by Taylor Leigh
‘So we have.’ Flynn’s mind worked rapidly to figure out where Drugai was going, how he could gain the upper hand.
Drugai’s eyes glowed in the firelight with a feral shine. ‘But I am a reasonable man. I know when to put aside petty discrepancies in order to conquer a bigger problem.’
‘And just what problem would that be?’ Flynn asked.
‘I think you know. The people of the loch have been encroaching further and further into your territory. They’ve even taken over the old fortress in the forest.’ He adopted a thoughtful look. ‘Now, what do you propose to do about that?’
Flynn tried to keep from shifting uncomfortably. How did Drugai know all of this? ‘I do not think that is something we need to be discussing. It is our problem and we’ll handle it as such.’
Drugai slapped his powerful thigh, grinning widely. ‘If you actually had a strategy I wouldn’t argue with you! The truth is, my friend, you have no plan. You and your little friends,’ he eyed Story, ‘are playing war games with the Tartan’s children in the wood. You broke the treaty with them but are lost when it comes to actual warfare!’
Flynn did not allow his face to show emotion. Drugai had touched on the exact thing Flynn did not want him to know: he was in over his head with the Tartans. His inexperience was showing worse than he thought. ‘So, you obviously know a great deal about our situation. You still haven’t told me why you are here.’
Drugai smirked. ‘Isn’t it obvious? I am offering you the opportunity to join forces!’
Dead silence.
Flynn could almost hear the uncomfortable shifting of those around him. He swallowed. Join forces with the Blaiden? The two clans had been at each other’s throats since the beginning of time. The Blaiden were formidable warriors, to be sure, but could they be trusted? Absolutely not.
‘Why do you care? This isn’t your war. What’s in it for you?’ he asked, throat clicking drily.
Drugai bared his pointed teeth. ‘Your father is dead, Flynn. It is time for you to accept that and move on. It is time for you to abandon the practices of old and envision something new! A world of Wolves and Druid living together without the Tartans! I have a plan and the manpower to get rid of those men. For ever. I don’t even need your help. All I ask is one thing.’
Flynn swallowed. ‘And that is?’
‘That when we join, it be permanent. Forget the boundaries of old and reject the ancient prejudices! We are the new rulers of this forest and we can work together for the good of both clans! Let your clans open up to ours and we shall coexist.’
Flynn blinked. ‘You want to move into our territory?’ His eyes darted to Story’s. She did not move, but her eyes grew wider in warning.
Drugai leant in closer to Flynn. ‘Precisely. Let your land be ours, and ours yours. Let us hunt the same ground and share the same pain. Together. Without the interference of the Tartans ever again.’
Flynn took a breath. ‘Can you really do it? Can you truly destroy them?’
Drugai chuckled. ‘This time next year they will be nothing but memories.’
Flynn felt his heart ache. It was wrong. Wrong in every way to accept these terms, but what choice did he have? The Tartans were moving in steadily and soon the Druid way of life would be gone. But the Blaiden? He knew of the destruction they caused. They were like a sickness. Their forbidden land to the south was one of fear and stink. How could he allow them into the forest? He gazed up into Drugai’s eyes, feeling ill, and realised he had no choice. Drugai had already made up his mind. The forest was his and he wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer. So, quietly, Flynn said, ‘I accept.’
Drugai smiled broadly. He snapped his fingers and one of his men came forward with a goblet carved from bone. Drugai took it from the man and opened a small pouch. Flynn watched nervously as Drugai crushed a yellow powder into the goblet. Flynn’s eyes darted to the black lips of the men, to their bilious eyes. He’d heard about the powerful drinks they made for their ceremonies. Drinks that caused them to see things, go mad. He knew that was what he was faced with now.
‘Perfect,’ Drugai grinned at Flynn. He shoved the goblet forward. ‘Drink to it!’
Shakily, Flynn did.
* * * * *
The lodge was a beautiful, rustic building holding a level of comfort and light unknown to Victoria. She was amazed how open the rooms were, how many windows and fireplaces there were, and how freely everyone moved about. People who appeared to be complete strangers and definitely nothing more than common villagers were always tramping through the main hallway, using it as an excuse to get out of the rain.
The building was two storeys with a wrap-round veranda, had a mess hall, rooms with running water and a comfortable sitting area with a fireplace. Most rooms housed random lodgers, including now, her.
Victoria was on the ground level in a small room with a feather bed covered in deep quilts and cedar plank walls and furniture. She could hardly get over the rich, wonderful smell. The air was so sharp and clean compared to home. The view she had caused her to catch her breath every time she glanced out. The lake and harbour were just visible beyond the village. She could see the masts of ships swaying, like trees in a forest. Up above, Scrabia shone brightly, caught in a web of the golden lights Molly had described.
The lake itself was beautiful, blue-grey and calm. The far side was shrouded in low clouds. She could hardly believe she had been there earlier in the day. Everything seemed so distant now.
A knock came to her door.
Victoria dashed across the bare board floor to answer it. How odd for her, a captive, to have people knocking!
Molly stood on the other side, hands combing through her hair. ‘Ah, I’m not disturbing you, am I?’
Victoria smiled. ‘No, I was just admiring the view.’
Molly’s blue eyes shifted past her towards the window. ‘Nice, isn’t it? I’ve lived here my whole life and I still find myself gazing at it. Being in the forest is nice, but I’ll always prefer this side of the lake better.’
She swallowed. ‘Can I ask you something?’
‘Sure,’ Molly grinned.
‘Why are you over on the other side of the lake?’
Molly nodded. ‘Yeah, that. Well, it’s actually because of Andrew. He’s the reason why we’re over there on the Druid’s land.’
Victoria frowned. ‘I fail to see the connection.’
‘It’s not a very good one, I’m afraid.’ She turned to give Victoria a saddened look. ‘I don’t want you to think that this was my idea. Andrew and I have been protesting it. Encroaching in on the Druid’s territory was a mistake.’ She gestured to the view out the window. ‘We obviously have plenty of land here and no use for the deep forest.’
‘Yes,’ Victoria said slowly. ‘I was actually wondering about that.’
‘It was Matilda’s idea. It started off harmless enough. We used to stay over at the keep; it’s been used for years. I remember playing hide and seek in there when I was young.
‘When I went to stay with the Druids I learned of a spring. A healing spring. A sacred spot for the Druids. I never saw it, only heard of it. It’s where the Druids get the green mud they paint their skin with. It’s supposed to be a well of hot, healing water where the Druids go when they’re sick. I saw people with illnesses come back from the well completely fine. I made the mistake of telling Matilda about it…well, she was obviously excited.’
‘Why? Is she ill?’
Molly shook her head. ‘Not her. Andrew.’
Victoria felt an unwelcome hand of unhappiness clamp around her stomach. Andrew was ill? Yes, she’d seen his odd little turn at the keep the previous night, but ill? She swallowed.
‘Bard led an expedition three years ago, and we’ve been looking ever since. We’ve been there for years, but so far we’ve found nothing. I’ve never approved of it and neither has Andrew. Fighting over land just to save one life, he says, seems ridiculous. Andrew says he’s accepted his fate, but
he seems to be the only one around here who has.’ She let out a deep breath. ‘His condition is hard for all of us to accept. Andrew may be one of the most egotistical people you’ll ever meet, but he’s also one of the most amazing people I’ll ever know. No-one wants anything to happen to him.’
‘I don’t think I blame Matilda. If Andrew is that important to you all, then isn’t it worth it, trying to help him get better?’ The hand around her insides inexplicably tightened.
‘Important enough to have two groups of people at each other’s throats? I know that’s not what he wants. He’d rather die than be responsible for that. He’s said maybe things would go back to normal then.’
Victoria shuddered. ‘Have you tried just asking the Druids for use of the spring?’
Molly let out a laugh. ‘The spring is their most sacred spot. They trusted me and they wouldn’t even let me there. And that was back when the old leader was in charge. Now things are so tense we can hardly speak to each other without violence. No. There is no way that is a possibility.’
‘Is Andrew’s condition that bad?’ Victoria asked timidly. She didn’t want to know the answer.
‘That’s something I better not talk about.’ Molly averted her eyes. ‘Well, I didn’t come here just to gab about the view, or all of our problems. I would offer you a tour right now but it’s going dark and dinner’s on. I was just coming to get you. Most everyone has already eaten so we’ve got the dining hall almost completely to ourselves.’
Victoria glanced back out the window. It was misting finely. She was honestly glad not to be out in it, touring the place. ‘Sounds lovely. Let’s go.’
Molly led her down the guest hall till they reached the sitting area. There was a huge fire blazing in the enormous stone fireplace, which was surrounded by a small group of people. They were reclining deep in animated talk and drinking heartily. Victoria noticed Bard and Matilda among them, laughing merrily.
‘Ah! Finally managed to coax her out of her room, then? Good! Get that girl something to eat!’ Bard cried, pushing himself up from his relaxed position on his oversized chair.
Matilda grimaced slightly. ‘I hope our food isn’t too different from yours, dear. I pray you like it!’
‘I’m sure it’s wonderful,’ Victoria said with another curtsy.
Molly guided Victoria into the dining hall. It was nearly empty but it was noisy, mainly due to Tollin and Thedric, who sounded like they were having a rather exciting conversation.
‘And you went walking out there like that?’ Tollin cried as they walked in, scandalised.
Thedric burst out laughing. ‘Worst day of my life!’
Molly sat down. Victoria realised, dismayed, that the only seat available once again was next to Andrew. She sat down timidly.
‘Molly! Victoria!’ Tollin greeted them loudly. ‘Glad you finally emerged from your room!’
Victoria offered Tollin a tight smile. She had an inkling feeling that Tollin had somehow arranged for her to have to sit next to Andrew.
‘I see you’ve cleaned yourself up,’ Andrew said, startling her. He sniffed. ‘Wearing rose-oil. Your eyes looked better with the makeup. They seem too close together now.’
‘Okay…’ Victoria stammered. She stared down at her lap, trying to hide her annoyance.
Andrew whipped his head back to face Tollin, across the table. ‘And you’ve been out.’ His eyes narrowed. ‘Though doing what…?’
Tollin grinned slyly. ‘Ah, Andrew, merely to confound you. I find no greater pleasure.’
Andrew grunted. ‘As long as it’s nothing nefarious.’
Tollin chuckled. ‘Never.’
Thedric stared at both of them. ‘Bad enough having Andrew around, now we’ve got Tollin. Too many brains for one room!’
‘Well,’ Andrew gave his brother a measured look. ‘We have to make up for the rest of you, don’t we?’
Thedric rolled his eyes and looked away, muttering.
The doors at the far end opened and Nan shuffled into the room bearing plates. She placed one in front of Molly, Victoria and Andrew. Thedric jumped to his feet. ‘Don’t go back, Nan! I’ll go get mine and Tollin’s, thanks!’ He smiled at the older woman and trotted off to the kitchen.
Victoria looked down at her plate. Crab, green leafy vegetables and a yellow, mushy substance were all spread out, steaming hot. Her stomach growled. ‘Looks delicious!’ she breathed.
‘What’s this?’ Andrew sat back.
Nan glowered at him. ‘Can’t you tell?’ her voice was steely.
‘Yes, I can tell what it is, but what have you done to it?’
Nan’s eyes shone dangerously. ‘Nothing.’
Andrew gazed up at her coolly. ‘Oh?’ He gestured to the plate. ‘Everything is touching. It’s an absolute mess!’ He pushed the plate away from him. ‘And not fit to eat.’
Nan opened her mouth, closed it and bit her bottom lip, nostrils flaring. ‘I see.’
‘Take it back,’ Andrew said. ‘You know I’ll only eat it if it’s properly made.’
Nan swiped the plate from the table; she seemed tempted with the idea of dumping it over Andrew’s head, but resisted and went storming back to the kitchen.
‘And don’t just scrape it all onto another plate!’ Andrew called. ‘I’ll know!’
Nan bumped into Thedric coming out of the kitchen with his own plate and Tollin’s. He eyed Andrew’s. ‘Oh, no good is it? Well, can’t let it go to waste!’ He beamed and plucked it from Nan’s hand. He returned to the table, grinning at his doubled meal.
‘So,’ Tollin said. ‘What’s the plan for tomorrow?’ He took a bite of greens.
‘Same as usual,’ Thedric sighed. ‘Guard duty.’
‘Plant gathering for me, just working in the apothecary.’ Molly shrugged.
Tollin nodded. He looked to Andrew, who rolled his eyes irritably. ‘List of my own things, if you must know. I leave for several days and the entire village starts falling apart.’
‘Ah, that’s nice,’ Tollin glanced to Victoria. ‘Well if you need any help, I can think of a good person for you.’
Andrew’s pale eyes slid down to look at Victoria. He let out a tight cough of a laugh. ‘Ah, well, I think I can manage.’
Victoria sighed, food losing its taste in her mouth. She had thought Reginald to be the worst person she’d ever met, but then Andrew had been introduced into her life and she knew how wrong she’d been. Now Tollin was expecting her to work with him. The problem with that was Andrew clearly wanted nothing to do with her. She might as well try to move the mountains.
It took Victoria some time to muster her courage, but by early morning she was up and dressed. She had spent much of her night lying awake, wrestling with the idea of just what she was going to do about her problem with Andrew. She finally decided that the best way to get through to him was to not let him push her around. Andrew seemed the type of person who didn’t like weaklings, but she didn’t know how he felt about someone challenging him either. The thought of the outcome made her nervous, but she decided she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Two could play at that game.
Even though Victoria was up at the break of dawn, she was greatly surprised to see Andrew already up, and clearly for some time. He was in the sitting area in front of a new fire, leaning on his knees and lining up books in front of him from smallest to largest. By the look in his eyes he seemed completely obsessed with the task, and by the pile of books next to him, it appeared he had a long way to go. Victoria watched him for a moment, baffled, and then finally cleared her throat when he didn’t acknowledge her. Andrew’s head jerked up to look at her and his brows came down in a moment of thought before he returned his full attention to his work.
‘Hullo,’ Victoria greeted him, sitting down on a sofa across from his work. ‘Um, what are you doing?’
‘Thinking,’ Andrew said, distracted.
‘Books need rearranging?’
‘What?’
Victoria sigh
ed. ‘Never mind.’
She watched him in silence for a while. He didn’t seem concerned with her; in fact, he seemed to have forgotten her presence completely. The oddness of the situation caught Victoria off guard and she forgot exactly what she had been planning on saying to win his favour. He was obviously in no mood for conversation at the moment and she was beginning to feel a bit awkward by watching him. Perhaps she should just raise the white flag and go back to bed.
The sky outside gradually turned a brighter grey colour and the lake sparkled in the new dawn. Victoria could see a few boats setting out across the water, ready for a day of fishing. The timepiece on the mantel chimed the six-o’clock hour and noises in the lodge began to mark the inhabitants finally stirring. A moment later, Nan walked into the room.
‘For land’s sake, Andrew!’ she hissed, after tripping over a rather large tome. ‘This is not the place for this sort of nonsense! Put these books back on the shelf!’
‘I needed time to think, Nan, and how can I with you blathering on?’ Andrew asked, annoyed. ‘The library is such a mess I wouldn’t even know where to start. Maybe if you did your job and cleaned up around here once and a while I wouldn’t have to resort to coming out here!’
Nan angrily kicked Andrew’s line of books aside.
‘Careful!’ he cried, eyes widening as he watched his work go scattering across the room. He ran his fingers through his blond hair in clear distress.
‘I will have no more of this; do you understand me, young man?’
Andrew sat back heavily, already over the incident. ‘Pshaw! You don’t understand. This place is a mental death-trap for someone like me!’ He rubbed his temples, squeezing his eyes tight.
Nan sighed. ‘Always the same with you. Here.’ She held a piece of paper under his nose. ‘Forgot to give it to you last night. Note from your father. Things that need doing round here. Things that need your special gifts.’
Andrew swiped the paper from her hand and scanned it quickly before tossing it away. ‘Oh this is just insulting!’