The time together went by quickly. Darragh was amazed by how well Brighit could handle herself in different situations. Tracking, hunting, fishing, and even mock battles, which he couldn’t resist engaging her in. She was very fast on her feet. Her father had indeed trained her well and she took great pride in her abilities… most of the time. Other times a shadow would fall across her features. In those moments, it was as if she thought very little of what she could do. And when Darragh encouraged her, she insisted he was only being kind.
Darragh hoped to gain her confidence and make her understand she was safe with him, but she had not yet shared her secret, the thing that continued to bring her sadness. The next night Brighit offered herself to him boldly, with no sign of the old panic returning. Afterward, they lay side by side and talked of life.
Three of the kings he had been sent to deliver the message to were not well known to his clan, but the last king was a good friend of Darragh’s. He wanted to see how he fared, introduce Brighit to him.
They had to leave soon after bringing the deer back to Gwen and William. The couple was very appreciative and he wasn’t surprised to see tears welling in Gwen’s eyes when it was time for them to go.
“Oh please, do not cry.” Brighit hugged her tight. “Yer nephews are sure to visit in no time.”
“One of them came while ye were gone.”
“I am sorry I didn’t get to meet him.”
William put a hand to Darragh’s shoulder to direct him toward the door. “Let us see to yer horse. How far is it ye must travel?”
Darragh went with him toward the smallráthwhere his horse rested. “Two days if we go quickly. Our next stop will be at the Meachair.”
“Ah, Francis. A good man.”
“A goodri túath.”
William tipped his head before answering. “I stay away from the clan rivalries. ’Tis what ripped my Gwen’s family apart.”
“I am sorry to hear that. The true purpose for a clan is to live peaceably with support from others, joining together what ye have to live a better life.”
“That may be the purpose, but I’ve rarely come upon that myself. No offense intended.”
“None taken.”
“The two sons who were part of thederb finebecame rivals, so overtaken by the lure of power that they nearly killed each other. Gwen’s grandfather banished the fiercer one, Gwen’s father. He had a meanness about him that not even a tender wife could soften. She died in childbirth bringing Gwen and her sister into the world.”
Darragh nodded thoughtfully. He’d witnessed similar situations, which was why he was convinced of the importance of the treaty helmed by his father and Brighit’s father. It made eachriaccountable for himself and his own. “And is that why ye stay apart from the others?”
“I wish for peace. Besides, we get enough news from her sister’s sons. Too much. The two believe they can set things right but instead stir up trouble. Usually upsetting to her, but she continues to ask.”
“Is there a message ye’d like me to convey to the Meachair?”
William smiled. “Tell him we fare very well here thanks to ye and Brighit.”
Gwen rubbed at her nose, sniffling quietly. “But ye had a fine time hunting with yer husband?”
“I did.”
“And who felled the deer? Did he allow ye to do the honor?”
Brighit was impressed by the women’s astuteness. “He did.”
“And that way his pride remains intact and ye can have a great feeling of accomplishment.”
“Hmm.” Mayhap she was little too astute. Brighit had taken it down on the first shot. It was not possible to prove he could have done the same.
“A husband and wife can either have a hard time, keeping to themselves, or share with the other who they are. Ye two seem to be sharing just fine.”
Brighit couldn’t agree more, which only made the knowledge that she was keeping something awful from Darragh that much harder to bear. But she must keep it to herself for his own safety. “Did yer nephew bring some food as well?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Oh.” Gwen got up and went to the small work bench, picking up the top of a heavy jar to reach inside. “I have something for ye.”
“For me? Ye’ve given us so much, Gwen. Please nothing else.”
