Wasn’t it?
You will never recover from him.The Gaulas slithered into her ear, gleeful and cruel.He’s an affliction you’ll never cure.
Her breath hitched. She shoved the vile voices back.
Aye, she would. Even if it killed her.
28: FROST AND FIRE
LARA PRESSED HER burning cheek to Bracken’s neck and squeezed her eyes tight. For days now, dread had thundered through her every time the symptoms of fire-madness plagued her. They’d curdled her stomach and turned her mouth dry. But today, something had changed. Now, a dull fatalism filled her.
She was doomed. It didn’t matter though. Not any longer. What did, was that she got to The Shattered Crown, that she sealed the tear in the veil. She kept remembering the hollowed gazes and strained faces of the crannog-dwellers. That silent newborn in Orla’s arms.
She was going to fix this.
Around her, The Sharp Billed Wind tore across the bare hills, snagging at her clothing and blowing dust in her eyes. Its cold slap might have chilled everyone else to the marrow, but for her, it was a blessed relief. The first two days out from Crask, The Gaulas had pursued them, hectoring them like boggarts. But then, The Sharp Billed Wind had chased the spirit wind away. And with each furlong, the landscape grew bleaker and colder.
Lara glanced up at the sky then, searching for a glimpse of the sun. It was still hidden behind a dense curtain of low cloud, one even the wind couldn’t budge. Mountains surrounded them now, gloomy jagged peaks that looked as if giants had hacked at the land with axes. Shards of black rock bit into the low cloud.
“I have something for the fever, My Queen.” She turned from Bracken to find Ruari standing in front of her. He held up a cup of murky liquid. “The chieftain’s wife provided me with some more healing herbs. This is a brew of willow bark.” The seer’s brow furrowed then. “I know your fever isn’t the usual kind … but I thought this might help.”
Lara forced a smile, touched by his concern. She took the cup and lifted it to her lips, sipping. It was woody with a bitter edge—she’d tasted worse. Tipping back her head, she drank it quickly before handing Ruari back his cup. “Thank you.”
His gaze roamed her face. “We only have one more full day after this … will you manage it?”
Lara nodded, shivering as chills bathed her skin. “I will.” The strength and determination in her voice made his eyes widen. But still Ruari lingered, as if he had more to say.
Lara didn’t have the energy to question him.
Around them, the others had also dismounted and were passing around bread and cheese. Alar approached then,handing Ruari his ration. However, when he offered Lara hers, she shook her head.
“I’m not hungry.”
He hesitated. “Shall I keep it for you for later?”
“Aye … thank you.”
Nodding, he moved on.
When he’d gone, Annis moved close. The wind had reddened her cheeks and made her eyes water, yet she wore a resolute expression that Lara had come to know well. These druids had been through much with her over the past years.
“Have you told her about the bones?” Annis murmured to Ruari.
His brow furrowed. “I’m about to.”
“Hurry up then … while we have some privacy.”
Lara beckoned them both closer. “What have you seen?”
“I cast the bones this morning, My Queen,” Ruari replied, his gaze flicking around him. He didn’t seem to want anyone else to listen in. “Three bones fell together in an unusual formation. The burning crown, the frayed rope … and the triple spiral.”
Lara frowned. “And?”
“They—” Ruari began.
“They contradict each other,” Annis cut in. “The burning crown represents victory, but the frayed rope suggests failure. It would suggest that a choice is involved.”
“And the triple spiral is usually a sign of an unpaid debt that must be settled,” Ruari added, casting the counselor an irritated look.
