He walked back down to Shrine Hollow, took a silver flask from the pocket of his coat and deep drank. The uisge was cask mellowed and twenty years old. It flowed into his throat like silken fire. Holding out his arm he tipped a measure to the earth. ‘For the children of the Seidh,’ he said.
He heard movement from the east and turned towards the sound. Bael appeared. He had removed the bandage from his head and the ten stitches could be seen upon the scabs covering the wound. ‘I thought you would be here, Father,’ he said. ‘No sign of the Dweller?’
‘No.’ Call tossed him the flask. Bael took a deep swallow.
‘Man, that’s good.’
‘The water of life. What brings you here?’
‘I wanted to tell you that I’d abide by any decision you make. If you desire me to offer no challenge I’ll accept it.’
‘You are a Rigante, Bael. You have reached majority. The clan chief cannot order you to accept an insult.’
‘I know. I wasn’t thinking of you as the clan chief, but as my father. I will do whatever you require.’
Thank you, lad. I wish that I had not insulted the boy. His reaction was courageous. Three armed highlanders and he did not hesitate to attack. I respect that. However, the circle must be closed. Challenge him, Bael. Swords not pistols.’
‘Swords, Father? He is a southerner. Swords are forbidden to them. He will have no skill.’
‘You said you would abide by my decision, Bael.’
‘And I will.’
Then let’s be getting back to the house. They’ll be here within the hour.’
Chara Jace had enjoyed the walk with Kaelin Ring. He wasn’t like most young clan men she knew. While in her company he didn’t feel the need to fill the silences with empty chatter. Nor did he seek to impress her with tales of his exploits.
She guessed, though without any real evidence, that Kaelin Ring had avenged the death of the girl back in Old Hills. Something in his expression when he spoke of the ‘someone’ who had killed the murderers had convinced her. Added to which she had seen the sudden violence with which he had reacted to Bael’s blow. Kaelin Ring was not a man to cross. It was a disturbing thought. What if Bael challenged him and he killed Bael? The prospect made her feel cold inside. Yet what if Bael killed him?
The sun was setting as they climbed towards the stockade wall blocking the pass.
Chara paused. Kaelin walked on for several paces, then glanced back. ‘Why are you waiting?’
‘I think, perhaps, this is not such a good plan,’ she said. She sat down on a rock. He strolled back to her.
‘What is the problem?’ he asked.
‘I do not want Bael to kill you. And I do not want you to kill Bael,’ she added hurriedly.
He looked back at the stockaded wall. ‘There are guards there, and they have seen me. I cannot walk away now. Perhaps there will be no fight. I shall apologize to your father.’
‘And to Bael?’
‘Aye, if that is what you want. He struck me – but, on the other hand, he could have shot or stabbed me. He was defending his chieftain.’
She smiled and rose, taking his hand. ‘Good,’ she said. His hand was warm and she squeezed his fingers, enjoying the touch of his flesh. He made no effort to pull away.
‘You say there are no soul-names in the south? We could ask the Dweller to give you one,’ she said.
‘I have one. I am Ravenheart.’
‘I am Flame on the Water.’
They stood in silence, then Kaelin raised her hand to his lips. ‘It has been good walking with you, Flame on the Water,’ he said. ‘Now let us go and meet your father.’
Kaelin felt a welling sense of disappointment as they passed through the stockade gates. Two sentries came down, and began laughing and joking with Chara. They were speaking Keltoi and Kaelin felt excluded. Worse, he felt as if he had lost something precious. The journey with Chara had been fulfilling in a way he had never experienced before. Her company was a delight to him. Now that company was being shared. Chara took one of the guards by the arm, a tall man, wolf lean and hard-featured. She led him to Kaelin. This is Rayster, my dearest friend,’ she said. Kaelin struggled to be polite.