Celtic Rain (The Battle Raven Series)

by Isabelle Stewart

  Lara looked at Kedryn with sadness in her eyes. She shifted on the cushioned bench and sat immediately still. A sharp pain ran through her where her wound was still healing. She lifted her hand instinctively to the scar. The bodice of the dress she had on was a square neckline that revealed all of her scar. She still hadn’t decided on whether or not she wanted it to be completely removed or not.

  “Have the negotiations started yet?” Lara asked.

  “They will take place the day after Lord Blaine’s the funeral. The ceremony is to be held later afternoon tomorrow.”

  “What about Liam?” Lara asked.

  “He survived. If Aodhan hadn’t translocated you back he might have gone after him. He had blood lust in his eyes and Liam was lucky Aodhan did not have the strength to translocate. The healers were too busy with the wounded to aid in a matter of revenge.”

  Kedryn looked away from the carriage window. He shifted on the black velvet cushioned seat to face both of them and decided not to mention Liam’s visit. Not right now anyway.

  “I heard that Liam has not left his pavilion since he got back there. He must be a mess. I know I would be.” Kedryn said.

  Eion noticed Lara was lightly rubbing at her scar. “It is possible that the healers could reduce or even completely heal the scar if you would like.”

  “Fand mentioned it. I would like to keep it as a reminder. For now.”

  Lara decided that as soon as she was back from dinner she would sneak out and check up on Liam. Of course that could be a problem if Aodhan stayed with her.

  “Were messengers sent to the Milesian camp? To let Liam know I had recovered?” she asked a bit concerned for Liam’s mental state.

  “I am not sure how Aodhan and Ruark handled that. I know that they set up the time and place to hold the peace negotiations and that Liam agreed. I do not know why they would not have sent word of you.” Eion said.

  Kedryn was on the verge of telling his mother about the visit and suddenly felt the carriage stop. Aodhan appeared opening the door to the carriage. It was too late for that now.

  Aodhan held out a hand for Lara and she let him help her out of the carriage. He pulled her to his side as Eion and Kedryn stepped out and onto the cobble stone path that led to the manor house. Aodhan gave her a careful hug and looked down at her scar. She unconsciously put her hand over it.

  As he looked in her eyes Lara saw such sadness in them. Aodhan lightly pulled her hand away that was covering her scar. He kissed her fingers and her scar. She gave him a slight smile when he straightened back up. He turned and led her, Eion and Kedryn into a parlor area and through a short arched hallway into a large dining room. Lara looked around at the men and women sitting at the huge white washed table. She was very grateful that Gobnait had altered one of her black dresses so that she could have one to wear that night at dinner. Everyone was dressed in black mourning clothes. She glanced at Eion and Kedryn and noticed that they too were dressed in loose black shirts and pants. She watched as Orla stood and walk over to them.

  “Welcome all of you.” Orla said with a hint of sadness in her voice. “Please have a seat at the table. The meal will be served shortly.”

  Aodhan held out a white tall backed chair with a silky brown cushion for Lara and pushed it in as she sat down. He walked over to his mother and did the same for her and took the seat next to Orla. Eion took the chair to Lara’s right and Kedryn to her left. She looked around and everyone looked very somber. With good reason.

  Lara leaned over and whispered to Eion. “Where are Bevin and Dillon?”

  “They headed out to Liam’s camp. General Kayne had sent a messenger that requested that Dillon return. Just in case Liam was not fit to handle the situation.”

  “Does that mean that Brenna, Doireann, Fand and Kaylee are gone too?” Lara asked.

  “Kaylee and Fand are here are seeing to the soldiers who are in need of healing.” Tara answered.

  Lara inwardly smiled that the thought that Kaylee is most likely happy to still be there. She thought about how every chance Kaylee got she would try and get a glimpse of Lawler. He caught Kaylee a couple of times staring at him. He would get a look of confusion on his face as he blushed. She returned from her thoughts when Ruark stood and raised his goblet.

  “I would like to make a toast to the fallen.” he turned to face Aodhan and Orla.

  Everyone raised their goblets.

  “To the many men who had fallen in battle. May the road rise to meet you on your path to your forefathers. May God’s love shine warm upon their loved ones faces. Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

  “Sláinte.” Everyone said.

  The food was shortly brought in after they drank to the toast. There wasn’t much talking until dessert was served. Lara overheard Aodhan talking to Eion about what had happened to Blaine. He still blamed himself. Lady Orla turned in her chair to fully face Aodhan and took his hand looking into his eyes.

  “My dearest son your father did not wish you to know this. He heard deaths cry the night of the bonfire. He wanted to go out as a warrior not in his bed. That is why he rushed into battle as he did. There was nothing you could have done.”

  She put her arm around him and gave him a hug. Orla rose and looked around the table. She was very grateful for all of their support in these sad times.

  “I am quite weary. Thank you everyone for coming on this sad night before Blaine’s funeral. Lara, you, Kedryn and Eion can stay here if you like. I can have a couple of rooms prepared.” Orla said as she led them back into the sitting area near the front door.

  “Thank you. I would like to go back and clean up my armor. Tomorrow I will dress as a warrior. To honor one.” Lara said.

  Orla walked up to her bursting into tears giving her a huge hug. Lara looked up at Aodhan her heart breaking for him as she saw the loss in his eyes. Orla released her and stepped over to Aodhan who draped an arm around over her shoulders.

  “It will be an honor having you as a daughter. If my son gets his arse in gear and asks you.” Orla nudged Aodhan in the side a bit too hard and he grunted.

  “Mother, please. Now is not the time.” he said as his mother turned to face him.

  Aodhan looked from his mother and gave Lara a knowing look. He watched as her cheeks flushed and she mouthed the words. “I wouldn’t say no.”

  Lara walked to Aodhan and gave a slight courtesy. Making him smile for the first time that night.

  “If you will excuse me, my Lord. I think I also need some rest.” she said as Aodhan grabbed her hand and kissed it.

  “I am going to stay at the manor house tonight. Mother and I are going to go over father’s funeral plans to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

  Kedryn noticed a flicker of almost relief in his mother’s eyes. He knew that slight look that no one else would have noticed. It was the one when he knew she was up to something. He frowned at her and wondered what it was that she didn’t want Aodhan around for. Eion kissed Orla, Serina and Tara each on the cheek.

  “I should be heading out also. Kedryn, it is time to escort your mother back to camp.”

  “The carriage is ready and waiting to take you back.” Orla said.

  “Thank you.” Lara said and she turned heading outside lost in her own thoughts.

  Lara headed down the porch steps and cobblestone path to the carriage. She felt much better after the meal. Her mind was on her plan to get to Liam before anyone else knew she was gone. She didn’t even think of waiting for Aodhan to walk her out. Her thoughts were interrupted by Eion.

  “I cannot wait until the negotiations are over. I could use a good rub down. I need to come into town soon.” Eion said as he gave her a smirk and opened the carriage door for her.

  As Lara was ready to step into the carriage she felt Aodhan come up from behind her and spin her around to face him. Her head swam with the spin and she almost collapsed. Aodhan steadied her and looked concerned.

  “Apologies.
I didn’t think. Are you a little distracted, my heart?” Aodhan asked as he kissed her and she leaned her head on his shoulder to steady the dizziness in her head.

  “A little. Good night my heart. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” she kissed him.

  “Early morning, my lady.” he said against her lips and he reluctantly helped her into the carriage and watched them leave.

  Chapter 40

  Lara stepped into her pavilion and walked straight back into her sleeping quarters. She dug through the stack of clothes on her freshly made pallet and changed into her black cargo pants, baby T, and her black field jacket. While she was asleep and healing Bevin made sure every piece of clothing she owned was cleaned.

  “Bless her heart.” Lara said out loud.

  Everything except the armor. Aodhan told Bevin that Lara should do that herself. Being a soldier himself he was very possessive and proud of his own armor and only took care of it himself. He would not let any of the squire’s help and didn’t know if Lara would feel the same or not.

  Lara took in a deep breath. “Time to get going.” she paused and looked at a new slit that was in her pavilion.

  “Now, what the? Oh Liam.” she said to herself and smiled.

  Slipping out the slit she tried to stay in the shadows Lara almost stumbled into a tree while sneaking away.

  “Oh bother!” she said under her breath and headed in the direction of Liam’s camp.

  Kedryn was in the shadows and watched her ungraceful exit. He chuckled. Fluid on the battlefield. Not so much when sneaking. Eion came around the corner making Kedryn jump.

  “Where do you think she is going?” Eion asked.

  “Most likely to check on Liam. She’ll be easy enough to track. I think I’ll follow her.” Kedryn said.

  “That is probably a good idea I do not like the thought of it. Seeing him while she is still vulnerable is not good for her. It is too soon after her injury. Her head might be still muddled and with him resembling Wash”

  “Say no more.” Kedryn said and headed after his mom.

  After Lara stumbled over another tree root she found the path they followed before that headed towards the Milesian camp. After walking a few minutes she started to see the bright red orange glow of the fires in the Milesian camp. Lara spotted a movement just ahead of her and headed off of the path behind a tree. She heard what she assumed to be perimeter guards

  walk by her. They were talking and not really paying much attention to what was around them. Much to her relief seeing as her stumbling around wasn’t exactly that quite.

  “He still has not left his pavilion, taken a woman, or….” She heard a soldier say as his voice faded away.

  She stood in the shadows of the edge of the Milesian camp and guessed that the larger pavilion was most likely Liam’s. Being the leader, that would be logical. Lara moved in the shadows over to the back corner of the tent and made out two voices. One she recognized as Liam’s voice and when they stopped she noticed the bright light inside turn into a faint glow.

  “Guess I’ll take the back door. He can have a draft too.” she said to herself quietly and waited a couple of seconds and watched as General Kayne walk out of the pavilion.

  Lara slowly made a slit in the corner with her dagger. She heard a noise behind her and froze in place. She scanned the area for a couple of minutes trying to remember everything Aodhan taught her while they took watch and didn’t see anything. Lara shrugged and slid through the slit, crouched in the corner and looked around. As her eyes adjusted she saw Liam sitting on the other side of the room on a pallet of furs. Not too un-similar to the one that was in her tent. Only much bigger. His head was in his hands. If he noticed her entrance he didn’t show it. Lara stood and walked out of the shadows.

  “Liam.” she said quietly so she wouldn’t startle him too much.

  He slowly looked up with a look of disbelief and relief. “Am I dreaming?”

  She walked over and sat down beside him. He turned to her and immediately looked at her scar reaching up and lightly traced it giving her goose bumps.

  “You are healing well?” he asked as he drew his hand back unable to look at her.

  “I am. You shouldn’t take on the entire burden of this yourself.” she said and reached up and lifted his down turned head up by the chin making him look into her eyes.

  “It is my fault they are dead. I started the war and none of this should have happened. I almost killed you.” He moved her hand away from his chin and looked down at his hands again.

  “There is nothing to do but go from here. Get over it and move on. That is what my great grams used to say. I truly believe that anyone would have reacted the same way you and your father had. From what I’ve heard Faolan is the king of deception. Apparently he is very good.”

  Taking both of his hands in hers she squeezed. Liam took his hands out of her grip and stood. He reached up and rubbed his head which would have made her smirk if it was any other situation. He started to pace the room and stopped to look at her.

  “You should not be here.”

  She stood stretching out her legs and stepped in front of him. Placing her hands on his chest to stop his pacing.

  “You are the leader of the Milesian. Lord Liam Solo O’Cuinn. Or so I’ve been told.” she put her hands on his face bringing his eyes up to meet hers.

  “It’s time for you to show your people how strong you are. That you can move on and learn from past mistakes. Make things right. Prepare yourself and be ready for the Peace Negotiations be the leader you were meant to be.”

  Liam looked at the woman in front of him, grabbed her face and pulled her to him and kissed her. For a moment Lara saw Wash’s face and not Liam. She started feeling herself give into him and thought of Aodhan. She stiffened not responding to Liam’s kiss. He pulled back and let her go with regret in his eyes.

  “You did not kiss me back.” He said sadly as he looked into her emerald green eyes. “I will not apologize for the kiss. I had to see for myself. Has someone already caught your heart?” he watched as she slightly nodded her head.

  “Even if someone hadn’t. Being with you would not be fair.” she took a step back from him and crossed her arms.

  He took a step forward. “Why?”

  “You or I would always question if I was with you for you. Or if I was with you because you remind me of the man I was in love with in another realm. You deserve to be with a strong intelligent woman who loves you for who you truly are. Not because you are a reminder of a memory.”

  “I think I understand.” Liam said as he watched her push some hair behind her ear. “No woman I know of could compare to your strength and beauty.”

  Lara stepped up to him and lightly kissed his lips. “Thank you.”

  She backed away looking into his hazel green eyes. “There are different types of strength and beauty in every woman. Open your eyes and heart and you will find the right one for you.”

  “Who is it that has won your heart?” he asked curious now.

  “Aodhan. I’m completely and utterly in love with him.”

  He looked at the love in her eyes as she spoke Aodhan’s name and knew it to be true. He didn’t have a chance. Especially if Aodhan felt the same. The man would be an idiot if he did not.

  “Aodhan was a good and loyal friend. I could not think of anyone more worthy to be with you.” He gave her a little grin. “Other than myself of course.”

  She grinned back. “I believe you can heal the rift between the two of you. Aodhan has been told by many that, in the end, you didn’t mean to do this.” She touched her scar and watched as he took in a sharp intake of breath.

  “It will take time.” she put her hand on his cheek and glanced over at the slit she had made and thought of Aodhan.

  “I should go. I wanted to see for myself how you were doing. Get some sleep and after get out there and see to your troops. They need their leader. A strong leader who will take the responsibility to show them the right
direction. You need to tell them of Faolan and how he tricked us all. You are strong and in my heart I know a good man.”

  Lara walked over to the corner and squatted by the slit she had made. She thought of his exit from her tent and winked at him and slid out.

  Liam stared at the slit for a while and then made his way through his pavilion. He lifted up a flap covering a smaller area with a tub and saw that it was filled and still steaming. He let the flap fall and stepped outside for the first time since the battle and looked up at the night sky startling the guards.

  “Find me a woman. I am going to clean up.” He turned and went back into his pavilion heading straight to the bath.

  “You got this one?” Lieutenant Bryor asked.

  “I will find one. I don‘t owe you one anymore.” Lieutenant Lawrence said and immediately headed out in search of someone for his Lord. In a camp full of men, during the early morning, that might take some doing since most of the women headed back to the towns after the funeral ceremonies. Most of the ladies, servants and wenches were gone or asleep.

  While heading back to the Danann camp Lara’s thoughts were of Aodhan. She hoped that too much time wasn’t spent with Liam and that she would get back before he arrived. A shadow appeared before her making her jump. Lara pulled out her dagger and put herself in a defensive position. The shadow moved closer and she saw it was Kedryn.

  “Kedryn! You startled me right out of my skin!” she watched him walk up to her. “What are you doing? Are you following me?” Lara said realizing she was still in a fighting stance and relaxed.

  “Of course I’m following you. What are you thinking? I knew I wouldn’t be able to talk you out of it so I followed just in case.” Kedryn said scolding her and she gave him the look. He changed his approach.

  “How did it go?” Kedryn asked as he looped his arm through hers and started walking her back to camp.