The Prophecy (Kingdom of Uisneach Book 1)

by Heidi Hanley

  Briana took a sip as Cailleach poured a cup of tea.

  “I think I owe thanks to you for that. I understand you’ve been working on it for a few days. I guess I might have died without your help.”

  “It’s a nasty wound, girl. Quite the story of courage in how you acquired it. Perhaps Silas is also lucky to be alive?”

  Briana couldn’t quite tell if Cailleach was impressed with this or angry at her, so she changed the subject. “How did you get here so fast?”

  “Merlin. He shifts and I ride.”

  “No kidding! I mean, I knew he shapeshifted, but big enough to fly you around? Wow!”

  “Speaking of magic, let’s take a look at the leg.” She slid the bedcovers off Briana’s leg to reveal a well-bandaged limb, which she deftly undressed.

  Sutures crossed over a mending laceration with pink, healthy skin on either side of the wound, and no sign of infection. It was not completely healed, but insanely close to it. Briana lifted her leg and winced. “Well, it still hurts, but I’m amazed. You did this all with magic?”

  Cailleach shook her head. “Magic and a little ordinary medicinals. Now you can continue the process.”

  “You want me to do… what?”

  “Magic, of course. Visualizations of healing. I’ll continue to dress the wounds for you.” The witch prodded around the sutures. “You could’ve done most of this yourself at the fort.”

  “You think I own that kind of magic?”

  “I believe you do. Let’s get busy, aye?”

  They spent an hour practicing, Cailleach instructing, coaxing and encouraging while Briana visualized and spoke gentle healing words of affirmation to her injured leg. At the end of the hour, she was sweating and exhausted from the intense concentration required. Cailleach patted her good leg.

  “Enough for today. Well done, Briana. I want you to spend the next few days resting.” Picking up her supplies, Cailleach headed for the door.

  Briana nodded, closed her eyes and drifted off before the door closed behind the witch.

  Three more days passed in a miasma of practicing magic and rest. “I feel like Jesus in the tomb,” she complained to Claire on the third day. “I’m not alive, but I’m not dead, either.”

  “Who is Jesus?” Claire asked, as she put away the dresses that the local seamstress, Jemeny, had altered for Briana.

  After the CliffNotes edition of the story, Claire asked, “Why did his father let him die if he was such a great man?”

  “People have been asking that question and fighting over the answer for thousands of years. Far be it from me to pontificate. The more important question at the moment is, When can I leave this room?”

  “Cailleach says maybe tomorrow. Would you like to play another card game?”

  “No, I would not.” What she wanted to do was go find Silas. His absence since the first day of her awakening was troubling. Was he staying away on purpose? Was he not allowed to visit her? Sigel and Sir Thomas had each been in once, Cailleach and Lady Isabella every day.

  On cue, there was a rap at the door, and Lady Isabella poked her head in. “May I speak with you, Lady Briana?”

  “Of course. Come in.”

  The lady of the manor moved across the room like a swan on a pond, her long gown flowing behind her as she came to sit beside Briana. “Cailleach thinks you might be ready to join the rest of the household the day after tomorrow. I hope to take you around to meet the rest of the staff here.”

  “Will I be staying here long enough to make that important?”

  “It’s been decided,” Lady Isabella spoke carefully, “that you would stay a few more days to learn the rudiments of managing a household. It would be a privilege to assist you in the endeavor.”

  Glancing at the line of dresses in the open wardrobe, she should have guessed. The “it’s been decided” rankled. Too many things were being decided for her, but she pasted a smile on her lips. “I will be happy to learn from you, Your Ladyship, but I don’t see myself as the kind of queen who spends her days ordering servants about.”

  Lady Isabella stiffened and tipped her head. “Oh? What kind of queen do you want to be?”

  Great question, Briana thought as she realized how unkind she’d been. “I didn’t mean to suggest…”

  Waving off the apology, Isabella nodded to the chair beside the bed. “May I?”

  “Please do,” she said, face still pink from her faux pas. She had been paying attention to the way Lady Isabella managed her household, at least from the limited vantage point of her bedroom. Watching the older woman operate with such grace and efficiency, Briana did hope she could become half as proficient when she had to manage a castle.

  “This must all be so strange for you, Lady Briana.”

  “Briana is fine,” Briana said, knowing by now it would make no difference.

  Lady Isabella sat back in the chair and folded her hands in her lap. “No, it isn’t fine. One of the strange things about being a queen is that people treat you with a deference you may be uncomfortable with, but you must learn to accept ‘milady.’ It comes with the position.

  “As does managing a household. There are many things that must be done to keep a home running smoothly, and in the case of royalty, even more, as you will be receiving and entertaining people constantly, at all hours of the day and night. It’s essential that you provide the leadership and oversight necessary to make Ard Darach the pride of Uisneach.”

  Briana nodded. “I understand, but I have had some leadership training and I know if you hire the right people and make your expectations clear, they will do the job you want them to do.”

  “And you can be free to run about the countryside with the army, fighting Lord Shamwa?”

  “That is our mission.”

  “That is King Brath’s mission. As his queen, your role is largely supportive. That means assuring a standard of excellence in his castle that allows him to come and go without fretting about what’s happening at home.” Seeing the expression on Briana’s face, she patted her hand. “As I said, this is all strange to you, but let me help you. You are bright and talented and as brave as any soldier. But bravery has many playing fields, not all having to do with blood and guts.”

  Part of what Lady Isabella said was reasonable, but Briana had no intention of being a housewife. She’d learn what she needed to learn and find the right staff to run the household. She didn’t intend to be left out of the adventures of her husband’s more active life.

  The conversation moved to other things and Briana came to understand this was a woman she could trust, someone who’d experienced her own share of joy and sorrow and wasn’t just spending her days “ordering servants about.” She and Sir Thomas had two children, a son who was “away” at the moment, and a daughter who died while trying to shapeshift into another time.

  “Shapeshifting can be dangerous, especially when one is attempting to enter another world. Leieria was in love with a man from the world you come from. In her endeavor to be with him, she was flashed during the transformation process.”

  “Flashed?”

  Isabella’s hands made a swift, fluttering movement into the air.

  “I am so sorry. I can’t imagine what you must have gone through.”

  Sir Thomas’ wife squeezed her hand. “Losing a child is a terrible thing, but it was a long time ago, and the pain of it has dulled. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you’ll get over the loss of someone you love. You will not, though the pain does soften. You find ways to keep going. But then, you know all of this.”

  Memories of her father surfaced. Her mother, too, who, though not dead, was still as lost to Briana. She missed them both terribly, but she was coping. Yes, she thought, it does soften. Will I be able to say the same about Silas someday?

  “Well, my dear, I’ve kept you chatting far too long, and you need a rest, I should think. I’ll leave you, but I have truly enjoyed getting to know you a little better. Please, don’t hesitate to call
on me if you should need anything.” She rose with prim elegance and walked over to the fireplace, where she added another peat brick to the fire.

  “Thank you, I will,” Briana agreed. “And Lady Isabella, I will do my best to learn my duties.”

  “I’m certain you will. Rest now, milady.” She left the room, the silky black train of her dress floating behind her.

  Sigel showed up after lunch with a wooden box.

  “Up for a visit and a game of ríocht?”

  “Ríocht, maybe, a talk with you, definitely.”

  “Oh?” He didn’t look at her as he set the box on the table and began to set up the board with beautifully carved wooden pieces. “Something on your mind?”

  “I understand you gave orders for me to stay here for a few days.”

  “I don’t know if I’d call them orders, but that’s the plan. There are some things you need to learn that Lady Isabella is particularly suited to showing you.” He continued to set up castles, rooks and knights.

  “I thought we needed to hurry up and get to Ard Darach?”

  “We do, and had you not butchered your leg…”

  “I didn’t exactly plan that,” she said, acerbically.

  “…We’d be on our way. Since you’re not ready to travel, it occurred to me that learning a bit about the domestic side of queendom would be to your benefit. I’m trying to help you, Briana. White or red?”

  “Red. It suits my mood.”

  He grinned. “Are you cranky?”

  “You might say that. I’m stuck here. People are planning my life and forcing me into things I’m not ready for. Silas is being kept from me…”

  Sigel put up a warning hand. “He is not ‘being kept from you,’ Briana, and I would be careful how loudly you say that. Silas is busy doing his job and you need to focus on doing yours.”

  She waved at her lower extremities and around the room with a questioning look. “What am I supposed to do from here?”

  “Practice your magic, learn what you can from the people around you and prepare yourself to take on all the tasks of being a queen.” He moved a soldier and she followed suit automatically. A couple of moves were made in silence.

  “The middle game,” he said, moving a rook, “is where the game is won or lost. We can reach the castle and rescue Brath, but if you don’t know what to do once that’s done, everyone loses. A queen is both something you do and someone you are. This is a good place to learn what you do, and Lady Isabella is a perfect example of how to be.”

  While they played, he offered an update on the status of Shamwa, who hadn’t been seen, and the Gray Military, who remained near Long River. Thoughtful silence prevailed over the rest of the game, which Briana lost – again. She sighed. “I’m tired.”

  The ríocht pieces went back into the box and Sigel gave her one last look. “You are ready, Briana. You only need to be sure it’s what you want. You aren’t a prisoner and no one will force you to finish this. Say the word, and I’ll take you back to Baigsith as soon as you can travel.”

  “Really? You would?”

  He nodded, tucking the box under his arm. “I find it hard to believe the prophecy could be so wrong, and I have every faith you can be the queen this kingdom needs, but not if you don’t want it. You’re a free woman.”

  “Not exactly,” she muttered, to his exiting back.

  If resting was what they wanted her to do, they had a funny way of showing it. Streams of visitors poured through her room all afternoon. Shortly before dinner, Cailleach came to help her take her first steps since the injury, which she did tentatively, but without pain.

  “Okay, I’m all better. I can go down for supper.”

  “One more day, Briana, please. We don’t want to undo what’s been done.” To prevent further argument, she gave Claire orders to fetch Her Ladyship’s dinner.

  The witch’s visit was cut short by the first visit of the mansion’s Mistress of the Hunt.

  “Hello, Lady Briana. I’m Epona. I was with Sir Thomas when you were rescued, but you probably don’t remember me.” She patted Dara affectionately as she came into the room.

  “Of course I remember you,” Briana said, awed again at the Persian goddess before her. “Please, won’t you sit down?” With less than a full measure of hope, Briana asked, “I don’t suppose you’d prefer to call me Briana?”

  “Absolutely! I find titles so pretentious, don’t you? I’m sorry it took me so long to come and visit, but it’s been quite busy in the stables, getting horses ready for the rest of your journey. You do ride, right?”

  “I do, both English and western. I rode competitively as a teenager.”

  “Those terms are unfamiliar, but I’m glad you know your way around a horse. When are they going to release you from your cell?” she asked, looking around with a shudder. “I’d go batty stuck in here for days.”

  “Tell me about it.” Briana smiled at her newfound kindred spirit. “Cailleach says I’ll be released tomorrow, but I’m not sure about riding yet.”

  “Excellent! Silas will be happy.”

  Alarm bells went off in Briana’s head and her smile disappeared. “Silas? Why would he care?”

  “Really, Briana. You are looking at the romance expert extraordinaire. I watched the two of you all the way from Cath Ardghal to Winge Mansion, and even in your loopy state, it was pretty obvious there’s a connection. I’m not saying anyone else noticed it, but I make it my business to notice these things. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. I am well aware you are King Brath’s intended. Not sure how you’ll pull this off, but I wish you luck.”

  Briana was stunned and clueless as to how to respond. She knew it would be dangerous for anyone to guess their feelings, and yet the idea of having a friend to confide in was appealing. But she barely knew Epona. “You must be mistaken this time, Epona. There is nothing between me and Silas. I am betrothed to the king.”

  “Whatever you say, Briana. If ever you want to talk, I’ve got your back. I’m all about impossible love.”

  Yet another knock at the door interrupted further discussion. Claire arrived with dinner.

  “I suppose I best go downstairs,” said Epona. “I do wish you could come. Silas is going to entertain us tonight. Can’t wait. A voice to die for. See you later.”

  Releasing a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, Briana turned her attention to her dinner. After days of broth, tea and light fare, the roasted chicken, potatoes and asparagus made her stomach growl in anticipation.

  All was quiet in her room, while everyone else dined downstairs, entertained by the bard.

  Minutes turned to hours. With nothing else to do, Briana fell asleep.

  Briana?

  She woke instantly, hearing his voice in her head. Silas? Claire was sleeping soundly on the couch, one arm flung across her face, the other clutching a blanket.

  Hi, he said.

  Hi. Where are you?

  Outside your door. I’m on guard duty tonight.

  Really? After a night of storytelling? They work you too hard. Come in.

  Can’t. But we can talk.

  Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in days.

  I know, I’m sorry. Been busy.

  A vague answer, which she let go. So what’s happening out in the real world? I feel so isolated in here.

  Only a wee bit longer, a mhuirnin. Are you feeling better?

  Well enough to be out there with you. She looked again at the lady’s maid and wondered if she could sneak out without disturbing Claire.

  Not a good idea, but I have another. Would you help me write a song?

  Sure, she said, glumly. Is that my consolation prize?

  It starts like this: I love to see you swimming in our enchanted sea, finding treasures in the surf and in the sand. You make me believe in magic, long past when I should. He stopped, as though thinking.

  I want to swim beside you, she thought.

  Come take me hand, he added.

>   Come, my love, and swim with me,

  In this beautiful, magical sea.

  They both went quiet, immersed in the imagery.

  Silas, I don’t know how not to feel the way I do for you. I try not to… She trailed off, lost and uncertain what she should say. I want to do what’s right for Uisneach, but I’m afraid.

  Afraid of what?

  That I can’t do it, can’t be that queen, can’t follow through with the marriage. She paused. Can’t stop loving you.

  He didn’t respond.

  Silas? Are you still there?

  I’m here, a mhuirnin. I wanted to hold that thought in me heart for a minute. I don’t think we can stop lovin’ each other, but we must try with all our might not to act on it. I confess, I’m afraid I don’t have the strength, which is part of the reason I stay away. If I’m not near you, it’s a wee bit easier. When I’m with you, I lose me senses.

  That’s a wee bit of a problem, isn’t it, since we work for the same king?

  More than a wee bit, a mhuirnin.

  Chapter Twenty

  Our Enchanted Sea

  Briana stood on the balcony drinking in the warm, spring night. The moon was just past full but still poured its glorious white light across the courtyard. The newly born leaves of an ash tree waved in the breeze next to the balcony, their music blending naturally with that of the bard’s drum somewhere below her. Briana contemplated the tree’s wild limbs. Would they hold her weight?

  “I can’t stand being cooped up in here anymore, hovered over like the crown jewels,” she said, scowling at Claire.

  “Tomorrow, milady. Cailleach said…”

  “Tonight, tomorrow morning, what difference does it make? I want you to pull out the best dress in that closet and take me downstairs.”

  “But milady…”

  “Claire, I’ve been walking around this room for two days, just fine. There is no reason I can’t go sit downstairs and listen to music. Don’t make me pull rank; you know how I hate that.”

  Finally, the girl smiled. “Okay, but if I get in trouble…”

  “How can you get in trouble when it’s an order from the future queen?”

  Claire growled. She held up a green dress. Briana wrinkled her nose. “Too stuffy.”