Leofric touched spurs to the stallion and cantered from the battlefield.
High in the skies above, the crows were already gathering for the feast.
Bakris was dragged before Sigarni. ‘They captured me,’ he said, ‘but I told them nothing.’
Sigarni sighed. ‘You told them everything that you were supposed to,’ she said. ‘Kollarin warned me that you were a treacherous cur, who would sell your people for a handful of gold. But know this, Bakris, your treachery helped us. Without it the Baron might have sent out more scouts, and found our hidden forces. As the rope settles around your neck, think on that. Now get him from my sight – and hang him from the nearest tree!’
Fell sat quietly with his back against the tree-trunk, Obrin and Torgan beside him. ‘It was a good day,’ he said. ‘We broke them. By God, we broke them!’
‘Aye,’ said Obrin softly, his eyes drawn to the black-feathered arrow jutting from Fell’s chest. The clansman’s face was pale, there were dark rings beneath his eyes, and his lips had a bluish tinge that Obrin had seen all too often before.
‘Fetch Sigarni,’ Obrin told Torgan. The Farlain leader nodded, and loped away. ‘Maybe if I removed the arrow you would have a chance,’ said Obrin, but Fell shook his head.
‘I can feel the life draining from me. Nothing will stop it now. We won, though, didn’t we?’
‘Aye, we won.”
Fell looked up at the sky and watched the crows swooping and diving. It was a beautiful day. High Druin wore a crown of clouds and the sun was bright behind them.
‘It is a Highland custom,’ said Fell, ‘that a man’s son sends him on the swans’ path. I have no children of my blood, Obrin.’ He smiled. ‘But I used the Cormaach to save you, and that means you are my son. I want my best bow beside me, and two knives. Some bread and some wine should be wrapped in leaves. Lastly, two coins should be placed … upon my eyes. The coins are for the gatekeeper, who will usher me through. Will you do this for me?’
‘I will, man.’
‘I want to be buried on the flanks of High Druin. Sigarni will know where. I want to sleep for ever beneath the spot where we became lovers. And if I must walk as a spirit, and be chained to any part of the land, it should be there.’
‘God’s eyes, Fell, I thought we had made it through together. One cursed archer hiding in the undergrowth.’
‘It’s done now. It cannot be undone. I have often said that a man should never dwell on regrets, but I find that hard to maintain now, Obrin. You will need a sword-bearer at my funeral. Choose a good one.’
‘I shall.’
Fell closed his eyes. ‘She’s a wonder, isn’t she? A hill-top defended by women. Who would have considered it?’
‘Aye, she’s a wonder, Fell. She’ll be here soon. Hang on, man.’
‘I don’t think I can. I can hear the cry of gulls. Can you?’
‘No, just the crows.’
Fell opened his eyes and looked past Obrin. He smiled, as if in greeting, but when Obrin glanced back there was no one there. ‘Come to walk with me, you old drunkard?’ said Fell. ‘Ah, but it is good to see you, man. Give me your hand, for my strength is all but gone.’
Fell reached out, then his hand fell limply into his lap and his head sagged back against the tree. Obrin leaned in and closed Fell’s eyes. ‘You were a fine man,’ he said, ‘and a true friend. I hope you find what you deserve.’
Obrin rose and turned towards the battlefield as Sigarni came running, with Torgan alongside her. She sped past Obrin and knelt by Fell’s body. Torgan paused beside Obrin and the two men moved away to a respectful distance.
Sigarni had knelt down at Fell’s side. She was holding his hand, and speaking to him. Obrin saw the tears on her face and, taking Torgan’s arm, drew the Farlain warrior away from the scene. ‘You ought to get that wound stitched,’ said Obrin, pointing to the congealed blood on Torgan’s side.