David Gemmell – Rigante 4 – Stormrider

Kaelin Ring said nothing. Carefully he guided the wagon forward, keeping his foot poised above the brake. Maev watched him closely. ‘Has the Morrigu stolen your tongue?’ she asked at last.

The wagon slipped towards the edge of the trail. Kaelin steered it on. There was ice here and the road was steep, the horses tired. He coaxed the tearn, calling out to them as he flicked on the reins. Slowly the wagon rumbled over the worst of the slope, coming out onto steadier ground.

‘Why would I want to meet him?’ he asked.

‘Because he is the ruler of this land, Kaelin. And one day you will be a man of power. It is wise that you should meet. A man should know his friends, but it is vital that he knows his enemies.’

‘What do I need to know? He betrayed my father and murdered him. His men then slaughtered the Rigante. My mother was among them. Were it not for you those same men would have lifted the babe I was and smashed my head against a wall.’

‘It is all true,’ said Maev. ‘Yet when that same man was pressed to have me executed he declared me innocent.’

‘Pah! Your skills were creating riches, and he took his share in

taxes. Are you trying to convince me there is good in the man? He

is a creature of hatred and bile.’

‘Aye, he is. You know why he hated your father?’

‘Of course. He was the leader of the Rigante and the Moidart could not defeat him.’

‘That is not the whole story, Kaelin. The Moidart had a wife. It was said he adored her. She was a fickle woman, however. She met with your father in secret.’

‘That is a lie!’

‘Jaim saw them one day. He kept it secret for many years, but one night, when drunk, he told me of it. Lanovar was a great man in many ways. He was bonny and brave, and bright and witty. He could not resist a pretty face though.’ Maev laughed. ‘Truth to tell he could not resist them whether they were pretty or not.’

‘Are you saying the Moidart killed him for sleeping with his wife?’

‘Oh, how proper! Sleeping, indeed! I doubt they slept much. But, yes, that’s why the Moidart hated him. Have you ever seen Gaise Macon?’

‘I met him once,’ said Kaelin.

‘Did you see his eyes?’

‘Of course I saw his eyes . . .’ Kaelin faltered, remembering their curious colour, one green one gold.

‘Lanovar’s eyes,’ said Maev.

The words hung in the air. Kaelin said nothing, his mind reeling. Out of nowhere he remembered the Wyrd talking to him years ago, in what seemed a different age. Jaim was alive, the future seemed bright, and he had just had a scrap with some local youths. Gaise Macon had come to his rescue. The Wyrd seemed fascinated by this. She had pressed him for his views on the young nobleman. ‘Did you like him?’ she asked.

‘He is Varlish,’ he had answered, as if that were the end of the matter. The Wyrd had then spoken of Maev, but her words burned in him now.

‘She is Rigante, Ravenheart, and in her flows the blood of Ruathain and Meria, two of the great heroes of our past. Aye, and Lanach and Bedril, who held the pass. Maev is old blood. As are you. As is Gaise Macon.’

As is Gaise Macon!

Kaelin’s stomach tightened. Lifting the reins he tossed them into Maev’s lap, then leapt from the wagon. He wanted to hear no more.

‘Wait, Kaelin!’ called Maev.

He swung round. ‘Wait? What for? More lies?’

‘I am telling you the truth.’

‘Maybe!’ he raged. ‘But what of all the lies until now? Jaim knew. You knew. The Wyrd knew. Only Kaelin had to be kept in the dark. Damn you, Maev, you had no right to keep it from me. And worse, you had no right to tell me now.’

Maev jumped from the wagon and ran to him. ‘I am sorry. Truly, Kaelin. I would do nothing to cause you pain. Yes, I kept it from you. Not for as long as you think, though. Only two years. I saw Gaise Macon when he visited the barracks at Black Mountain. He rode by me. I looked into his face – and I saw Lanovar’s eyes. I wanted to tell you then, but little Jaim had just been born, and I couldn’t find a way to broach it with you.’

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