Page 94 of The Washwoman at the River’s End

“You were close enough to it,” he grumbles, leaning back with a sigh.

I exhale, my shoulders lowering as the layer of ice between us thaws a bit. He makes a few far gentler slices.

“I'm no angry with you. Or,” he rubs the back of his neck. “I dinnae ken. Maybe I am.” He corrects himself before my dàn can alert me of his lie. He stares into the fire, his jaw working as if he’s considering what to say. How much more to tell me.

Just say it. My heart begs. Say anything.

“It's alright if you're angry at me, you know. I can handle it,” I say softly, and he closes his eyes, almost like the words hurt him. But they’re the truth. I’m not naive enough to believe he’ll disregard his duty for me. Not this man, to whom justice matters more than anything else, and who follows simple rules as if they’re law.

I do not need him to betray himself for me, but it would be nice if we could be something at least akin to friendly until the time comes when he must do what’s required of him.

Hopefully I can complete the spell before then, and that day will never have to come at all.

A rustling sounds in the woods, and Brennen jumps to his feet, hand on his sword.

“Announce yourself!” he says, and I wonder how he knows it's a person. All I can hear is a vague shuffling, easily explained by an animal, but Brennen is tense. Does he have a dàn for sensing danger, perhaps? Maybe enhanced hearing?

“It’s only me,” a deep voice says, and Brennen visibly relaxes. A man walks into the glen. He's handsome. Strong, with short hair and bright brown eyes. He looks familiar, and I try to place him. There’s a kindness about him, and I warm to him immediately, even as a sharp pinch of pain flashes through the dàn on my leg.

“Theo,” Brennen says, his brows drawing together as he stands. “Is everything okay? Has something happened?”

The man Brennen called Theo raises his hands. “No. Everything's fine. I received a letter for you a few days ago, but you havenae been back to restock on supplies. I thought I should bring it to you, in case it was important.”

He steps forward, handing one of the two satchels in his hands to Brennen.

The feeling that I’ve met this man before gets stronger, but I can’t place him. “I know you,” I say, tilting my head. He turns to me and smiles.

“Aye. We’ve met before. I was just a wee lad then.” He holds a hand out to about hip height. “Though I dinnae ken how you could remember me from so long ago.”

“She has a dàn of memory. Stole it from me, you know,” Brennen says, opening the satchel.

“Stole it from you?” Theo raises his eyebrows.

“Dinnae ask,” Brennen says. “She⁠—”

“I remember,” I interrupt them, unable to hide my smile as the memory of a young boy with curly hair and dimples flashes through my mind.

“You came here because your parents hid your sweets. You wanted to know where they were. Did you find them, then?”

His answering smile is as bright as my own.

“Aye.” He leans forward conspiratorially. “I found them, alright.”

I clap my hands together in delight. “I'm glad. Though I hope they were worth risking coming to see the Washwoman for. You got quite a fright, didn’t you?”

He laughs. “Aye, I did. And I suppose it was a risk, but I'm a good judge of character. The village may be afraid of you, but even when I caught you and asked my question, I didnae fear you. I never have.”

My eyes flick to Brennen, but he’s shuffling through his bag, seemingly distracted by its contents, and I relax.

“I think I like you, Theo,” I say with a broad smile.

He gives me a half-bow. “It's an honor to meet you again.” He holds out the satchel. “I brought you something, too.”

Surprise flits through my belly as he hands over the bag.

“For me?” I ask, opening it. There's a container inside, and it's warm in my hands.

“Food?” My mouth waters, but I force myself not to rip it open and devour it. If I’m going to be treated like a lady, I’d like to behave like one. I crack it open, the delicious scent of thyme and rosemary wafting through the air, and wonder how my fortune seems to have changed so drastically since Brennen arrived. I now have a sturdy dress. A dàn of warmth, and a fire to sleep beside. A blanket and food. Company, even if it's begrudging. All of those things, I have because of Brennen.