by Nesa Miller
“I’m okay. Let me see that cut on your arm.”
“It’s just a flesh wound,” he replied. “You be quiet and rest.”
She relaxed against his strong chest, safe and secure within his arms. “It’s nice to have my big brother back.”
Linq did his best to clean her multiple cuts and scrapes with water from his canteen and a ripped shirt, then dressed Robert’s wound. Once done, he scouted the area, making sure they were alone. On his way back, he picked up Nim’Na’Sharr. “That’s strange.”
“What is?” Etain asked, opening her eyes.
“The runes still glow.”
She pushed against her brother, trying to sit up.
“Is that significant?” Robert asked, trying to keep her in place.
Linq examined both sides of the sword. “They glow as a warning of evil. Dar forged this sword with his own hands, and instilled a lot of his magic into its creation to make sure his protection was always with her.” Linq offered the blade to Robert. He caught what he interpreted as a slight flinch and moved Nim’Na’Sharr even closer, pointing at the center rune. “Look here. See how it glows red and the tang glows white?”
Robert didn’t look at the sword, only at Etain.
“Maybe it’s the aftereffects of all this...” Etain looked around. “Where’d they go?”
“You don’t remember?” Robert asked. “You lit up like a Christmas tree and blasted ‘em all to hell.”
“Oh no.” Her gaze went to Linq.
“Aye. Dusted every last one of them.”
“Holy crap. The solar flare.” She closed her eyes. “Great. As if it weren’t bad enough already.”
“What’s done is done.” Linq crouched next to her. “Rest a few minutes, then we have to get out of here.”
Linq rounded up the horses left behind by the patrol. By the time he returned, she was on her feet, the color returning to her cheeks.
Robert chose a dapple-grey gelding with mane and tail of pure black. “You don’t mind if I ride this one, do you?”
“Take whichever one you want. It makes no difference to me, as long as you lead a few back.” Linq looked at Etain. “Think you can handle one or two?”
Seeing the dapple-grey horse, she hesitated.
“Are you okay, Etain?” Linq asked, a worried crease across his brow.
“Uh, no… I mean, aye. I’m good.” She glanced his way for a moment, but turned, stashing a sheathed Nim into the pack on Razz’s rump. “I can take as many as you need me to.”
They followed the river south until Linq decided it was safe to make camp for the night. “No fire,” he said as they dismounted.
With the horses secured, the three shared a light meal, huddled close together to ward off the chill, and went over some of the events of the day. Etain mentioned the fact that the Bok mounts had been in one place. “They were waiting. They knew you’d go that way.”
Robert’s gaze darted back and forth between the two. “We rode north for a long time. How could they know?”
“That’s an excellent question,” Linq said, stretching out, ready for sleep. “One I’ve been trying to sort out since we were detained by our Bok friends.” Hands behind his head, his eyes closed. “I suggest we take turns keeping watch. Wake me in a couple hours.”
After another day’s ride, Etain, Linq, and Robert arrived at Castle Laugharne late in the afternoon, riding through the courtyard and back to the forge. Heads turned as they rode in, but the three didn’t stop until they stood in front of Inferno, who hammered on a long piece of metal. He looked up as Etain slid off Razz.
“Gods, lass!” He tossed the hammer aside and strode out, wrapping her in a tight bear hug. “Let me have a good look at ya.”
He tried to pull away, but her arms were tight around his neck. “No, don’t let go. Please, hold me a little longer.” He obliged her desperate plea and held her close as she cried on his shoulder. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you, to know y’all are okay.” She lifted her tear-stained face. “How are Spirit and the kids?”
“They be fine. We’re all fine.”
“Where’s Ruby and Felix? They usually act as escort for anyone coming in.”
Inferno sighed and released her. “Felix’s upstairs with Zorn. The two of ‘em stumbled in just after you left for Deudraeth.”
“Where’s Ruby?” Linq asked, dismounting from Blackjack.
“Don’t know. Zorn’s been out of it since he came back.” His eyes roamed over Robert with guarded interest, then sharpened when he noticed the extra horses. “He and Felix were in bad shape, but they’re getting better. I keep hoping Ruby’ll show up.”
“Oh, Inferno…,” Etain touched his arm. “Do you know what happened?”
“Swee tells a crazy story about a stranger who was at the wedding. I didn’t see anyone out of place, so I don’t know how true it is.”
“I can’t believe she’d make it up.” Etain looked at Linq. “But, there were a lot of people I didn’t know. I’ll talk to her.” She ran a hand through her hair. “Have you seen Dar?”
“Haven’t seen hide nor hair of the man.” He looked at Linq, holding out a hand. “Have ya not had news?”
“No,” Linq said, shaking his hand. “We came straight here from Deudraeth. The Bok hijacked us on the road.”
Inferno eyed the stranger. “Aye, well, they’ve been busy all over. We called in the clan. Been gettin’ messages from other clans all week. Some of the chieftains and a few of the Council are coming for tea.” He motioned toward the additional mounts. “Looks like ya found a few strays.”
“Is Spirit here?” Etain asked.
“Nay, lass. With news of those bastards, I sent her and the kids up to her family’s place. Once she has ‘em tucked away, she’ll be back. Swee’s here, offered to step in while Spirit’s gone. She’s been cooking and getting ready for tonight.”
Right on cue, the healer stepped out the back door. As she neared the forge, she smiled. “Etain, welcome back.”
“Swee.” Etain hugged the young woman. “I’m glad you’re here. I could use a little girl talk.”
The healer gave her a good once-over. “I hate to say this, but you look horrid, girl. Come into the house and talk to me. We’ll have you fixed up in no time.”
“First, let me introduce my brother.” She slipped an arm through Robert’s, holding his hand. “Inferno, Swee, this is Robert. Robert, this is Inferno, he’s family, and this is Swee, who is becoming family.”
Swee blushed. “Welcome, Robert. I wasn’t aware Etain had a brother.”
“Neither were we,” Inferno said, offering his hand to the young man. “Welcome to me home. I hear ya were raised by Dar’s black-hearted brother, Midir.”
Etain felt the blood rush from her face. “Inferno...”
Robert stared at the man, no apparent reaction on his face.
Inferno noted his avoidance of the offered handshake and lowered his hand, but held the steely-eyed gaze. “There’ll be no funny stuff while yer in me home or while yer with our girl here. We watch out for our own and don’t tolerate any-”
Swee interrupted. “Inferno, I’m sure Robert will behave, especially with the likes of you around.” She took Etain by the arm and pulled her toward the house. “Why don’t you two come with me? Looks like you both could use a cold drink and a warm bath.” She and Etain gave Inferno a look as they escorted Robert to the house.
Inferno waited until the back door closed. “Tell me how it really is out there and what ya can about that one. He may be Etain’s brother, but there’s a glint in his eyes that makes me balls twitch.”
They walked into the forge. “I have my own theory about that boy, Inferno. The sooner I talk to Dar, the better I’ll feel.”
“Nothing on his condition yet?”
“When we left Nunnehi a few days ago, he was in a bad way. It took everything the wizards had to knock him out.”
Inferno grunted. “He’ll find his way back.
I’ve never seen anyone so full of fight and fire. Unless, of course, ya wanna talk about our lass in the house.” Taking up the sledge, he set to hammering the metal piece again. “Heaven help anyone who steps betwixt those two, for they’ll surely be burned alive.”
Linq stared up at the house for a moment, then smirked, looking back at Inferno. “Do I have a tale to tell you, my friend.”
In the kitchen, Swee sat brother and sister at the island and drew an ale for each. Once settled, she left them to their drinks, going upstairs to make sure Etain’s room was ready and to prepare another one for Robert.
Etain turned to her brother. Unnerved by his stare, she blurted, “Well, here we are.” A shaky smile on her face, she took another drink. “I hope we can have a chat later tonight.”
“I’m sure we can find a quiet spot to rendezvous after things die down. Looks like we caused quite a stir.” His eyes never left hers as he enjoyed a long drink.
Feeling fidgety, she shifted and ran a hand through her hair. “It’s usually pretty quiet around here. I’m sure with the Bok on the move, everyone’s jumpy.”
“Hmm…” He gave her a lazy grin. “Shall we retire upstairs? I’m sure a warm bubble bath is just what you need right now.” He held out a hand.
She led the way to the second level of the house, Swee meeting them in the hallway. To allow Etain a bit more time to herself, Swee escorted Robert to his room.
Etain entered the one room in the castle where she felt safest. Inside the door, she inhaled, breathing in Dar’s lingering scent, and hugged herself, a small smile on her lips. “I will see you soon, my love.”
With her filthy clothes tossed aside, she lowered her weary body into the steaming water and sighed in heavenly bliss. There was a light knock at the door.
“Come in. I'm in the tub.”
“You look at home in all those bubbles,” Swee said, coming into the room.
“Mmm, I am,” she cooed, patting the side of the tub. “You have time for a chat?”
“Sure. The girls have everything under control downstairs. I can take a break.” She sat facing Etain. “That brother of yours isn't so hard to look at.”
“Aye, he is handsome.” She reclined against the back of the bath. “I want to hear about you. I'm not surprised you've become friends with Spirit and Inferno, but I have to admit, I'm surprised to see you here.”
“I stuck around after your wedding, which was absolutely beautiful.” Swee laughed. “I helped clean up and get things back in order. Me and Spirit started talking about different things and found we have the same interests in healing and herbs. She came to visit me in town one day and invited me to the house. When I got here, they offered me a room, which I thought was a little weird, but when I met the kids, I fell in love. Especially with little Tegan. She is so cute.”
“She’s a darling. I think it’s wonderful, Swee.” Bit by bit, her tired muscles relaxed, releasing the aches.
“How’s Dar? I was surprised to see you without him.”
Etain frowned. “I don't know.” She soaped the bath sponge, avoiding eye contact. “I hope the elves can help him find his way.”
“Don't worry.” Swee’s voice was a comfort. “Dar will overcome whatever ails him. He’s too stubborn to let anything keep him down for long. Trust me. He'll be back.” She stood up. “I best get back downstairs.”
“Before you go…” Etain looked at her, “Inferno said something happened to you at the wedding.”
Biting her bottom lip, she sat down. “What did he say?”
“Not much. I don’t think he believes you.”
Swee shrugged. “Well, I’m sorry to hear that because I told him the truth. There was a man, called himself a wedding crasher. I saw him at the ceremony, then again at the reception. He swept me onto the dance floor and said some pretty rude things. If Zorn hadn’t noticed, he would’ve swept me right out of Laugharne.”
Etain sat up. “Why?”
“I have no idea.” Swee crossed one leg over the other and leaned forward. “Whoever he was, he wasn’t a fan of Dar, or you.”
“Why didn’t anyone else notice?” She saw the look on Swee’s face. “I’m just thinking out loud, trying to figure it out. I believe you, Swee.” Etain placed a hand on her’s. “Zorn and Felix were hurt and Ruby’s still missing. I don’t understand how a stranger comes to our wedding and no one else notices.”
“Zorn’s lucky to be alive. When you figure it out, please let me know.” Swee stood again. “I really need to get downstairs. There’s fresh clothes for you on the bed. The guests should be arriving in about an hour, but you take your time, okay?”
“I'll be down soon. Thank you, Swee.”
Etain lounged in the bath a while longer, washing away several days’ worth of dirt and grime. Once the water turned lukewarm, she pulled the plug and stepped out, walking to the shower to wash her hair.
Eyes closed, she worked the shampoo through her silver tresses, her thoughts on the uninvited wedding guest. The sweet fragrance whisked her away to a lazy afternoon with Dar, spent in an open field of flowers, long before they’d become lovers. It was a beautiful spring day, filled with sunshine, the flowers in full bloom. Dar had surprised her with a picnic basket full of goodies. But the bigger surprise had been how he let down his warrior guard and revealed the sensitive, intelligent man behind the façade.
She suddenly realized she fell in love with him that day. Funny how I never recognized it before.
She twisted the water from her hair and stepped out of the shower. A movement out of the corner of her eye made her turn. Robert's brazen stare made her feel more naked than she already was.
“What the hell are you doing?” A nearby towel rescued her modesty. “Get out.”
He crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the door. “You saw mine. It's only fair I see yours.”
“That was an accident.” With the towel wrapped securely, she walked to the vanity. “I didn't know you were swimming in the river, and I certainly didn’t know you were my brother.”
“As I recall, your modesty was somewhat lacking.” His infectious smile was hard to resist, but Etain managed. “Oh, stop giving me the evil eye,” he admonished, lowering his arms. “It's not like you have anything to be ashamed of.” He stood next to her at the large mirror. “You have an outstanding body, sister.”
“Exactly. Sister. Obviously, Midir didn't teach you any manners.” She opened a drawer and reached for her comb.
A small tug of war commenced when he made a grab for the comb. In the end, his firm grip twisted her wrist and the comb was his. “Sit down, sister. Let me turn this mess into silken tresses.” She eyed him warily, but he motioned her to the stool. “Midir taught me many things.” With a huff, she sat, watching him in the mirror as he smoothed out the tangles. “For instance, some situations require a gentle hand.” Picking up the heavy mass with both hands, he yanked back, his gaze locking with hers in the mirror. “But there are times when a man must take control.”
She tried to jerk out of his hold. “Are you trying to piss me off?”
He pulled her head farther back, looking her directly in the eyes. “Just a little brotherly love.” He kissed her on the forehead and released her. “Swee says the guests are starting to arrive and dinner will be soon. Don’t be too long.” He edged toward the door.
“I won’t be if you leave.” She went to the door, ready to close it behind him once he was out. “By the way, where'd you find those fancy duds?”
He flashed another irresistible smile, preening under her attentions. “Your hubby left a few things behind. I gotta say, he must be some man. I'm no shrinking violet by any means, but wearing his clothes makes me feel like a kid playing dress-up. I fill ‘em out pretty good, don't you think?”
“They aren’t a bad fit.” Thoughts of her husband brought a melancholy tone to her voice. “You look very handsome.”
He winked, opening the door. “I hear some of the oldest c
lans are coming tonight. Don’t keep them waiting.”
Door locked this time, she returned to the bathroom to dry her hair and add a light touch of makeup. The memory of Robert’s brazen stare made her shiver. She remembered him as a respectful, thoughtful kid who would knock on her door, even if it were open. But this…this man… She didn’t know what to think of him, or whether to trust him. He was so…different. Her hands shook as she ran her fingers through her hair. There wasn’t a shred of respect in his eyes.
Satisfied with the reflection in the mirror, she strolled into the bedroom. Like Swee had said, an outfit lay on the bed. “Wow, this must be some shindig.” Smooth, luxurious silk flowed through her fingertips. She held the chemise-style dress in front of her before the full-length mirror, admiring the shimmer of the blood-red fabric against her fair skin. Slipping the bit of decadence over her torso, it molded nicely to her curves, the flirty hem dancing just above her knees. She turned and smiled. The back dipped daringly low, exposing her down to the lowest curve of her back. “Way to go, Swee.” Next to the bed sat a pair of strappy heels in the same shade of red.
After one last check in the mirror, she winked at herself and headed out the door.
Familiar voices drifted up as she descended the back stairs, Inferno's boisterous laugh outshining them all. In the hallway, her brother slid up to escort her to the main room.
“You're going to knock ‘em dead, mon petit.” A chill running down her spine, she stopped. The smile on Robert's face faded. “Did I say something wrong?”
His apparent remorse helped her relax. “No. No,” she assured him. “I'm sorry. I’m a little nervous about meeting all these important people.”
“I'll be by your side all night.”
The dark-headed god in black offered an arm to the silver-haired woman in red. Heads turned when the stunning couple entered the lounge.
“Etain. Come here, lass.” Inferno crossed the room, excited to introduce her to his guests. Robert relinquished her to his custody but stayed close. Names swirled through her head as she met the chieftains of the strongest clans in the Alamir - S-A-F (Stand and Fight), COL (Creatures of Light), FWH (Fight with Honor), and UKElyte. The call to dinner cut the introductions short.