‘Did they pass a judgement?’ Aileen managed to ask.
He inclined his head. ‘Walk with me, and I will tell you.’
Aileen released Rhiannon, pressing a kiss against her temple. ‘Listen to the stories,a stór. I shall see you this night.’
He walked beside her, waiting until they were away from others who might listen. ‘Why did you interfere?’ he demanded sharply. ‘The case did not concern you.’
‘I did not trust the Ó Banníons to speak the truth. Thebrehonsshould know the extent of your injuries.’
His eyes fastened upon her with cold anger. ‘I am not a weakling, Aileen. Nor am I afraid to face Ó Banníon with my sword.’
‘You cannot hold a sword.’
‘But I will.’
She shook her head. ‘Flynn would strike you down with a single blow.’
‘Weren’t you the one who spoke of faith? Was it not you who refused to crush the hopes of those you heal?’
His words made her cheeks burn. ‘That is different. They are children, and you a grown man.’
‘I am a man, yes. One who lives by the sword, and I will face Ó Banníon.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Morann agreed to my request. Two moons from now at Samhain, I will challenge Flynn Ó Banníon.’
A whisper of dread crept up her spine. She envisioned Flynn Ó Banníon’s blade sinking into Connor’s skin. She closed her eyes, willing the unwelcome thought away.
‘Why would you do this? You cannot kill him.’
‘If I defeat him in battle, I regain my honour. And he will drop all accusations against me.’
‘What claim did Deirdre make? Did thebrehonsbelieve her?’
‘They will always believe a woman’s pretty words and tears.’ Connor’s face darkened with resentment. ‘Tá, they believed Deirdre.’
‘Must you pay a fine?’
‘They wanted to dismiss the matter, since our fines nullify each other. I refused to accept Morann’s judgement. He finally agreed to my request.’
‘What if Flynn Ó Banníon wins the battle?’ she asked.
‘It won’t matter. For the only way he can win is to kill me.’
Aileen saw the resolution in his eyes. He would sacrifice everything. His eyes were bleak, the cool grey of stone.
‘Do not fight him,’ she whispered. ‘Let it go, Connor. You’re alive. Isn’t that what matters?’
‘He never intended to kill me. Only to cause suffering.’ He stared into the distance. ‘I won’t be staying with you much longer. I’ll go home to my brothers, to train as I must.’
They returned to the storytellers, the words of the bard captivating the audience. As they neared Rhiannon, Connor turned back. ‘Does she miss her father?’
The words caught at her heart. Swallowing, Aileen shrugged. ‘She has been with her foster-father since she could walk. Tómas has taken good care of her.’
A moment of surprise flashed across his face. ‘Lianna is her foster-mother then, isn’t she?’
Did he still hold feelings for Lianna after all this time? Knives of jealousy cut into her heart.
