She stroked Loinnir’s nose, then turned her attention to the surrounding woods, wanting to ensure that Sugn had truly gone. The thought of him watching her with Iseult made her ill. She stroked the gold locket at her neck, thinking of her daughter, and the sad memories Sugn inspired.
Finished with his horse, Iseult turned to her. “I wanted to ask you about the ring Niklas gave you,” he said, surprising her.
She stared at him, trying to determine his intent. “It’s in my saddlebag. Whenever I throw it away it ends up back on my finger, so that’s the best I could do to part myself with it.”
He closed the distance between them. “Why do you think he gave it to you?”
She shook her head. “You know as well as I that the Travelers never divulge their plans, especially Niklas. At times, he has claimed allegiance to me, yet he also helped Keiren trap me in the in-between.”
He nodded. “I think this is something we need to figure out. It could be useful.”
She watched his gray-green eyes for any hint he might be joking, though he was not the joking type. “You hate the Travelers,” she pressed. “I’d think you’d want nothing to do with that ring. Why are you pushing this now?”
His expression crumpled, just for a moment, a small chink in his seemingly impenetrable armor. “Finn,” he began, extending his hands to gently hold her upper arms. “I don’t want you to die. If there is a single straw to grasp that could tip the odds in your favor, can you blame me for grasping at it?”
The muscles in her clenched jaw softened. “Tell me what has happened to make you press this issue now? Is it Sugn?”
He sighed, his gaze flicking around nervously. “In part.” He seemed to think for a moment, then sighed again. “Keiren wants to meet with you. I asked her for proof she actually intended to aid you, and she claimed the ring would grant you great power. I didn’t want to bring it up at all. I didn’t want you to—”
She raised her hand to cut him off. “You met with Keiren?”
He nodded. “I sensed her. That was the only reason I was willing to leave you alone, where Sugn might . . . pester you.”
She shook her head, astonished. “What of Àed and Bedelia. They’re trying to find her. Has she eluded them?”
“I do not know,” he replied. “She asked to meet with you . . . alone. Far from prying ears.”
Her thoughts slowly caught up with her. “And you wanted to see if she told the truth about the ring, to see if you could trust her?”
He nodded, his expression unreadable.
“But why?” she pressed. “Why would you want me to meet with her after all she has done?”
His hands dropped from her arms. He sighed, “Because she seems to value your life more than you do.”
Her jaw dropped. When she could find the words to speak, she blurted, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! Of course I value my life.”
He shook his head. “You will lose yourself to your magic just to defeat Oighear and An Fiach. You would rather die than have the same fate befall Ealasaid. Everyone else has left us, and I feel I am the only one to ensure your survival, yet I am not a powerful sorceress. Nor am I the Ceàrdaman. If powerful forces want to keep you alive, then I can no longer consider them enemies.”
Her heart ached with betrayal. Did he trust her so little? She wanted to argue with him, to tell him she would never be so foolish as to sacrifice herself . . . but . . . could she truly argue? She knew the Cavari would not follow her indefinitely. She knew once she granted them their full magic, they would find a way to kill her without losing it again. Yet, she was willing to do it to save her friends, even if it meant her demise.
“I will meet with Keiren,” she breathed, “if only to learn her intent, and encourage her to meet with Bedelia and Àed.”
His shoulders slumped in relief. “I will try to arrange for you to have . . . privacy.”
She nodded, her chest welling with mixed emotions. Truly, she would have wanted to meet with Keiren in any circumstance. She wanted to ask her why. Why had she tried forcing her to share her immortality? Why had she turned Ealasaid against her? It was time for answers, and she finally felt confident she could persuade Keiren to give them to her.
Though her emotions were still conflicted, she knew something else for sure. Iseult loved her too much to let her make the decisions that needed to be made. He was right, though she desired life, she would gladly sacrifice herself to ensure the safety of those she cared about. She had accepted long ago that the only way to eliminate the Cavari would be to seal away both her magic, and theirs, before they could kill her. She might well die in the process, or she might die in the coming battle, but she would not allow others to die in her stead.
Iseult loved her too much to accept that, and so, she would have to enact her plans without him.
He watched her face as she reached her conclusion, though what his thoughts were, she did not know. She stood up on her toes, leaning her palms against his chest to kiss his cheek.
She would keep him safe, no matter the cost.
Chapter Ten
After an evening meal with Ealasaid and the others, and a long discussion where information had been freely exchanged, Anna had finally been allowed to rest. Unfortunately, sleep had eluded her. She rose with the sun, unable to remain cooped up with her thoughts.
She emerged from her foreign room and headed toward the courtyard to witness preparations. As she entered the grassy expanse, she could not believe how many mages Ealasaid had gathered. Had they been hiding in the countryside all along, or had many experienced a wakening of power once magic returned along with Finn?
She walked through the damp grass, supposing it didn’t matter. Things would continue to happen with or without explanation, and as always, she seemed to be caught in the middle. If Kai intended to stay and fight, and wait for Finn, then she would too.
She could also admit, if only to herself, that Kai was not the only reason she remained. This was the first place Eywen would look for her upon his return, though she knew she shouldn’t concern herself with such thoughts. Even if they’d formed some sort of strange bond, he was an immortal Faie warrior, and she was human. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about him outliving her since they’d probably both die within the next few days.
She caught sight of a fluffy blonde head of hair and changed her course. While she’d never been close to Ealasaid, a friendly face was better than none.
Ealasaid spotted her as she approached, offering a wave before turning back to her conversation with a dark-haired mage. As Anna reached them, the mage gave her a polite nod, then hurried away.
Ealasaid turned toward her, her face, hair, and heavy purple cloak glistening with morning mist, making it clear she’d been outside since dawn. “My scouts have returned with information on An Fiach’s position,” she explained before Anna could question her, then turned to walk toward the gates, gesturing for Anna to walk by her side. “They believe they will reach us tomorrow evening, or perhaps the next morning. If you intend to return to Finn, you should leave today.”
Anna shook her head, taking a deep breath of rain-scented air. “We’re staying here. There’s no reason for us to leave when Finn already intends on coming here to protect you from An Fiach.”
Anna noted the momentary slump in Ealasaid’s shoulders before she forced her back to straighten. “I’m such a fool,” she admitted. “I knew how Keiren had used Bedelia, and I allowed her to use me as well. I should have never told Finn to stay away.”
Anna shrugged, unsure of why Ealasaid would confide in her of all people. “You cannot be blamed. You are a part of that cursed prophecy, after all. Three queens, one will live, two must die.” She waggled her fingers in the air with a flourish. “You’re just trying not to die.”
Ealasaid stopped walking, turned, and stared up at her.
Anna shifted uncomfortably. “What?”
Ealasaid shook her head, a small smile forming on her l
ips. “Nothing, it’s just that no one else has managed to put it so succinctly. I don’t want to die, and I don’t want my mages to die simply for being what they are. It’s quite simple when you think of it that way.”
Anna nodded. “Yes, and Finn doesn’t want to die, nor does she want any of us to die. Funny, so many of us do not want to die or kill, yet we are all going to war.”
Ealasaid sighed, then started walking again. “Sometimes war is needed for change, and it has little to do with a prophecy.”
Anna followed at her side, but did not speak. She’d always cared little for war, or the fate of the land at large. As long as she could earn enough coin and have a bit of adventure while she was at it, she didn’t care if the rest of the world burned. It made her current situation seem all the more ridiculous.
Ealasaid stopped at the gates, then waved up to a gray-haired woman standing atop the adjoining parapet. It took Anna a moment to realize it was Slàine, the assassin who’d informed them of the prophecy in the first place.
“Surprised to see her still around,” Anna muttered as Slàine waved back, then headed toward wall’s edge into an internal tower, where stairs led down to the courtyard.
Ealasaid turned to Anna with mischief glittering in her eyes. “Well she’s technically my mother by way of marriage now, so I believe I’m stuck with her.”
Anna’s jaw dropped. She hadn’t thought of it that way. Ealasaid, sweet, soft-spoken Ealasaid, had officially married into a guild of ruthless assassins.
Having descended the tower, Slàine reached them. “Nothing new to report,” she informed, “the army still marches in our direction. Have you managed any contact with Finnur?”
Anna watched the conversation curiously, surprised Slàine would encourage Ealasaid to contact the woman who might mean her end, if the prophecy were to be believed.
Ealasaid shook her head. “No, not yet.”
Slàine cast Anna a wary look, then turned back to Ealasaid. “When will you try again? We must know what she plans. I do not want to be surprised during the battle with An Fiach.”
Ah, Anna thought, now Slàine’s concern made more sense. “I might have a way to contact her,” she stated, hoping it would not be a mistake to share information in front of Slàine.
Both women turned their eyes to her.
“The Pixies,” she explained. “If I leave the burgh, I may be able to locate a flock. They will carry word to Finn.”
Slàine sucked her teeth. “So the Faie truly obey her command?”
Anna nodded, nearly mentioning what Eywen had said about the Faie drawing power from Finn. She bit her tongue. She might be willing to relay such information to Ealasaid, but not in front of Slàine.
“Why didn’t Kai mention this sooner?” Ealasaid interjected.
“He wouldn’t have known where to find them,” she explained. “The Pixies followed Eywen and I here while we searched for Kai so that we might communicate with Finn if need be.”
“Eywen?” Slàine questioned suspiciously.
Anna held back. There was no good way of telling Ealasaid she’d . . . befriended one of the Aos Sí. Not when others had killed so many of her mages. “A friend,” she explained. “He moved on to other business once we reached the burgh.”
Seeming to accept her answer, Slàine turned her attention to Ealasaid. “It is your choice on the . . . Pixes,” she said like the word was foreign to her tongue, “but I would advise against sharing any of your plans with Finn.” She turned to Anna, “If the Pixies will report back to you, however, they might be of more use.”
“Do it,” Ealasaid decided, her gray eyes intent on Anna. “Even if they have no information to share, I’d like to call a truce between Finn and I. Can you go now? I’ll find you an escort so the guards do not question you at the gates.”
Anna nodded. “I’d like to bring Kai with me. I believe there are some . . . things, he’d like to say to Finn.”
“I’ll go with them,” Slàine interrupted, then turned her attention to Anna. “Are you ready? We can fetch Kai on the way.”
Anna raised a brow at her. “You’re not just going to take us out into the woods and kill us, are you?”
Slàine didn’t smile. “Not unless you mean harm toward my new daughter.”
Anna’s eyes widened. She was a skilled fighter, but she’d seen Slàine in battle. They were at the very least evenly matched.
“I wouldn’t touch a hair on her precious head,” she assured with a smirk, patting Ealasaid’s curls for emphasis.
Ealasaid sighed. “Something tells me I’ll regret putting you two together.” She turned to Anna. “Please tell Finn I desire to rebuild our friendship. She is welcome here.”
“I’ll tell her,” she assured. She turned to Slàine. “It may take time to locate the Pixies, just so you are aware. You may want to make preparations while I rouse Kai.”
Slàine nodded. “My people are properly trained. They will continue battle preparations without me.”
Anna had no doubt that was the truth. “In that case, I will try to rouse Kai quickly. We’ll meet you at the gates.”
Slàine smirked. “I’ll come with you, otherwise I’ll just be standing around.”
Anna sighed, gave a final nod to the clearly worried Ealasaid, then led the way toward the lodgings with Slàine in tow.
Once Ealasaid was out of sight, Anna whispered, “It seems you do not trust me.”
Slàine smiled, walking casually at Anna’s side. “And do you trust me?”
She frowned. “I suppose not.”
Slàine continued to smile. “Then we’re even, you and I. So show me these Pixies, show me that you do not mean to betray Ealasaid, and I’ll make sure you do not die in the battle to come.”
Anna’s face reddened at the subtle threat. She resisted a clever retort. Slàine did command the assassins after all. It would not be difficult to end Anna’s life in the fray of battle. She knew when situations warranted caution, and this was one of them. Fortunately, she had no intent of betraying Ealasaid, at least not currently. Now, if it came to choosing between Eala and Kai, or Eywen, or even Finn, well, then she and Slàine might have some issues to work out.
Óengus sat in an expansive field, halfway between Oighear’s domain and Finnur’s. He ate a fresh apple he’d plucked from a nearby orchard, though the fruit was small and bitter, a testament to the poor harvest this season.
Beside him waited the leon gheimhridh, Oihear’s prized mount, who had indeed carried him faster than any horse ever could. He’d be able to reach Finnur the next day, using the creature’s instincts to track her.
He moved to take another bite of his apple, then something thrummed in his satchel. Curious, he tossed the apple aside, then sifted through his few belongings to find one of two crystals that resided there. Instead of the crystal which linked him to Oighear, like expected, his fingers found the one linking him to Keiren. He withdrew it, then peered down at its translucent surface, thrumming with magical energy.
He lifted it to his lips. “Have you reconsidered Oighear’s offer?” he questioned.
“Hardly,” Keiren’s voice replied.
“Then what do you want?” he growled. Truly, he could not wait for the day when Oighear ended Keiren’s miserable existence.
“I want to finally give you that which you seek,” her voice answered. “We are very close to having both our wishes fulfilled.”
He smiled. So Keiren wanted to help him after all. Unfortunately for her, he preferred the option of Oighear killing her. Of course, if he met with her now, he could learn whatever information she had, then he might try killing her himself.
“Where shall we meet?” he inquired.
He could practically feel her gloating smile hovering over the crystal he’d given her. “Continue on your course. I’ll find you at dusk.” The magic seeped out of the crystal, turning it into a benign object once more.
He turned to find Oighear’s leon gheimhridh watching h
im, as if it had understood every word.
“Do not worry,” he said to the beast, “I will not betray your mistress.” He chuckled to himself. “Far from it.”
Keiren waited right where she knew Óengus would end up. Her sight might fail her when it came to the Ceàrdaman, but mortal men like Óengus were as predictable as they came.
It also did not pass her notice, as she lounged with her back against a large oak tree, that she had not needed to venture far from where she met Iseult. Óengus was coming to offer either Finn or Iseult a deal. She needed to see to it that his plan did not interfere with hers.
She sensed the massive cat-like creature a moment before it appeared, with Óengus atop its back, his silver hair coordinating nicely with the creature’s silvery white coat.
She did not rise as the creature scented the air, then turned and stalked toward her. She would not show fear in the face of such a beast, simply because she could not stand granting Óengus the satisfaction.
Reaching her, Óengus smirked, then deftly dismounted the beast.
Finally, Keiren stood, refusing to cast a wary glance at the giant white cat.
“What do you want?” Óengus questioned. “I haven’t much time to spare you.”
“Off to speak with Finnur?” she questioned. “Don’t tell me Oighear actually hopes to make an alliance with her now.”
Óengus’ nearly white eyes did not give his intentions away, not even with the slightest flicker. “What do you want?” he asked again.
She smiled, hoping the expression appeared pleasant and not like a snarl. “I had a visit with one of the Ceàrdaman,” she explained, gliding forward to close the distance between them. “I learned some highly interesting information about who must win this war.”
Óengus raised a silver brow at her. “Oh? Do continue.”
“You see,” she smoothly continued, resisting her urge to pace. If she started pacing, he’d know just how agitated she was. “The Travelers and I have been sharing information because we want the same thing. This thing will help you too, though you may not believe me at this point.”
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