Finn appeared in the hallway, glancing about for the direction the screams were coming from. Which way?"
The stone stairs made Kissie's noises echo and rebound. Kynyr listened for a moment and gestured for Finn to follow him. This way."
Kynyr reached the stairwell ahead of Finn, and stared down it. Kissie's lantern glowed near the bottom and Kynyr could see her crouching beside a still form. He took the stairs two at a time, stopped two steps above her, and took the last steps slowly, his throat tightening as his stomach clenched.
Claw looked pasty white except for the edges that were limned with a yellow-orange from the lantern. Blood pooled around the side of his head that lay against the step, and soaked his gray hair in a spreading patch of soppy crimson.
Kissie had tears running down her face as she shook her head frantically, I think he's dead."
Kynyr touched Claw's throat, his expression eased. He's alive. But I don't like the look of this. Kissie, fetch Sheradyn or Gillivray."
He watched her go, gradually becoming aware that his head had started to throb again. Kynyr took the bottle of poppy milk that Isbeth had given him from the pouch on his harness and swigged it.
Finn touched his shoulder. He hit hard by the look of it."
Kynyr sucked in a deep breath and nodded. What was he doing alone so late at night?"
"Drinking?"
Kynyr sniffed Claw and nodded again, his jaw clenching. Yes. He reeks."
"Could Cahira help him?"
"Maybe. Kynyr reached beneath his shirt for the crystal with which to summon his grandmother to help him. His brow furrowed in consternation. It's gone. The crystal's gone. I don't remember taking it off."
"Considering how much poppy milk you've been consuming lately, it's a wonder you can remember your own name."
* * * *
Kissie banged on the door to the suite that Sheradyn Kelly shared with his much younger lover and assistant, Gillivray Ashby. Wake up. Claw has fallen on the stairs."
The door opened and Gillivray blinked at her, rubbing at his sleep bleared eyes. What?"
"On the stairs. Claw fell on the stairs."
Alarm wiped the sleep from Gillivray's face. Go sit with him, but don't move him. Sheradyn and I will get there fast."
Kissie went back and crouched beside Kynyr, staring at Claw's chest to see if he still breathed. Movement, if movement there was, was so slight that Kissie felt uncertain whether she saw it or not. She fought back tears for, like most of the household, she loved the gruff old chieftain. A sigh escaped her when Sheradyn and Gillivray finally arrived.
Kynyr straightened and stepped back to lean against the wall, arms folded, and expression taut.
Gillivray touched Kissie's shoulder, indicating that she needed to move so that they could get closer and examine Claw.
Sheradyn took Kissie's place on the step, and touched Claw lightly on the neck, his eyes going distant as he Read the chieftain. Broken spine. Concussion. Thank the gods, no ruptured organs. Heart attack. He's had another heart attack. Sheradyn's nose wrinkled. Too much to drink. That's what did it."
"Is he going to be ... is he...? Kissie swallowed.
"It's too soon to say. Sheradyn glanced at Gillivray. We'll need help getting him upstairs ... and a litter. I want to move him flat."
Gillivray nodded and turned to Kissie. Wake Belgair and tell him what we need."
Kissie gathered her skirts up and eased past Sheradyn.
Kynyr stopped her. Finn, you go. Belgair won't hassle you as much."
* * * *
Malthus had barely undressed when he heard the sound of people running about and talking in loud voices. They must have found Claw hopefully dead . He threw on a robe and stepped into the hallway. Kissie rushed past him and he grabbed her arm. What's wrong?"
"Master Claw fell on the stairs. Kissie rubbed her hand across her eyes. They're bringing him up now."
"Is he all right?"
"I don't know. You'll have to ask Sheradyn."
"I will. Sounds like the old bastard's still alive . Malthus smoothed his scowl into an expression of concern, and headed for Claw's chambers at the far end of the hallway. When he entered the sitting room of Claw's suite, Malthus saw Sheradyn and Kynyr speaking in hushed tones near the open door to the bedroom. Finn leaned against the doorframe with his arms folded, listening.
Malthus tried to catch what was being said, but was too far away.
"Bloody prince."
Malthus pivoted to see who had muttered that. Watch yourself, Belgair."
Belgair shrugged and walked out.
He joined Kynyr at the door, peering past him to see what condition the chieftain was in.
Claw lay pale against the sheets, his head bandaged, and the left side of his face a mass of swollen bruises. Seated in a chair by the bedside, Gillivray watched for changes in Claw's condition.
Sheradyn gestured for Malthus and Kynyr to step back into the outer chamber, and closed Claw's door. Finn followed.
"When he wakes... Sheradyn paused, kneading the back of his neck, and exhaled heavily. I should say if he wakes ... this isn't going to be easy ... then I'll be able to better calculate the extent and effects of his injuries."
Malthus glanced from face to face. Has anyone sent for Aisha?"
Kynyr nodded. I have."
Malthus knew then why Belgair was having one of his moods. Kynyr had gone from being one of Belgair's soldiers to being his superior in a way that Belgair could not compete with.
Sheradyn gave a small puff of breath. Claw broke his spine. He's paralyzed from the waist down. That won't change."
Malthus eyes went distant and he shoved a finger against the underside of his nose. How did it happen?"
"He was drinking alone last night ... had another heart attack ... causing him to fall on the stairs."
"You'll have servants sit with him at all times?"
"Yes. He's a stubborn old wolf. Sheradyn shrugged eloquently and tossed his head. He's not followed any of my orders. Now look at what it's gotten him."
Malthus pulled at his oak leaf beard. But he'll live ... won't he?"
"It's too soon to say."
"Oh gods, what I'm going to tell Merissa? I promised her I would take good care of him. If I'd dreamed for a moment ... that he'd be left alone... A bitter sigh forced itself from Malthus lungs. I would never have gone to bed. I would have stayed with him."
Malthus stepped into the hallway and found Belgair standing where he could listen to what was said.
Belgair squeezed Malthus shoulder. You did your best. We all did. Claw's stubbornness is a thing of legend."
Malthus lifted his head with a grateful glance at Belgair before turning to Sheradyn. You'll wake me if there's any change?"
"Of course."
Malthus gestured for Belgair to walk with him. Let's have a drink together? I have some very nice whiskey."
Belgair's shoulders relaxed. Yeah. I'd like that."
They went up to Malthus study and he pulled out a bottle of Tormuth Whiskey that he had held back for his own uses.
Belgair turned the bottle around and grinned at the label. Good stuff."
"Very. Malthus filled their glasses.
After three drinks, Belgair began to loosen up. My father was in love with her."
"With who?"
"Fianait. You wouldn't know to look at her now, but she was the real beauty in the family. Belgair's thoughts took a melancholy turn. I imagine you've never been in Sorcha's solar. It's no longer used, but the servants keep it dusted.
Belgair tucked the whiskey and glasses under one arm and walked out. Malthus followed him to a narrow winding stair that he had not been aware of, at the back of the unused east wing. The stair led up to the roof. Malthus had never been on the roof of the manor before. A short stonewall ran around the edges with potted plants creating faux alcoves. Belgair walked south and they passed piles of quarried stone covered with tarps.
"Claw has been bu
ilding again, Malthus observed.
Belgair shook his head. It's been sitting like this for years. Claw intended it as the final improvements on the manor. Merlons and arrow slits. He lost interest in building after Maldwyn Softpaws died. Maldwyn was his best friend, although they argued more often than not. Come on."
"The architect?"
"Yeah. Nikko's father."
Sorcha's solar rose on the north corner of the east wing. Bas-reliefs were carved in the forms of dancing animals on wooden panels placed at regular intervals along the stonewalls: bears, wolves, unicorns, and lions. Belgair opened the stout wooden door and led Malthus inside.
There were nine windows on the east side, alternating clear and stained glass, set to catch the morning sun. The west half lay in darkness. Belgair took a box of lucifers from his pocket and lit a lamp.
As the light flared, illuminating the room, Malthus saw that the west half of the room was covered in oil paintingsportraits.
Belgair pointed to a picture on the wall of a lovely, delicate bitch with a fragile smile. That was Fianait when she was seventeen."
Malthus nodded. More beautiful even than Pandeena."
"In a way. I come here sometimes to think ... and to look at that picture."
"I can appreciate that."
Belgair gave Malthus a sudden look filled with doubt. No, you can't. He placed the bottle of whiskey and the glasses on the table and sat down where he could gaze upon Fianait's portrait.
"My father, Cleanan, courted Fianait. That was before Claw dispensed with the housecarles and replaced them with his guardsmyn. Not all of Claw's changes have been welcomed."
"Such as? Malthus settled in a chair to Belgair's right so as not to block his view of the painting.
"Claw gave more power to the village elders by taking it away from his thanes, who had disappointed him during the Rebellion."
"How do they feel about that?"
Belgair frowned and filled the glasses. If you're looking for disloyalty ... don't. They're loyal myn. The Rebellion left a deep wound in Red Wolf's heart that has never healed."
Malthus sipped his drink and listened attentively. The whiskey brought out a side of Belgair that never showed when he was sober.
"My father is the youngest son of last thane of Heatherford. My mother is Aisha's sister. And I'm nothing."
"Does that bother you?"
Belgair stared into his glass. Only when I think Claw is doing something that will hurt the realm ... and Fianait."
"You wouldn't know that the way you talk to her."
"It's for her own good. I'm trying to shock some sense into them. Belgair refilled his glass, rose from the table, and walked over to the painting. When I look at that painting, I can understand how my father loved her. If Brock comes home, I'll kill him for what he did to my father."
Malthus lowered his head with a small tilt to the side to cover a tiny smile of interest. Your father?"
"My father caught them together in the woods. Brock... Belgair downed his whiskey and returned to the table. Brock nearly beat him to death ... crippled him."
"What would you do if you were Regent, Belgair?"
"Restore the old ways. Belgair stared at the painting again. My position here was a bone thrown to my mother. Claw wanted no connections to the old days amongst his guardsmyn. The conditions set were that I not acknowledge my relationship to Aisha."
"That's ugly. What about Kynyr? That must have come as a shock."
"He has no right to the throne. It belongs to Merissa's sons. They are the legitimate heirs, not the offspring of a slut's coupling with a prince."
"Whatever you decide to do, Belgair, count me in. I'm on your side."
"I knew I could count on you, Malthus. You're a good mon."
"Kynyr is a thorn in both our sides. He still resents me for marrying Merissa."
Belgair took another swallow of whiskey. I've noticed. He's a bloody arse."
"Might I suggest a solution to our bastard problem?"
"You have one? Belgair leaned forward on his elbows, intrigued.
"Poison. A very discreet poison. My mother is a bio-alchemist."
"I like it. Belgair's eyes slitted as realization dawned upon him. He didn't look well at dinner. You've already given it to him."
"No bastard is going to steal my children's heritage."
"I agree. How long till he dies?"
"A few more doses should do it."
* * * *
Kynyr went to his suite and sat down at the table in the outer chamber. The large room had simple furnishings. A small square table with four wooden chairs in front left corner, three overstuffed chairs in the center and bookcases along one wall.
His headache had started to ease in response to the poppy milk he had taken on the stairs.
Finn poked his head inside. Mind if I join you?"
"Sit."
"I know you don't like talking about this, Kynyr, but it's time you did. Finn sat down across from him.
"What? Kynyr glanced at him without lifting his head, suspicion in his eyes.
"If Claw dies, are you going to take the throne or try and dump it on someone else?"
"Grab a bottle of whiskey and some glasses from that cabinet and I'll tell you."
"You shouldn't be mixing it with what you're taking for those headaches."
"Just do it."
Finn fetched the whiskey and poured. Well?"
"I'm going to take it."
"Why?'
"There's an old Creeyan proverb, duty is where you find it. It applies here. Remember when we were cubs?"
"You swore you were going to hide in the woods and spend the rest of your days fishing."
Kynyr knocked the drink into his mouth and swallowed it; an edgy misery laced with regret entered his voice. I wish I'd never come to Wolffgard. My father would still be alive."
"Then you wouldn't've met Kady."
"Kady. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes tracing the ceiling beams. Make me a promise, Finn?"
"You know I will."
"If something happens to me, take care of Kady for me."
"You didn't have to ask. You know I would."
Kynyr's eyes hooded until only a slit remained between his lashes. He broke his spine. I wouldn't want to live like that."
"No one would."
"Death doesn't frighten me half as much as the thought of being crippled ... helpless ... useless. A burden on those I love."
At a loss for words, Finn simply nodded.
"Remember that day on the green? When they flogged Iollen and Donald?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
"Remember my injured leg cramped up?"
"Erskine had to practically force you into the saddle you were so determined to walk home anyways."
"I looked across the green and saw Preece. Our eyes met and he mouthed the word cripple at me. That's what set me off."
"You should have said something. I'd've gone over and busted his face for it."
"I'd like to have seen that."
"You think these headaches could be a delayed something or other left over from getting hit with all that Devil's Silver?"
Kynyr glanced at his spiritbrother, keenly aware that Finn was grasping at straws to explain what was wrong with him. Might be. I'll talk to Sheradyn."
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
HOMECOMING
Kynyr slid his legs over the side of his bed and lurched into a sitting position. His head throbbed and he ground his palms into his temples. His stomach heaved violently and he slipped off the bed onto his knees, vomiting on the floor.
Eww. Finn swaggered in, stopped short, and wrinkled his nose. You must have really tied one on last night, Old Dog."
Kynyr grabbed the bottle of whiskey off his nightstand and took a long swallow.
Finn pinched his nose and bent over Kynyr. I told you not to mix that stuff last night."
Kynyr took another swallow and stoppered the bottle. What do you suggest? He
grimaced, desperate to convince Finn that it was simply a hangover. Kynyr could not afford to come down sick with something. There were two more myn to kill and then Kady could fuss over him all she wanted. This is the worst I've had since I was a wet-tailed cub just learning to hold my liquor."
"Some of Kissie's hangover tea and a raw egg."
Kynyr staggered to his feet, tottered to the washbasin, and filled it from a ewer. He washed himself off, fighting dizziness that made the room seem to tilt with each move he made.
Finn tossed Kynyr's clothes at him. Kynyr caught them, fumbled for a moment, and nearly dropped them.
"Get dressed and I'll help you to the kitchen."
The only one in the kitchen when they got there was Isbeth. She gave Kynyr a sad look.
"I'm so sorry about Master Claw."
"Everyone is. Kynyr settled at the table. Can you give me something for a hangover?"
"Kissie's tea, but poppy milk would work better."
"Giving me another bottle won't get you in trouble, will it?"
Isbeth swallowed and a tear leaked from her eye. No, Master Kynyr it won't."
Isbeth gave him another bottle of poppy milk, which he gratefully accepted.
* * * *
Blue Rock lay only a three-hour ride from Wolffgard on a good horse so the household had been expecting Aisha to arrive home all afternoon in response to Kynyr's summons. One of their outriders had arrived to alert the household ahead of the return of the Redhand bitches, and so when the carriage drew up in the yard Malthus was sitting on a bench waiting for them with a strong autumn wind whipping at his cloak. He rose and helped Aisha and Merissa down from one side, while the footmon aided Searlait and Fianait from the opposite door. Their faces were etched deeply with concern and worry. Darmyk jumped down from the lowered step and tried to get past the adults, but Merissa grabbed his hand.
The boy whined and pulled in desperation to get inside and find out about his grandfather. Merissa glanced at her aunts.
Searlait gave her an understanding look. I'll take him, Merissa."
She led Darmyk off, speaking in low soothing tones. He settled down for her and she hugged him.
Aisha swept inside without a word, heading upstairs.
Merissa and her aunts went into the Great Hall and lingered there to allow Aisha time alone with Claw before going up themselves.
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