by Kara Griffin
The trail Lloyd took her to was steep, rocky, and slippery. Keeping her footing was difficult for she’d almost slipped a few times. Wynn had no difficulty with the steepness and reached the sand before them and barked excitedly.
Katriona set her cloak in the sand and placed the basket in the center. Wynn ran off toward the water and she ambled near and laughed when the water met her feet. She didn’t move fast enough and her boots soaked through.
Wynn returned with a friend. An old man with a long white beard, carrying a staff, rambled along. At first, she feared Wynn’s company, but he looked harmless enough and her dog apparently trusted him. For the beast didn’t object to the man’s presence.
Lloyd approached the man. “Olor, it is good to see you.”
“’Tis a fine day to be about, Lloyd. Fairy,” he said and extended his hand.
Katriona scowled thinking he’d called her an endearment. She didn’t typically touch people she wasn’t acquainted with. His kind blue eyes and gentle nature called to her. The man’s aura shone bright like the sun above. She didn’t mean to gasp at the wisdom strongly affecting her own feelings. Olor was like her. He had the gift of the Gods.
“Milady, Wynn’s run off. I’ll get him.” Lloyd chased after her dog and left her alone with the old man.
“You’re the healer, Olor, who came when I fell.”
“Aye, fairy, I am. I saw your mark, too.”
She motioned for him to sit. “You know.”
“That you have awen in your blood, fairy blood.”
“Awen?” For the first time in her life, someone might be able to answer questions that had plagued her ever since her mother gave her the pouch. Questions her mama couldn’t answer. The pouch contained her grandmother’s magical gifts some of which she had fastened to the inside of her cloak.
“Aye for awen is the enchantment that gives you visions, wisdom, auras. I have something for you,” he said and handed her a small pouch. “’Tis acorns from the sacred oaks in the mystic woods near here. Roast them and eat them when you wish for it will enhance your own magic. Your wisdom is akin to a beacon, aye, for any druid near ye would be drawn to your power.”
She peered at the acorns in awe of his words. “Thank you. I got the gift from my grandmother. Many in our lands sought her healing and medicinals. She died before she could tell me of the wisdom.”
He lowered his head, seemingly in prayer and then lifted it. “Your blood courses with the gift mightily. You are careful which is good, fairy. For you must guard yourself against those who would do you harm.”
She handed him a chunk of bread and he took it. He ate it quickly and rubbed his hands of the crumbs.
“The land chills.” Olor dug in the sand and reached into the satchel he wore on his back. He pulled out sticks of wood and placed them in the hole.
Her eyes widened when he waved his hands over the hole and the sticks caught on fire. Within seconds the crackling of the wood sounded, and the ambiance calmed her. “You know my wisdom, Olor, tell me of yours.”
He grunted. “If I had your power, fairy, I would probably misuse it for it is prevailing. But you care too much for others. Power means nothing to you. My gift is of healing and I can do mundane things…magical things, small in the ways of helping others. Not very impressive.”
“Lighting a fire with one’s hands is hardly unimpressive. I fear I haven’t such powers. I can only sense people’s emotions and mostly when they’re hurt and lend in aiding them medicinally.”
“I enjoyed meeting you, fairy.” He stood.
“Wait, don’t go. I have many questions which only you can answer.” She glanced at Lloyd running and throwing a stick for Wynn.
Olor pointed to the sky. “’Tis nearly nightfall. I don’t like to be out in the dark. Evil spirits lurk in the shadows of the night. I must go. Fairy, your questions will be answered in time.”
“I understand, but can you answer just one more question before you leave? Since I have come here, I sense a tremendous woe that is deeply connected to the land. Know you of this woe?”
Olor waved his hand about the air. “I do, fairy. But it will be revealed to you by the lord, your husband. He guards his secrets and ye should be patient.”
“Now I am more curious. Please, tell me.”
Olor tapped his staff in the sand and grimaced. “Aye, you’re impatient and that could lead to your doom. Before darkness falls this day, fairy, the great woe will be revealed to you. Have no fear for this woe you speak of is no foe and could bring you the greatest happiness you have ever known.”
“If it is such woe how can it bring me happiness?”
“Your awen is the key to that answer, fairy. Now, I must be off before darkness prevails.”
“It was good to meet you, Olor. Please, don’t stay away.”
He inclined his head and scuttled away and disappeared beyond the rocks at the bottom of the cliff. The man was baffling and hadn’t given her a direct answer. Whatever this great woe was sounded rather terrifying. How could something so daunting lead to great happiness? Katriona disregarded the peculiar man and leaned back on her elbows and enjoyed the dissipating sun.
She shared the evening meal with Lloyd and they ate the entire contents in the basket. Wynn enjoyed gnawing the bone Luella had tucked inside. Katriona hadn’t enjoyed such a day before and she promised herself she’d visit the waters again soon.
“Milady, we should return if we want to get home before dark.”
She collected her cloak and shook the sand from it and took the basket in hand. Wynn ran ahead and she walked along anxious to return before darkness set in. If what Olor told her was true, she’d find out what the incredible woe was. She reached the cliff top and thought about Olor. Having someone like him nearby with gifts from the Gods comforted her. She now had someone to talk to when she questioned her wisdom. That was if the man was willing to share his knowledge.
They entered the gate and Lloyd signaled the watch who nodded and shouted for the gates to close. Katriona stopped at the well to take a drink and she set her cloak and basket nearby. After she drank her fill, she cupped her hands and gave Wynn a drink. His tongue sloshed the water in her palms. She patted his head and gazed lovingly at him. He was a magnificent pet, devoted, strong, and yet affectionate when he wanted to be.
“You.”
Katriona turned at a woman’s yell. The woman who entered Rhyder’s chamber stood holding her cloak and pointing a finger at her.
“I suspected you were one of them. Someone send for Father Matthew. We don’t accept your kind here. We’re of the Christian faith and God fearing. Aye, and you can take your sorcery and be gone with you.”
The hamlet’s people gathered and stared at the spectacle.
Katriona took hold of Wynn’s collar. Her dog growled and snarled at the woman. Lloyd observed her struggle and helped by taking her dog away. “I’ll return hastily, Milady, with help. Careen, do not speak so to our lady. If His Grace heard you…”
“I want him to hear. Aye, for he wouldn’t want this heathen on our land. She needs to be cast out, banished, for we will not bear God’s wrath because of her.” Careen wouldn’t return her cloak. She held it out for all to see. “Here are her instruments of darkness. She will hex you and cause you and your loved ones distress. Heed me, all of you.”
Katriona’s heart sunk. She’d never been attacked so viciously before. In her defense, she was about to step forward and deny the blasphemous woman’s remarks, but Merrion ran into the fray and stopped before the woman.
“You don’t need to protect me, Merrion.”
“I must. Be not afraid, Katy.” Merrion faced the gathered crowd and spoke loudly, calling everyone’s attention. “She is the one we want gone from our lands.” She angrily pointed at Careen. “Aye, for she’s a harlot who would take your husbands and men to her bed without a care for anyone’s feelings. Is that not right, Careen?”
“You’re a silly lass, Merrion, and jealous
. Aye, if I took a man from you it’s because you’re nothing but a—”
Merrion shoved her and Careen fell backward. “Don’t you dare speak so to me.”
Katriona clasped Merrion’s hand and her wisdom brought forth a swift breath. She tried to get her friend to back away. Careen coveted the man Merrion loved. Her friend’s heart hurt from the rejection. Katriona released her hand and tried to gain Merrion’s attention. But Merrion wouldn’t back down.
“Our lady comes to us from lands afar. The new religion might not have reached them. You cannot condemn her for it.” Merrion waved her hand at the hamlet’s people. “Our priest is newly arrived and at one time you were like Lady Katriona. You worshiped many of the Gods she does. You’re hypocrites, aye, each and every one of you.”
Katriona’s heartbeat drummed madly in her chest. Wisdom and auras swirled in her mind. She stepped forward. “I do not answer to you, Careen, or anyone in this hamlet, but only to my husband and lord, Rhydderch Pendragon.”
“If any of you have an issue with that, you may leave my lands.”
Katriona gasped and turned at the sound of her husband’s voice. She threw herself into Rhyder’s arms and practically wept with relief. That is until the most horrendous sound came. A screech so loud it deafened all’s ears and darkness shadowed the land. She looked up and saw massive wings flapping and declining.
The hamlet’s people ran away, most screaming in terror. But Katriona stood transfixed and daren’t move. Rhyder ran forward and yelled something she couldn’t discern. Fire swathed the land and the beast landed in front of her. The ground shook and its enormous body moved toward her. A large tail swept those closest to her away and she could see none. Blocked by the large body of the beast, Katriona tried to find a way around its scaly body, but the dragon encircled her. She was trapped.
A dragon! A beautiful, terrifying, fearsome dragon. The great woe. Katriona’s ears rang and darkness came to her eyes. She felt herself falling and could do nothing to help herself.
Chapter THIRTEEN
Shrisy’s fiery breath scorched the courtyard and blackened the ground. Rhyder shouted for Katy, but he couldn’t see past Shrisy’s large tail. Her eyes showed bright red and the large claws on her feet extended and gripped the dirt. Something angered the beast. Rhyder approached cautiously for he knew well Shrisy’s temper. He hoped their connection soothed the dragon.
In awe of her presence, he stood motionless for a moment taking in the sight of her. When Shrisy raised her head, she could peer well over the hamlet’s highest wall. “Be calm, my friend.” Rhyder raised his arms and waved, hoping to divert her attention. Wynn ran into the center of the courtyard and barked madly at Shrisy. The dog’s tail wagged, and he tried to get near the dragon. Wynn’s curiosity would get the dog killed. Rhyder called him and fortunately, the dog listened and ran to stand by his side.
Shrisy gurgled and looked at him as if she was amused by Wynn’s appearance. She stepped forward and dipped her snout, almost bumping him. The expel of her breath moved his hair, and he waved her onward. “Come to me, sweet Shrisy. None will harm you. You’re safe.”
The dragon twisted her neck and she gazed behind her. Rhyder tensed and knew Katy was there. God, he hoped she wasn’t hurt. He had to do something to distract Shrisy so his wife could get to safety.
“Don’t hurt Katy, my pet.” Rhyder whistled and tried to lead the dragon away. Shrisy dipped her head again and purred when she bumped him. He held his ground with the force of her caress and stroked a hand over the scales on her neck. It had been some time since his dragon allowed his touch. Rhyder patted above her nose and hoped to soothe her. “You never come this close to the hamlet. What has you riled?”
Shrisy screeched and flapped her wings as if agitated. The great beast turned and unwound her tail and flopped it on the ground, sending wafts of dry, scorched dirt in the air. Rhyder held his breath at the dragon’s movement. Katy would be crushed to death beneath the dragon’s feet. Somehow he had to get Shrisy to fly away. Rhyder clicked his tongue and motioned to the sky.
“It’s alright, Shrisy, go on. Fly away and I will come to you soon.”
The dragon screeched again and her eyes lightened. She flapped her wings and rose until she had enough room to fly toward the sea. He was awed by the powerful beast. Rhyder rushed forward and spotted Katy on the ground. She was lifeless. His heart pounded in his chest at the thought she was dead.
Rhyder fell to his knees next to her. He checked her heartbeat and let out a sigh of relief. The flourishing beat beneath his palm almost brought tears to his eyes. With shaking fingers, he moved her hair from her face.
“Sweet lass, you live.” He caressed her face, arms, legs, and assured himself she hadn’t been harmed or trampled.
Katy groaned.
The people of the hamlet meandered nearby in small groups. He disregarded their whispers. With a shake to Katy’s shoulder, he called her name repeatedly until she opened her eyes.
“What happened?”
Relieved, he pressed a hand on her cheek. “You fainted again. Are you hurt?”
She moaned and pressed her hand on the base behind her head. “I think I’m well. Just a small ache in my head.”
“You must’ve hit your head when you fell.”
“They were saying horrible things and accused me of—”
He pulled her into his arms and was content to hold her. “I know, sweet lass.”
“Will you banish me?”
Her question came in a meek voice. Rhyder scowled at the distress his followers caused her. “Come, we will get you inside.”
“They called me a heathen.”
“It doesn’t matter, Katy. You’re a gentle lass and if they don’t accept that it’s their loss.”
She wept and the sight of her tears nearly did him in. “But they’re you’re family and I want them to accept me.”
He didn’t know what to say and continued to console her by smoothing his hand over her back. Katy continued to weep, and he sent a glare to his followers as they passed by.
She shuttered, and he smeared a teardrop from her cheek. Katy tried to sit up and he assisted. She glanced at his followers and quickly hid her face against his chest.
“They’re staring at us.”
“Let them.” Rhyder pressed her face back and set a gentle kiss on her lips. She shook and wiped at her eyes. He wanted all gone and so he yelled out across the courtyard, “Leave us. Return to your homes and duties.”
Where was Sawyer when he needed him? At once the crowd disbursed and left them alone.
Katy gasped and gripped his arms. “I just remembered…the dragon. There was a dragon.”
Rhyder shushed her and signed. He realized he’d have to lie to his wife. “What dragon?”
“You saw it. It breathed fire, and all ran screaming from the courtyard.”
“Come, let me get you inside. You must’ve hit your head harder than we thought.” He hoped to redirect her so he wouldn’t have to divulge his most guarded secret. Deceiving Katy didn’t sit right in his gut, but Shrisy’s life depended upon his discretion. The last thing he wanted was his followers to take up pitchforks and blades in pursuit of the beast. His plan to thwart them all was at best a ridiculous ploy, but he had no choice.
“But—”
“No buts, sweet lass. You need to rest.” He lifted her in his arms. She settled her head on his shoulder and continued to shake. He reached the entry of his home. Merrion met him.
“Is she hurt? I thought she’d be killed—”
He cut his sister off, hoping she’d say no more about Shrisy. “She’s well and only needs to rest. I deem she’s hit her head a wee bit hard. Perhaps a bath is needed.” Katy’s garments covered with dirt from the courtyard, as well as her face and hands.
Merion nodded. “Aye, I’ll see to it.” She rushed off to do his bidding.
Rhyder continued up the stairs and almost tripped over Wynn who tried to reach the top befor
e him. Wynn whined and followed him to Katy’s chamber. He set her on the bedding and sat beside her and folded his hands in his lap. The shock at seeing Shrisy in the hamlet hit him and he couldn’t shake the culpability at Katy or his followers being harmed.
“I’ll send Olor to you.”
“Aye, Olor,” Katy said and moaned when she pressed a hand on her temple. “Just a small thumping. I’m not harmed.”
“Stay abed. I’ll return later. Wynn’s here with you.” He squeezed her arm to stress the request he was about to make. “Get rest, but don’t sleep.”
Rhyder left without another word and closed the door to her chamber. Lloyd stood by his door and appeared dismayed at the happenings. “Are you hurt?”
“Nay, Your Grace. I've got a few minor scrapes but otherwise…well. Is Milady well?”
“She seems to be but has a bump on her head. We should send for Olor. If she asks about Shrisy…the dragon… Do not speak of it for now. I don’t want her upset.”
“Aye, Your Grace, as you wish. I’ll get Olor.”
“Be quick.” Rhyder entered his chamber and closed the door quietly. He sat wearily in his chair and let the silence soothe him. His mind jumbled with complications. Sawyer entered and stood in silence by his table.
Rhyder avoided his commander as one mishap after another occupied his thoughts.
“Rhyder?”
As he contemplated the issues, the most important difficulty was Shrisy. Why had she come into the hamlet? And more perplexing–how could he keep her from returning? In all the years he’d befriended the beast, she never came near the hamlet. Why now? He blew a sigh of relief that she hadn’t hurt Katy. The strangest thing was it seemed as if the dragon protected his wife, but that wasn’t possible, was it?
“Your Grace?”
Rhyder held out his hand to stop Sawyer from intruding on his thoughts. He should’ve told Katy about his dragon. Why did he concoct such a ridiculous ruse? He had to redirect Katy and keep her from asking questions he wasn’t yet ready to answer. If she broached the subject again, he would have to tell her the truth, unless he might find a way to avoid it. The truth might be too distressing for her…that dragons existed and their land was home to one of the fiercest beasts… If that wasn’t enough to riddle him senseless, he had to send a missive to Cenwahl. He needed to find the betrayer and murderer of his soldiers and somehow avoid war with his neighbors.