“I am impressed. The Seer even looks a little bored.” Faolan said and stood. Everyone was silent looking his way. He held up his arm and closed his fist.
“Finish it.” he said.
One of the guards nodded, reached over and pulled a sword from his side. Kiara looked to the top of one of the pillars and blanked out her mind so she wouldn’t see what was to come next. The guard brought his sword down and ended the trackers torture. She picked up her goblet and took a drink of wine to steady her nerves. At least the tracker did not have to endure the Blood Eagle.
Faolan looked over to Paili. “I have heard of rumors of a plan to use the seer to get to her brother. How has that progressed?”
Paili glanced Kiara’s way wondering how this really was affecting her. She thought now that she should have subjected her to human torture. Paili glanced over at her brother who was engrossed in a conversation with a council member’s wife. She brushed some hair behind her shoulder.
“Damon has successfully pushed through the barriers and into the boys head. I believe he needs a bit more help. It seems the boy is able to push him out.” she said.
“That is interesting. His power is not as limitless as he claims.” Faolan stated and Damon turned to him.
“It appears you are correct, my Lord. The boy is the first I have encountered, besides the Seer who can push me out. I am not quite sure how he is doing it. Now that you are back we can combine our powers and force our way in. I have seen a quick glimpse in his head that he is close to the descendant’s son. If anything happens to him she may be distraught enough to not help in the battle.”
Lord Faolan stroked his beard. “It is possible that the descendant would be vulnerable if anything happens to her son. It must be at the right moment an if he strikes at the son as the descendant is in battle. That may provide the right distraction to make sure she falls.”
Lady Paili glanced at General Daigh who was intently listening in to their conversation. Lord Faolan’s plan just might put a crimp in her plan. She started to wonder if Damon should go with the group tomorrow. If not they would have to head out tonight. She decided to discuss the idea with Daigh to have Damon translocate the group there and come back.
Faolan took a side glance at the look of contemplation on her face and at General Daigh. He knew what was going on between them and planned on putting an end to it. As for now he needed Daigh and had not decided if he was going to let their little plan, which was supposedly a secret, follow through.
Faolan’s attention was drawn to the former entertainment and watched as the guards cleared away the body to be thrown in a pit with the hungry wolves. He turned to Paili as she rose and excused herself and the seer for the night. Kiara walked up to Paili’s side with her two guards following directly behind her. They both curtsied to Faolan and turned to walk to their quarters.
Kiara let out a breath of relief when she was in her quarters alone and took a seat at her vanity to get ready for bed. She had hoped that Paili did not wish to come to her chambers and have some wine before they settled in for the night. She did not feel like having company. To her relief Paili bid her good night at her door and left for her own.
Unexpectedly, Kiara jerked in her seat as she felt a flash. She saw that the Lady Battle Raven had made her choice.
“I wonder when the son will make his.” Kiara said as she set her brush down. She stood and walked over to her bed. Mentally and physically exhausted from the nights activities she curled up in a ball hugging her pillow.
Chapter 30
Lara slowly opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Aodhan lying next to her.
“I shouldn’t feel so happy when a war is about to wage on. My family and friends most likely think I’m dead. How could this be?” she said quietly to herself.
Lara rolled over to face Aodhan. Sometime during the night she had ended up on her side facing away from him and he was on his stomach with one arm draped around her. Lara lightly pushed some hair out of his face. She couldn’t think of anytime she had ever seen him so peaceful.
Something colorful caught her eye. A Griffin tattoo all shades of red and gold tones covered his back. The Griffin’s large black and gray talons ran from his side and almost to the front of his stomach. The wings were spread out so one reached up over his shoulder. It was a glorious tattoo and she ran her fingers all over the lines. His shirt must have covered it just right. She remembered lowering the light on the lantern last night before he took his shirt off. Being such a sucker for tattoos it surprised her that she didn’t notice even in the dim light.
Thinking about hers she wondered how they even did tattoos in this realm. If it was like the old style needle and ink that they pounded into the skin it made her cringe especially considering the size and detail on his. Lara glanced around and noticed that it wasn’t sun up yet and wondered what time it was. She propped her head up in her hand and started to outline his tattoo lightly with her fingers.
Aodhan had woken up when Lara turned over keeping his eyes closed and enjoyed the moment of laying there with her. When she started to outline his tattoo he did not want to move away from the feathery touch. When she stopped he pulled her to him with his arm that was still wrapped over her waist and turned over to face her.
“Good morning a chroí.”
“Good morning my heart. Your tattoo is beautiful.” she said and put a hand over his heart where the Griffin’s wing tip ended and grinned.
“Not as beautiful as you, my Lady. Are you going to tell me the story of your tattoo?” Aodhan asked.
“Which one?” Lara said
“The one on your shoulder is easy enough to figure out. This one however.” He moved his arm down and rubbed the small of her back. “Is not.”
“It’s my design. A depiction from my favorite story of Exodus from the Bible. A religious book in my realm.”
“Sounds familiar somehow.” he said pulling her even closer to where he could barely breathe.
Looking at him she frowned. “I’ll tell you the story some other time. It will take too long and we have things to do today.” she glanced at the light that was starting to peek through the cracks in her tent.
“We better get up and start getting ready.” she smiled and tried to wiggle away from him.
“I see that Christian brought the rest of your armor in last night.” he said.
Lara moved from the comfortable position she was in and glanced to where he was pointing. A gleaming pile of metal was on the floor.
“I hadn’t noticed.” she sat up and swung her legs over the bunk and sighed.
“I was a bit too exhausted last night and I can’t believe I fell right to sleep. Especially with you right next to me.” Lara leaned over and kissed him.
He reached up pulling her back over into a hug and pushed some hair behind her ear. “Both of us needed the rest. We need more time.”
“That we do.” Lara said as she rested her head on his chest.
Aodhan moved her over and sat up. He looked at her as he reached out his arms and stretched out his legs. Reaching over he grabbed his shirt and boots and tugged them on. Looking at her.
“God help me if anything happens to you or Kedryn today.” he said.
Lara stood and put her hand on his face. “I feel the same about the both of you.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “I will come back with food and help you with your armor. After we will meet with the others to assess the troops.”
“Breakfast sounds good.” she said and walked him to the sitting area and watched him walk out. Lara walked back into her sleeping area. She looked at the water basin and decided to completely go all out.
“If I have to fight. At least I’ll look hot.” She laughed at herself and started getting ready busying herself to steady her nerves in her stomach.
Chapter 31
Masking the nervousness she was feeling Lady Paili sat at her vanity brushing her hair. She almost jumped out of her skin wh
en Lord Faolan came up behind her from what appeared to be out of nowhere. Tipping her head back to him he kissed her on the forehead giving no sign he noticed how on edge she was and turned away. She started brushing her hair again and her eyes followed Lord Faolan as he walked through the door to the torture chamber beyond.
Once she heard the click of the lock she stopped in mid stroke. Her hand slightly shook as she set the brush down on her vanity. Paili stood and calmly as possible walked out of their chambers. Nodding at the guards by the door and headed towards Kiara’s chambers. Just as she reached the adjoining corridor across from the Seer’s door and glanced back at the guards.
The guards outside Lord Faolan and Paili’s chamber were engrossed in their conversation and paid her no mind. She took a sharp turn away from the Seers chambers and hurried down the torch lit corridor. Pushing through an unguarded door she swept into the Generals chambers.
“Is everyone prepared?” Lady Paili asked as she anxiously walked up to him.
“Yes, a ghrá. Lord Faolan will not know that we are gone. I am confident you can find other ways to distract him if he questions.”
“Of course I can. Where is Cadmon?” she let out a dramatic sigh. “I hate to take away one of the loyal guards of the Seer. They are so hard to come by.”
“He stepped out and will return shortly.” Daigh said as he pulled her into a kiss.
Paili pulled back and glanced anxiously at the chamber door “Where is my brother?”
“Damon was making preparations to make certain he was truly ready.”
Their heads turned as the sound of footsteps entered the room.
“And that I am. Cadmon and Tiran are outside. We are all ready.”
Damon looked over General and wondered why after his sister had almost put the man on the altar that he still wanted her. Obsession, power, greed, those were just a few of his answers. With Lord Faolan back he was fearful for his sister who was pushing her luck.
“None of my business I suppose.” He said under his breath.
“What was that brother?”
“Nothing, my dearest sister.” He walked over to her and kissed her on her cheek.
“Make sure you come immediately back. Lord Faolan will be ready shortly to help you hold the connection with Kiara’s brother.”
Paili walked up to the General and kissed him. “Be well my love.”
“If I do not make it back. Know that my last thought was of you.” General Daigh bowed and kissed her hand.
She watched nervously twirling her bloodstone necklace as both her brother and General Daigh left the room.
Chapter 32
Looking over her armor Lara spotted a pile of clothes set underneath it. She lifted up a black leather long sleeved padded shirt and pants. The shirt fitted like a bodice tied up the front with a raven embroidered on the back. The pants were very fitted and Lara moved around to make sure she had full movement. When she was satisfied she sat down and pulled out the box which held her raven bracers, necklace and hairpins. She hesitated putting them on. The last battle they had been in the Morrigan lost. Lara shrugged it off and put on her bracers and necklace along with her boots making sure they were buckled and the laces were tight.
“Never thought I’d use these for anything more than digs.”
As Lara walked out in the sitting area. She started as Gobnait stepped in with a silver covered platter. Gobnait sat it on the table and inspected Lara’s clothing.
“Those fit you well. I brought some breakfast for you.”
“Thank you. Where’s Aodhan and have you seen Kedryn and why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be in Tralee?”
“Whoa, hold on there with the questions. Aodhan is up on the hill with General Ruark and Blaine. He was able to convince them to let Kedryn meet with you before he joined with the troops. I have volunteered to help the healers.”
Lara felt the butterflies return and she sat her raven hair pins on the table. “Be safe. I’ll have to admit that was very thoughtful of Aodhan with what he did. I am assuming everything is ready. The soldiers are lined up and ready to battle?”
“Yes. The soldiers tents are down and they are already in formation. General Ruark wanted Aodhan and Dillon to look them over and make sure there are no weak spots. I told him that I would bring you your breakfast and help with the armor. Eat first you will need your energy.” Gobnait said as she picked up Lara’s body armor and looked it over.
“Of course. You are right. I should eat.” Lara said as she sat down and ate as quickly as possible. When Lara finished she pulled the body armor that covered her chest and back over her head and Gobnait pulled tightly on the leather straps on the side and Lara grunted.
“I have to breathe you know.”
“You do not want it falling off during battle.” Gobnait said as she picked up Lara’s arm and leg armor and helped her with those too. “There. You are ready.”
Lara looked down at her armor and moved her legs and arms and was surprised as to how much movement she had. She walked over and grabbed her hair pins just as Kedryn walked in.
“Ready? They are waiting and we should go.” he looked her over and his nerves jumped to a worried frenzy for his mom.
She looked at Gobnait and gave her a hug. “I’ll see you on the flip side.”
“All of you will be in my prayers.” Gobnait said as she watched Kedryn and Lara walk out of the pavilion.
Kedryn led Lara to the edge of the hill that overlooked the troops. The healer’s tent was moved to the top of the hill and the armory had been taken down. She looked back at her pavilion and the servants had started to take that down too. General Ruark’s pavilion was the only one left standing.
Lara looked over General Ruark, Aodhan, Lord Blaine and Eion who were all in full armor as they walked up. She glanced at Kedryn and notice he was too. She supposed she didn’t notice since his armor was a glossy black and theirs were gleaming in the sun. Or she was just in denial.
“How did you manage that?”
Kedryn gave her a guilty look. “Remember the spray paint you took away from the boys vandalizing the site in Greece? I know I was supposed to throw it awy. It was still in my pack.”
Looking over the Duir plain Lara saw Liam’s army miles across at the other side spread out in a similar checkerboard formation that the Danann were in. She shook her head at the tradition.
A breeze caught her hair and she realized that her hair pins were still in her hands. Lara looked over the plain. As she turned the sun shown so brightly around her she put her hand by her eyes while she walked to Aodhan’s side. Lara put her hair up the best she could.
Across the Duir plain Liam was looking up at where Lara stood through his spy crystal. He had caught sight of her auburn hair as she stood on the top of a hill. His breath caught as the sun peeked through the clouds and its light surrounded her. A slight breeze had caught Lara’s hair as her armor shined with tint of red to it.
General Kayne was looking in the same direction and he let out a low whistle.
“Now that is power and beauty all in one. I hope our scribe caught that and put it in a sketch. I do not think anyone is going to see anything like that ever again.”
Liam looked away from Lara and hardened his heart. Any feelings he had towards her or anyone else on the Danann side he had to set aside. Those feelings could cause hesitation and prove deadly to him or anyone around him. He made himself feel the hate as he thought of his father’s murder.
“Ready the men.” Liam said as he walked away from Kayne and shouted over his shoulder. “Make certain Niall stays behind with me. He is too eager for a fight and I need him.”
“Yes Lord O’Cuinn.” Kayne said and watched as Liam strode up to Niall.
“The troops are in formation and ready as soon as you and General Ruark give the signal to charge, my Lord.” Niall said.
“To the front line.” Liam said and mounted his horse with them following.
As Lara walked up t
o Aodhan he looked over her armor and it hit him that this really might be the last time they see each other alive. He took her hand and led her down to the battlefront along with the others and Kedryn at her side.
“Ready for this?” she asked and glanced over at him.
“As ready as I’ll ever be. Don’t die on me, ok.” Kedryn said as he gave her the best hug he could with all their armor on. His stomach was in knots.
“I don’t plan on it. Keep yourself safe too. Love you Kedryn.” Lara said as she held back tears and hardened herself for what was about to come.
Scanlon walked up to Kedryn “Let’s get in formation.”
As Kedryn and Scanlon walked away he yelled behind him.
“Love you mom.”
“Love you too” she yelled back as she watched as he walked away.
A loud thundering rhythm started to pound through the air. Lara’s attention was drawn in Liam’s troop’s direction. Both sides were lined up preparing for the word to march into battle while each of their leaders rode in front to examine the lines. The Milesian’s pounded their armor and shields shouting. Even though they had different fighting styles their tactics remained the same. The Danann soldiers started to pound on their armor and started shouting back.
As planned General Ruark and Lara were behind the front line close to the middle. Lord Blaine MacCionaoith was to wait behind the heavy infantry and direct the soldiers from there. Lara looked over to where Kedryn was. He noticed her looking his way and saluted her. He was trying not to give away how nervous he was about taking lives.
The signal was given and the armies moved towards each other. The archers were let loose and both armies kept their men out of range. When in range their shields were raised to deflect the arrows.
General Ruark gave the signal for the archers to cease fire and gave the signal for the first line of light infantry to run forward into battle. Heavy infantry following closely behind.
Celtic Rain (The Battle Raven Series) Page 31