“We warned you,” Finn teased, letting his hand fall heavily on Dallan’s shoulder.
“It’s true. We did,” Diarmid added with a wicked grin.
Finn had stopped trying to keep count of how many ladies had already succumbed to Diarmid’s considerable charm. His playful manner and quick smile had kept him quite busy in the evenings.
Dallan ran a hand down his face, pulling his features into a picture of frustration. “Two days,” he groaned. “I have two days to get the damned thorn out without tripping.”
“Get a drink, take a walk, and meet us back here for more,” Conan ordered. “We won’t let you fail now.”
“If sitting on you would help, you know I’d do it,” Diarmid offered.
Dallan looked daggers at him but made no comment.
Finn gave him a push toward the drinking bucket, where a supply of water was kept close at hand for the men during training. Conan and Diarmid wandered nearer the keep, promising to return to further torment Dallan.
“I’ll fetch us some food,” Finn offered. He knew Dallan’s feet would be twice as sore as his own after so many passes through the bramble. Dallan only had two days to train, though the trial itself wasn’t for four more days. The men’s feet needed to heal enough that new wounds would be distinguishable from the old, a testament to the thorn they must step on to pass the trial.
Nearing the kitchens, the sound of harp music floated from the row of buildings just beyond the feasting hall. Finn stilled, listening.
It was Eva.
He knew the sound of her music as he knew the taste of her lips and the feel of her in his arms. Stepping on thorns was nothing compared with the agony of leaving Eva last night, let alone pretending nothing had happened all morning as he trained alongside Dallan. They had met nearly every eve following their lessons, and she assured him she had a plan. He only hoped she spoke with Brian soon; he hated keeping their secret from his best friend.
Even as he had trained, racing headlong until he could hardly breathe, Finn struggled to keep thoughts of Eva from his mind. All he wanted to do was go to her, but he knew Dallan needed his help. Glancing back toward the training field, Finn spotted Dallan sprawled on the ground staring at the cloudless sky. He’d be fine for a moment.
Finn walked past the kitchens, following the unfamiliar melody to Eva’s door. He decided to only open it a crack, so he didn’t disturb her while she played. As soon as he moved the door, however, the music halted abruptly.
“Finn!” Eva leaped from her chair, harp cast onto her bed, and nearly threw herself into Finn’s arms. She seemed to remember at the same time as Finn that they were meant to be secretive about their tryst. Backing away awkwardly, she smiled at him instead.
“I’ve never heard that song,” Finn explained. “I had to come to listen to it.”
“It’s my own composition.” She lifted her chin, clearly pleased with her work.
And rightly so. It was a beautiful melody, filled with movement and depth.
“Will there be words?”
A rosy blush spotted her pale cheeks. She nodded, rolling her lips together.
“I won’t pry,” Finn assured her. Perhaps the lyrics yet needed work. “But you should know it’s already a wonderful piece.”
“How is your training going? Will you pass the trial?” she asked.
Finn didn’t miss her rush to change the subject. He wouldn’t pry now, but her hedging only intensified his curiosity. “I will,” he replied, certain of the truth of his statement. “The real question is: will Dallan?”
Her mouth dropped open, her eyes bright. She clapped her hands together beneath her chin. “Really!”
Finn snorted in amusement. “You know, one would think his sister might wish him well in his endeavors.”
“I wish him well alright,” Eva replied, “and if he’s to stay that way he needs to get out of here. If losing one of those trials is what it takes, then that makes my job easier.”
Finn leaned against the door frame. He shouldn’t linger much longer, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave. Hewantedto throw her on the bed behind her and spend all afternoon tangled up with her in it.
“Have you thought about what you’ll do if he does pass all the trials?”
Eva shook her head, her mouth pursed like she’d eaten a sour berry. “No. I should have a plan in place, but every time I think of something I also see why it won’t work. My best idea so far is to simply beg Brian not to honor the agreement with Dallan and uphold the one made with Sitric instead.” She shrugged, the light in her eyes fading. “Perhaps it is a fool’s hope to believe I can protect him.”
“Perhaps,” Finn began carefully. “Even if he weren’t joining the Fianna, would he not be a warrior in your uncle’s forces? Risking his life just the same?”
