David Gemmell – Rigante 3 – Ravenheart

The sun was bright as he made his way to the well, drawing up a bucket of water and splashing it to his face. Senlic Carpenter was bringing in the dairy herd. He and Bally Koin would spend most of the morning milking. The cart, with the four girls who churned the butter, was just cresting the eastern hill. Kaelin found the brightness of the sunlight hurt his eyes. Bally Koin strolled past him, but made no sign of acknowledgement. Even Senlic looked away as he led the cows in.

So this is how it will be, thought Kaelin.

For the next three days Kaelin Ring lived in a world of silence on the farm. No-one spoke to him, unless to respond to a question he asked. All eyes avoided him. By the second day even the churners looked away as he walked past, and the butchers who arrived to dicker for fresh meat seemed a little more distant.

On the morning of the fourth day Finbarr Ustal walked into the farmyard and approached Kaelin.

‘Did he accept the tribute?’

‘Aye, sir. He has invited you to dine with him at his home. Should you wish to travel there.’

Kaelin looked into Finbarr’s eyes. The man was at pains to disguise his expression, but Kaelin sensed he was enjoying the moment. ‘How do I get there?’ asked Kaelin.

‘You walk due west, following the mine road. You will be met.’

‘And when is this invitation for?’

‘Whenever you choose to arrive, sir. Will you be going?’

‘Why would I not?’

Finbarr shrugged. ‘You might feel that the Black Rigante were bringing you into a trap. You might think that you were meant to die in the wild country.’

‘Would you advise me to accept, Finbarr?’ asked Kaelin.

‘It’s not for me to offer advice.’ Kaelin stayed silent, but held the man’s gaze. The silence grew. Finbarr seemed uncomfortable. ‘What? What do you want me to say?’

Senlic Carpenter moved into view. ‘He wants you to tell him whether they plan to murder him, Fin.’

‘How would I know what they plan? He doesn’t have to go.’

‘Is Bael recovered?’ asked Senlic.

‘He has a sore head, but he’s walking.’ Finbarr exchanged glances with the old herdsman. ‘All right. All right. Bael will probably challenge him to a duel.’ He looked back at Kaelin. ‘What did you expect? That it would all be forgotten?’

‘Don’t go, Kaelin,’ urged Senlic. ‘It will blow over.’

‘It’s time I saw the mountains,’ said Kaelin Ring. ‘You stay in charge until I get back.’

Inside the old house Kaelin went to his room, and stood at the window staring out at the western mountains. He wished Grymauch was here. When Finbarr Ustal had spoken of the invitation Kaelin’s stomach had tightened. Fear of this kind was alien to the young highlander, and all the more powerful as a result. Turning from the window, he caught sight of his reflection in the square mirror above the pine dresser.

He looked older than his fifteen years, his face angular, his dark eyes deep set. Kaelin was pleased that the raging fear he felt did not appear to show on the stern young features. No-one would guess that he was quaking inside.

The reality was that he had brought this situation on himself. The man, Bael, had been protecting his chief. He could have stabbed Kaelin, or shot him. Instead he had struck him once with the butt of his pistol. The events that followed were entirely of Kaelin’s making, and he felt relieved that he had not killed Bael. Even so, he had managed to anger and humiliate the leader of the Black Rigante – a clan known for their murderous ways. Now he was to pay – probably with his life.

You don’t have to go, he told his reflection.

Yet deep in his heart he knew he had no choice. If he refused it would be a second snub to Call Jace, and that would mean total enmity. Then they would come for him. At some point, as he mended a fence, or travelled into Black Mountain for supplies, clansmen would appear and cut him down. And even if they ignored him, everyone would know that Kaelin Ring was too frightened to walk into the mountains and face Call Jace.

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