Celtic Rain (The Battle Raven Series) (30 page)

“It has meaning.”

“That’s what I was going for. Aren’t we supposed to be heading out somewhere?” she brushed his hand away from her tattoo.

He let out an exaggerated sigh laced the bodice up the rest of the way tying if off. She turned around and backed away from him.

“What do you think?” she asked and spun around.

The green of the shirt made her eyes stand out even more. Beautiful and powerful he thought to himself. Lara strapped on her belt with the sheath and dagger and smiled at Aodhan.

“You look like a warrior queen.” he said.

“I’m not quite complete yet and thank you for the compliment. Let’s get going.” Lara grabbed the other clothing and carefully placed it in the cloth bag Gobnait had set aside for her.

Aodhan and Lara stepped into the forge area as Christian and Gobnait were discussing something that looked like leg armor. Lara headed their way and stepped up to Gobnait giving her a huge hug.

“Thanks. The clothing turned out perfect I owe you big time. You should join the women for lunch. I have a feeling you will keep me sane through the gossip.”

“Women only?” Gobnait asked.

“Just us girls.”

“I would like
to
be a fly on the wall for that one.” Aodhan said.

“I’m certain you would. Thank you for inviting me.” Gobnait said.

Aodhan put his arm through Lara’s and gave her a slight tug. “We really should get to the war counsel.”

Lara let out a dramatic sigh and looked at Gobnait who rolled her eyes. She turned and let Aodhan lead her out of the forge. Kedryn saw them step out and walked over to them.

“Cool. I got some myself to add to what I got for my birthday.”

She looked him over. He had on black pants and an off white shirt under the long leather jerkin Carrick had given him. He fit in so well you wouldn’t
even know he was from a different realm. One thing that always surprised her was how he adapted to every culture no matter what country they traveled to. She didn’t know why it would surprise her now.

“You look like a Ranger. Your Guild Wars Ranger.” she said and looked at Aodhan’s confused look on his face.

“Something of my realm. I wouldn’t even know how to explain unless I showed you.”

“You are officially now a Warrior Princess. Watch out Xena here comes the Battle Raven. The guys and I are going to hang out and play cards today. I guess there is a big party
tonight.”

“I will see you there. Apparently I’m needed in the war room to give my account of last night.” She pushed some of her hair behind her ear.

“Liam.” Kedryn said.

“Yes. Liam. Could we
please
stop at my pavilion first so I can drop these off?” Lara asked as she swung the bag so it hit Aodhan in the side.

“As long as you do not take too long.” He caught the bag as she swung it playfully at him again.

“I’ll see you later.” Kedryn said as he turned and walked away.

“Love you!” Lara yelled after him.

Kedryn turned and gave her a wide grin and waived. “Love you too mom!”

Aodhan offered her his arm and she looked at him amused. She looped her arm through his and they walked up through the maze of soldier’s tents and up to her pavilion. As they stepped into her sitting area Lara threw the bag on the table and it landed with a loud thump. She knew the answer but felt devious enough to pull him up to her and looked him in the eyes.

“Did you kiss her back?”

“What?” he asked puzzled and put his arms around her waist.

Lara moved her face closer to him. “Bevin. Did you kiss her back?”

“She explained afterwards. Bevin wanted to see your reaction. It was a bit childish if you ask me.”

“A bit juvenile. What did you tell her?” she stepped away from him and picked up the bag from off the table.

“Nothing. Father interrupted.” he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Let me get one more thing and we’ll go.” Lara walked away from Aodhan and into her sleeping area.

“Women are so complicated.” He said under his breath.

Lara rummaged through her pack looking for the box that Eion gave her. When she found it she pulled out the raven hair pins and re-wrapped up her hair and put them in. She put on the necklace and slid on the bracers and set aside the clasp. She pulled out a small compact mirror and re-touched up her make-up. Lara sprayed on some Black Orchid perfume and walked back out.

“Why do you have to always look so good?” Aodhan croaked out.

Lara grinned at him. “I like to doll myself up sometimes.” she set something down on the table and turned as he walked up to her.

“We probably will not have any more privacy after this.” he said.

Aodhan skimmed his hand down her cheek and Lara lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his fingers. He grabbed her waist, pulled her to him and slowly kissed her. Aodhan stopped and said with his lips still close to hers.

“You kissed me back.” and he gave her a lopsided grin.

Lara untangled her hands out of his hair and took a breath to slow down her heart. She put her head down on his shoulder to clear her head. Aodhan cupped a hand under her chin and moved her head so he could look in her eyes.

“You look flushed Lady Battle Raven.” he said as he watched a smile form on her face.

Lara pushed off his chest and walked around him over to the table. She grabbed the lip gloss she had set there and put some more on. Grinning she walked by him slapping him on the butt and walked out. Aodhan followed shortly behind her trying to calm himself before he walked into General Ruark’s pavilion.

Aodhan paused at the opening of the pavilion and took in a deep breath. He walked in through the sitting area and through to the war room. Lara was already sitting at the table by Eion.

“Please sit Aodhan. First things first. I have heard there is something we need to discuss with you my Lady Battle Raven.”

“Please, just Lara, Lord Blaine. “ Lara said.

“As you wish, my Lady. Let us all just dispense with the formalities for now. Lara, what is this I hear about Liam paying you a visit?” Blaine asked.

She leaned back in her chair and thought about where to start and what to omit. Lara wasn’t going to reveal anything too personal.

“There really is not a lot to tell. I will try and remember everything about the conversation. Liam had mentioned seeing Kedryn fighting I am assuming he saw me use confusion too.”

Ruark leaned forward and tapped the rolled up map in his hand. “What did he offer you?”

“He wanted to know what he had to do to convince me to come over to his side.”

She heard Aodhan grumble and glanced his way “I told him that the only thing he would have to offer me, that I would take, is a peace treaty.”

“I take it he did not agree to it.” Eion said.

“No. He is more than convinced that Blaine had his father killed and wants to rule over the three lands. I tried everything I could to convince him otherwise. Kedryn came in while we were ending our conversation. Liam had the nerve to ask Kedryn if he would like to be a true Milesian and that General Kayne would recruit him in a heartbeat.”

Scanlon let out a laugh “What did Kedryn say to that?”

“I don’t remember the exact wording. Kedryn told Liam thanks but he would have to respectfully decline.”

“Ever the tactful one, he is. Was there anything else?” Ruark asked.

“No. I told Liam that it looks like we will meet in battle after all.”

Ruark placed an unrolled map on the table and started to unroll it as he spoke.

“Speaking of battle. Give me a hand with this. Dillon, would you please fill everyone in on the marks on the map.”

Dillon placed a flat square rock on each corner. Lara looked at the placement of the troops and realized she was looking at a strategy that was favored by the Romans. On the side where Liam’s army will be she saw a similar strategy placed out. Odd why would they be the same? She looked up from the map as Dillon tapped the area where their army would form.

“From our discussions I have marked the battle formations on this map. As you can see the troops are in the chessboard formation with each of the four rows separated into six formations with the cavalry flanking each side. The front ranks will be light infantry armed with spears and shields. The heavy infantry
will be in formation behind them. Another set of light infantry will follow shortly after with the archers set behind. Once the light infantry move in and the arrows are cast the heavy infantry will draw their weapons and engage the enemy in hand to hand combat. General Ruark would you like to instruct on where the men will be?”

“Thank you Dillon. Scanlon, you will lead the heavy infantry on the left flank near the Mountain terrain.” He looked at Lara “Kedryn has proven himself worthy to fight with our men. He will be under Scanlon’s supervision with Lawler, Doyle and the rest of the company on that side.”

Devlyn interrupted. “Why can’t I have Kedryn?”

Blaine struck his hand on the table. “Enough nonsense, Devlyn! This is a time to be serious. Do not interrupt again unless it is pertinent to the battle plans. Please continue Ruark.”

General Ruark glanced over at Devlyn who had a grimace on his face and had sunk down in his chair a bit. Ruark leaned back in his chair and cleared his throat.

“Are we ready to continue?” he asked and watched as they all shook their heads yes.

“Devlyn, you and Aodhan will take the right flank near the hills that lead to the forest. Laura and I will take the center. Eion, you will be in charge of the archers behind our line.” He stood and stuck his knife in the middle and looked at Lara. “This is where you will meet Liam.”

All except Eion and Lara began talking about strategy, armor and weapons making sure that every man had what they needed. Lara started feeling the butterflies come back and leaned over to Eion.

“Please Pinch me.”

Eion looked at her puzzled and asked. “Why?”

“This is still so hard for me to believe. I’m not sure how I can live with myself going into battle and taking lives. Liam’s an idiot!”

She remembered Ruark saying something about her meeting Liam in the middle somewhere.

“Wait a minute. What did he mean by me getting somewhere during the battle?” Lara asked Eion.

“Our spies have heard the Seer speak again. You must get to Liam before anyone else does during the battle. It seems it will decide the turn of the battle. That is all we know. Of course the Seer did not say if it bodes well for you or not.”

“They are just going to send me in.” she started to play with her necklace.

“Do not fret. I will use all of my ability to protect you if I see it is not going well. And by the way they suit you.” He tapped the raven cuffs that were on her wrist.

“Thanks. Why was it assumed that I knew what Ruark was talking about?” she put an elbows on the table and laid the side of her head on her hand looking at Eion.

“Aodhan was supposed to let you in on it on the way back from the Forge. He did not say anything?” he noticed she got a little flushed.

“No. Must have slipped his mind.” She glanced at Aodhan and turned a bit pink.

Eion knew that Lara had made her choice. He looked at Blaine wondering how complicated this was going to get. He decided to talk some sense into him later.

“What about translocation? Couldn’t Aodhan use it in battle?” Lara asked.

“It only can be used two times before we are drained of energy and cannot fight. He is letting Aodhan use it to his discretion.”

“I have one more question. How is it that Dillon or the rest know what strategy Liam will use?”

“Why would not it be the same or similar?” Asked Eion.

Lara couldn’t hide the disbelief on her face. “To not let the enemy know what you are planning. To out maneuver them.”

“This is just how it is. This strategy for battle has been used for centuries. We meet on equal ground to show respect for the other.” he said.

“Respect for a man waging a war that should not be? Why?”

Eion rubbed his chin. “It was laid out that way long ago. However, if we do go to war with Lord Faolan he I have a feeling that the tradition will not be honored.”

She shook her head disapproving of their plan. Lara supposed that even though she headed archeological expeditions in battle sites, given lectures on Hannibal Barca and other ancient warriors, that it still didn’t make her a real expert. She had to remember that this is
their
realm. Not hers. They have also been in real battles and she has not.

A chair moved and Lara looked to Lord Blaine who struggled to stand. He put a hand on Aodhan’s shoulder and straightened. “I believe it is time for the mid day meal. Lara, Bevin has set up an area for the women to meet in the healer’s tent. This battle will be what ends it one way or another. Neither side’s soldiers can retreat to a fort to fight the next day. Are you ready?” Blaine said.

“I am as ready as I will be, my Lord.” She replied.

Lara thought to herself, lunch with the women, this should be interesting. Thank God Gobnait will be there and wondered if she should talk to Gobnait about Aodhan. Keeping it in wasn’t helping any.

Slipping out Lara walked back to her pavilion. She didn’t want to deal with Aodhan, Devlyn or anyone else at the moment. There was a woman standing in front of her pavilion with a large bag and an annoyed look on her face. As she saw Lara approaching her face turned into a look of relief.

“Hi. I am Brenna, Bevin’s handmaiden or lady in waiting. Whichever you prefer to call it. Anyway, Aodhan had asked Bevin if she could find someone to fix your tent.” She held out her hand and Lara shook it. Brenna waited until Lara stepped through and followed.

“I did not wish to enter until you returned.” she said.

“Thank you. I hope you weren’t waiting long. You have more respect for a woman’s privacy than most men here.” Lara said.

Brenna sat the bag she carried on the table and pulled out canvas, thread and large needle. She set them off to the side of the bag and pulled out a roll of black canvas.

“Could you show me where the tear is, my Lady?” Brenna asked.

“Through here. And please, it’s just Lara.” she said and led Brenna through the center flap to her sleeping area to where the overturned table was.

“Thank you so much. The slit is a little drafty.”

“This should only take a few short minutes. After I will show you to the healer’s tent.” Brenna started working on patching and sewing up the slit and paused to look up at Lara.

“Is the rumor around the camp true? Liam was here?” she asked.

“He was.” Lara said.

“How does he look? I hear he has hardened so much.” Brenna said.

“I believe I was trying more to convince him to not go to war than I was concentrating on his looks.” Lara said trying not to remember what she did when he was there.

“Apologies. I am certain you were. Sometimes I wish I would have stayed in Milburn in the castle where I could finish my studies. I came here shortly after she left when the war skirmishes started. There it is all finished.”

Lara squatted down and looked at the slit examining Brenna’s work. She was happy to see that Gobnait wasn’t the only woman in the camp who was not afraid to speak her mind and there’s a spark of intelligence to her. Between Gobnait and Brenna Lara thought she could keep sane at lunch with all of the Royals.

“Thank you, I appreciate this. I think we should probably get going.” Lara reached into her pack and grabbed out the last of her hot chocolate and followed Brenna out of the tent.

She looked over at Ruark’s tent and noticed that Blaine and Aodhan were having an argument. Blaine glanced her way clearly upset. Lara stopped and thought about going over there when Brenna took her arm.

“This way my Lady.” she said.

Lord Blaine glanced over to Lara and was stopped by Aodhan again. “Father. Seriously please. Can I have a word?”

Blaine shook his head and crossed his arms. “If it is about you and Bevin. I do not want to hear another word. While you were through the portal her father passed on. She has no family left. Your mother and I decided to take it upon ourselves to make sure she has what is best for her.”

“I am not what is best for her. There is someone else father.” Aodhan said and watched stunned as his father walked away from him.

“I do not wish to hear anymore. You will marry Bevin and I do not care who the other woman is. Get rid of her.” Blaine practically yelled and walked on.

Lara cringed as she overheard those last words. She swore the whole
camp probably heard him. It seems that Aodhan wasn’t winning that battle.