As the weather cleared, and Conn was close to his twenty-second birthday, merchants began to arrive at Old Oaks with news from across the water.
The army of Stone had advanced into Gath territory. There had been three major battles, one inconclusive, but followed by two terrible defeats for the Gath. First reports claimed that more than thirty thousand Gath warriors had perished.
The Stone army was marching on the port city of Goriasa, the last Gath stronghold.
To the east the king of the Sea Raiders had been killed in a skirmish, his son, Shard, replacing him. Conn knew nothing of Shard, and spoke to Brother Solstice regarding him. ‘Do the druids still walk the lands of the Sea Wolves?’
‘No. The Vars worship the blood gods, and any druid caught would be murdered.’
‘Have you heard anything regarding this Shard?’
‘Very little. But you can be assured he will not be a peace-loving man.’
Conn saw to it that all the merchants knew of his interest in the new Vars king and within weeks an elderly hide merchant from the Ostro tribe sought an audience with him. They met in the former apartments of the Long Laird. Conn had stripped out much of the furniture, leaving only a long, oval table and ten chairs. The merchant entered, bowed, and was offered a seat. The man was tall and slim, round shouldered and bald. His face was lined with age, but his dark eyes were button bright.
Conn, seated at the head of the table, Maccus on his left, Braefar to his right, gauged the man as he entered, thinking him cold and calculating.
‘I thank you for this audience, Lord,’ said the Ostro, his voice smooth as olive oil. ‘My understanding is that you wish to know of King Shard?’
‘He interests me,’ admitted Conn.
‘I do have some information that might be of assistance. And I could gather more. If, that is, I could obtain a greater supply of hides. The Vars are partial to tunics and boots made from your black and white cattle.’
Maccus leaned towards Connavar and whispered to him. Conn nodded.
‘I already have agreements with two traders for the distribution and sale of these hides, but I will increase the amount available to you – should your information prove useful.’
‘You are a kind and understanding man, Lord.’ The old man smiled. ‘It does not surprise me that you should have an interest in the Vars king. He certainly has an interest in you.’
‘How so?’
‘It seems, sir, that you killed his brother, during a raid on Seven Willows some years ago. He has sworn a blood oath to bring your head back to his brother’s house and place it on a lance there.’ Conn laughed, but Maccus looked uneasy.
‘What else do you trade with them, my friend?’ asked Conn.
‘They have a great love for uisge.’
‘I shall give you thirty barrels for your next voyage. I need to know his plans. Is he gathering men, building ships? Anything to do with the mustering of fighting men. You understand?’
‘Indeed, Lord. It will be a pleasure to be of service.’
Conn thanked the man, who bowed once more and left the room. ‘You do know,’ said Maccus, ‘that the slimy whoreson will also sell information about us to Shard?’
‘Of course,’ said Conn. ‘He lives for profit and will make it where he can. Where does he ship from?’
‘Queen of the Rocks. Most of the merchants travelling east use that port,’ Maccus told him.
‘Do you have friends there?’
‘Aye – a goodly number.’
‘Set off tomorrow and see if you can find someone who will sign on for his next voyage. It would be good to have a man of our own among his crew.’
‘You should tell Meria,’ said Vorna, sternly. Ruathain shrugged, and looked uncomfortable. Little Banouin ran in, cried out with joy when he saw the Big Man, and climbed up to sit on his lap.
‘I found a diamond,’ said the four-year-old, pushing out his mud-smeared hand and showing Ruathain a bright and worthless stone.
‘You’re a clever lad,’ said Ruathain. ‘But were I you I’d wash my hands before you get dirt on your mother’s furniture. Go on with you. I’ll look after the diamond.’ Banouin ran from the room. ‘A fine boy,’ he said. Vorna was not to be swayed.