‘I love you, Sigarni,’ he said, his voice thickening. ‘Always did, always will. Welcome home.’
Together they walked from the cabin and down the hillside. The snow was melting fast, and spring flowers were everywhere. ‘Is Torgan still here?’ she asked.
‘As far as I know. He and his wife have taken lodging with Fyon Sharp-axe. Are you going to give him a command?’
‘Yes,’ she said, ‘under you.’
‘Why? The man insulted you – and all of us.’
‘But he’s a Highlander, Fell, and a brave man. He deserves a second chance – for his wife and family if for nothing else.’
‘Why the change, Sigarni? What has happened to you?’
‘Perhaps it is High Drain,’ she said, with a smile. ‘Perhaps he spoke to me. When I went through the Gateway to that strange land I could almost feel its emotions. Yet the people there could not. I think it is the same here. The land cannot abide hatred, Fell. And I have no place left in my heart for it. Tomorrow we fight the Outlanders — because we must. We will destroy them if we can – but only because we must. Torgan was wrong, but he believed himself right and acted with the best interests of his clan at heart. Now he suffers shame. I shall end that.’
As they approached the end of the tree line Sigarni turned towards Fell and curled her arms around his neck. ‘I hated you when you left me, and when I heard about the death of your wife I was glad. It shames me to admit, and I feel sorrow now.’
Dipping his head he kissed her tenderly. ‘This is all I ever wanted, Sigarni. I know that now.”
‘Leave me here, Fell. I will see you later – at the meeting hall. There I will announce our battle plan.’
‘And after that?’
‘We will go home. Together.’
Sigarni walked down the winding lane to the home of Fyon Sharp-axe. Loran, Torgan, and the huge warrior Mereth were sitting in the sunshine with the Hunt Lord. All rose as Sigarni approached.
‘You are welcome, lady,’ said Fyon, with a short bow.
Loran fetched a chair for her, and they sat. Torgan remained standing, then turned towards the house. ‘Wait,’ said Sigarni. ‘I would value your counsel.’
‘Do you wish to shame me again?’ he asked, standing tall, his eyes angry.
‘No. I want you to be at the meeting tonight. Tomorrow you will command the Farlain wing, under Fell’s leadership.’
Torgan stood stock-still, and she could see the anger replaced by wariness. ‘Why are you doing this?’ he asked.
‘I need strong men in positions of authority. You may decline if you choose.’
‘No! I accept.’
‘Good. The meeting begins at dusk. Is Layelia in the house?’
‘Yes,’ said Torgan, still stunned. ‘Shall I fetch her?’
‘No. I will find her.’ Sigarni rose and left the men to their conversation. As she passed Torgan he called out to her.
‘Wait!’ Dropping to one knee, he bowed his head. ‘My sword and my life,’ he said.
It was an hour before dusk as Sigarni set out from the Pallides village. The afternoon was clear and bright, the sun dappling the new leaves on the trees. She felt belter than she had in days, her mind cleansed of doubt. Whatever the outcome now, she felt that her plan was the best chance for Highland success.
Breaking into a run, she raced up the track, her body revelling in the exertion. As she ran she noticed a mist spreading out from the undergrowth. At first she ignored it, but it thickened suddenly, swirling around her. Sigarni slowed. The trees were indistinct now, mere faint shadows in the grey. Glancing up she saw that the mist was also above her, blocking the sun.
Unafraid, yet with growing concern, she walked on, heading upward. The trail was no longer beneath her feet, but if she continued climbing she would arrive at the encampment. A line of bushes appeared directly before her and she tried to skirt them, moving to the left. The undergrowth was thicker here, the ground flat.
Her irritation grew, but she pushed on.