Yes. Many things. You especially.
But she couldn’t say that, now, could she? “I—I just wanted to wish you a safe journey,” she managed. “Try not to get yourself killed.”
He was laughing at her, though he tried to hide it. “I’ll try.”
“Iseult would be devastated if she lost you.”
I would be devastated.
Davin reached out and touched the underside of her chin. “It will be all right, Niamh. I intend to come back, after we’ve driven the raiders out.”
“Be sure that you do.” She nodded briskly and walked away. Good heavens, why did she always make such a fool of herself around Davin? She wanted to bash her head against the wall.
When she looked up, the slave was watching her. His eyes saw what no one else did—her unspoken feelings. Color flooded her cheeks.
A moment later, she caught his gaze elsewhere. Upon Iseult. And dear God, the look that passed between them was enough to set the ringfort ablaze. Though Iseult waved to the men, seemingly wishing Davin farewell, it was clear that she was fully aware of Kieran’s attentions.
And her friend wasn’t immune to it. The way Iseult looked at Kieran held a forbidden longing that could end in nothing but heartache.
Well, now. That was something to think about, wasn’t it?
Whenthemenhadgone, there was a palpable tension in the ringfort. Iseult had tried to go about her usual activities, but she had difficulty concentrating. The women milled about outside, most watching their surroundings as if expecting the Norsemen to come riding over the hillside with spears and battle cries.
As she passed the open door of the carver’s hut, she saw Kieran inside. He was working steadily upon the dower chest, as if unconcerned by the possible raid. How could any man work at a time like this? She knew he’d been ordered to remain behind, along with the other slaves. But even they seemed preoccupied.
She strode a few steps further then stopped. If Davin and his men could not defeat the Norsemen, the ringfort would not be spared. She and the others would die.
But she’d seen Kieran fight. Slave or not, he would know how to defend the fort. Slowly, she returned to his hut and stood at the entrance.
“You’re blocking my light.” His voice remained clipped, while he gouged an intricate border along the edge of the chest. With steady hands, he appeared unconcerned that they would face a possible siege this day. He’d pulled his black hair into a leather thong, and his tunic was rumpled. Despite the carelessness of his appearance, she found it hard to tear her gaze away from him.
“Why work indoors? You’d have better light outside.”
“It’s going to rain, and I’ve no wish to ruin the work I’ve begun.”
Her lips drew in a line. “How can you work at a time like this? We’re going to be attacked.”
“There’s nothing I can do about it, is there?” He cut another line from the oak, matching it to the first. Then he rubbed the section with butter, smoothing the finish. It seemed like a mindless task, continuing the carving around the rim.
“That isn’t true at all. You know a great deal about defending a ringfort.”
He set the cloth down and regarded her. His green eyes held impatience and the look of a man who expected her to leave. Well, she wouldn’t. Not until she had his help.
“What do you want from me, Iseult?”
“I want you to help us defend the ringfort, if Davin and his men should fail.” He had the knowledge, she was sure of it. If he would just leave the hut and tell her what to do, she would feel safer.
“If their forces cannot keep the invaders out, there’s nothing I can do.”
When he picked up another piece of wood, she curled her fists. “I don’t believe you. I think you’re being a coward.” She wanted to provoke him, to see a flash of anger. Anything but the calm acceptance.
Her words did just that. Kieran stood abruptly, his motion like a prowling animal. “Practical, yes. Coward, no.”
“We aren’t prepared for them,” Iseult argued. “We need to organize ourselves. Davin put Orin and a few of the others in charge of the defenses, but Orin is only a boy.”
“I am sure the older men will advise them.”
Why was he avoiding this fight? She laid her hand upon his, pleading. “Help us.”
