and tossed crude remarks at her at every possible opportunity. They refrained from openly touching her, but Fiona gu
essed it was only a matter of time. They were excited about the capture of Lord Kellach’s woman and bragged about how well things would go for them when they brought her before Voadicia.
At the settlement, Fiona was thrown into a barricaded enclosure, along with a large number of frightened and confused people of every age and walk of life. They had been rounded up that morning, accused of various crimes and were awaiting Voadicia’s summons. The charges were groundless and stemmed from unfounded accusations of worshiping foreign gods, unsanctified sacrifice, whatever that was, and some had been imprisoned simply because of their foreign heritage. The latter one really got to Fiona—Voadicia calling the kettle black. From the guards’ comments, it appeared the only punishment for these crimes was death.
None of the prisoners’ requests were given any consideration and outside contact was not allowed. By this action, Voadicia had effectively eliminated any help they might have received. Fiona wandered around aimlessly until she found an open spot and sat down.
Dazed by the events of the day, she was confused and the overwhelming stress had taken its toll. She was so tired, and her breasts ached, it was long past the time to nurse Connach. Hopefully, Tanith had enough milk for both babies, but there was always goat’s milk if nothing else.
Fiona missed the feel of her baby in her arms, her mind cried for Kellach. It was hot in the enclosure. Little effort had been made to provide any comfort from the elements. What few seats there were had long since been taken. A filthy slop bucket stood in the corner, a further testament to the conditions they were forced to endure.
10 Timeless Heroes; A Time Travel Romance Boxed Set Page 24
