Aonghus’s embrace captured her close. She didn’t need to look behind her once more at Kollungr;thatwas her past. Her future was here with the one she wrapped her arms about. Grabbing onto his tunic, she buried her drenched face into his linen-covered torso, his heartbeat wild against her ear.Herewas her future, with this Scotsman. Her grip tightened till her hands turned numb.
Chapter 44
Third Dawn
The Final Battle
“You voiced the warning on the impending attack?” Aonghus heard the Lord Chamberlain inquire, a hint of spittle almost hitting his Cluaran’s cheeks at shock or excitement, he couldn’t be sure – but then the man’s eyes turned slitty as if prowling an enemy.
Ahem. She cleared her throat as if tense. “Aye,” she replied.
The assembly was in the king’s tent with Stewart outside gathering knights and completing a final sweep on the surroundings, lit by dawn’s light, for any survivors or threats.
How dare he question her! After all he had just witnessed, including the moment he was trapped battling Svørn as Kollungr first appeared then advanced on her like a falcon swooping in with its talons for the kill.
Aonghus took a step closer toward the Lord Chamberlain, placing himself right before her. “Lord Chamberlain, you are not questionin’ my lady’s loyalties once more, are you?” It wasmore a statement of wrath than question. The tent was tall, so he pulled on every notch in his spine standing over the chamberlain, who looked at him like he was a watchtower at Stirling Castle.Just say it – I dare you, Chamberlain.
The chamberlain wiped the spittle with his sleeve to shuffle his feet. “Nae, Sir Aonghus.”Good.
“I shall speak alone with Sir Aonghus, Lady Keirah, and Chief MacCade,” King Alexander demanded of his council, his temper short. “Leave us!”
The king unleashed a heavy sigh settling his backside onto the throne. While rubbing his nose’s bridge, he spoke. “Lady Keirah, please forgive my council – they mean to watch over every consideration placed before me and thus when times are trying, they believe this grants a grander role than given.” He lowered his hand to stare at her directly. “The Lord Chamberlain grows anxious in trying to understand how you offered such a solid announcement on the approach by the enemy when it has been declared by your knight that the instinct in sense of being a fate-seer was cast away in the consummation this eve.”
At a tightening of her fingers in his, a knot formed in his throat; he swallowed and hastily explained at the wide eyes looking up at him, “My lady, we have not held a chance to speak before the Lord Chamberlain’s order for us to re-gather here in the king’s quarters. The moment I left your side with Callum earlier, it was the king who had summoned me. It was then I told him of our consummation. I did not wish to burden you further in worry.”
Her fingers softened, and he gave an inward sigh from relief. “Your knight was most earnest,” the king countered. “I declared to him that this quest in forcing the Northern scourge from Scotland’s shores was one my sire gave his life for – a questthat has been granted by your council. I would see neither you nor your knight punished, so the question remains awaiting an answer. How has the possibility reigned you beheld a shadow-glance?”
“First. I am the first in my clan’s line born under the harvest’s full moon. My sire declared I would be granted elements never seen by fate-seers before in my lineage.” She bowed her head slightly. “It seems this had a greater effect than initially thought.” She darted her eyes between all those present before holding her gaze on the sovereign. “I believe there shall be a final siege to unfold, my lord king.”
“Final?”
“Aye,” she replied. “In the shadow-glance, one of the longest I have ever beheld, I believe the purpose was to hear Lord Kollungr speak. He declared Sir James is gathering those left for a final attack near our shores.”
“Then you shall remain at my side till the last battle is won and declare the moment for victory,” he replied. “Make certain to bring your bow and quiver.” Her chin rose; she nodded. The king directed his attention toward the MacCade brothers. “Chief MacCade, I seek your talents at my side during the time of battle, and Sir Aonghus, you shall ride at Stewart’s side aiding in leading the knights. Sir Brayden is already gathering the archers; he shall have command of those ranks.”
“Aye,” Callum replied. “My lord king…”
The Lord Constable charged the tent opening with Stewart at his side. “Forgive the intrusion, my lord king,” the Lord Constable huffed. “A gathering of Northmen have taken a stronghold upon a knoll not far from the dunes. One of our knights with a golden helmet thought to charge and they have taken his leg.” A thick silence hung in the tent.Cluaran’s abilityis a force of nature; it has stolen words for a moment at her accurate declaration about the final attack.
Wait…he knew this knight. “Golden helmet?” Aonghus clarified; at the constable’s nod he stated, “’Tis a knight called Fergus.”
Keirah’s eyes met his with a stern look – aye, had to be the same lad. Days past they had spoken to a knight named Fergus with a golden helm on the voyage to Ayr, determined to make a grand show. He inwardly cursed; Northmen were not ones ever trifled with on a whim. Their attention snapped back onto the Lord Constable.
“My lord king,” he proclaimed, “it is said King Håkonsson himself stands upon the shore.”
King Alexander’s fists formed at his sides as he stood. “Fetch my horse – we’d best not keep our Northern guests waiting!”
***
Her heart drummed in her ears; how was it even possible she could hear the murmurs of the king to his Lord Chancellor who were seated upon their steeds not a stride from her? Anxiety. It must have sharpened her hearing.Check that box!Weight from the bow across rested across her shoulder. Weapon. Armed.Check that box too. She squirmed her backside into the saddle, rattling the quiver holding a dozen arrows strapped to the flap. Ugh! The saddle was still hard as a rock even with her skirt layers beneath her arse. The docile chestnut mare she had been given to ride must have sensed her anxiousness and gave a high-pitched whinny into the salted air which slapped their faces as much as the rain.
Tugging the cloak tighter over the surcoat, her eyes scanned the vista once again. Hell, why did Aonghus have to takethe lead? There he was at the front of the ranks atop Laoch, right next to Alexander Stewart on his white charger. The pair of Scots exchanged words before the gathering of nearing five hundred mounted knights who rode under the Scottish lion banner. If the sun had shone instead of the drenched surroundings, the armor upon the beasts and mail-wearing knights would have gleamed brighter than stars. Aonghus…he was broadest of the group! Wait…would this work against him? Her heart drummed faster than the rain striking the puddles on the barren dune a thick distance away from the warfare about to commence.
After another wiggle, the mare pawed with a fresh agitated whinny. She petted the matted mane gently.Apologies, furry friend, really freaking out over here.
Callum, who was seated on his own bay charger, leaned over to say for her ears alone, “Do not worry yourself, my lady, your knight will be safe. Look at the numbers in strength.”
“Aye, tell that to Fergus,” she replied dryly.
