Warrior of Ice

by Michelle Willingham

  The girl obeyed. Taryn went to the windows and threw back the shutters, letting in the light and fresh air. Though the morning was cool, the tainted odor of sickness lingered. Better to cast it out and begin anew.

  ‘Good morn to you,’ Taryn greeted Carice, when she stirred at the sunlight. ‘Are you ready for our journey?’

  The woman struggled to sit up. ‘I don’t know if I can move. Last night was...very hard for me.’

  Taryn didn’t doubt that at all. ‘Do you want to break your fast?’

  A pained look came over Carice’s face at the mention of food. ‘Later, perhaps.’

  ‘I sent your maid to prepare a litter for us. You won’t have to ride.’ Secretly, Taryn was thankful that it gave both of them a reason to stay away from the horses.

  ‘I suppose I’ll have to rise and get dressed.’ Carice drew a deep breath and steeled herself.

  In the corner Taryn spied some food that the maid had brought. There was plain dark bread and nothing else. There wasn’t nearly enough to sustain Carice for the journey. She told the young woman, ‘Wait here and I’ll return with more food.’

  She left Carice’s bedchamber and went down the stairs. A servant was about to take a tray of dried apples and meat to the chieftain, but she intercepted the man. ‘I’m going to bring these to the Lady Carice,’ she said, as she took a handful of the apples and a capon wing. The meat and fruit might provide more nourishment.

  Once she returned to the chamber, she found Carice standing in her shift, clutching the bedpost for balance.

  ‘Let me help you dress,’ Taryn said, setting down the food she’d brought. Carice was painfully thin, her bones outlined against her skin. ‘Eat this,’ she ordered, handing her a piece of dried apple. ‘I had some, and it was good.’

  ‘I’m only supposed to eat bread,’ Carice said. But even so, she accepted the apple slice.

  Taryn helped her pull a crimson gown over her head, pulling the laces tight. ‘And who told you that?’

  ‘Our healer. He said that bread was bland enough that it would not make my stomach hurt so much.’

  Though she knew it was none of her affair, Taryn worried about Carice. The young woman wasn’t eating nearly enough to be well. She handed her the capon wing and asked, ‘How long have you been ill?’

  ‘Only during the past two years,’ she admitted. ‘It’s been getting worse.’

  And while it was probable that this was only a wasting sickness, Taryn knew that a chieftain’s daughter could easily be a target of his enemies. ‘You don’t think the healer was trying to harm you by having you eat so little, do you?’

  Carice turned to face her, shaking her head. ‘No. Food was never denied to me, but he thought it might go easier for me if I ate only bread.’

  Taryn hesitated a moment, holding back her uncertainties. ‘I hope you’ll feel better soon.’

  ‘I wish I could,’ Carice said quietly. She broke off a piece of meat and ate it slowly, as if she did not believe it was possible to eat without feeling pain. In her eyes was the quiet resignation of a woman who had already accepted the promise of death.

  While she ate, Taryn picked up a comb and began pulling it through the young woman’s long brown hair. Carice had bound it back, but the curls were tangled, her hair almost brittle.

  Taryn tried to form a loose plait, gently weaving the strands and trying not to pull her hair too hard. When it was done, she tied it off with a bit of ribbon. Carice turned around, and her hollowed eyes held a sudden strength that Taryn hadn’t expected. Despite her thinness, her deep brown hair framed the face of an angel. There was no question which of them was the more beautiful woman.

  And yet, in that moment, Taryn suspected that Carice would trade places with her in a moment. This woman’s days were numbered, and she knew it all too well.

  ‘We will walk below stairs now, and you will help me to the litter. I think I can make it that far.’ She reached out to take Taryn’s arm.

  Taryn kept her steps slow, to make it easier for the woman. Though Carice had to lean heavily upon her, she’d lost so much weight, it was easy for Taryn to assist her. ‘Tell me if you need me to stop.’

  When they reached the doorway, Carice squeezed her hand. ‘Wait a moment.’ She steadied herself and added, ‘You were the answer to a prayer, Taryn. Despite what happens to me after this, I thank you for keeping me from this marriage.’

  ‘I have to save my father’s life. No one else will fight for him.’ She squeezed the woman’s hand in return. ‘You would do the same for Killian, wouldn’t you?’

  At that, Carice smiled. ‘He’s stubborn, proud, and hot-tempered. And though we are not of the same blood, he will always be my brother.’ Her gaze turned curious a moment. ‘You like him, don’t you?’

  Blood rushed to her cheeks. ‘I don’t even know him. And every time I’ve spoken to him, he’s snapped at me.’

  And touched you, her body reminded her. Which you liked very much.

  ‘He’s fiercely loyal, Killian is. The sort of man who would lay down his life for you.’ Carice started walking again and added, ‘But he’s been cast off by so many people, his heart seems made of stone. He lets no one love him, except me. And that is why I am so protective of him. My parents could never have another child—my mother miscarried several times. He’s the only brother I’ll ever have.’

  She softened her tone and added, ‘I know that you will have to wed a nobleman, just as I must. But as Killian’s sister, I’ll warn you that I will claw the eyes out of any woman who hurts him.’ Though she spoke in teasing, undoubtedly the words were true.

  ‘You’ve nothing to fear from me,’ Taryn answered, indicating her scars with a wry smile. She knew there was no danger of anything more than companionship between them. ‘Killian is going to accompany us to Tara.’ She dropped her voice into a low whisper. ‘At least until you are taken away by the MacEgans. We sent my guard to them, just this morning, to deliver the message.’

  Carice nodded her approval. ‘I am glad to hear it. But how did you talk Brian into allowing Killian to come with us? My father rarely listens to my wishes.’

  Taryn felt her face turn crimson. ‘I, ah, lied to him.’

  ‘In what way?’

  She didn’t want to admit the truth, so she hedged, ‘I told him that you wanted Killian to travel with us.’

  At that, Carice stopped short. ‘You must truly believe me to be a fool. I know, full well, that Brian cannot stand Killian’s presence. What was the real reason he agreed?’

  Taryn held her silence, hoping she would not have to say more. But Carice added, ‘We won’t take another step until you tell me.’ There was a hint of fire in the woman’s voice, despite her fragile state. For someone so close to the hand of Death, Carice held a stubbornness that rivalled Killian’s.

  ‘I told the chieftain I wanted your brother to serve me,’ Taryn blurted out. ‘In...every way I wanted him to.’

  Whatever she expected, it wasn’t the snort of laughter that came from Carice. The young woman appeared delighted at the confession. ‘And how did Killian respond to this? That he is to be your servant.’ She was holding her hand to her mouth, her shoulders shaking.

  ‘He wasn’t happy about it. But I knew he wanted to go with us, to watch over you.’

  There was a trace of wickedness in Carice’s eyes. ‘Instead, he has to watch over you.’ She was gleeful, her mood transformed as if she were plotting.

  Taryn said nothing more, but opened the door and helped her towards the stairs. When they reached the spiral steps, she went first, while Carice held on to her shoulder and followed behind.

  ‘You caught Killian’s attention,’ she said to Taryn, halfway down the steps. ‘I saw him watching you. Whether or not he will admit it, he was interested in you.’

  ‘I�
�m not beautiful the way you are,’ she argued. ‘Men are afraid of the way I look.’

  ‘You’re wrong,’ Carice said. ‘For courage holds its own beauty.’

  Chapter Four

  Killian trudged behind the travelling party during the late afternoon, heedless of the miles they had travelled. Taryn had taken his advice, remaining at his sister’s side at all times. It was a dangerous game they played, and thus far, the chieftain had not given their identities away. But the Lady was careful to hide her scars. With the veil to shield them, her appearance was striking. Deep blue eyes stood out against a heart-shaped face that held a quiet bravery.

  He could only hope that their deception would last for only a day or two. He had sent Lady Taryn’s guard to the MacEgans, with the message to send help in the form of Trahern MacEgan. The bard was a giant of a man, one who would guard Carice easily. Once Trahern arrived, he could breathe easier.

  Brian rode ahead of the litter, while Killian remained behind everyone else. He’d been ordered to stay out of the way, except when the Lady Taryn summoned him. He wasn’t entirely certain what to think of her. She was a contradiction, both bold and fearful. When he’d touched her scarred face, she’d appeared shocked that he would dare to cross that boundary. But she didn’t seem angry, only surprised.

  Killian didn’t know what to think of that. He had many scars of his own, from the years of training for battle. He didn’t view them as a physical imperfection, only a lesson learned. Many times, he’d earned his own scars when he wasn’t swift enough.

  Since he’d not been allowed to train with the men when Brian could see, he’d trained with Seorse and some of the others in secret. Later, he’d spent a few summers with the MacEgan tribe when Seorse had taken him along as a servant. Those were among his favourite memories, for during those seasons, he’d never felt like a slave. A year ago, he had considered leaving the Faoilin tribe to join the MacEgans, except that he was not free to do so—at least, not yet.

  One of the High King’s soldiers walked to the back, approaching Killian until he strode alongside him. The man’s expression was grim, and he sent him a sidelong glance. ‘I think we’re being followed.’

  Killian glanced behind him, but could see nothing, save the forest that stretched out behind them for miles. ‘What makes you believe that?’

  ‘I saw the glint of armour when we crossed the last hill.’ He added, ‘I want you to scout the enemy and find out how many there are. I’ll speak to our commander and take the women east, towards that round tower.’ He pointed towards a high column in the distance. The tower was often used by the priests, both as a means of sighting danger and a place to hide religious treasures.

  ‘Stay hidden,’ the man ordered, ‘and meet us there when you know how many soldiers they have and what banner they carry.’

  Killian nodded. While it was possible that it could be the MacEgans, he doubted if Taryn’s guard could travel that fast. The soldier was right—if they were being followed, he needed to know what threat they were facing.

  ‘I’ll return within the hour,’ Killian promised. He wasn’t certain how far back the men were, but he could run swiftly and find them.

  He slipped into the trees, cloaking himself as he began to run. Over the next few miles, he kept his pace swift, until he reached the clearing. There, he kept low to the ground, hiding himself amid the heather and gorse.

  He wasn’t prepared for the sight of two dozen men, heavily armed, as they rode over the next hill. Nor had he expected to see a woman riding in the centre of the men. Her red hair was vibrant, her posture rigid. As they drew nearer to his hiding place, he guessed who it was—Taryn’s mother, the Queen of Ossoria. His prediction was confirmed when he spied the standard raised high by one of the men. The white banner was trimmed in red and gold, with a rampant lion upon it.

  If the Queen’s men intercepted the wagons now, it would unravel all of their plans. She would identify her daughter and take Taryn away. Somehow, he had to slow them down and make it impossible for the soldiers to catch up.

  It didn’t surprise him that the Queen would pursue her daughter. Lady Taryn should never have travelled alone with a single guard. It was clear that she’d come here without permission. Strangely, there was no sense of urgency, since the Queen already knew where her daughter was going. They would catch up to them within the hour, for carrying the women in a litter was slowing down the High King’s men.

  In the end, Killian decided a diversion was best. If the men of Ossoria were following the wagons, then hiding the women elsewhere and leading the wagons on a slightly different path might be enough. He only needed a day or two before Carice would flee.

  He kept low to the ground, inching his way back towards the trees. Only when he was surrounded by the wood and underbrush did he break into a run. He moved as deeply into the forest as possible, the branches cutting his arms as he ran. His lungs burned with exertion, but he wouldn’t stop. Time was slipping away, and he needed to get the women out.

  * * *

  After half an hour of running, he finally reached the clearing where the church and round tower lay. They had stopped to rest, and the moment he approached, the soldier he’d spoken to earlier came forward. Killian caught up to him and said in a low voice, ‘They have about two dozen men, all armed. The Queen of Ossoria is travelling with them.’ He eyed the litter and added, ‘She did not want her daughter to travel to Tara.’

  ‘Then we will leave the Lady behind with her mother,’ the soldier said, appearing unconcerned about the idea. ‘You may stay with her, and we’ll continue on with Lady Carice.’

  Killian said nothing, for he wasn’t about to abandon his sister. There had to be a way around it. The Queen of Ossoria would not interfere with Carice’s journey—but it was clear that she intended to stop her daughter from travelling to Tara.

  ‘It is better this way,’ the soldier continued. ‘The King of Ossoria is the Ard-Righ’s prisoner, and he intends to make an example of him. The Queen and her daughter should stay far away from Tara.’

  Which was what he’d anticipated. Rory Ó Connor kept hostages, but an execution was rare. If crimes were committed, fines were set by the brehons who passed judgement. A death sentence meant that Taryn’s father had committed a serious offence.

  ‘The Lady wishes to plead for her father’s life,’ he told the soldier. ‘It’s why she wanted to accompany Lady Carice to her wedding.’

  The soldier shook his head. ‘King Devlin is guilty of treason. The High King will never let him live.’

  So that was the reason. Killian doubted if he wanted to be involved with helping Taryn’s father, but he wanted to know what had happened.

  ‘What did he do?’

  ‘He tried to raise an army against the High King,’ the soldier answered. ‘He wanted to take the throne for himself.’

  If that was true, then the soldier was right. Rory would never allow a rival king to lay siege to what was his. Killian thanked the soldier for the information and added, ‘I will speak with the Lady Taryn and tell her.’

  He walked past the guards, towards the litter where his sister and Taryn were seated. The moment he came closer, Brian drew his horse in front of them, blocking his path.

  ‘What do you want?’ the chieftain demanded.

  I intend to warn the women, he wanted to say but didn’t. Instead, he answered, ‘I came to speak with the Lady Taryn. We are being followed by her mother’s guards.’

  Brian glowered at him. ‘I will grant you leave to speak with her, but do not bother Carice.’ At that, he waved his hand in dismissal and moved his horse.

  Killian walked alongside the litter and glimpsed both women through the curtained space. He spoke in a low voice. ‘Lady Taryn, your mother has sent guards after you. She’s wanting you to return to Ossoria.’

  From a
small opening in the curtains, he saw Taryn peer out at him. Her eyes held fear, and she kept her voice in a whisper. ‘How many men are with her?’

  ‘Two dozen. They will catch up to us within the hour.’

  He spied her dismayed reaction. ‘I cannot let her see me. I’ve come this far, and I don’t want to give up.’ She closed her eyes, as if struggling to think.

  He straightened and regarded her. ‘You could hide in the round tower, if we go now. Her men will continue following us while you make your escape.’

  But his sister had a pointed look upon her face. ‘And who will stay with her, Killian? She cannot go there alone.’ He didn’t answer, for he could see that she was trying to make him feel guilty.

  ‘I’m not leaving you, Carice. Not until you’re safe.’ There might be another of Rory’s men who could accompany Lady Taryn. But it would not be him.

  His sister’s face softened with acceptance. ‘The soldiers know who I am, Killian. Even if Taryn leaves, it’s too late for any sort of deception. Either Trahern MacEgan will save me, or he won’t.’

  He didn’t know what to say, but the idea of leaving her was unthinkable. His sister had improved a little, but she could hardly walk at all. ‘I won’t abandon you.’

  She struggled to sit up, and Taryn assisted her. ‘You have to let me go, Killian. There’s nothing more you can do.’

  The finality in her expression spoke of a woman who had accepted her inevitable death. Her gaze moved from Taryn to him and then she said, ‘You must go to the MacEgans. Their castle is not far from here, and you could take the Lady there by tomorrow evening. Find out if Trahern is coming for me. If he is not, you can send someone else.’

  Taryn lifted the hood of her cloak over her hair. ‘I agree. If you continue travelling, my mother’s men will follow. I will go to the tower to hide, just as you suggested. And at dawn, Killian can lead me to the MacEgan holdings.’ She turned back to Carice. ‘If they have not already sent Trahern, we will gather enough men to rescue you.’