Niamh nodded. “And oranges.”
“And plenty of other things as well,” Maeve interrupted. “Because I’ve tried those and it’s never worked for me.”
“I’d be happy to come here tomorrow before we leave and give you a list of my remedies,” Niamh offered, “if there’s a chance they will help someone.”
If Dallan didn’t know any better, he’d have sworn the old crone nearly smiled. Nearly.
“I’ll expect you early. Don’t keep me waiting. Now, you’d best go and let me get to work.” She turned back to the woman on the bed, dismissing them.
Outside, the men had wandered back up the road with the boy. Dallan walked beside Niamh in companionable silence until they’d passed back through the village and were nearing the keep.
“I suppose I ought to thank you for saving my life,” Niamh said softly, watching her feet as she walked.
“No thanks necessary,” he replied. “If I let you get run down by a cart your mother would kill me. So, really, it was in my best interest to help.”
She giggled and gave him a playful shove. “Thank you,” she repeated, this time looking directly into his eyes.
“I believe,” Dallan began tentatively, “that you were trying to tell me something important while I was distracted by the cart. I really do want to hear what you have to say.”
“Perhaps another time,” she replied softly, slipping her hand into his. “I’ve had enough excitement for one day.”
Chapter Twenty-One
His time wasnearly up. Dallan entered the feasting hall at Caiseal consumed by worry over Morda’s impending return. The day spent in Niamh’s company had only deepened his desire to repair their past and build a future. It had also reminded him that he still had no guarantee of her returning such sentiments. Somehow, everything between them felt so easy, yet so hard all at once. Tonight, Dallan needed to determine her true feelings.
If she gave him even the slightest glimmer of hope, he would stay. He would make his home with Niamh, join Brian’s family, stay with Eva and Finn and the rest of the Fianna.
If not, he would uphold his duty to family and return home to Laigin, where his people would have need of him in the coming years.
Dallan had attended several fine feasts in Caiseal since the Fianna arrived for their last trial, some weeks ago now. They had stayed on to help train Brian’s army, and in that time several large banquets had come and gone, Eva and Finn’s wedding his favorite. Though this dinner held none of the extravagance of past feasts, what it lacked in lavishness it made up for in charm.
As with most ancient halls, the large, central hearth burned like a beacon in the crowd, its bright, warm light a reassurance against Dallan’s worries. Sparks flew up into the night sky through the smoke hole like stars returning home.
Eva sat down beside him, all smiles as she looked out at the merriment in the feasting hall. Dallan couldn’t blame her—it was a joyful sight. Brian danced with Niamh, and Dallan found himself imagining a future where they were his family and Mumhain, his home.
“Could you imagine all of us returning to Cenn Cora together? Me and Finn, you and Niamh. How wonderful would that be?”
Dallan swallowed. It would be wonderful indeed, but right now it felt like a fool’s hope.
“I may not be returning to Cenn Cora at all,” he replied quietly. “Morda’s recalled me to Laigin, but I haven’t decided if I will go.”
“Oh, Dallan.” Eva shook her head sadly, placing a warm hand on his arm. “I do not envy you that decision. Have you told Niamh?”
“How could I? I can barely get her to speak to me sometimes. If I tell her I’m already thinking of leaving, she’d be gone from my life before I could say another word. I’m no fool, Eva,” Dallan looked across the room at Niamh, dancing and smiling as though she hadn’t a care in all the world. “I know that, for whatever reason, she doesn’t trust me enough to tell me what’s going on. I would destroy any progress I’ve made with her if I tell her about Morda.”
“She wants to tell you,” Eva whispered. “I’m not sure if it’s you she doesn’t trust, or herself.”
Dallan’s gaze shot to his sister. “She told you why she left?”
“No,” Eva replied quickly, dampening his rising temper. “She didn’t tell me why, just that she knew she needed to tell you eventually and she’s worried over it.”
“I would wait forever for her,” Dallan admitted softly, “but I haven’t the time. Morda will return any day now.”
“I wish I could help you.” Her sad smile didn’t ease the growing ache in his chest.
“What would you do?”
“You know I would do anything for my family,” she replied.
