Wilde's Meadow (Darkness Falls #3) (32 page)

“Since you and Arland were chosen to serve at the same time, you would be appointed after current High Leader Maher steps down, then your child after you.” Cadman stares at Perth who’s staring at Rhoswen.

He frowns as though he’s seen something he doesn’t like, and I’m pretty sure I see it too. Maybe the spell isn’t completely broken from all the Ground Dwellers, or maybe the desire to Lead Encardia goes deeper than any spell. Maybe Rhoswen shouldn’t know anything about me.

I swallow hard, worrying about my unborn child, worrying people might try to take my life just to end my baby’s. “Why does any of this make a difference if we plan to restructure?”

Cadman grabs a fist full of blanket, eyes locked on Rhoswen. “Arland was loved by the people. He was the most anticipated High Leader in our history. You saw how everyone treated him. Certainly all the Leaders, save those of the Ground Dwellers, will call for the restructure to be forgotten—”

“And our chance to elect one of our own as High Leader will be gone,” Rhoswen finishes for Cadman.

Perth rubs his palm up and down her arm. “Our people do not deserve the position of High Leader, restructure or as is. Until we can prove to be peaceful, there is no reason for us to try.” He casts a sideways glance toward me. “If Arland survived, the people would have elected him anyway. With him gone, Katriona will be our next Leader. The only thing that will change with the restructure—assuming no one finds out about the pregnancy—is that her child will not be automatically put into the position after her. However, given how we are creatures of habit, I have no doubt the child will be elected as well. My father will not be threatened by just Katriona, but her plus the child … .” Perth turns and passes me my sister’s note. “You cannot allow anyone to discover, and you are drawn to this for a reason; you should find out why.”

I clutch the paper to my chest, praying the secret it unravels brings those I love back to me. “The sun won’t shine until I’m happy, and I’m far from it right now. I think this paper will tell me how to find what I’m looking for.”

“What are you looking for, ma’am?” Cadman asks, finally looking away from Rhoswen.

“Arland.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

I knew the others would think I’m crazy when I told them Arland is alive. He has to be. Mr. Tanner said he spoke with Mrs. Tanner and Brad in Heaven, but he didn’t see Arland. The dreams telling me to remember, Brit’s prophecy mentioning my happiness—actually, Arland’s prophecy said something about him having to keep me in his arms for Encardia to be safe—I’m so stupid. All this time I’ve been freaking over his death, but there’s no way he’s gone.

“I have to speak with High Leader Maher,” I blurt, excitement coursing through me. I’m not alone. Arland is alive … somewhere. I toss the scratchy blanket from my legs then crawl from bed, ignoring the nausea mounting an assault on my senses. The room can spin all it wants; I’m going to find my husband.

Cadman grabs my wrist, pulling me closer to his narrowed-eyed gaze. “You are playing a dangerous game with yourself, ma’am. I witnessed his death. You will not find him, and seeking help from his father—or any other Leader—will hinder what needs to be done.”

“And what needs to be done, Cadman? I need to play the strong widow and lie about what’s really going on to get people to agree on a restructure?”

Magic, a power I haven’t felt since killing Dughbal, bubbles inside me, growing and spreading to my extremities. The fire swells my heart; I’m on the right path, and I know it.

“I refuse to play any more games. I will go to the Leaders, I will tell them I’m pregnant and if anyone has a problem with that, they can face the gods’ wrath compliments of my fire.” I jerk my hand free. “Do you have a problem with that,
soldier
?”

“Katriona,” Perth says, low, cautious … placating. “I saw Arland die, too; I heard his screams. I know his body is missing, but when I said for you to figure out why your sister’s letter is important, I did not intend for you to go chasing ghosts.”

Rhoswen nods.

Everyone’s denial of what could be is infuriating. How can they question the possibility of Arland’s life when
magic
is native to them? Glaring, I consider the three people in this room who’ve supported me for the past few months. Not that long ago, they didn’t exist to me. Encardia was a place I’d never heard of, not even in fairy tales. Being married and pregnant was something I’d rarely daydreamed about. My life has changed.

Dramatically.

I’ve spoken to a
god
; he told me what I have to do to save a
world
: form an army, seek out Dughbal and kill him—

Sconces tremble on the wall. The floor beneath my feet rumbles, making me reach for the bedpost. Wooden support beams crack and groan above us, and dust spills down from the ceiling like sand in an hourglass. I look at the others—their eyes are wide and full of panic—then meet eyes with Cadman.

“What’s happening?” I ask.

“
Remember
.” Griandor’s voice resonates through the room.

“Did you hear that?” Rhoswen squeaks, arms over her head.

I let go of the bedpost and stand straight, fear no longer controlling me. “Griandor said he’d help me every chance he could, and I think he just confirmed … .”
Wait
—Griandor said he’d help me every chance he could, but with Arland around, the god would have a hard time getting to me.

Arland is here.

I spin in circles, searching for something I know isn’t visible, praying Arland is whole and realizes I’m aware. I’m coming for him.

Somehow.

The fury of the gods subsides, leaving only floating particles of gray dust drifting down upon us, and three people staring at me with blank expressions.

I’m going to see my husband again. I’m going to hear his laughter, feel his warmth, his strength.

Cadman stands and places his hands on my shoulders, stopping my child-like circling. “Ma’am?”

I smile, power flowing through me, strengthening me. “Are you a part of my army?”

He nods. “Wherever you go, I will fight for you.”

“Then trust me, Cadman. Arland is not dead. We will not lie to the Leaders. When they arrive, we will tell them everything, and we will restructure
after
we bring Arland home.” I glance around the room and spot a pile of fresh—albeit dusty from being buried in drawers for twenty years—clothes that Rhoswen set out for me earlier. “Look away so I can get dressed.”

Rushing into the pants and shirt, I take deep breaths to calm my racing heart.

“Grief has washed away her good judgment, Cadman,” Perth says, swiping dust from his leather pants. He stands, crosses his arms over his chest, then turns to face me. “My father will kill you.”

“Are you going to let him?” I laugh, and I hear a tinge of insanity in it. I can’t be wrong about any of this. I just can’t. “I know you won’t. You are ten times the man your father will ever be. You wanted to speak against him at Willow Falls, but the time was not right. Well it is now, Perth. Show your people what it means to be a good person. If you don’t, Encardia will never have Light.”

Rhoswen uncovers her head and scrambles to her feet. “What do you mean? You killed Dughbal; Light will return.”

“No, Rhoswen. Arland’s prophecy said if I’m not happy, Encardia would be without Light.”

“What else do you know of his prophecy?” Cadman asks, pointing at the paper in my hands. “And what does your sister’s letter have to do with your sudden sureness in Arland’s fate?”

Hands shaking, I unfold Brit’s prophecy. Cadman is going to help me. We’re going to work together and find Arland—

Tap, tap, tap.

Cadman places his hand over mine. “Hide this.” He turns and walks to the door. “Who is it?”

“Someone who is being treated
quite
unfairly,” Vanora says, disgust filling her tone.

“What do you need?” Cadman asks, ear pressed to the door.

“I thought you might like to know the Leaders have arrived.”

I fold the paper, insert it into the bag, then shove it in my pocket. If the Leaders are here already, there isn’t time to go over this. I need to speak with High Leader Maher anyway. I have to hear Arland’s prophecy.

Cadman turns the knob and pulls open the door. “High Leader Maher, I did not expect to see you.”

Looking up, I meet eyes with my father-in-law. He holds my gaze and steps into the room, shoulders squared, face unreadable. He wears a calm expression, reminding me so much of Arland. I almost want to run and give him a hug.

“I require alone time with my daughter, Cadman,” Leader Maher says, patting Cadman’s shoulder. “You are now in charge of commanding our soldiers. Return to the barracks, sweep it for dangers, then prepare the men for departure in the morning.”

In the morning?
Where are they going? And who will help me look for Arland? Will I even see Cadman again? Of course not. He’ll be in charge of the army; there won’t be time for me. I take a deep breath through my nose, ignoring a sudden urge to sneeze, and search for the right words—for any words—to keep Cadman by my side. “Sir?”

Leader Maher smiles, his green eyes radiating with kindness. “Do not fear, Katriona. Cadman’s duty will be to you once the soldiers are housed. I know you trust him the most, as do I.”

Cadman glances back at me and nods. “I am sure Perth’s father would like to see him, and Vanora could probably use Rhoswen’s assistance, sir.”

Leader Maher sighs. “Very well.”

“Come on, Rhoswen,” Perth says, bumping into me and making me stumble forward as he passes. “I can tell when we are not wanted.”

With her hands behind her back, she rushes after him, then closes the door.

I soak in Arland’s father’s features, his high cheekbones, the little wrinkles around his eyes, the fullness in his bottom lip, and fight against the urge to cry. But what should I say? Should I hug him like instincts tell me to or give into the pain or—

He drops his display of strength and steps toward me. “So, is it true?”

“Arland isn’t dead.” Speaking the words aloud only makes me more confident they’re
true
. “He’s missing … hidden maybe.”

Leader Maher cocks his head to the side and blinks.

“The others didn’t believe me either, but I know in my heart he’s alive. Arland told me a million times he wasn’t going to die. He said for Encardia to be safe and have Light, I must be in his arms, happy. My sister’s prophecy was full of confusing information, but I’m sure it has something to do with him … .” Her sacrifice … maybe it was to keep me and Arland together?

“You are aware how some prophecies never legitimately make sense? They can confuse and guide us along the wrong path.” He brushes my cheek with the back of his cold hand, sending shivers down my neck and arms. “Do you feel the need to search for him?”

“I have to.” Tears pool in my eyes, and I squint. I swear I’m looking at Arland. “Will you, please, share his prophecy with me?”

“I will share the information you desire if you promise not to lose yourself to this. Arland loved you; he would not wish to see you chasing his ghost,” Leader Maher says, sounding just like Perth.

“Ahh, Kimball.” Dufaigh’s unwelcome, menacing voice sends a jolt through me.

I look to my left and into the white eyes of the man who reminds me too much of Dughbal. The heavy-set Leader of the Ground Dwellers walks into the room, joins us by the bed, then claps his hand on Kimball’s back.

“My son informed me about your boy. Shame he will not see Encardia after it has been restructured by his wife.” Dufaigh smiles, revealing a mouth full of yellow teeth. “You do look terrible, dear. Maybe we should hold council here in your fine home, Kimball. Mrs. Maher does not appear fit for leaving.”

“I’m fit for whatever I wish, Leader Dufaigh.”

Leader Maher places a hand on my shoulder. “You mourn the loss of Arland; meetings
should
occur here.” He looks at Dufaigh. “Please, make the arrangements.”

Nodding, the oversized jerk turns and stalks from the room.

Leader Maher squeezes my shoulder. “Promise not to scream?”

Shooting pains radiate into my back. I grab his hand and attempt to pry his fingers from me, but his grip is like iron. “Aside from you hurting me, why would I scream?”

He takes my other shoulder and shakes me. “Promise me.”

I sigh. “Okay, I promise.”

“From the memories of this man, I have given Cadman the key words to take Perth and Rhoswen and any other remaining soldiers into the field where you last fought.” Leader Maher digs his fingers deeper into my skin, as if his words hurt him.

“From the memories of what man? I don’t understand. You sent Cadman to the barracks.” Cringing, I step back. He’s hurting me and acting strange; I want to be as far away as possible.

“Do as I say, without screaming, and I will give you the prophecy.”

I ball my fists at my sides. “I already promised not to scream.”

He glances at the door, then back to me. “This man, Leader Dufaigh, has turned against his own kind. There is no spell over him. When Dughbal was killed, we sensed this man’s darkness. It sought us out. Dark magic informed us of the Leader’s route from Willow Falls to this place. We ambushed them and—”