Lonely Moon (The Wolf's Bane Saga Book 2)

by M. Katherine Clark

  Marrock took his seat at the head of the table and waited until the serving females filled his plate with meat, vegetables, and turnips. The earthy smell of the spices used caused his wolf to jump to the forefront. With flashing yellow eyes, he tore into the meat and devoured nearly half of it before his human took control again.

  Looking up when he heard laughter from his family he leaned back in his seat and wiped his mouth with the rag beside him.

  “Forgive me, my wolf took over,” he stated.

  “Aye, we understand, lad,” Kinnon answered. “’Tis glad we are that you are hungry at all. You could have been taken from us.”

  “Aye and we never want that,” Kyna said.

  “And you cousin?” Marrock asked. “With me dead, your father would be alpha and then you when he is gone.”

  “Donnae think of that, Marrock, you are Alpha and my loyalty is to you. The mantle of alpha is a heavy burden and I donnae desire it ever,” Weylyn replied. “You have always had my love, loyalty and friendship if you desire it.”

  Marrock stared at him for a long time until he finally spoke again.

  “Tell me something, cousin,” Marrock began. “If you were alpha what would be the first thing you would do?”

  “As I am no’, nor will I ever be, that is a moot point,” Weylyn stated.

  “Humor me,” Marrock said.

  Weylyn looked at his father, but before Kinnon could do anything, Marrock spoke again,

  “Nay donnae look at your father, lad,” he said. “Tell me what would you do?”

  Swallowing hard, Weylyn looked back at his Alpha.

  “I would call the pack together and be sure they understand that I am their leader, but I am nae better than them. Then I would be sure the warriors train as war looms on the horizon. As you have always said, the pack must be ready and a strong pack is a determent to those who would try to take our way of life. Then I would scout out the land surrounding us and be sure the druids donnae march on us.”

  Marrock nodded slowly and looked over at his uncle. Kinnon smiled at his son and locked eyes with his nephew for a moment. Marrock speared a piece of trout on his plate and ate it slowly.

  “Is he old enough, Uncle?” he asked.

  “I believe so,” Kinnon answered.

  “Old enough for what?” Weylyn asked.

  “What do you say about joining my warriors as scout?” Marrock offered. “I was impressed by your display in the arena the other day and I believe your healing skills will be useful to have.”

  “Scout?” Weylyn blinked quickly. “That is a high honor.”

  “One I want for someone I trust to be loyal,” Marrock answered. “Someone let the druids through our outermost border.”

  “You believe someone betrayed you, Marrock?” Kinnon asked.

  “I do,” Marrock replied. “Who was on sentry duty that eve?”

  “Tiecaus and Wilum,” Kinnon answered.

  “Call them back, I want to speak with them both,” Marrock stated. “Someone wants to hurt me. I donnae take kindly to that. And if I find it is them, I will punish them.”

  “Marrock!” A voice behind him in the doorway called. All eyes turned and Marrock’s breathing stuttered as his heart rate sped up. Loving arms encircled him and for a moment he felt like a child again.

  “Och my dearest love, are you well? I heard the females talking. Look at me, love, let me make sure you are all right,” the voice was insistent in his ear. Looking around the table at the stunned faces, Marrock realized he was not dreaming and slowly, looking up, he came face to face with his mother. Her beautiful black hair had turned completely silver from the stress and loss of his father. It was loose and hung to her lower back. She stroked his face with a withered hand.

  “Oh my sweet love,” she whispered.

  “Mama?” he breathed.

  She held him close to her and he wrapped his arms around her. Kinnon, Kyna and Weylyn stood from the table and headed for the door.

  “Kinnon, stay,” Leah called. “’Tis been a long time since we have had a proper dinner as a family.”

  Everyone was stunned. Leah had hardly spoken since Riok died. She had withered away into practically nothing and no one was able to help ease her pain nor coax her to come back.

  She slid onto the bench beside Marrock as the other three came back to the table.

  “Tell me what happened, my love. The females said you were attacked, have we mounted a search for them? They should be hanged from the battlements as a warning.”

  “Nay,” he answered. “I have taken care of them.”

  “Oh good,” Leah replied. “Kinnon why did you no’ come and tell me?” she demanded. Kinnon stuttered but she went on. “Never mind that now tell me, Marrock what happened?” The serving females, as stunned as the rest, jumped to serve their mistress when Leah called for a plate.

  Once Marrock finished the tale again, Leah chewed a bit of venison and thought for a moment. Finally, she swallowed and spoke to her son.

  “Who was on sentry duty?” she asked.

  “I have asked Uncle Kinnon to call for them. I will speak with them in the morning.”

  “I want to be by your side, love,” she said then looked down immediately. “If you wish it that is. I ken I have nae been a mother to you, and I am sorry. If you will allow me, I will attempt to be better until the gods call me home.”

  “Mother, I will always want you with me,” he said.

  “Until your mate is in place,” she smiled. “Tell me about this Mabh.”

  Marrock straightened.

  “What of her?” he asked.

  “I ken what druid daggers do to our kind, she must have taken care of you. That means she loves you,” she said.

  “It does nae mean that,” he answered.

  “Are you worried about it?”

  “Nay,” he answered. “Merely that I donnae ken what to think of her.”

  “Well, that is something for another time,” Leah said. “Now, our Alpha has returned to us and is healed, that calls for some music. Call for the minstrel, let us have a celebration!”

  ***

  Marrock sat on the alpha’s throne, a piece of stone chiseled with the head of a wolf at the arms and a howling wolf at the top. He wore his battle armor shined to perfection the night before. It had been a long time since there was a traitor in their midst and Marrock needed to make a show. The morning sun shone through the windows above and behind Marrock casting him in shadow. His mother sat beside him in a deep blue gown that hugged her bodice and then flowed out into a pool at her feet. Adorned with a silver belt made of white gems, she sat in the smaller throne her hair plaited and her posture royal.

  The doors opened and the two sentries were shuffled into the throne room by Kinnon and Cian. Wilum looked around the room anywhere but at Marrock whereas Tiecaus stared defiantly at the Alpha. Marrock nodded to Cian to announce.

  “To all those gathered here,” the Herald began. “These two wolves are charged with letting the enemy slip past them and that enemy wounded our Alpha.” A gasp floated through the group gathered in the Gr’at Hall. Wilum whimpered and looked down as tears flowed out of his eyes. “Their crime is not only against the alpha, which is grievous itself, but also to us. Their negligence could have cost us our lives and our children’s lives. Our alpha could have been killed, no’ that he would have fallen,” Cian bowed to Marrock. “For a mightier warrior there never was. But this act, this travesty, should it go unpunished?” A loud nay resounded through the room. “Alpha,” Cian turned back to Marrock. “The pack has spoken.”

  Marrock nodded slowly but did not speak at first. He waited for a long moment seeing Wilum’s tears and Tiecaus’ indifference. Finally, looking at his mother, who sat up even straighter and nodded, he stood. The leather of his battle armor was the only sound in the room apart from Wilum’s soft cries.

  “Before I pass judgement on these two,” Marrock’s voice rang out. “Who speaks for them? I will pe
rmit one each.”

  “I will speak for Wilum, Alpha,” an older wolf called. Marrock motioned him forward. “Wilum is my son, Alpha,” he began. “He is a good lad and just recently mated. He and his mate are to be parents. He has always served you faithfully. The night of the attack, he had trained hard and returned to his mate who was having pain with the pup. He stayed with her until gloaming, never leaving her side, he faithfully watched over her. He was tired, hungry, and unfocused. I beg of you, be easy on him. ‘Twas nae done intentionally. He is a good wolf, and a good member of your pack.”

  “I will take your recommendation under advisement,” Marrock replied. “Who else?”

  “I will speak for Tiecaus,” another wolf called. Marrock motioned him to step forward. “My Alpha, I am his brother. Tiecaus has always been a strong, headstrong warrior. He has served you since your father was alive. That eve, I donnae ken what happened, but he was on duty so I ken you must show what happens to those who fail in their duty, but I ask ye to look at the wolf’s past. He has been loyal to you since you were a pup.”

  Marrock listened to each and was silent for a while. He paced the hall. On one hand, he needed to show he would not tolerate failure. For fifty-five years they had been as one and nothing like this had happened. On the other hand, he did not wish to show his true might, that he reserved for his enemies. Stopping before the two accused, he stood with his arms folded across his massive chest, his feet apart and his long black hair loose about his shoulders. His blue eyes moved from one to the other, then he spoke.

  “Wilum, Tiecaus,” he began. “Your family speaks well of you. But as well as they speak, ‘tis nothing compared to a wolf speaking his mind. Tell me, do you ask for mercy?”

  Wilum fell to his knees and raised his clasped hands.

  “My Alpha, please I beg of you, forgive my failure. I would rather die than have been the cause of your injuries.” He reached out to him. “Give me a dagger and I will prove just how loyal I am to you. ‘Tis nae an excuse, but my father was correct. I fell asleep as I was protecting my alpha, my family and my pack. I ask your forgiveness, sire. I ken you must exact punishment, but I beg you let it end with me and donnae take it out on my family. I beg of you, Alpha. Forgive me.”

  Marrock watched as the man broke down and sobbed like a bairn. Then his eyes turned to Tiecaus. The warrior had always worried him, built like an ox, he was one of the biggest warriors and always the most envious. He was unpredictable and at times ruthless. As much as Marrock admired his fighting skills, he always watched his back.

  “Do you have anything to say in your defense, Tiecaus?” Marrock asked.

  He sucked his teeth and shook his head. “I have nothing to say.”

  “Nothing?” Marrock asked.

  “Aye, nothing apart from you being a bairn with more interest in your own fight than taking the fight to the druids. Aye, I sensed them. I caught their scent but I turned a blind eye when they crossed our lands. I hoped this would help you to see that if we donnae go to them, they will come to us. But did you? Nay. You were beaten by two females. You are weak, and should never be alpha. We needed a warrior no’ a bairn still sucking his mother breast. Your father would be ashamed of what you have become.”

  Some deep rooted anger exploded within Marrock. He roared, half phased and struck Tiecaus ripping his head off in a single strike. Blood splattered across his face and armor, his black hair hung down and streamed with the crimson that sputtered out of the headless body still upright before him.

  The hall was so quiet but Marrock heard nothing but the rushing of blood behind his ears. Tiecaus’ body slowly fell to the ground next to the place where Wilum cowered. Marrock looked around the room but his eyes fell on a horror stricken Mabh. Her look of sheer terror as she saw the body before him, stole his last thread of sanity. Howling, he bounded out of the keep and through the village.

  Nearly sixty years of peace had just come to an end and he was the one responsible for it.

  Chapter

  Fifteen

  “And so what do these readings today tell us?” Kinnon asked his gathered students nearly an entire moon’s cycle since Marrock raced out of the village. One of his students raised his hand.

  “Aye, Conchor,” Kinnon called on him.

  “To kill the druids before they get a chance to kill us?” He offered. The others in the class cheered. Kinnon chuckled and shook his head.

  “That may be our desires but that is no’ what the moral of this tale is,” Kinnon said. “The moral is to never let ourselves get into a situation that we cannae—”

  “Father!” Weylyn yanked open the door.

  “Weylyn, I am in the middle of my class,” he turned to his son.

  “’Tis sorry I am to interrupt, but you need to come quickly,” Weylyn said.

  “What is it?” Kinnon asked setting his manuscript down and walking towards his son.

  “’Tis the pack,” he replied. “They grow restless in Marrock’s absence. I am worried.”

  Kinnon put a hand on his son’s shoulder to calm him and spoke softly. “’Tis all right,” he said. “We will go and see what they need.” Turning to his students, he continued. “While I am away take your parchment and write down your own tale. I shall return shortly.” The lads ignored him and went to the window to watch.

  Kinnon followed his son through the village and up the steps of the keep. The entire pack had assembled in the courtyard, not an uncommon sight but, as volatile wolves Kinnon watched their expressions closely.

  “Marrock, where are you, lad?” he whispered. Looking over at his son beside him, he saw Weylyn’s eyes were yellow but his body was still human. He expected a fight.

  “Why have you gathered here today?” Kinnon called out to the crowd. They fidgeted and looked around for a leader. Finally, Faolán’s father and the pack’s Herald, Cian, stepped forward.

  “Kinnon, we have decided to come to you as it has been nearly an entire moon’s cycle since Marrock left under… bizarre circumstances. Do you ken where he is?” He asked.

  “I ken nae more than you,” Kinnon replied. “He has blocked me out of his mind.”

  “I demand retribution for the senseless death of my brother!” Tiecaus’ brother stepped forward.

  “Senseless?” Kinnon questioned. “We all saw and heard what he did. He taunted our Alpha and used language nae wolf should ever use when addressing their leader. And then to say that his father would be ashamed of what he has become,” Kinnon shook his head. “I am Riok’s brother. I ken well what he would think of Marrock and ashamed is farthest from the truth.”

  “My husband would be ashamed of his pack,” Leah’s voice rang out behind them. Kinnon turned and reached for her still frail from the years of pain and heartbreak. She refused his offer and stood beside him looking out at her pack. “Riok was an excellent leader and he instilled that trait into our son. When he was stolen from us, Marrock was nae ready, I agree, but he did his duty. Can you complain of his treatment of you for fifty-five winters? Nay, he is a just leader but when he is threatened, he will lash out. Your brother,” she turned to Tiecaus’ brother. “Provoked my son with harsh words and was willing to have him killed by the druid scum he allowed onto our lands. I, for one, will nae mourn his passing.”

  “We need an alpha!”

  “We need one like Riok!”

  “Nay, an alpha like Kinnon!”

  “Enough!” Kinnon roared. “I never have nor will I ever desire the mantle of Alpha. Never have I been ashamed of my pack until this day. We have a leader. We have an alpha. Though he is nae here at the moment, he is still our king. Dear gods, how can you call yourselves Aberlyall wolves when you are acting like an English pack? We band together, we are one with Marrock at the front. He has never shirked his duty and he has put you above his own needs and desires. How dare you cause a rebellion? I will nae stand by and allow you to destroy what my ancestors have created.”

  “Neither will I,” Weylyn stepp
ed forward. “Marrock is our Alpha and I am proud to call him my cousin and I am proud to be part of his pack.”

  Lone clapping at the gate drew their attention. The sea of wolves in human form parted and their gasp was enough for Kinnon. His eyes searched through the crowd and landed on Marrock standing at the gate. His eyes were wild and his hair hung past his shoulders freely. Another young man, built more like a human scholar than a wolf, stood beside him watching the scene.

  As the crowd parted, they made a pathway to the keep steps and everyone knelt in a bow as Marrock walked slowly towards the keep. Everything was deadly silent. Marrock made his way up the steps, keeping his eyes on his uncle. So surprised and thankful to see his nephew alive, Kinnon did not move until he felt Weylyn pull him back allowing Marrock to stand at the top of the stairs.

  “Marrock,” his mother spoke softly. He faced her and his eyes flashed to yellow silencing her for a time. Standing tall, he faced the crowd. The man who journeyed with him, stood before him at the foot of the steps, one hand resting on the hilt of his broadsword belted around his waist.

  Marrock stared into the crowd but said nothing for a long time. He pulled his powerful frame up to his full height and puffed out his broad chest showing his strength. No one could meet his cold eyes. Finally, Marrock fixed his gaze on Cian.

  “You,” he pointed to the wolf. Cian looked up at him. Marrock held out his hand and motioned him to stand. The wolf slowly got to his feet. “I understand you have an issue with me,” Marrock said.

  “Nay, sire, I was only express—”

  “Silence!” The strength of his Alpha order made the man quake and go silent. “I heard all. Give me one reason why I should no’ give the order to have you all executed immediately.”

  “Marrock,” Kinnon’s shocked voice breathed.

  Marrock turned to his uncle, his eyes yellowed.

  “Did I give you permission to speak, Uncle?” He demanded. Kinnon swallowed hard and shook his head. “Then keep your mouth shut,” his order made Kinnon quake and remain quiet. Turning back to the crowd, he continued, “I am waiting for your answer, Wolf. Tell me why I should nae kill you?”