The Wildcat of Braeton

by Claire M Banschbach

Aiden smiled almost sadly. “The Calorins almost never have tae attack a second time. And if they do, they hold nothing back. They spare nothing and no one. I know and so I know how this can end.”

  “Then go, for it sounds as if you must,” Gòrdan said. “Ranulf will have the Clan ready for the call.”

  Aiden packed his bags and inspected his weapons meticulously. He sat awake all night, staring at the flame of the candle. He was going to war again. He had fought Calorins plenty of times, but what had changed was who and what he was fighting for. It was now his home and his family at stake. It was time to see how good a warrior he really was.

  The outline of the tree by his window became clearer, and he knew it was time to leave. He shouldered his packs and closed the door to his room.

  “Aiden.” A quiet voice stopped him in the hallway.

  Rona wrapped her cloak more tightly around herself against the chill air. “Do you have tae go?” she asked.

  “You know I do,” he replied.

  Her pale face showed remnants of tears. “But why now? Just when…Aiden, I love you. What if you don’t come back?”

  “I’m like bad luck. I always turn up again.” He attempted a smile.

  “Aiden, I’m serious.”

  He wiped a fresh tear from her cheek. “I’ve found my home. I’ll find a way back.”

  She stepped into his arms and buried her face in his chest. “When will I see you again?” she asked against new tears.

  “The Gathering is in less than two months. War or no war, the Clans will hold it. As Champion I have tae be there. If it’s safe, come then.”

  “You’ll be there?” she demanded, looking up at him.

  He smiled. “I’ll be there.” He held her close again. “See me again before I leave?” he asked, and she nodded.

  He joined Conall and his companion in the hall for a light breakfast. Tam met him in the stables as he saddled Narak.

  “What’s worrying you?” Aiden asked his younger brother, seeing he wasn’t sure what to say.

  “It’s Kara,” Tam admitted. “I know she rode with the Hawk Flight in the first war, but…she’ll be all right, won’t she?”

  Aiden was usually the one who delivered their letters back and forth and saw that Tam’s concern was for more than a friend.

  “I’m not going tae lie, Tam. It’s dangerous, and she knows it. But I also know that Corin wouldn’t send her out if she couldn’t make it back.”

  “Is that supposed tae help?” Tam asked.

  “Keep writing, Tam. Give her something tae focus on besides war. That will help.” Aiden led Narak out of the stall.

  “Should I be worried about you?” Tam asked.

  “Me? Just who do you think you’re talking tae?” Aiden said.

  Tam smiled. “That’s why I think I should be concerned.”

  Aiden returned the smile. “I’ll be fine. Take care of yourself, Tam.”

  “You too, brother,” Tam replied as they embraced.

  Much of the Clan had also risen to see their Champion off. He said quick farewells to Blair and Douglas. Skive gave him a nod, and Artair clasped his hand, expressing a deep regret that he would not be going along. His cousins wished him luck, and Brannan waved cheerfully, not fully understanding why this was different from the other times Aiden had ridden away. Aiden managed to fend off Maon as he bid farewell to Jamey and finally Ranulf and his father. Only Rona was left, and she came shyly forward.

  “Be careful,” she said.

  “Sure, surviving a war is easier than it looks,” he said, and she finally smiled.

  “You said something like that tae me before.”

  “And everything worked out, didn’t it?”

  “I suppose so,” Rona said.

  He kissed her again before mounting. She blushed as the Clan watched with smiles of satisfaction. Aiden gave one last wave as he and Conall wheeled their horses and spurred through the gate.

  Chapter 4

  Corin lay hidden in the forest along with the rest of his patrol. It had only been two weeks, and already it was hard going. The Durnians proved to be sly adversaries and under their protection the Calorins were no longer easy targets to hit. Traps were laid in seemingly random areas of the forest. Failure to see them had cost two members of the warband a hand and several fingers. But Flynn had begun to notice a pattern to where to Durnians laid them, and Martin and his men had shown themselves increasingly adept at disabling and resetting the snares.

  A bird whistle announced the approach of an enemy patrol. Faint rustles marked the Durnian advance scouts, and the tramp of feet announced the rest of their force. Calorins and Durnians marched in a tight column. Corin scanned them intently. He had yet to see the army’s commander. A Durnian was in command of this patrol, and he suddenly halted his men, perhaps sensing an attack. His fears were realized when one of the scouts reeled away from his hiding place clutching a stomach wound. In the Durnian’s brief moment of confusion, Corin gave his signal.

  The Hawk Flight had enough of a surprise to hold an advantage. As the enemy tried to retreat, they were herded by well-placed arrows on either side through the forest to where Martin and his men waited to spring another trap.

  The Hawk Flight would not kill the few survivors who surrendered even though it meant returning foes to the field. The enemy fled and the Hawk Flight disappeared again, counting one small victory.

  * * *

  “How is this possible?” the Calorin general fumed after driving the survivors from his tent. “How do they continually best our men?”

  Askel, the Durnian commander, shrugged. “We send them running just as often,” he pointed out.

  “Yes, but where are the bodies? We have an increasing number of dead, but from all reports I am to assume the Hawk has lost none of his men.”

  “They are not invincible, Samir. I myself wounded one but yesterday.”

  “I don’t want wounds! I want bodies! I want his head!” Samir shouted. “Your men were supposed to be the best, but they can give us almost no warning. Our camps are attacked and half the time your precious traps are turned against us! This will change!” He drew his sword. “I go out with my men tomorrow. I want to meet the Hawk and spill his blood!”

  * * *

  Two days later, the Braetons waited for the Hawk Flight at the border. A large enemy force had been sighted the Braetons had sent for their allies. The Braetons waited patiently as they stood or crouched in a loose semicircle in the clearing. A signal sounded and their lookout dropped lightly from a tree. Aiden looked up expectantly and saw Corin’s familiar figure leading his men in.

  Silent nods of greeting were exchanged between both groups as their captains spoke quickly. Aiden was thankful that Brian was there. That meant they would accompany the Aredorians.

  Fearghas, the captain of his patrol, would have found some cautious way out of it. Fearghas had been assigned to the patrol because he had experience with the Durnians. But as far as Aiden could tell, that was where experience of any kind ended.

  “Finally!” Conall said in an undertone. “We’re going tae do more than politely guard the border.”

  “Your manners did need a bit of work, so maybe it’s a good thing we’ve stayed here,” a man named Nichol suggested quietly.

  “Then I’ll politely make you pay for that,” Conall said. “Right after I’m done wiping that smile off Danny’s face.”

  Aiden and Nichol only smiled wider, thrilled as Conall was to finally see some fighting. They quickly formed up and Corin dropped back by Aiden.

  “I didn’t expect you to be here,” Corin said.

  “And miss a chance tae see your miserable face? I thought you knew me better,” Aiden returned.

  “Unfortunately I do,” Corin replied with a quick smile. “Why do you look so ridiculously cheerful?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be? Out for a stroll with the famous Hawk…”

  “Before I hurt you, I need you and Conall to do some scouting,” Co
rin said.

  “I’m flattered you would ask me.”

  “Don’t be. It’s purely sentimental. You used to be the best.”

  Aiden smirked. “Yes, sir! Or, I forget, is it ‘your highness’ or ‘general’ these days?”

  “Go, or I will hurt you,” Corin said, his mood successfully lightened as Aiden and Conall disappeared to scout ahead.

  The two forces met in open battle on a wide path. Corin found himself confronted by a new adversary. From the ornate golden hilt of the man’s scimitar and the blue stoned ring that marked the Sultaan’s favor, Corin knew he’d found the commander. The Calorin fought with devastating skill and efficiency and stayed even with Corin with a smile.

  Then Corin was attacked from the side by a Durnian. He fought both his assailants, forcing aside any desperation he felt as he was pushed back. Karif brought him a brief reprieve by diving in and clawing the Durnian’s face. A burning pain rent Corin’s sword arm, and his scimitar was sent flying from his loosened grip.

  The Calorin smiled at the blood on his sword. “So you are human after all.”

  Corin drew a knife to fend off a fresh attack. His opponent snarled when he could not overcome Corin even though he was wounded and armed only with a dagger. Corin was grabbed from behind, but his attacker crumpled to the ground with a knife in his back. Knocked off balance, Corin was helpless as the general swung his sword.

  Aiden’s blade blocked the blow, and the man’s smile faded as Aiden attacked. Aiden battered him back, finally sending him running with the rest of his men and a wound of his own.

  The greater numbers of Aredorians and Braetons gave them success but the Hawk Flight had paid the first price. One of their number lay dead, and another was severely wounded. Corin regained his feet and retrieved his sword.

  “Thanks,” he said to Aiden. “I owe you…again.”

  “Don’t mention it. Ever.” Aiden sheathed his swords. “Let me dress that.”

  “He’s good,” Corin said as Aiden wound a bandage around his arm.

  “He’s all right,” Aiden said. “Once you fight him man-tae- man, he’s not as good.”

  “Even so,” Corin mused.

  “I don’t ever remember you worrying like this,” Aiden said.

  “And I don’t remember you being so cheerful. What’s with you?”

  “I’m not sure what you mean,” Aiden replied a little too quickly.

  Corin suddenly smiled. “Invite me to the wedding, would you?”

  Aiden smiled himself. “Wrap up this war, and we’ll see.”

  Corin looked over to where his men were placing the body on a rough bier. “Aye, if this war will ever end.”

  “It will. And, Corin, I’m glad tae be on your side this time.” Aiden clapped his shoulder.

  “Aye, I’m glad you’re back,” Corin replied.

  A call went out, and the Braetons regrouped. A few minutes later the path was deserted and the birds began to sing again.

  * * *

  Corin stared at the blank piece of paper in front of him. He had finished the letter to the dead warrior’s family only to have Liam arrive to tell him that he had to write another. He put it away and tried to compile a report for his father. The task only irritated him. They had not received anything from Kingscastle and so he had not heard from Mera.

  He had tried to tell himself that there was a chance for a reply when he sent the report in with Kara, but it didn’t help. He wished he had had time to tell her personally instead of pouring it all into a short letter.

  Again, he pushed the thought from his head. He had to finish, the dead had to be buried, and there was another patrol to be run. Two days later when Kara returned from Kingscastle, she almost shyly handed Corin another letter. He slowly opened it

  It began “Dearest Corin” in Mera’s flowing script. He heard the lookout calling for him. He scanned quickly to the end. It finished “with all my love” and that was enough.

  Chapter 5

  Aiden tossed his knife rhythmically in an attempt to relieve the boredom of a quiet day of sentry duty. He and Conall were about to switch places when Conall whistled from his elevated lookout position. A rider was approaching. Aiden stood from his hidden position on the ground to intercept Kieran. The young rider dismounted as Conall descended from the platform in the tree.

  “How do you keep those hidden in winter?” Kieran glanced up at the platform.

  “They’re moveable,” Conall said. “It comes in handy. We just moved them all yesterday.”

  “I still prefer the ground,” Kieran said.

  “And you live in the forest?” Aiden said.

  “Maybe there’s a reason I’m the runner. Though Lieutenant Liam claims I’m still as loud as the Calorins,” Kieran said cheerfully. Aiden and Conall grinned.

  “You can take him in, Danny. Just make sure tae come back and relieve me,” Conall said.

  Aiden nodded and led Kieran in a rather tortuous route to their camp.

  He found his packs as Kieran handed the dispatches to Captain Brian. Among the letters that had arrived the day before from Clan Canich was one for Kara from Tam.

  “Can you give this tae your sister? I didn’t know when she’d come this way.” He handed the letter to Kieran as they made their way out of the camp.

  “Aye, and can I ask you a question, sir? I hope you won’t find me too bold,” Kieran said, and Aiden gestured for him to continue. “I wanted tae ask about your brother.”

  “He was concerned about her when he heard the news,” Aiden said.

  “That’s all very well, but not many people outside the Hawk Flight understand or approve of what she does.”

  “Tam is a good man. He wouldn’t try and talk her out of what she’s doing here. I think he really cares about her.”

  “I know she thinks about him. It’s just that she’s my only family left. I want her protected and happy.”

  “Then she’s lucky tae have you as a brother.”

  “But what if something happens tae me?” Kieran asked, troubled.

  Aiden clapped him on the shoulder. “What could happen tae you? I thought you were the best!”

  “Well, I wouldn’t deny it.” Kieran grinned as he mounted.

  “Off you go!” Aiden smiled. “Tell that lazy captain of yours tae send some trouble this way.”

  “I will, sir.” Kieran set spurs to his horse, and Aiden settled in for another afternoon of sentry duty.

  * * *

  Their peaceful routine was rudely interrupted a few days later when the enemy launched several repeated attack against the Braetons. Outright attacks turned to deadly games of cat and mouse as the Braetons matched their woodcraft against the Durnians. Soon there was no peace left in Dunham Forest as the Northerners resisted.

  To the south, Trey and his deugain formed an almost impenetrable barrier. Calorins and Durnians alike refused to go there and face the “dark ones,” for Trey and his men, having fought the Raiders all their lives, subscribed to a harsher form of justice than the other warbands. Day followed day, each survived as the previous one. For that time, the Aredorians held.

  * * *

  One night, well after midnight, Martin and his men arrived at the caves. The torches were lit as Corin’s men tended to their wounds sustained earlier that day. Martin found Corin in his chamber.

  “They’re holding at Anaer stream for now,” Martin reported.

  “Good. We lost ground today,” Corin said tiredly. “They’re past the twisted oaks now.” He moved a peg on the map to the position of the new Calorin camp.

  Martin rubbed the pommel of his sword worriedly. “You heard from Liam or Flynn recently?”

  “Kara and Kieran are both out on a run right now. I should know by tomorrow afternoon, or later today,” Corin amended, sitting down on the camp stool.

  The mention of the next day triggered something in Martin’s mind. “Isn’t the wedding tonight?”

  Corin stared blankly at him for a momen
t, then said, “I had completely forgotten!”

  “Obviously. But you’re going,” Martin replied.

  “We’re a bit busy here at the moment, don’t you think, Martin?”

  “Cor, your brother is getting married and inheriting the crown. You need to be there to swear fealty and take the General’s belt.”

  “How did you know about the belt?” Corin asked suspiciously.

  Martin rummaged in his pouch before pulling out a letter.

  “Apparently your brother doesn’t quite trust you.” He put the paper on the table. “Here, the oath you need to know. Memorize it, and find some clean clothes. I’ll be back in an hour with horses for you and an escort. You’re going.”

  “Martin, I just can’t leave!” Corin tried protesting.

  “Leave right after the ceremony to come back if you have to. Corin, you need to be there. The people and Lords need to see you there in support of the King. Sometimes it doesn’t matter if there’s a war being fought,” Martin successfully argued. “Besides, this wedding will help keep people’s spirits up.”

  True to his word, Martin had two horses saddled and ready in as close to an hour as he could. Corin found the cleanest clothes in his pack and changed. He chose Andras to accompany him, and they mounted in the early dawn.

  “We’ll hold here until you get back,” Martin said.

  “Do whatever you think is necessary,” Corin told him.

  “Do you know the oath?”

  “Aye, something about punishing annoying, insubordinate lieutenants…”

  “Corin!” Martin exclaimed in exasperation, and Andras hid a faint smile.

  “Relax! I know it,” Corin said. “Are you going to let me leave? You’re worse than my mother.”

  “Yes, leave! Before I kill you!”

  They spurred away, riding a confusing trail away from the caves and finally setting a steady pace for Kingscastle. They changed horses several times and rode into the castle courtyard by early evening. Grooms rushed to take their horses, and Corin and Andras ran up the castle steps.

  “Just in time, sir,” one of the guards said as they swung the doors open.