She walked over to Lara and gave her a huge hug. “I know about you and Aodhan I could just tell and as for tomorrow enjoy tonight first. Go get some rest.” Gobnait stepped out and Lara pulled the dress back over her head, put her shirt on and the bodice over it.
“Ready again.” She smiled at Gobnait as she came back in and helped her. “Thank you for everything again. You are right I could use a nap. I’ll see you and Christian tonight.”
Lara stepped out of the sewing room and Gobnait headed over to Christian who was by the forge and waved at her. Lara waved back and headed out to get some much needed rest. When she reached her pavilion Lara headed straight to the fur covered pallet. She sat down on the pallet and lay down falling right to sleep.
Chapter 27
As the sun began to set the whole camp was bustling with servants who were busy helping set up everything for the evening festivities. Eion found himself recruited by Lady Orla to hunt down some men to help set up the tables and benches. While Eion and the men were setting up the servants would attend to other things.
He decided to stop by Kedryn’s tent and ask if any of them would help. As he stepped into the sitting area he saw that Lawler and Doyle were in the middle of a card game with Kedryn sitting with his cards down on the table.
“Game over for you?” Eion asked
“I don’t have much of a poker face. What’s up?” Kedryn said as he leaned back in his chair looking at Lawler’s cards.
“I am in need of some help with setting up for the evening meal. Interested?” Eion asked and noticed that Lawler and Doyle were suddenly more interested in the card game than what he was saying.
“Don’t worry guy’s I got it. If we were betting money I’d be broke by now anyway. Let’s go.” Kedryn said as he scooted his chair back and followed Eion out of the tent.
Eion led Kedryn to some carts loaded with tables and benches piled in them. Kedryn glanced around and saw that he wasn’t the only one that Eion had enlisted. Devlyn and Scanlon along with a couple others were standing around.
“I see he got to you too. “ Scanlon said and clapped him on the shoulder.
“The more the merrier right?” Kedryn said as he looked over to Devlyn who walked up to them.
“And the more men the sooner we get done. Let us get this over with.” Devlyn said as he started pulling a bench out of a cart.
Once all of the tables and benches were set up the men watched as the servants lit the large bonfire that roared up into a mass of fire. Kedryn caught the scent of cooking meat and looked over at the fire pits that the soldiers used the night before. Several cooks overlooking the food and to the other side of the bonfire the musicians were setting up chairs. He looked around for his mom and didn’t see her anywhere.
“Where do you think my mom is?” He asked and scanned the area.
“You should go and check on her. Christian told me that Gobnait had suggested that Lara take some rest.”
“I’m going to talk to the musicians first and I’ll meet up with you guys later.” Kedryn said and he said in his best “Arnold” Impersonation. “I’ll be back.” he turned and left and laughed knowing no one but his mom would get that.
Kedryn headed over to a man who was setting up a set of drums. When he finished talking with him and a couple of other musicians he set off to see what his mom was up to. He found her rolled up in furs on her pallet fast asleep.
“Time to get up.” Kedryn said as he reached out and shook her shoulder. Lara jerked up looking around disoriented with some hair stuck to the side of her face.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.” he said and looked at her amused knowing that if he hadn’t woken her she might have slept right through the ceremonies.
“That’s ok.” she said as she rubbed her face and pushed her hair behind her ear. “You look so grown up.” she smiled at him as she watched as he proudly straightened up with a slight blush on his face.
“Thank you mother.” He said giving her a slight bow.
“Everything is pretty much ready for the bonfire tonight. Probably have at least an hour before we eat. Better get all prettied up. I’m going to head over to my tent and get Lawler and Doyle.” He turned and walked out of her tent so she could wake up and get ready.
Lara watched him leave and groaned as she sat up. Untangling herself from the furs, she grabbed her pack and stood up looking at the wash basin. A servant must have stepped in and dumped out the old water replacing it with new. She pulled out a sponge, body wash, and the rest of the necessities of a woman and started to get cleaned up. When Lara was completely finished she wished she had a full length mirror to see everything put together. The dress, boots, raven jewelry and hair pins. Lara looked down at the embroidered orchid on the bodice.
At the last moment Lara pulled out the hair pins and brushed through her hair deciding to leave it down. Her mother would be proud and could hear her say Lara, your hair is so pretty. Why do you always wear it up in those things that look like chop sticks? Her face grew dark and she decided to not let it get to her. She missed her family and friends terribly and had to deal with the fact of where she was and what she was there for.
When she stepped outside of her pavilion the bonfire was hard to miss and walked in its direction to where Eion was standing. “Kedryn’s not here yet?”
“You two cannot keep track of each other can you? He could be back at his tent.” Eion said as he glanced Orla’s way.
He was about to introduce them when Lara turned and walked down to where a soldier was who pointed out where Kedryn’s tent was. She pulled the flap back and stepped inside to find Doyle, Lawler and Kedryn sitting at the table playing a game of cards. All three looked up when she walked in.
“Aodhan and Bevin would like for all of you to join them at their table tonight.” Lara said
“Seriously? That truly is an honor. Guess it pays to have friends in high places.” said Lawler as he glanced at Kedryn and drew a card from a stack.
Doyle leaned back in his chair to get a better look at her and glanced at his cards. “You look very nice Lady Raven.” he said and folded. “I’m out. Lawler, you win.”
“Thank you and you can call me Lara. Scanlon, his wife and Devlyn will be sitting with us too.”
“Is that the second dress that you have ever owned?” Kedryn asked as he grinned up at her.
“Third.” she said.
“Right. Susan’s wedding. Doyle is right you look great.”
“Thanks. I am going to see if the wives are here. I would like to meet them before all the fun begins.” Lara said and her head jerked around to the opening of their tent when she heard a loud horn blow.
“Half hour until we eat. Better start getting ready.” Lawler said.
The horn sounding reminded her of church camp when the bell would ring to get things going.
“Good thing you saw that I was awake. See all of you at the bonfire.” Lara said and she stepped out of the tent.
As Lara walked up the hill she spotted a small group of nicely dressed women who she assumed to be the wives. The women were directing the servants that were carrying platters of food, flasks of wine and ale to each table. Walking in their direction she noticed a woman with the same golden brown streaked hair as Aodhan’s. Her hair was pulled up into a tangle of curls that flowed down to her shoulders. She was almost Lara’s height and had every bit of a motherly figure. Orla was not quite plump but also not tall and reed thin as the other woman standing next to her. She had one raised eyebrow as she watched over the servants.
Lady Orla MacCionaoith stopped in the middle of directing one of the servants and watched as a woman with flowing auburn hair and brilliant green eyes slowly walked her way. She didn’t have to be a genius to realize who this woman was.
“I will be back Tara.” Orla said as she grew impatient for Lara to reach her and walked off in her direction. Lara stopped and Orla decided to take the lead.
“I hear you are the woman
who cracked the shell around my son’s heart.” Orla said as she shocked Lara by hugging her and kissing both cheeks.
“I would say it was the other way around. You have a wonderful son.” Lara said as a slow blush creep onto her cheeks.
“I heard the same of yours.” Orla turned to the other women who were staring after her. She waved her hand for them to come over and join them. Tara held up her hand with a finger in the air motioning to give her a moment.
Orla called up to them. “Tara, Serina come here. I would like you to meet someone.”
Lara watched as one of the women gave a servant instructions as he was walking with a flask in his hands and the two women started walking over. One was very petite with golden chestnut hair that fell in curls past shoulders and since she looked to be much younger, Lara guessed that she must be Serina. She studied the other woman who had straight glossy black hair to her shoulders and was possibly even a couple of inches taller than herself. The one she assumed to be Serina walked up to her and held out her hand and Lara shook it.
“It is a pleasure to finally meet you. If you have not guessed I am Serina. This tall lovely woman next to me is Tara and you have met Orla. You are a beautiful woman Lara. No wonder you have caught Aodhan’s heart. Hopefully Blaine will see the light before it is too late.” Serina said.
“You talk too much Serina.” Tara said as she shook Lara’s hand.
Lara glanced over as Bevin and the other women walking over.
“It is a pleasure to meet all of you. It looks as if you have taken care of everything already. Since most of the women are here should we go and get the men?” Lara asked and saw Shanna walk up to her.
“Shanna! It’s great to see you. How is Annie?” Lara asked.
“Annie is staying in Tralee tonight. We are staying with Cecil and Emma while this war rages on. I brought along your things just in case the estate was attacked. You did not think I would miss the bonfire did you?” she grinned and gave Lara a hug.
“Have you seen Gobnait?” Shanna asked.
“Not yet. I’m sure she will be here.” Lara said as she looked around.
Men’s voices sounded from behind and Lara turned to see Lord Blaine, Carrick, Aodhan, Eion and Kedryn walked up. Her eyes followed Aodhan as he walked to Bevin. He kissed her hand and led her to a table. Lara took in a slow calming breath. Serina grabbed Lara’s arm and pulled her away from the women and followed after Aodhan and Bevin.
“Let’s go. I am soooo ready to see my husband.”
Lara walked beside her to their table and sat down on a bench next to Kedryn who was already seated with Doyle and Lawler. The three of them were talking excitedly about the party. She looked over her shoulder and saw Scanlon sneak up from behind Serina. He picked her up and twirled her as she squealed happily.
“I love you.” she said as Scanlon set her back down.
He kissed her. “I love you too.”
Lara looked over to see that Gobnait had arrived and that her Christian, Shanna, Carrick and Dillon were seated at a long table with Tara and Ruark. Eion, Devlyn and a couple of others she didn’t know were seated at Blaine and Orla’s table.
All of the other soldiers were seated with their loved ones. The soldiers who didn’t make it to the first come first serve tables were set out around the fire on picnic blankets.
Lara looked over to where the musicians were seated and noticed there was a space big enough for dancing around the fire. When everyone seemed to be settled Blaine stood up and whistled. When he had everyone’s attention he gave an Irish blessing.
“May the one God protect and sorrow neglect. May bad luck fall upon the evil that looks to erase us all. Bless all that you hold dear and love be protected. Bless this food before us and let us enjoy the night ahead of us.”
“Sláinte!” Everyone said and raised their glasses and sat down to pass around platters and eat.
As Blaine sat back down to eat he picked up Orla’s hand and kissed the to of it. He heard a piercing cry and jerked in his seat. Looking around he saw that he must have been the only one that had heard. Orla had felt him jerk against her and as she looked over seeing him quickly mask the fear in his eyes.
“Are you alright dear?” she asked.
“No.” he said as he looked at her and smiled. “I will explain later when we are alone tonight.”
Orla looked at him concerned but decided to put it to the back of her mind. She had something else she wanted to discuss with him. If his fear had to do with his sickness that was something to save for later and enjoy the moment now.
Across the table from Blaine, Eion was trying to work up the nerve to talk to him about Aodhan. He ate a few bites and took a couple drinks of ale. Once Blaine was settled in he would have a heart to heart with him. Eion took another drink of ale trying to loosen his tongue as Orla’s gave him a knowing look.
“My Lord. There is something we need to discuss.” Eion said.
Blaine set his fork down. “My Lord? Sounds serious my friend. Can it wait until after the festivities?”
“Not if you wish one of your high ranking officers to be one hundred percent tomorrow.” Eion said taking the Dillon approach.
He looked at Eion curiously. “What do you mean?” he picked up his fork and started eating some more.
Eion sighed “Look at them.” He pointed to Aodhan sitting by Bevin and watched as Blaine looked at his son.
“And now look at Dillon. Can’t you see it? If you want him at full one hundred percent something needs to be done.”
Blaine set his fork down and crossed his fingers in front of him. “What needs to be done? I thought he always looked a little serious. Dillon is a brilliant tactician and a mighty help.”
Orla leaned over to Blaine patted his hand. “My dear husband. You sweet ignorant man. Are you blind?” she reached up and tugged his beard.
“You need to stop your pursuit if the idea of Aodhan and Bevin. At this point there really is no reason to make them get married. Bevin and Aodhan are putting on a show for you out of respect. Do you wish your son happiness?” Eion said.
“Of course I do. This is for the good of…” Orla interrupted him by putting her fingers over his lips and gave him a stern look.
“Stop right there. Aodhan and Bevin being married are not going to solve anything. I know you love her as a daughter as do I. Aodhan only loves her as a sister.”
Eion took another drink of the ale making his tongue even looser. “There is someone else that is in love with Bevin and another in love with Aodhan.”
It finally dawned on Blaine. “Dillon. By the one God! I should have seen it.”
Orla patted his cheek. “It is nothing to worry about my love. You are preparing for a battle. Not looking into affairs of the heart. If you wish for our Aodhan to marry Milesian blood look no further than there.” She motioned over to Lara.
“The Lady Battle Raven?”
“Yes, my love. She won his heart the day they met.” Orla said.
Blaine thought of what he heard earlier and stood up. He tugged on his tunic and looked around.
“I am blind. I believe that I will deal with this predicament.”
Orla looked up at him in alarm. “What? Now? Should not this be done in private?” she asked and realized she was questioning his authority in front of others and smiled at him. “If you think this is best.”
“I believe it is. The sooner this is remedied, the sooner everyone will be happy. I am going to rectify the situation now.”
Eion looked up at him. “Do you think that you could keep me out of it? I do not want to seem like a nagging woman.”
Orla gave him a glare and took away his ale.
“If looks could kill, my Lady.” Eion said and winked at her.
Blaine let out a hearty laugh, stood up and stepped over the bench. He let out a loud whistle and bellowed. “I have an announcement.”
Everyone around the bonfire gradually drew quiet and turned to look at Blaine. �
��Due to an oversight by myself that my lovely wife so kindly pointed out.”
There was a stifled laughter in the crowd.
“I would like to remedy a certain state of affairs. Bevin, Dillon could you please come and stand by me?” Blaine said as he walked around to the side of his table.
Bevin and Dillon both stood up from their table with a look of confusion and concern on their faces. Dillon walked up to Bevin holding his arm out for her which she took and he walked her over to Blaine. Blaine grinned at Bevin and looked at his son who was looking at his father with an eyebrow raised wondering what his father was up to.
“I am calling off the engagement of my son, Aodhan MacCionaoith and Bevin Fitzgerald.”
He looked around as all of the soldiers cheered. Did everyone else know of this? He put Bevin’s and Dillon’s hands on each other he looked at them both.
“Please forgive my hardheadedness. Bevin, you are like a daughter to me. I give you and Dillon McKenna both my blessing if you would have it and if you would have him.”
“I will have them both happily!” Bevin said as she threw her arms around Blaine and gave him a huge hug. “Thank you.”
General Ruark made a couple of movements with his hand signaling and the music started up. Dillon picked up Bevin kissing her and carried her out to dance. Blaine sat back down by Orla and she kissed his cheek.
“You did the right thing husband.” She let out a bell of a laugh and Blaine looked at her puzzled. She gestured to where Aodhan and Lara were.
“Look at your son and Lara’s faces.” she said smiling at him.
He looked over at the table and he saw shock, a happy shock, as Lara and Aodhan were sitting staring at each other.
“This gives them something else more to fight and live for.” he said as he turned and leaned over to his wife and kissed her.
“May I have this dance, my Lady?”
She took his hand “I would be honored, my Lord.”
Chapter 28
Out on the edge of the Danann camp Liam and Niall were standing hidden in the shadows where they could see the festivities. Liam had decided to sneak back out without General Kayne knowing. Niall had caught him while he was sneaking past the guards and insisted on coming along. To make sure that Liam didn’t do anything foolish like last time.
Celtic Rain (The Battle Raven Series) Page 29