While most conversation around me was a muted chaos of words and laughing, I concentrated on Sean. I stared at him and said nothing for a few moments, savoring the clean, minty smell that hovered around him, until I thought of all the words we had missed sharing in his absence. At that, I spoke again, just to hear his voice answer me, and chatted with him casually. I didn’t want to discuss the details of our future life together, given our company, but I enjoyed even our talk of simple, everyday happenings.
Across from us, Nia sat next to Madeline and updated her with the details of her new friend from DarMattey. I eavesdropped attentively, hoping for a clue about her surprise. Their third sister, Sianna, had married a trader from DarMattey many years ago, and together they lived over the mountain with their two young children. Apparently, Thomas worked for Sianna’s husband, transporting store goods and grain. That was why he had come to Aisling before the celebration.
“When is the wedding?” asked Colin.
The question drifted to the back of my thoughts, until I noticed that everyone had stopped talking. Sean prodded me in the ribs with a finger.
I looked up and answered without reflection. “When it’s warm,” I said. I had never wanted a wedding during Moon Season. “And before the Solstice,” I added, hoping to calm Sean’s probable concern of my response; he had indeed, just risked his life to make the marriage possible.
“I think that’s an excellent choice,” said Colin. He pulled Madeline close to his side into a hug. “Spring weddings are magical.”
Sean responded with the same embrace and I leaned on his shoulder. Something bumped me from the opposite side, making me turn to look. It was Cael, who was exiting the table. In the flurry of the feast, I hadn’t noticed him next to me.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his face blushing. “Please, excuse me.”
I smiled back, returned my head to Sean’s warm shoulder, and stared through the glass. Shadows crept into the field; dusk was approaching.
“Nia?” I asked casually. “Would you like to meet Maeia?”
Nia grinned back at me. “Yes!” In her enthusiasm, she almost yelled her answer. “Rhiannon, why don’t you take me outside?”
Still eager to hear her secret, and grateful that no one else requested to come along, I slipped out of Sean’s arms and escorted my best friend outside. We both ran to the stable.
Maeia was not among the group of horses mingling near the fence, but that wasn’t my real reason for leaving the party. I glanced back toward the warm orange glow of the dining room window. Everyone inside appeared comfortable and satisfied. I shivered and watched my breath escape to the dim violet landscape.
“Okay, Nia,” I said, confident that we would not be interrupted. “Tell me your secret.”
Nia peered back at the house and then pulled my hand. “It isn’t something I can tell you,” she whispered. “I have to show you. Come with me.”
I followed her to the far side of the stable. Nia searched behind her and then opened a silk cloth, revealing a green emerald the size of her palm. Even in shadow, it sparkled, and tiny lengths of moonlight caught its edges and reflected back to her face in flashes of brilliant green.
“Oh, your fortune!” I exclaimed, marveling at the treasure my friend had so casually revealed. “It’s astonishing.”
I traced my finger along thin golden lines, inlaid in a crossing pattern along one facet of the stone. “That’s not natural,” I said. “Where did you get this?”
Nia grinned. “I found it.” She handed the cloth and crystal to me. “Do you feel that?”
“It’s heavy.” I turned the emerald over in my hands; it was magnificent and warm; the golden lines added to its mystery. I touched them again before handing Nia her prize. “Where did you find it?”
Nia carefully wrapped it in silk and tucked it into her pocket. “Near the road through Aisling,” she said. “In the bushes, just a few days ago. I saw something sparkle in the light, and when I bent down to search, I found the crystal.” Nia peered around the stable. “It’s worth more than anything in the village.” Raised as a trader, Nia had learned to search the value in objects. It was her instinct to look for the best deal.
“Don’t sell it. Emeralds bring good fortune.” I touched her hand. “It’s a blessing upon you.”
“Unless it’s stolen,” said Nia.
Her words made the cold grip my arms. I withdrew my hand and wrapped my sleeves close to my body.
“Why do you say that?” I asked. My teeth suddenly chattered as I spoke. “You said that you found it.”
“I did.” Nia huddled close. “It isn’t from the village.” She paused. “And it doesn’t belong here. What if it has power? Maybe the bandit stole it from somewhere else.”
“You don’t know that,” I said. “It could have fallen off a passing trade wagon, or a traveler might have accidently dropped it. There’s no need to speak of treachery.” The night was creeping into my dress, making me shiver. “Have you shown it to your father?”
“No.”
“Show him the emerald,” I said. “He can help you.”
“If it is stolen, he’ll give it to the other Elders,” she said. “I don’t want to give it away. And I don’t want to add to the trouble.”
“What are you going to do?” I asked, shaking my head at her stubbornness.
“I don’t know,” said Nia. She pulled the cloth out of her dress pocket again and exposed the emerald’s edge. “It is unusual.”
“Yes, it is special,” I told her. “If you won’t tell your father, then keep it hidden. You don’t want to become a target of—” I winced at my own words. “—the bandit.”
A giant shudder overtook me and convinced me that we should go inside. I grabbed Nia by the arm and corralled her toward my home. Before we reached the back door, I stopped and turned to look at her. “I thought you were going to say something about Thomas,” I said, realizing that we might not get to speak in private for a while. “Has anything happened?”
Nia’s smile revealed a yes.
She reached for the door handle, but I stopped her arm. “Tell me more,” I said, eager to hear the details. My heart beat faster.
“It’s nothing too exciting,” she said. “He visits me once a week. We talk and I cook.”
I wondered what might be wrong with the man. Nia’s cooking needed work. No, it needed change. She was horrible in the kitchen.
I couldn’t lie to her. “Nia, I’m certain he doesn’t visit you for the cooking.”
“You’re right about that.” Nia grinned. “I am getting better, though.”
“What does he tell you? What do you talk about?” I was curious by now.
“Mostly, we talk about you,” she said, plainly.
“Me? What does the man say?”
Nia smiled. “I do most of the talking. Thomas does all of the listening. It’s pleasant.”
Her answer still bothered me. “Then—what do you tell him about me?” I leaned closer to her and peeked through the dining room window.
“I tell him everything.” Her voice was mischievous. Nia was always quick to tease.
I remained silent and waited.
“I talk about the Fae and our traditions,” said Nia. “He’s incredibly interested.”
I released a small sigh. “You could tell him about Madeline. Your sister has been a faerie longer than I have.”
Nia kept her smile and patted me gently on the shoulder. “I suppose I could. But you’re more interesting.”
I reached out and hugged her. Nia was a great friend. I always loved her honesty. Still, I wanted details of her talks with Thomas. Especially, since they were about me.
As she entered the house, Nia pointed toward the field. “A white horse. Sean actually found one?”
Maeia pranced across the dry grass, close to the fence, as if she expected us to be properly impressed her magnificence. She whinnied at us and nodded a polite greeting.
“Goodnight, Maeia,�
� I called loudly. “I’ll visit you in the morning.” I turned and followed Nia inside.
“Ai!” Father had raised his goblet in the air and was bellowing above the conversations. “That’s a drink.”
Through the smoky glow of the room, Cael stood next to Owen and grinned before dipping his goblet.
I loved my father, and respected our friends and neighbors, but I grew weary of hoping they would learn that there was more to life than what a bottle of ale could provide.
“Hello.” Sean grabbed my sides with two hands, startling me from behind.
I leaned back into him and gave a sigh of pleasure. His warm chest and his breath melted my neck and drained to my ankles.
“Sean,” I said, absorbing his welcome and the kiss on my cheek. He felt wonderful.
He stretched his arms around my stomach and pulled me closer. I accepted his embrace and stared absently at the glowing candles near the ceiling.
“Do I get a turn?” he asked.
I kept smiling. “Maybe. What do you want?” I teased.
“Only you,” he whispered. His warmth melted me again.
“It’s a crowded room.”
Sean nibbled on my ear. “I’m content to just talk if I can stand here and hold you all night.”
“I’ll let you.” I leaned closer, offering my warmth.
“Tell me again, when are we getting married?” Sean squeezed my waist.
I smiled. My earlier words had bothered him. “When would you like to make it final?”
“As soon as possible.”
I leaned my head back and sighed. “Where will we live?”
“If I’m with you, I’ll be happy,” he answered.
“As will I.” I kissed him on the cheek. “But there’s more to prepare than just a ceremony. That’s why I want to marry you when it’s warm. We’ll have forever after that.” I reached behind my head and stroked his smooth cheek gently with my fingers. I felt his shoulders shiver.
“I’ll marry you whenever you want.” Sean whispered softer.
“You would marry me right now,” I teased, “if my father would let you.”
As if he was listening, Father raised his goblet again and bellowed across the room. “Come on Sean, you can kiss in the corner another night. This is a celebration!”
Sean released one arm from around me and waved back. “I’m coming, Neal. Why don’t you all enjoy another drink on my behalf?”
His answer made all the men cheer.
I leaned back to draw him closer. “Are you going to get drunk?” I asked.
Sean remained motionless and supported my weight. He was still strong. “I want to remember every night with you,” he said. “I won’t waste my memories on ale.”
“Your brother says you enjoy drinking when I’m not around.” I didn’t look at him to pry, but tilted my head and waited for his answer.
“Cael is a fool and a liar, at times.” Sean didn’t bother to whisper.
“Sean, he’s your brother!”
He leaned close and whispered into my ear. “That’s why I know.”
I turned to scold him, but Sean kissed me on the cheek and pulled away, holding my hand until just our fingertips touched. We stood motionless for a long moment, reluctant to break contact, until Sean finally drifted toward the long table and the other men. He looked back at me, smiled, and disappeared into the welcome of grunts and slurred praises.
I turned back to the kitchen, noticing the grinning women who stood behind me. “Were you listening?” I asked.
Mother shook her head and covered her mouth, declining to answer, while Madeline gave a gentle smile that made my face feel warm.
“It’s wonderful to be in love,” said Madeline. “You look happy.”
“Thank you.” I noticed Colin standing next to her, and wiped the heat from my forehead. Although neighbors and friends for as long as I could remember, it felt awkward to have been caught teasing my love in their company. I looked away, embarrassed. Mother came and offered me a hug.
Throughout the evening, I drank warm cider with the women and Colin while the men continued to empty bottles of ale. Father had insisted on more than our two-bottle limit. True to his word, Sean rarely lifted a goblet to his lips.
As the night deepened, Leila disappeared to bed and Ethan stood in the corner with his head nodding, in an obvious attempt to stay awake with the rest of us. The jovial outbursts and jests from the men around the table turned to a low murmur as the conversation changed to a discussion about the bandit.
“I don’t care what they say,” shouted Owen, shaking his fist. “It’s more than one man. Otherwise, where has all the stuff he’s taken gone? No man needs all that.”
“It would be hard for several men to hide such a crime,” said Cael, swinging a goblet absently in the air.
“Would it?” asked Father. “While everyone in the village cowers into their homes at night, men from Morgan could walk into town with torches, and no one would notice.”
“What do you think we should do, Neal?” said Earl. “Myself, I prefer to guard my home and my gardens. I’m not going to let some vile creature come and invade my living.”
Sean lowered his goblet to the table; I noticed a tiny splash; it was still full from his first pouring. “Who was the latest victim?” he asked.
The men looked at each other as if expecting another to speak.
Colin left the kitchen with grace and joined the men at the table. “The Tully’s home was robbed last night,” he said. His high voice was a bright contrast to the low, grumblings of the other men. “The bandit is real—whether alone or not—and he’s among us.”
We stood silently, all of us watching Colin while he spoke. Not known for long oration, the Chief Elder commanded respect whenever he offered an opinion.
Colin continued. “As a matter of discussion, I appreciate your enthusiasm.” He balanced a long pale hand on Cael’s shoulder. “And as a point of wisdom, we must remember that words during these dark nights will merely carry us until our sleep. Our actions will determine what fate offers us the following morning.”
Madeline and Mother, who stood beside me on both sides, nodded. Father noted his agreement by lifting his goblet.
“Should we hunt him down?” asked Owen. “Find the demon and chase him from the village?”
Colin waved a cautious finger. “No, such action requires approval from the rest of the Elders. That’s where we should begin.”
“I don’t understand why the Elders have to approve everything,” said Cael.
His words created a discomforting silence. Earl shook his head and mouthed a warning to stop.
Cael took another drink; it seemed to give him courage. “I don’t mean to disrespect you, Colin,” he said, raising his voice, “but the men of this village can solve this on our own.”
“What do you mean, Cael?” Colin’s face was rigid. “I understand that the substance of your argument is wrought with liquid; however, your outburst demands an explanation.”
I froze, barely daring to breath. I had never heard anyone defy an Elder, especially the Chief, and I had never seen Colin firm and commanding in this way. The crackle of the fire was the only sound until Cael spoke again.
“Being older doesn’t always make you wise.” He stood straight. “The men of the village know how to stop the fear, but you won’t allow us the chance to act on our suspicions.”
“What are you saying, Cael?” asked his father. “What suspicions? What do you know?”
“The village is scared because the Elders tell us to be scared. The people are afraid, because—” he looked at Colin.
“Go on,” growled Colin. “I’m listening.”
“—they are afraid because no one is protecting them.”
Colin nodded. “What protection are you suggesting, Cael?”
Cael took a long drink. “We should set up a guard,” he said. “Men, or even young men, will patrol the road, like we did during the celebration.”
“Who will patrol at night?” asked Colin. “Aisling is a peaceful village, full of hard working people who spend their days toiling in the sun and providing for each other.”
“I’ll do it,” said Cael. “My friends will do it. We would be honored to have your trust.”
“You have our trust,” said Colin. “And such an action could not guarantee safety for the village. You cannot be everywhere at once.”
“We can try.” Cael pounded his fist onto the table. “You said a moment ago that you want to see action. Did you mean it?”
Murmurs filled the room. Earl grabbed Cael by the shoulder, but he shrugged his father away. Colin stood firm and unwavering, waiting.
Cael raised his voice and plowed ahead. “We have a strong village, and our strength should be welcomed, not shunned by the Elders. We could be much more than a few hundred homes scattered in the trees.”
“Cael, you’ve abandoned reason for a moment of exhilarated passion,” said Colin. “Collect your thoughts and present them to your employer when you’re not drunk.” He pointed at Nia’s father. “Owen may argue to the Elders on your behalf. This peaceful home is not the forum for an outburst, and you are not prepared to debate successfully.”
“You’re not listening to me!” Cael’s eyes glowed. He lunged forward, but his father caught him. “You’re holding us back,” he yelled. “There doesn’t need to be an argument, or a council. Don’t you understand?”
Sean grabbed his brother by the arm. “Come on, Cael, you’ve said more than enough. Take a seat over here, or go outside and cool off in the weather.”
Cael wrestled his arm free and thrust Sean backward. “Let go of me. You don’t know anything; you haven’t been here. While you were off chasing dreams, I was here—protecting everything you love.”
Cael’s words made my face burn with anger. I wished I had told Sean what Cael had said to me before the celebration. Father stepped aside and placed his goblet back on the table. Mother and Madeline looked shocked, their hands covering their mouths. Colin stood steady by the wall, watching Cael intently while Sean and Earl wrestled to calm him.
On Fallen Wings Page 15
