Except Dallan.
“You’re a relentless bastard, you know that?” Dallan yelled, stalking toward him, tossing his shield on the grass. “I was determined, unwaveringly determined to loathe you for the rest of eternity.” He reached Finn, dropping his sword and pulling him into an embrace. “And then you had to go and save my life, you heathen.”
When Dallan released him, Finn saw the raw emotion contorting his features.
“Whether you loathe me or not, I will always have your back in a battle. To you, I will always be a friend.”
Dallan’s brow furrowed deeply, his eyes thoughtful. “I believe today you have proven as much,” he agreed, offering his forearm to Finn.
He grasped it in return, smiling for the first time in days. At least he had Dallan back.
“About my sister,” Dallan began, narrowing his eyes, “I’ve given it much thought since we left Nás this morning. And though I’m not overly fond of being kept in the dark over it, I think I was meant to find you. For Eva. I’ve never seen her so happy as when she had you.”
Another bolt of pain struck Finn’s chest. “I’m afraid it doesn’t matter,” he sighed. “She won’t even look at me, let alone speak with me.”
“Baeth is gone,” Dallan reminded him. “You’ve won the right to her. She feared his wrath, and now she is freed of it. Once she learns of his death she’ll feel differently.”
“I’m not sure she will,” Finn replied heavily. “Baeth was the figurehead of her fears. I think they run more deeply than even his offenses.”
“She spoke to me on your behalf. Last night after supper.”
The faintest glimmer of hope flickered to life from the dying coals. “She did?”
“Aye,” Dallan told him, folding his arms, “and though she tried to hide it, I could see that she wished to seek you out. She fought for you, told me everything was her own fault and I ought to forgive you.”
Finn’s stomach flipped. “Do you think it will be enough?” he asked, allowing himself to wonder. “If Baeth is gone, will she let go of her fear?”
Dallan let a heavy hand fall upon Finn’s shoulder. “There’s only one way to find out.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Eva felt likethe waking dead, a ghost haunting the hillside around Caiseal. She had slept but fitfully since the night she spoke with Dallan, a fortnight ago now. They should be returning—the march in total would only take twelve or thirteen days and the battle one or two at most. They could be back any day now.
She paced, her thoughts flitting through her mind like birds refusing a cage. What if Finn died? What if Dallan died? What if neither returned? Finally, sitting in a huff on the steps of the hall, Eva let her head fall in her hands.
Her fear for the men she loved was enough to undo her. Dallan and Finn risked their lives for Brian, and what could she do about it?
Not a damned thing.
Maybe Dallan had been right. Maybe her fear served no purpose but to torment her.
With resolve she didn’t know dwelt within her, Eva stood. She couldn’t help Dallan. She couldn’t help Finn. They’d both gone to battle for their own purposes.
Maybe it was time Eva stopped blaming herself for their actions.
Stepping into her quarters only long enough to grab her harp, Eva walked down the hillside to the nearest forest. She was done waiting in fear.
Some hours later,as the sun teased the western horizon until it reddened, Eva heard commotion up in the fortress.
All her thoughts of waiting patiently fled. Excitement, hope, and, of course, fear bubbled within her belly like an untended cauldron. Eva raced back up the hill, harp in hand.
Only to find the courtyard empty. She spotted Queen Dunla on her way to the hall and rushed to intercept her.
“Are they back?” she asked breathlessly, not caring how out of sorts she sounded.
Dunla smiled brightly. “Yes,” she replied. “We’re preparing a feast now. Luckily, the kitchen expected one soon. The men have gone off with Brian to get cleaned up and memorize their oaths. Dinner will be in an hour, just after sunset.”
Excitement trickled through Eva. “Did Dallan come back? Finn?”
