“Are you in or not? I’ll not be telling you the plan until I know you’ll follow it.”
Dallan didn’t hesitate. “I’m in, of course.”
Finn’s heart stopped. Was Dallan truly betraying Brian? What about becoming afénnid? Rescuing Eva? He didn’t want to leap to conclusions, but he had a hell of a lot of questions for Dallan when this was over.
“When he signals the charge against Mide, charge against him instead. I’ll be behind you. Sitric will flank him.”
Dallan nodded. “Done.”
Finn hardly heard the rest of the conversation. Baeth and Dallan discussed some more details of the betrayal, then Baeth took his leave. The moment Baeth was out of the hall, Finn went after Dallan.
He opened his mouth, searching for the words to express his disappointment and concern, but Dallan headed him off.
“Obviously, I’m not going to betray Brian,” he whispered, checking the doorway. “But now that I know Baeth, and possibly Sitric, will, I can ensure our forces are prepared.”
Finn regarded his friend. It seemed a reasonable explanation, and up until this moment he’d never had cause to doubt Dallan. “I believe you,” he allowed, “but don’t you imagine Baeth will suspect your motives?”
“Of course, he does. And I never thought he’d remain loyal to Brian. I just hope that Sitric isn’t truly contemplating rebellion as well. I’ll need to speak with him at the battle.”
Finn let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “Would you care to tell me about this battle?”
“I’m not certain yet,” Dallan admitted. “But I believe our test of bravery will be to march against Mide outnumbered, alongside my uncle’s men and Sitric’s.”
Finn would have to digest that later. Right now, he was too busy worrying over Eva should Sitric turn against Brian. “Would Sitric really do that to Eva?” Finn asked.
Dallan sighed heavily. “I don’tthinkso, but…” he shrugged. “Either way, I owe you a real explanation.” He sat on the nearest bench, facing Finn with his back to the trestle table. “I knew Baeth was planning more bloodshed. I have men placed throughout Laigin and Mumhain watching him. After countless murders, I knew he was worth keeping an eye on.
“I’ve been trying to build up a list of evidence of his treachery to convince those of our family who support him of his ill intent. Unfortunately, that man is as slippery as an eel and as cunning as he is cruel. I’ve yet to gather enough witnesses to accomplish anything.
“Not long after the battle at Dyflin, Baeth uncovered one of my spies. As you might expect, he was none too pleased and started having me followed. He’s always wanted me dead, since I will one day compete with him for the kingship of Laigin. I decided my best chance to expose him was to confront him. I spread word that I was coming to Cenn Cora, knowing he would follow, hoping he’d come after me and give me an opportunity to catch him.”
Dallan paused, giving Finn time to absorb the tale.
“If Baeth murdered men and started battles, why wouldn’t he already have incriminated himself? Why would anyone question you?”
Dallan shrugged again. “As well you know, some murder and maiming are tolerated amongst kin when battling for the throne. None have questioned him because many support him, not realizing he is more monstrous than they imagine. He will lead Leinster to destruction, not glory, with his bloodlust. Sadly not all can see this, and it is difficult to show them.”
Finn didn’t like that answer, but he knew Dallan told the truth. He had only one last question. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I knew when I recruited you to my aid that we would be in considerable danger once Baeth found me. I knew he would come, and I knew he’d be out for blood. Make no mistake, whether I side with him in the battle or not, he will try to kill me. I’m shocked he hasn’t already made an attempt. I wanted to keep you out of this mess until I knew you could be trusted. You have been nothing but a loyal friend to me these past months. I will do all I can to repay my debt to you.”
A knot formed in the pit of Finn’s stomach. He needed to tell Dallan. He couldn’t live his life having Dallan believe him to be some paragon when he was bedding Eva behind his back. Eva would be furious with him, he knew, but his conscience could take no more of this torment.
“Dallan,” Finn began, his mouth going dry, “as we appear to be sharing secrets, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Dallan grinned. “Well, this I must hear.”
The blood drained from Finn’s face; he felt it grow colder as the full force of his betrayal struck him. Dallan smiled up at him from the bench, utterly unaware that Finn was about to shatter his world.
There was nothing for it, no turning back now.
“I’m in love with Eva.”
Confusion, then disbelief, crossed his friend’s countenance. The smile slipped from his face.
Finn feared it might be lost forever.
“In love?” Dallan repeated, rolling his tongue as though he were testing the words. “Terrible luck, my friend. She’ll never marry, not after all she’s been through.”
