If ever I caught her.
‘For life is a shadow, a cloud on the meadow,
And love is a whisper, a kiss ‘neath a rainbow,
And ever we travel, and seek to unravel,
The spirit that urges us all just to follow.’
The bull dipped its head, and shivered. Jaim placed a loop over its horns, then directed Kaelin and the others to continue placing long planks around the beast. When they had done so Jaim spoke to the animal.
‘Come, my friend,’ he said. ‘This is no place for you. Your ladies are waiting. Let’s have a little effort now.’ So saying he leaned back into the rope. The bull’s shoulders heaved. He managed to get his front legs on the nearest of the planks. Kaelin, Finbarr and Senlic moved in behind him, pushing hard. With an angry bellow the bull powered himself clear. Kaelin fell face first into the mud, and Senlic hauled him up. The old man was laughing fit to burst, and then Finbarr began to chuckle. The sound was so infectious that Kaelin found himself laughing with them. Jaim was lifting the rope clear of the bull’s horns. ‘Are you lads finished with your playing now?’ he called. Kaelin scooped a handful of mud and hurled it at him.
Incidents like this meant Jaim’s departure was greeted with general dismay.
‘A man like you is wasted in the south,’ said Senlic, as Jaim climbed onto the wagon.
‘I have to be there,’ said Jaim. ‘They need to be reminded of what a real Rigante looks like.’ He glanced down at Kaelin. ‘You remember what I told you,’ he said.
Kaelin nodded glumly. ‘Give my love to Aunt Maev – and next time you come bring Banny with you. He’d like the trip and I miss him.’
‘I’ll do that.’
As the wagon rumbled away southwards Kaelin stood with Senlic and Finbarr staring after it. ‘What the hell is in the south that holds him?’ asked Senlic.
‘He’s in love,’ Kaelin said, before he could stop himself.
‘Ah,’ muttered Finbarr Ustal. ‘That explains it. Why doesn’t he Walk the Tree with her and bring her north?’
‘Maybe he will,’ said Kaelin.
‘No he won’t,’ observed Senlic. ‘She doesn’t love him.’
‘That’s a shame,’ said Finbarr. ‘Obviously a stupid woman.’ With that he strolled away.
Senlic glanced at Kaelin. ‘There’s only one woman I’ve heard Grymauch talk about, and that’s your aunt Maev. I’ve met her and she has a mind as sharp as a dagger. Handsome woman too, by heaven.’
Kaelin was uncomfortable with the conversation. ‘I should not have spoken of it,’ he said. ‘I ask you to put it from your mind when next he visits.’ He changed the subject clumsily. ‘So, will you need my help marking the cattle?’
‘No. The lads and I can tackle that. My bones tell me it’s going to be a hard winter, and I reckon we should halve the herds. We’ll lose many when the ice comes. Beef prices are high now. Good time to make the decision.’
‘I agree,’ said Kaelin. ‘Mark out half, and bring me the count. Will you take charge of driving them south?’
‘Not this time. I’m getting old. Finbarr can hire the men and lead them. It’s time he learned a little responsibility.’
‘Good enough,’ said Kaelin.
Back at the house he made himself a second breakfast, frying several thin steaks. As he ate he thought of the advice Jaim had given him that morning. ‘Don’t leave it too long, boy. You don’t want her marrying someone else.’
Kaelin had heard nothing from Chara Jace in the last month, and it hurt him deeply. Did she think so lightly of him? Had he been wrong to think she loved him?
‘Go to her,’ Jaim had advised.
But pride prevented such a move. It was she who had first walked away without a word of farewell. It was she who should make the first move towards reconciliation.
What if she doesn’t?
The thought was chilling. Every night as he went to his bed he thought of her. Every morning as he woke it was her face that leapt to his mind. Throughout the working days he would find himself remembering their conversations, picturing the sun on her hair, the brightness of her smile. Perhaps she will come when the tribute is due in three days, he thought.