The Dragon Bard (Dragon of the Island)

by Mary Gillgannon

  Or, perhaps her family carried a message to her when they came to hear him perform, Bridei thought with a stab of regret. Dessia had resisted the idea of inviting everyone to Cahermara for a celebration. He’d pushed her to agree, and inadvertently given O’Bannon the opportunity to find a way into Cahermara and abduct her.

  Yet O’Bannon was not as clever as Bridei had once thought. Having used Beatha and Emer to gain his ends, the chieftain then rejected them. O’Bannon must think that as women they were too unimportant to worry about. It was a foolish outlook, and a mistake Bridei intended to use to his advantage.

  “Do have any other questions?” he asked Emer.

  “I’m certain I will,” she responded. “But I can’t think of any of them right now.”

  “Then I’m going to see to the other details of my plan.” Bridei drew near to Emer. “I think you are very brave to help me, Emer. I won’t forget what you’ve done, and neither will Dessia. We’ll make certain you’re rewarded.”

  Emer’s eyes narrowed and she pursed her mouth sourly. “Of course, you make promises to me now, since you’re trying to convince me. That doesn’t mean I’ll ever be repaid.”

  “Listen to me,” Bridei said sternly. “Lady Dessia is a woman of honor, and she has always rewarded those loyal to her. I vow upon my life, she won’t forget how you’ve helped her.”

  Having reassured Emer, Bridei left the guest house and started toward the kitchen. He had much to do in the next few hours if he was to honor his promise to Dessia. “Be with me now, Lady Rhiannon,” he whispered under his breath, “Grant me good fortune as you have so many times before.”

  * * *

  Bridei watched the crowd gather in O’Bannon’s hall and tried to calm himself. A flock of tiny swallows seemed to be swooping and dipping inside his belly. He kept thinking about everything that could go wrong with his plan. Emer might decide not to help them, out of fear of O’Bannon. She might be observed and stopped before she was able to free Dessia. The guards at the gate might prevent Dessia from leaving. Dermot might not fall ill from the tainted food Maeve had prepared for him. Or, Dermot might sense something was amiss and refuse to eat it. The guard at the gate could recall that a woman he thought was Emer had left earlier in the evening and become suspicious when she saw her leaving with Bridei.

  Bridei took a deep breath. He’d done all he could. Now Dessia’s fate—and the fate of Emer and himself as well—was in the hands of the Goddess.

  Despite his reassurances to himself, Bridei couldn’t eat. Instead, he took out his harp and began to tune it, holding it to his ear as he plucked the strings, so the noise in the hall didn’t interfere. He’d decided he would do as he did last night and sing a few songs before he began the tale, then drag out the story until it was very late. He needed to give Emer as much time as possible to get Dessia away.

  As Bridei tuned the harp, he glanced over to where Dermot sat next to the other warriors near the hearth. Dermot appeared nervous, as well he might. given his own plan. Was he too nervous to eat? Again, Bridei fought back the waves of dread that seemed to clutch his belly, and began to strum the harp. The crowd quieted. Bridei began to sing.

  Chapter 20

  As he had the night before, Bridei chose a lively tune to begin his performance. He followed it with another rousing song that got them clapping. As he played and sang, Bridei kept an eye Dermot see if he was eating. Maeve had promised to lace Dermot’s food with an herb that would cause violent stomach cramps. Bridei worried the warrior would taste the herb and not eat enough for it to have an effect. Getting Dermot of the way was crucial.

  With effort, Bridei forced his gaze away and told himself he must trust in the Goddess. He wouldn’t think about all the things that could go wrong; instead he would concentrate on making his performance so enthralling no one would want to leave the hall.

  Finishing the second song, he began another. Although many people were clearly enjoying the music, others seemed to be growing restless. When he paused at the end of the song, someone called out, “The tale! Tell us the rest of the tale!”

  Bridei smiled and inclined his head. Setting aside his harp, he began. He told the tale of Arthur’s adult life, embellishing as he went along, making a legend out of the high king’s accomplishments. All the while, Bridei kept an eye on Dermot. For a long time nothing happened, then all at once the warrior grew pale and began to shift uneasily in his seat. When he got up abruptly and left the hall, Bridei knew this was his chance. He let his voice fade and grow hoarse. Casting a regretful glance around the hall, he said, “There’s more to Arthur’s tale, but I’m afraid my throat is sore and I’m not able to continue. Perhaps Lord O’Bannon will allow me to stay another night so I can finish.” He inclined his head to the chieftain.

  Conflicting emotions warred on O’Bannon’s face. It was clear a part of him wanted to chastise Bridei for not finishing as he’d promised. But it was also obvious he’d enjoyed the tale as much as anyone and was eager for the rest of it. “One more night, I’ll grant you,” he finally said. “But no more.”

  Bridei put his harp into the leather bag he carried it in, then stood. Although he wanted to leave immediately and find Emer, he forced himself to be patient and respond cordially to the people who came up to speak to him. Behave as you usually would, he told himself. Don’t let anyone guess you’re anxious to leave.

  The questions people had for him seemed to drag on. Then all at once, he looked up and saw Emer. She gave a slight nod, and his heart leaped in his chest. He smiled at those gathered around and said, “If you will forgive me, I promised to escort Emer home.”

  As the warmth vanished from people’s faces. Bridei felt pity for Emer. No wonder she was so eager to leave this place. The people here seemed to despise her. Pretending not to notice the change in mood, Bridei bid everyone goodnight. Then he went to where Emer waited. “All is well?” he murmured under his breath.

  “Aye. So far,” she responded.

  They left the hall and started toward the gate. “Have you seen Dermot?” Bridei asked, again in a near whisper.

  “Aye. He was headed toward the midden when I saw him. Clutching his belly, he was.” Bridei saw the flash of Emer’s teeth as she smiled. He had to repress a guffaw himself. Maeve had done exactly as he’d asked and gotten Dermot out of the way.

  But there was one more trial ahead of them. They had to get safely out of the hillfort.

  The gate was closed, which Bridei had expected this time of night. But it made things trickier as they would have to get the guard to open it. “Hullo,” he called up to the gatehouse. “Can you come down here and help me open the gate?”

  They could hear the guard coming down the ladder. “O’Bannon said nothing about anyone leaving this night,” he grumbled. Reaching the ground, he grabbed one of the torches from its bracket and held it up. “What’s this? The bard? And you . . .” The guard drew in his breath as he recognized Emer.

  “Now you can understand why we’re leaving,” Bridei responded in crisp tones. “O’Bannon allowed Emer to listen to my performance, but now he wants her gone.”

  The guard’s gaze veered back to Bridei. “What’s your part in this?”

  “I said I would escort her home. I have no reason to dislike her. Whatever happened between her and O’Bannon is no concern of mine.”

  “She let the lord’s wife die, is what happened. Or, perhaps I should say she killed her.”

  “Many women perish in childbirth,” Bridei responded. “I doubt it was her fault.” He motioned. “If you want her gone, then open the gate.”

  “And what of you? Why are you going with her?”

  “She gave me a tinsane for my throat. As payment, I said I would make certain nothing happened to her during her visit to Dun Cullan.”

  “As soon as I see the back of her, she’ll be safe enough. There’s no reason for you to escort her home.”

  “I gave Emer my word, and I mean to keep it. I don’t see what conc
ern it is of yours if I escort the lady home.”

  “Something might happen to you, is all. Then we’d never hear the rest of your tale.”

  Bridei smiled and made a casual gesture. “I’m not as helpless as I appear. I have a knife with me. I think it would suffice against most threats.”

  Would this guard ever let them pass? Bridei felt his stomach squeeze with anxiety. It worried him that the guard had taken so much notice of them leaving. Now, when Bridei didn’t return, the man might think something had happened to him and raise the alarm. He had to prevent this. All at once it came to him. He leaned near to the guard and whispered, “The truth is, the woman has promised to make it worth my while if I see her home. It’s likely I won’t be back until morning . . . if you understand my meaning.”

  The guard drew back, appearing startled. “Her? I can’t believe it. When I left the hall to begin guard duty, half the women there looked to be yours for the asking.”

  Bridei shrugged. “Every man has his own taste, and I happen to favor redheads.”

  The guard gaped openly at Emer, then shook his head. “Your taste in women is very strange, bard. But do what you will.” He went to open the gate.

  As soon as they were through it, Emer muttered. “Did you have to make me look like a slut?”

  “Well, I had to give some reason why I wouldn’t be returning to the hillfort this night. Besides, if all goes as planned, you’ll never have to see him again.”

  “Aye, I suppose that’s true,” Emer said. “If we get away, that is.”

  “I mean to do my best,” Bridei said. “Come now, we must hurry. I want to be far from here by daylight.”

  Bridei was ready to run all the way to forest, but in deference to Emer, he kept to a fast walk. “So, all went well in freeing her?” he asked as they hurried along.

  “Aye. The rope was where you said it would be, and she climbed out easily. I presume she made it through the gate, although I didn’t stay to see.”

  “She must have left early enough that there was a different guard at the gate than the one we spoke to. That was a stroke of good fortune.”

  “I was a bit worried when I saw how much taller she is than I am,” Emer said. “But she must have gotten out. If she’d been discovered, we would have known it.”

  “Aye,” Bridei agreed. He imagined one of the warriors dragging Dessia into the hall and explaining she’d tried to get out of the hillfort by pretending to be Emer. If that had happened, he felt certain he and Emer would now both be dead. Thank you, Great Queen Rhiannon. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me.

  He quickened his pace, and Emer hurried after him. At last they reached the woods. As they entered the darkened forest, Bridei called out, “Dessia? Are you here?”

  For a few terrible seconds, there was no answer. Then he heard rustling noises and Dessia called out, “Aye. I am here.”

  Bridei rushed to her and pulled her into his arms. “Ah, cariad,” he sighed. “So long I have waited for this.”

  “Oh, aye,” she murmured, nuzzling her face against his. “I thought I would never see you again.”

  They stood entwined for a few moments, and Bridei savored the almost unbearable joy and relief of holding her close. Nothing felt better than this, to feel her next to him.

  “Shouldn’t we leave now?” Emer asked in an anxious voice. “What if they come after us?”

  “Emer is right,” Bridei said, gently disengaging himself from Dessia. “If we’re going to get away, we have to hurry.” He grabbed Dessia’s hand and started out of the forest.

  “Where are we going?” Dessia asked.

  “To get horses.”

  “What of me?” Emer asked in a shrill voice.

  Bridei grabbed her arm with his free hand. “You’re coming with us, as I promised.”

  This was dream, thought Dessia as she raced along beside Bridei. She’d begun to think she would die in that awful place. But there were still many challenges ahead of them. They had to get back to Cahermara before O’Bannon discovered they were missing. Then they had to deal with his inevitable attack. Although she’d fought in many skirmishes, she’d never defended a hillfort.

  It was a clear night, with a half moon and myriad stars. She was impressed that Bridei seem to know exactly where he was going. He led them to stone enclosure, then opened the wooden gate and went inside. Dessia heard Bridei whistle softly. A short while later, to Dessia’s amazement, he came out of the pen leading a horse. “We’ll have to ride bareback,” he said. “I was able to sneak bridles out of the stables, but I knew I’d never manage saddles.”

  Dessia nodded wordlessly. He’d seemingly thought of everything.

  “That’s Cahir,” Emer said in awed tones. “Tiernan’s stallion.”

  “Aye,” Bridei responded. “Having him with us will make it easy to get one of the mares.”

  “But how did you get him to come to you?” Emer asked. “Everyone I know is afraid of him.”

  “I spent a lot of time with horses when I was a slave,” Bridei answered. “I learned how to talk to them.”

  Dessia was also stunned. She’d never guessed Bridei had these sorts of skills.

  “Come on,” Bridei said. “We need to get one of the mares and be off.”

  They went to a different pasture where the other horses were kept. “Here,” Bridei said, holding out Cahir's reins to Dessia.

  Gazing at the large, strong animal, she suddenly felt afraid. “It’s been years and years since I’ve ridden,” she said.

  “It will come back to you,” he said. “Besides you aren’t going to ride this animal, merely hold the reins while I fetch a mare for you.”

  Swallowing hard, Dessia took the reins. Bridei disappeared into the shadowy darkness. They heard his soft whistle. “It’s like magic,” Emer said.

  Dessia nodded. She’d acquired a reputation as sorceress, but it was Bridei who could do extraordinary things.

  The stallion whickered behind Dessia. A short while later, Bridei appeared leading a light-colored horse. As the two horses greeted each other, Bridei said, “Come here, Dessia. I’ll help you mount.”

  “What about the stallion?”

  “Drop the reins. He’ll stay here with the mare.” Dessia did as Bridei asked. He moved behind her and boosted her onto the mare’s back. Handing her the reins, he said, “Just hold them loosely. The mare should follow the stallion without you having to guide her.”

  Dessia nodded wordlessly. Her whole body felt taut. When she’d ridden horses as a girl, it had never seemed like such a long way to the ground.

  “Relax,” Bridei said. “You’re making the mare nervous.”

  Dessia willed her stiff muscles to ease.

  “What of me?” Emer asked.

  “You’ll ride with me,” Bridei said. “Come on. I’ll help you up.”

  “I don’t know if I can do it!” Emer’s voice was squeaky with fright.

  “Of course you can,” Bridei reassured her. “I’ll be right behind you.” He boosted Emer up, then mounted behind her. “See,” he said. “Nothing to it.”

  Dessia wished fervently that she was the one riding in front of Bridei, feeling his strong arms around her. She told herself not to be such a little mouse. This was much better than being imprisoned in an underground chamber. Bridei clicked his tongue and the stallion started off. As he’d predicted, Dessia’s mount followed easily.

  Bridei guided the stallion back to the forest, then skirted the edge of the woods. He kept the animal to a walk at first, then when they reached open country, urged the stallion into a trot. Dessia’s horse followed. Bouncing along on the animal’s back, Dessia at first felt sick with dread. Then, gradually, as she realized she hadn’t fallen off, her panic began to ease.

  I’m free, she thought. And I’m riding, something I haven’t done in years. Exhilaration began to replace her dread. She started to get comfortable on the horse, to relax and let her body merge with the animal’s. At last, she
had the courage to urge the mare next to Bridei’s mount. “How long before they come after us?” she asked.

  “With luck, they won’t discover you’re missing until late tomorrow. That is, if Dermot has done what he said and given Druim something to sicken him.”

  “Why would Dermot do that?” Dessia asked.

  “It’s part of his scheme. His plan was to have me take you some poisoned wine. Then he was going to murder me, and tell O’Bannon he’d caught me in the act of poisoning you. He wanted to make certain Druim didn’t discover what had happened.”

  “Why did he think you would want to kill me?” Dessia asked.

  “I told him how you’d imprisoned me.”

  “Oh, Bridei, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I should have trusted you.”

  “It worked out well enough. As I told you before, if I’d been free at the time you were abducted, I’d have probably done something rash and gotten myself killed, just as Keenan did.”

  “Poor Keenan,” Dessia said sadly.

  “Aye. Although I never much liked the man, I didn’t wish him dead.”

  Having an experienced warrior like Keenan around would have been very helpful in regaining Cahermara, Dessia thought. But she didn’t express her thoughts. She didn’t want Bridei to think she didn’t trust him to protect her. After all, he’d rescued her when she’d thought her circumstances utterly hopeless.

  “Poor Aife,” said Dessia. “I’m certain she’s heartbroken.’

  “Aye. She is that.”

  “I can imagine what she’s going through,” she added. “If anything happened to you, I don’t know how I would go on.”

  “I’m certain you’d manage.” Bridei spoke in a strangely jesting tone. Dessia was confused. She was trying to tell him how much she loved him and he was making light of it. Why? Was it because he didn’t want to discuss such things in front of Emer?

  Dessia regarded the young woman with narrowed eyes. What was Emer to Bridei? She’d obviously been his accomplice in arranging her escape. What exactly had Bridei done to gain her cooperation?