“I still can’t believe I met a goddess.”
“Yesterday the gods looked upon us with favor but, if they should turn away, know I will do anything to keep you safe. I fear my world is nothing without you.”
They began to pass small groups traveling in the same direction, and Ally overheard a bit of the conversation between four women riding in a wagon.
“I wonder about her dress,” one said.
“She could wear a brown sack and still look good,” another answered, “but, with the money her father has, I would wager it is a bit fancier than that on this special day.”
“What are they discussing?” Corm asked after they passed them.
“Sounds like wedding talk,” Ally replied.
“Ah,” Oisin said and rolled his eyes. “Then I have no interest in eavesdropping on that conversation.”
“Why not?” Ally said.
“Because it is difficult just to live with one’s self, never mind another. Marriage is a huge commitment, and one I do not intend to enter into lightly.”
“And,” Ian added, “if you need to sample the fruit on every tree while looking for the perfect peach, all the better. But, I recall at the tavern, you thought there was someone out there for all of us.”
“I know what I said,” Oisin said. “I was simply trying to make Shane feel better.”
“Oisin, I can hear you,” Shane said.
“Ah, look.” Oisin pointed. “Ally was right.”
Shane shook his head. “And your attempt to change the subject is pathetic, my friend.”
They rode into Berwick, where decorated banners were strung between the shops and streamers hung from the trees. The street was full of people, all holding flowers. Liam dismounted Pollux and helped Ally from Chestnut.
“We will catch up with you when this madness is over,” Oisin said before he, Ian, and Shane disappeared into the crowd. She stood between Liam and Corm in front of the bakery.
“They are coming at last,” said a woman beside her. Ally leaned out to see what she could. A procession was headed in their direction. The quartet in the common across the street began to play a familiar tune as the entourage approached.
The wedding party rode into town, two by two. In the lead were a young girl and boy. They each rode a small pony and smiled wide. The crowd began to cheer and throw flowers into the street.
“Liam?”
Liam turned around to see who had spoken. “Mr. Hargreaves. It is good to see you, sir.”
“And you as well. I did not realize you knew Elizabeth and Joshua.”
“Actually, I do not. We are passing through. Our good luck, it seems.”
“I should say so. How is your father? I have not seen Jon in a while. No reason for me to visit the ministry, which is always a good thing.” He chuckled.
“My father is well. We are on our way to meet him in Portsmouth.”
“Portsmouth?”
“Yes, he needed to attend to a business matter.”
“Ah, well, it never ends, does it not?”
“Let me introduce Ally Ashworth and Corm Jeuter,” Liam said.
“I am pleased to meet you,” he said and smiled. “There is my daughter. She is one of the bride’s attendants.” Mr. Hargreaves waved to a pretty girl riding sidesaddle upon a white horse.
The bride and groom made their appearance, at last, in a horse-drawn carriage. Liam leaned over and kissed Ally’s cheek. She looked into his eyes and smiled, then returned her attention to the parade. Odd. The bride was staring at her and then picked up the wreath in her lap. She tossed it in the air. Ally overcame being startled in time to catch it. It was covered with flowers and long purple ribbons hung from the back.
“It’s beautiful, but why did she give it to me?” Ally asked.
“My dear, do not tell me this is your first wedding,” Mr. Hargreaves replied.
“I don’t get out much.”
Mr. Hargreaves put his hand upon her shoulder. “You have received the laurels of love. The scent of the flowers is believed to ward away evil spirits, allowing love to bloom. It is unusual, though, for it to be given to a stranger. Elizabeth must have noticed something special in both of you.”
Her cheeks began to burn and, rather than look at Liam, Ally stared at the wreath. He took it from her hand and placed it on her head.
“It fits you perfectly,” he said.
“The celebration is just outside town, at the Fournier farm,” Mr. Hargreaves said. “Please join us. Or are you leaving immediately?”
“We are actually going to remain the night and depart tomorrow,” Liam replied.
“It is settled then.” He stepped into the street. “I will see you at the celebration!” he shouted and followed the procession winding its way out of town.
Liam looked around. “What do you think, Corm? Where are the others?”
“Corm pointed to the street. “They are enjoying the festivities.” The top of Shane’s head bounced up and down as he danced behind the wedding party. “But I think it is a good idea, and I do not expect much argument from them.”
“We weren’t invited,” Ally said. “I mean, not by the bride and groom. Is it okay if we just show up? We don’t even have a gift.”
Liam looked at her as if she’d suddenly sprouted horns. “Weddings are a celebration. There is no invitation required and, not to sound egocentric, but your gift is your presence. Making the time to share an important day is not to be taken lightly. Why? What are they like in your world?”
***
Caleb stood in front of the town common, glancing at the group directly across the street. He had arrived just as the procession was moving through, and was able to blend into the crowd. He watched the boy place the wreath upon the girl’s head. True love. Too bad it will not last another day. And the Shayeen hawk, who would never fly again. He smiled. Soon… very soon.
The old man indicated he would see them at the celebration where there would be food... and drink… and Caleb had an idea. One that might ensure the boys could not interfere with his plan. He slipped out of town and headed west where he had seen a cluster of pink flowers.
***
“We thought we might attend the festivities,” Corm said when they rejoined the others.
Shane nodded. “I believe a bit of nourishment for body and soul is in order.”
Oisin pointed to Ally’s head. “The laurels of love. Impressive.”
“Yeah, right,” Ally replied.
“We should locate a campsite before it gets dark,” Ian said and looked at Oisin. “If the opportunity for, ah, better accommodation presents itself, we need to be aware of our departure point in the morning.”
“I have no intention of separating from your fine company,” Oisin replied.
“Would you care to place a wager on that?” Shane asked, grinning.
Just outside town, a large white tent was in the center of an open field. Torches and lanterns were lit, awaiting the darkness that would soon be upon them. How different this is. Ally had never really thought about her wedding day but, now…
Don’t even go there.
She touched the wreath. If she ever did get married, she wanted a wedding just like this.
“Ally,” Corm said loudly.
“Huh?”
“Where are you right now?”
She shook her head. “Nowhere. Why?”
“I asked if you would mind sleeping under the stars. It would save a lot of time if we did not have to set up and take down tents.”
“Sure… whatever,” she said, wanting to get back to her daydream.
They traveled a short distance beyond the field, and the forest closed in on them again. Shane, in the lead, followed a narrow road that forked to the left. “This is the perfect spot,” he said.
Ian pulled out his map. “I believe we are still within the forest. I have not seen the pillars or the stake of Argus, marking its end.”
“Then it is indeed perfect,” Lia
m said, eyeing the pond in front of them, which was surrounded by tall pines, the ground carpeted in soft needles. They returned to the reception and tied up the horses with the hundred or so already grazing in the long grass.
Beneath the tent were wooden barrels supporting long planks of wood, nearly every inch covered with food. A pig hung from a spit in a nearby fire pit, turning slowly over the coals.
Liam handed her a plate. “Are you hungry?”
“I still feel a little like I’m intruding. Are you sure no one will mind?”
“Does it look like anyone will?”
“Ah, cornbread, baked beans, roasted quail, and curried sausage,” Shane said. He began to pile massive quantities onto his plate.
“All right.” She helped herself to chicken, sweet potatoes, applesauce, and fresh bread.
Oisin spotted three girls at one table eyeing him, and not discreetly. He smiled. “Shane, follow me. This might be your lucky day.”
“Aye, I am fortunate to have such an irresistible friend,” Shane replied. “But I have not forgotten our wager.”
She, Liam, and Corm found three seats at another table.
“Would you care for a pint?” Corm asked before he sat down.
She looked at Liam, who shrugged. “Why not?” she answered and began to dig in.
The darkness settled in and the torches provided a romantic glow. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Click. She would remember this forever.
“The first night of the double moon,” Corm said. “Rather fitting to celebrate a wedding, eh?”
“Double moon,” Ally murmured.
“Yes,” Corm answered. “Every quarter year, the two moons, Pegasus and Chimera, appear before dawn’s light. Do you not have two moons in your sky?”
“No,” she said and looked overhead, “but I only see one. Is that Pegasus or Chimera?”
“That is Pegasus, the flying horse. He is the one seen on most nights, but tonight he will be joined by Chimera, the dragon. Legend has it Chimera is chasing Pegasus, but the horse drives him away. They signify the struggle between good and evil... much like marriage,” Corm said and smiled.
“Oh, ha ha. Very funny, Corm,” she said. “I don’t care what they signify. I agree it’s romantic to get married when they’re both in the sky—”
She looked toward a familiar sound. A short distance away, a man was tuning a fiddle and another was turning the pegs on a guitar. Standing behind them was a boy in front of four wooden drums. They were joined by a woman carrying a flute and a young girl holding a tambourine. When the band began to play, the field came alive with people swinging each other around the makeshift dance floor. Ally caught sight of the bride and groom walking in their direction.
Liam smiled. “Oh, there is a tradition that we have. Perhaps I forgot to mention it.”
Ally grabbed his hand. “What is it?”
Too late.
“Hello, I am Elizabeth Connors and this is my husband, Joshua.”
Liam stood. “I am Liam Cheveyo, this is Ally Ashworth, and Cormac Jeuter. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I could not be happier,” Joshua replied.
Elizabeth laughed. “He has not tasted my cooking yet. Although we were not acquainted, it was obvious you should receive the laurels. Are you ready to join us after this song?”
What was she talking about? The apprehension Ally felt a moment earlier began to develop into a full-blown panic attack.
“We are,” Liam said. He put his arm around Ally and led her away from the table.
“Good luck,” Corm said.
“Liam, what are we doing?” The band finished to a rousing applause. Elizabeth looked at the fiddle player and nodded.
“Will the wedding attendants please join the bride and groom for the valza,” he shouted. The guests stepped aside and the wedding party made their way through the crowd.
“Liam…” He held her hand and, together, they walked onto the dance floor.
“Just follow me.” He directed her to stand beside the girls, and took his place opposite her. As if on cue, the boys bowed to their partner. A panic attack would be a blessing at this point. The girls curtseyed and, when Ally tried to do the same, she nearly fell.
“I’m going to kill you,” she said between clenched teeth. The music began, and Liam held his right arm high. She looked at the others and put her left hand inside his. He put his other arm around her waist and brought her close. Scott was the only boy she’d ever danced with, and they’d simply put their heads on each other’s shoulders… nothing like this. She shuffled her feet, trying not to step on his toes.
“I know it might be difficult for you,” Liam whispered and smiled, “but allow me to lead.”
“I thought I was.” She closed her eyes. Feel the music. The song was a waltz. She should be able to figure it out. She followed him, trying to forget about everything else, and found herself moving around the field. He removed his hand from her waist and, slowly, twirled her around. They repeated it twice and were back in each other’s arms. She couldn’t take her eyes from his and their bodies moved gracefully as one. When the music stopped, he released her and bowed.
“You did very well,” he said and grabbed her hand as she was about to walk away.
“Ally, do not leave just yet,” Elizabeth said. “I would be honored if you would join the band.”
“You’re killing me,” Ally said to Liam. “When did you…?”
Oh, what the heck, I’ll never see any of these people again. Well, most of them anyway.
“She carries her own instrument,” Liam said, “if you would allow me to retrieve it.” He ran toward the horses and, when he returned, handed her his mother’s fiddle.
“You brought this?” she said, astonished.
“I thought you might enjoy the distraction. It appears I was correct.”
“What song would you care to play?” the guitarist asked.
“I’m sure I don’t know anything you do. Just start and I’ll figure it out.”
“All right then,” he said, and looked at the others with skepticism. “‘Juniper Jump’… in the key of G.”
She followed the changes and began to play. It was a lively piece and, at one point, she and the fiddle player took turns with the lead. She smiled. Dueling fiddles. Everyone, including the other musicians, stared at her with mouths open. She pulled the bow across the strings, signaling the end of the song, and the field erupted.
“Bravo,” the guitarist said and patted her back. She bowed and began to laugh. This really was a perfect night.
“Very nicely done,” Corm said. He was on his feet, still applauding, when she joined him and Liam at the table.
“I’ve never danced like that in my life,” she said. “I can’t believe I didn’t knock anyone over.”
“I meant the music, but the dancing was good as well.”
“Thanks.” She was about to sit down when someone tugged at her sleeve. A little boy stood beside her.
“Hi,” she said.
He held up a wooden recorder. “Look, I can make music, too.” He put his mouth to the wooden block and began to blow while his fingers pressed the tiny holes. It was a tune she recognized: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” He finished and looked up at her proudly.
“That was very good,” she said.
A woman walked over to them. “Joseph. There you are. Please do not wander off again and stop bothering these guests.”
“He is no bother,” Liam replied.
“He has been doing this all day. I need an additional set of eyes and arms to keep him close. Your music was inspirational,” she said to Ally. “I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it. My husband never dances with me, but today he made an exception.”
“I’m glad. Thank you.”
“No, thank you. Joseph, come with me.” She took his hand. “And do not do that again.”
Liam couldn’t conceal a yawn. “Would you care to leave?” he asked.
“It’s up to you.”
“I have to admit, I am tired. What about you, Corm?”
“I was tired when we arrived. I am more than ready.”
“We just need to tell the others,” Liam said.
They found Oisin, Ian, and Shane at the far end of the field, around a fire with the three girls. “I am very impressed, Ally,” Oisin said. “You are gifted in more ways than I imagined.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
“We are going to take our leave,” Liam said. “Do you remember where we are staying?”
Shane smiled. “Yes, but I would not wait up.”
***
Caleb had returned while the girl was playing the fiddle. When the two boys stepped away from the table, he had slipped a hefty dose of valerian into their ale. The effect of the plant would not take long. He found the girl’s horse and concealed himself under the saddle blanket. He had no idea where they were headed but, when the three of them set off in the direction of the ruins, he smiled.
***
Liam lit a lantern and Ally spread out the blankets. “Do you think we need a fire?” Corm asked as he took off his boots.
“No, and I am too tired to get one started,” Liam replied. He removed the sword and hung it from Pollux’s saddle. The soothing sound of crickets and tree frogs was interrupted by a high-pitched screech.
Ally grimaced. “What’s that?”
“That,” Liam replied and looked at Corm with dread, “is the cry of the great horned owl.”
Chapter 30
Timing was crucial. Chimera was not yet visible on the eastern horizon and Pegasus was beginning its descent behind the trees at the far end of the pond. The glowing beam of soft blue light that spilled from the half-hemisphere was losing the battle to the growing shadows. In fewer than fifteen minutes, all light would be lost for a short time. When this happened, the girl would be unlikely to venture from her spot. Caleb stood a short distance away, hidden from view by the trunk of a large oak. Maelyn had cloaked the pillar marking the end of the forest, and this spot was a good half kilometer beyond its boundaries. Here the Shayeen would be helpless. But, courtesy of the Master, Caleb could still transform.
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