Malcolm said, “Ye can stay with me and mine.”
“My thanks. And where would that be?”
“In the caves,” Malcolm said.
Chapter 10
If there was a moon over head, it was well hidden by a dark cloud high above the trees. Only the abundant number of stars cast light on the path that had been filled with travelers when she’d come to the fair just that morning and was now empty except for her and the rest of the tribe. They’d be staying on, mayhap as long as the entertaining event lasted. She trudged alongside Domelch and Malcolm who led the way, with the others trailing behind in twos and threes.
“It is as I told ye, Ethne.”
Domelch’s irritation was, as usual, directed at her. All she had done was ask why they could not stay near the fair tonight as they usually did.
“I am just concerned with Finn so exhausted.” She wanted to bite her tongue for trying to explain herself to this woman. Always a wasted effort.
She and Finn exchanged glances. The truth was they’d spotted Olaf and his lackeys from a few nights ago, still not dressed with the authority they possessed, but as poor travelers. His face looked horrible where he’d been burned. Bright red with ugly blisters. She was afraid of what he might do if he saw her again, so they had climbed a sturdy tree, high above the festivities, and remained there until dusk.
Ethne assumed the tribe would be back on the morrow. She’d been looking forward to the music and the dancing that happened every night of the fair, though she was never allowed to participate. Watching was enough. To see the people smiling and laughing as they swung each other about, men and women alike. Not a concern in the world. Certainly not a concern about needing to escape from their home to avoid being violated. But that was not meant to be this time.
“I saw ye walking with a strange, fat man,” Ethne said. “Who was that?”
Malcolm roared with laughter while Domelch frowned her disapproval, first at him and then at her.
“Shut yer mouth,” Domelch said. “That was my brother, Uradech. He is coming to stay with us for awhile.”
Malcolm snickered and Domelch huffed, pushing a few steps ahead of them.
He turned to Ethne and winked. “We have heard from some of the other tribes.” His voice was full of pride. “Our observance will be well attended.”
“The solstice observance?” She shuddered at the reminder. The solstice was her day to be gone. Either that or be handed over to Aidan. That wink meant so much more since she’d heard them discussing her.
Hoping to hide her trepidation from her brother who knew her so well, she dropped to her knees for Finn to get on her back.
“The verra same.” Malcolm belched loudly.
Fear gurgled in her stomach. She’d only understood half of what was discussed. Malcolm had always been protective of her when they were children. With his strong profile and determined chin, he certainly didn’t look like a man who was willing to give her up without a fight. How deceiving men could be.
He continued. “It will be a boon for us all, the time together with the many tribes coming forward.”
Domelch grinned now, her teeth bright against her skin. She stroked her fine red hair from her face and sidled up to her husband. “It will be. The child will be borne by then.”
“That is the hope.” Malcolm’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Domelch paid no attention, rubbing her belly as she always did when she wanted to call attention to her pregnant state. But she never spoke of the upcoming birth. She never seemed excited about it. She’d been the same with Finn. It seemed odd that a woman wouldn’t look forward to having a child.
When she was young, living safe with her parents who loved her, Ethne had looked forward to marrying. She dreamed of finding a handsome man—as handsome as her father—from some faraway village. He would sweep her off her feet and into his strong arms. She understood so little about the world her parents had protected her from. But hearing Domelch and Malcolm grunting from behind their curtain every night did not leave Ethne with any interest in marrying now. Or coupling.
Curious, she asked Finn, “Willyebe happy to have a little baby?”
“I do no—”
“Cease yer prattling.” Domelch’s eyes widened on Ethne. A forbidden topic?
Even where he hung on her back, she felt him tense. The little hand that had been gripping her shoulder was no doubt in his mouth again. The gentle sucking sound at her ear confirmed it.
She slowed a bit. Then a bit more. Just enough to avoid comment until the rest had passed the two of them. Domelch babbled about some new carved bowl she’d taken a liking to, asking if Malcolm would get it for her. Aidan had ridden his horse off somewhere, although he had allowed his many wives to remain behind at the fair. She envied them until she remembered Moira.
Before long, she and Finn were far enough back that their talking could no longer be overheard.
