Celtic Rain (The Battle Raven Series)

by Isabelle Stewart

  “Do not play with your food Lara. As soon as you are done I will walk you to your pavilion.” Eion said.

  “Yes sir.” she said as she looked up at Eion and saluted.

  Scanlon and Devlyn both got a good laugh out of that one and a good smack on the back of the head from Eion. Devlyn sprayed out his drink on impact and that made Scanlon laugh even harder.

  “Hey.” Devlyn said and took another drink and shook the water off of his arms and chest.

  As Lara finished her plate she felt herself grow sleepy and turned to Eion.

  “Thanks for getting me the food and water. I think you should show me to my pavilion now before I fall asleep where I am sitting.”

  Devlyn and Scanlon both stood up as she got up to leave. Devlyn gave her a short bow as he winked at her. She grinned at him and winked back and watched Scanlon as he stretched.

  “Sit down boys. We are all equals here.” she said as she watched Scanlon clasp forearms with Eion and turn to Devlyn.

  “I’m sneaking out tonight. I will be back in the morning.” He bent down and picked up his plate and mug and started walking away.

  “Tell Serina hi!” Devlyn said.

  Scanlon waived his hand behind him and disappeared.

  “I will head over to see what Kedryn and the rest are up to. Good night my Lady.” Devlyn said

  Eion stooped over and picked up his plate. Devlyn took it out of his hand. “I will take care of these.”

  Lara gave Devlyn a friendly peck on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  He gave her a bow. “Anything for a beautiful woman.”

  “Should we go, my Lady?” Eion asked as he held his arm out for Lara.

  She looped her arm through his and he led her through the soldier’s tents and up to the pavilions. Eion led her to a small dark green pavilion. Eion held up the door flap and she stepped through into a small sitting area. In it was a table big enough for four chairs. There were hanging lamps in two corners and one lamp on the table.

  Lara followed him through another door flap that led to a sleeping area. She looked over at a pallet covered in furs and at the floor that was covered with the same material as the tent. There was also what looked to be a huge sheepskin rug on the floor near the pallet.

  A small table was placed in one corner and in the other was a partition. What she assumed was behind it she had a feeling it wouldn’t be as civilized as the cottage so she didn’t bother looking behind it, yet.

  “Your personal belongings are over by your pallet or bed. Whichever you would call it.” Eion said as he watched her look over the area.

  “Thank you. I appreciate all of this.” Lara said.

  She followed Eion to the sitting area and back to the outside of the tent.

  “I will leave you to your rest. Good night my Lady.” he gave her a slight bow and walked away.

  After she watched him walk away Lara stood outside looking up at the moon and stars. She said a prayer for all of her family and friends back home. Then one for all of her new friends and everyone that will be going to war. She sighed thinking that if only Liam would see reason that none of this would be happening. After a few moments she decided to head back in to get some well deserved rest.

  Chapter 20

  As Niall and Liam were walking back to the Milesian camp Liam turned looking back from where they came. Niall glanced his way and saw that look that Liam gets when he was about to get into trouble.

  “Go on back. I have an idea.” Liam turned and headed back towards the Danann camp with Niall on his heels.

  “This doesn’t have anything to do with the descendant does it? I saw the way you looked at her.” Niall asked picking up his pace to keep up with Liam.

  “I do not know what you mean.” He stopped and turned to Niall reaching up rubbing his head.

  Niall looked at him thought perhaps you don’t. Although, he was pretty transfixed when he was watching her too. How could one not be? He looked up and watched Liam as he rubbed his head.

  “You know. If you keep doing that you might go bald.” Niall said making Liam burst out laughing

  “Habit I was never able to break. Too late for that anyway” Liam said as he patted his clean shaven head.

  Niall squatted and looked at the area where he could see the Danann soldiers evening meal fires start to blaze up for their night meal. “What is the plan?”

  Liam shook his head. “No. Go back. If both of us do not return Kayne may send scouts after us. I do not wish for the battle to start early. I have enough respect for General Ruark to honor the Day of Rest. Leave this up to the veteran. Ok rookie.”

  Niall narrowed his eyes at Liam. “You know that I am a better scout than you cousin.”

  “You are the best scout we have. Tell Kayne that he has to trust me and to give me to the eve before battle. I will be back before he even wakes.”

  Niall clasped his forearm. “Be safe. Hurry back. If you are not back by morning Kayne is going to kick your arse when you return. I will be lucky if he doesn’t flog me for letting you go.”

  Liam gave him a trust me grin and headed out.

  Niall got out his spy crystal and watched as Liam headed through the shadows until he lost track of him. He looked around by the pavilions at the top of the hill. A slight shadow slipped past the posted guards on the top of the hill. He turned to hurry back to their camp saying a prayer under his breath for Liam as he left.

  Liam squatted in the shadows just outside of the perimeter of the pavilions studying the ones surrounding the larger in the center. He noticed that one had been recently put up by the looks of the fresh dirt surrounding the support spikes. Following the shadows to the pavilion he squatted down by a corner in the back and quietly listened for anyone that might be inside.

  There was a woman and man’s voice inside moving around and shortly after he heard them both step outside. Liam listened as the man walked away. He was curious if he picked the right tent when he didn’t hear the woman re-enter. After a short moment he decided to make a slit long enough to slide through. After he slipped in Liam looked around at what looked to be sleeping quarters. He opened the strange pack by the pallet of furs and glanced in.

  “First time’s a charm. No self respecting man would have a dress in his pack.” He took in a breath. “Or have a room that smells of flowers.”

  He walked over to the flap and lifted it a sliver so that he could glance through into the small sitting area. He carefully extinguished the flame in one of the lanterns in the corner and waited in the shadows. After a few short minutes he heard a person outside let out a huge sigh and watched as the door flap of the tent was pulled aside.

  Liam saw the woman step through and he unconsciously held his breath. He looked her over as she stepped to the small table and stopped.

  Lara felt uneasy as she stepped into the tiny sitting area of her tent. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t alone. She pulled out her dagger while searching the shadows in the room. One of the lanterns in the corner was not lit. Liam took a step out of the shadows and jerked back at the sight of him.

  “What? Do I frighten you?” He gave her a cocky grin as he looked her over. Even more powerful and beautiful up close. If only she was on their side. He looked at her in the eyes when she spoke.

  “No you resemble someone who I know to be dead.” she said flatly.

  Liam looked at the sadness she tried to hide in her eyes and noticed she now held two daggers. He nonchalantly looked at her and walked over close to the table by where she was.

  “Interesting. Someone from your realm?” he asked.

  She stood at the side of the table and didn’t back away. “What are you doing here Liam?”

  “You know who I am? How?” he took another step up to the table this time and watched as she backed up a step.

  “We took a little side trip to check out your camp on the way here.”

  “I am flattered. “ Liam took his sword and placed it against a chair t
hat was pushed up to the table. He raised his arms to above his waist and turned slowly showing he had no other weapons. None that she could see anyway.

  Lara looked him over and hardened her heart knowing his resemblance to Wash was her weakness. It was seriously hard since she was entirely drained from the day. He’s not Wash she said to herself and yelled in her head He’s not Wash! Lara tried to hide the shaky breath she took in and gestured to the chairs.

  “Please sit. You made the effort to sneak in here. I’m assuming you either want to kill me or talk to me.” She looked at the sword sitting by the chair. “I’ll take it that you want to talk.” She put the two blades back together and sheathed her dagger. Lara stepped up to the table and sat down purposely leaning back away from the table ready for whatever was to come.

  “Interesting trick.” he said glancing at her dagger.

  Liam moved his sword and leaned it against the table. He pulled out the chair opposite of her and noticed that she really was thoroughly shaken by his appearance. She hid it well but he could still tell by her eyes. Could work in my favor he thought or end up badly. He sat down putting his feet up on the table, leaned back in the chair and decided to get to the point.

  “What do I have to do to convince you to come over to our side?” he asked seriously.

  Lara’s attitude immediate shifted to annoyance. “The only thing you would have to offer that I would accept is a peace treaty. I think this is all unnecessary and a set up by someone. If it comes to a fight I will fight. I do think there is something more to this that both sides, especially your side, are not seeing.”

  Liam put his feet down and the chair legs hit the canvassed floor with a dull thud. He leaned forward with arms crossed on the table and looked her in the eyes. He had one of those dead serious looks on his face.

  “I know what I saw with my own eyes. Every time it was a Danann, causing trouble. It was a Danann General who killed my father and who mortally wounded his closest friend and advisor. Right outside my father’s door.”

  “I believe others see things differently. Why haven’t you agreed to meet with General Ruark, Blaine or even Aodhan face to face?” Lara asked and saw something cold flash in his eyes.

  Liam said with irritation in his voice. “The Danann General admitted he killed my father. And that Blaine was behind the attack on both my father and his advisor.”

  Lara leaned forward in her chair and put her arms on the table with her fingers laced together.

  “This could have been started by anyone. Have you ever considered that someone wanted the Milesian and the Danann to be at each other’s throats?”

  He noticed that she smelled of the flowers that he caught scent of in her sleeping quarters. I wonder if she always smells like that he thought. Liam let out a long breath that for some reason he seemed to be holding in.

  “I thought about it. My scouts and spies have not overheard or uncovered any deception from anyone else. Lord Blaine could not prove that there was a traitor amongst him. Then my father was killed. I will not stop until the Danann back down and surrender or that treacherous man is dead.”

  “While many more lives are lost on both sides. For what cause? The death of your father is truly tragic but it’s not worth this.” He watched her as she brushed some hair behind her ear. “Now other’s fathers, brothers, sons are dying. Please stop this madness and at least talk to Ruark face to face and end this. Why do you keep pursuing the war when it can end peacefully?”

  Liam looked into the sad almost pleading look in her emerald green eyes. He felt himself starting to give in and hardened his heart.

  “To make sure Blaine and his army do not take over all of the lands.”

  “That is insane. Whether you believe me or not Blaine does not want this. He and Aodhan were both devastated by the loss of your father. Blaine is just defending his people from an army that you formed. Not to take over your land.”

  Their conversation was so intense that neither noticed they had leaned farther over the table with their faces just inches apart. Looking into his eyes Lara reached out and put her hand on his cheek and brushed her thumb lightly over his bottom lip. Liam stared at her as he felt his heart beat faster. He had an undeniable urge to kiss her and the feeling threw him off.

  He was there to convince her to join them or to make sure the Danann were not able to use her, permanently. Liam quickly sat back into his chair and watched as her hand fell to the table. He looked at the shock and confusion on her face and put a check on his emotions. Liam knew now he would not be able to follow through with his plan B.

  Lara could not believe what she had just done. Old habit with Wash. She straightened in her chair, composed her face and put her emotions on guard.

  Liam examined her as she stiffened her posture and her eyes harden. He said flat out. “Blaine had my father murdered.”

  Placing her elbows on the table Lara rested her chin on her palms and tapped her fingers on her cheeks. All the while hiding the fact that her hands shaking. She gnawed irritably at her bottom lip as she looked back up at him.

  “I truly don’t agree with you on that point. It seems that we will not be agreeing on it anytime soon.” she said and almost jumped when the door flap smacked down as someone entered.

  Lara turned in her chair and saw Kedryn standing with wide eyes taking in the scene. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Liam. He observed that up close Liam was almost an exact twin of Wash. Except for the tattoos on his arms and head. Wash had only one on his upper left arm. A dark Druid with smoke surrounding it. Seriously ironic that was considering what Eion had told them.

  He noticed that Liam had shifted slightly to the side and had casually put his hand on the hilt of his sword. Kedryn seriously wished he had his sword and put his hand on the hilt of the dagger at his side.

  “Need any help here?” He asked giving Liam a suspicious look.

  “No need for a knight in shining armor here.” Lara said and gave him the most convincing grin she had.

  Kedryn slowly took his hand away from his dagger and crossed his arms. “If you say so.”

  Liam slowly moved his hand away from the hilt of his sword. He sat back and propped his feet back on the table again and studied the young man before him. He realized the man before him was the same one that he and Niall had watched fighting earlier.

  “Are the rumors to be true? You are the Lady Battle Ravens son?”

  “Yes.” Kedryn said looking over the man in front of him. He glanced at his mom and she seemed to be in control.

  “I watched you sparring earlier. You have the skills of a Milesian amongst others. General Kayne would recruit you in a heartbeat. Would you like to become a true Milesian?” Liam asked.

  Kedryn casually looked at Liam hiding the fact that he was shocked and impressed by his nerve to even ask. Kedryn shifted his stance to a more casual one trying to decide on how to handle the situation.

  “I am Kedryn Ashton O’Broin. The Battle Raven’s son. Thank you however I will have to respectfully decline your offer.” Kedryn said as he slightly bowed to Liam with a crooked grin on his face.

  Lara looked over at Liam for his reaction. He stood up and let out a laugh. Lara slid her chair back and got to her feet. Kedryn studied his mom for a second and thought she seemed ok even if a little stiff and guarded. If Kedryn would have witnessed what happened right before he walked in he might have thought differently.

  “Liam was unsuccessfully attempting to get me to switch sides and is about to leave.” Lara turned arms crossed looking at Liam. “I believe that we have to agree to disagree. It looks like we will meet in battle after all.”

  “That’s a shame.” Kedryn said as he stepped over to Liam and held out his arm. “God speed Liam. May the best warrior win.”

  Liam looked at Kedryn’s out stretched forearm and thought what a man this one will grow into. If he survives the battle. As Liam grabbed his forearm a bright flash of color hit Kedryn and made him stagger back.


  Lara came to his side and put her arm around his shoulders. “You ok?”

  Kedryn rubbed his eyes. He was seeing spots of color everywhere “Yeah. I haven’t had one hit me like that in forever.” His eyes started to come back into focus somewhat and he looked from Lara to Liam “I wasn’t planning on leaving. I think I should go and talk to Eion about this. While it’s still fresh in my head.”

  “If you think that is best. I will be just fine.” she watched as Kedryn lifted up the door flap, stop and turned to look at Liam.

  “You do know that when my mom meets you in battle. She will kick your arse.” He grinned and winked at his mom and left.

  “What was that?” Liam asked.

  Lara was still looking at the moving flap of the tent where Kedryn had just left through. She turned to Liam and looked at the confusion on his face. She waved her hand dismissing it like it was nothing. Even though it really was.

  “It is an Aurar thing. It hasn’t happened in a long time.” Lara said wonder what Kedryn had seen. It must have been serious for him to leave her with Liam.

  “Aurar?” Liam said curiously. “A male aurar with warrior skills. That is an interesting mix. Usually an aurar becomes a monk or an abbess. Will he be alright?”

  She looked at him wondering if he really was sincere. He seemed to be except she had been fooled before. “He should be fine.”

  “I will leave you to your rest. Thank you for gracing me with your presence.” He took her hand and did a short bow resting his forehead on the top of her hand showing respect.

  “Thank you for not killing me.” she said giving him a knowing smile.

  Feeling himself soften towards her again he released her hand and straightened up. Liam reached up and rubbed his head stunned with himself. He really should not feel anything for her. She was the enemy after all.

  Lara watched as Liam nervously rubbed his shaved head. It was something she had seen Wash do many times and always teased him about his nervous habit. Without thinking Lara impulsively reached up and rubbed Liam’s head.