‘We are done here,’ he said, sorrowfully. She bowed to him, swung on her heel and left the room. They had not spoken privately since.
The days and weeks and months since then had seen her emotions flow from loneliness to heady joy and back again, as Conn travelled and returned all too briefly.
Today Conn had assured her they would go riding. Spring was here, the days growing warmer, and Ruathain, who had arrived at the settlement with cattle to sell, had told them of a high lake nearby, with a vista of surpassing beauty. Tae was looking forward to riding there and spending the afternoon alone with Conn.
Dressed in a tunic of green wool edged with dark leather, riding breeches and long boots, she strolled the palisade, staring out to the south for sign of Conn. He had ridden out early to see Arbonacast and Parax, and her cousin, Legat, who were tending the pony herds. With the increase in daylight the breeding season was under way, and Conn was anxious to check on his stallions.
As Tae strolled the battlements she saw Brother Solstice climbing to the wall. The black-bearded druid waved and smiled. ‘How goes it, lovely lady?’ he asked her.
‘I am well, Brother. And you?’
‘Glad to see the sun shine at last. It has been a hard winter,’ he said.
‘Aye,’ she agreed. ‘Ruathain was telling me that a great number of cattle were lost.’
He nodded. ‘It has been bad – especially for the Northern Pannones. The lakes froze and they were unable to fish. There is some talk of starvation among them. The Long Laird has sent three wagons of grain to Shining Water. He is a kind man.’ His dark eyes held her gaze, but she was not taking the bait. Tae was not even close to forgiving the Laird, and had no wish to discuss his merits.
‘It is said you are travelling south, Brother. Are you leaving us for good?’
‘No – at least I hope not. The Gathering of Druids is at the River Gath this year. There is much to discuss. I am looking forward to it. It is some years since I crossed the water, and the Gath, I recall, are a friendly people.’
‘We will miss you,’ she said.
‘It is nice of you to say that, Tae. I fear the Long Laird will miss me more. He has few close friends.’
Tae took a deep breath. ‘What he has, he has earned,’ she said. ‘He betrayed my mother. I see no reason to forgive him.’
‘Forgiveness needs no reason, Tae. What happened between the Laird and your mother was for them to untangle. Not you. People do foolish things. It is in our nature. He meant no harm to Llysona, and certainly none to you. Llysona stayed at Seven Willows because she chose to, not because he sent her away. Her death should not be nailed to his conscience.’
‘Did he send you to me?’
‘No. He would be affronted to know that I am speaking on his behalf.’
‘I have no feelings for him, save of disgust,’ Tae told the druid. ‘I will not change.’ She stared towards the south, willing Conn to ride into view. ‘He walked the tree with my mother. He made vows and broke them. She never forgave him. Neither will I.’
‘She was not a forgiving woman,’ said Brother Solstice. ‘It was a great flaw in her character.’
‘I’ll thank you not to criticize my mother,’ said Tae sharply. She strode from the battlements and across the open ground towards the hall.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
VORNA WAS TROUBLED. HER SLEEP HAD BEEN PLAGUED BY DREAMS,
harsh and vivid. She had seen a young man, dark haired and pale eyed, and six other men with him. The young man had been given a sword and a bow. The weapons were dripping with blood. As each drop struck the floor it became a coin, bright and golden.
Vorna awoke feeling tired, drained of energy. Rising she had changed and fed Banouin, then carried him to Meria’s house. Ruathain’s wife had promised to look after the child as Vorna moved through the settlement, giving potions to children sick with the fever. She had taken the Morrigu’s advice and told no-one of the return of her powers, though she used them constantly.