Chapter Fourteen
“You will still be riding with me, Maggie,” her brother huffed over his shoulder as he tied his satchel to his horse. Àdhamh had taken Flynn’s possessive antics rather well. He may have been angered, but the news of Flynn’s marriage proposal soothed his nerves… until he heard that Maggie had not yet accepted.
“I do not know what came over you last night, wandering off into the woods with two warriors, then coming back to camp draped over one of their shoulders. I cannot fathom why you would turn down his proposal after such a show, but until you are wed, you ride with me.”
“Fine,” she crossed her arms and looked over at Flynn with her pleading gaze. She truly wished to ride with him the rest of the way to Mal’s camp. She would feel warm in his embrace and she longed for his touch. Yet, Flynn was doing his best to respect Àdhamh’s feelings on the matter, much as Àdhamh was doing the same. She supposed a delicate, silent truce had developed between the two men and she must do what she could to keep it that way.
As for why she had not yet agreed to marry Flynn, that was between them and she need not explain herself to her brother, yet she somehow felt the need to do so. “Flynn is going to request a new assignment from the king upon our return. I will not marry him if he continues to be away on missions for several sennights on end. I cannot do it.”
Àdhamh grunted and without warning, grabbed her by the waist and tossed her onto the back of his horse, before mounting behind her. “So, you would ask Flynn to give up his meaning in life, so he can marry you.”
Àdhamh’s words shocked Maggie, causing the hairs on her neck to prickle. She felt attacked and misunderstood, yet she had not at all stopped to think of it in that manner. “I never asked Flynn to give up his… whatever he does for the king.” She knew what he did, but it was not Àdhamh’s business. “He told me he wished to give it up, so we can be together.”
“Did you ever stop to think how he felt, having to choose between you and his duty? Then, you rejected him, until you are certain you shall have things the way you prefer. What if Tuathal does not agree? Then you and Flynn will… what? Go your separate ways, always miserable and lonely? Or worse, carry on as you are now, having inappropriate meetings together and believing we are all fooled.”
Maggie felt her face flush and was glad her brother could not see it. He had known what she was up to in the forest last night with Flynn? Although, that was not her only cause for frustration, his words rang true in the corner of her mind. Was she truly pinning the man she loved between two important roles in his life? Could she somehow find a way to cope with his duties? After all, if Flynn was willing to make changes to make her happy, why could she not do the same?
“Furthermore, your conduct with Eoghann was most hurtful to him. Why would you agree to walk with a man… against my orders, only to turn around to do… what you did with Flynn right after? I am ashamed of you.”
She had had quite enough of her brother’s unwanted observations and his foul opinions of her. “Àdhamh, I love you, but if you do not leave off, I will box your ears!” she warned. “I have done naught wrong. I told Eoghann from the very beginning that we are companions only. I had not seen him in so many years. I simply wished to speak with him about his life. As for Flynn, we had nay chance to speak since we left the hut, and that is entirely your fault. You made certain to keep him away from me, so how can you blame me for walking in the woods safely with an old companion, then once more when approached by the man who wishes to marry me? Mayhap I would not have needed to seek privacy and peace if you would stop judging every move I make!"
Àdhamh grunted, but did not respond. Good. He was being entirely unfair. She had never once pried into his relationship with Elwynna before they were married. The lass lived with them, and Maggie knew what they did together when she was not home. She never once admonished Àdhamh or Elwynna. Was she suddenly being picked apart for finally finding herself and seeking a life? Because she was a wee lass and he was a strong warrior? The thought made her so angry, she wished to kick her elder brother in the shins! Instead, she decided to keep her peace.
It did not take long before a shout from King Tuathal rang out and the warriors began to dismount. “We have found Mal’s camp,” Àdhamh explained to Maggie as he helped her down from the horse. “Brennain was correct in his directions. Maggie… this is important. A battle will happen. Men will be injured. Some will die. I trust in your healing talents and I am very proud of you, sister.”
Maggie’s eyes popped out of her head at his words. Looking up to his height, she saw a lopsided smile on his face. “Truly?” she asked. She wanted Àdhamh’s approval. She loved him fiercely. Approval was much more pleasant than his constant displeasure.
“Och, sister. Come here.” Roughly pulling her to him, Àdhamh kissed the top of her head and wrapped her in a fierce hug. “Of course, truly. I know I have been an overprotective fool, but I love you and only want what is best for my sister.” He released her and held her at arm’s length. “You are a woman, full grown. I owe Flynn my thanks for helping you battle your fears. He is a good man.”
Tears began to well up in her eyes, but she choked them down. She had no idea how much she wanted his approval of Flynn until right this moment. “My thanks, brother. That means more to me than you know. I love him very much.”
“Aye, I know you do. You would not have…” he coughed awkwardly, not able to say the words he was thinking, and she bit back a smile. “… if you did not love him.”
“You are correct.”
“Listen, Maggie. You will stay safely here at camp, aye? We will bring the injured back to you. Until then, get prepared. We have a few men here who are also decent at stitching or wrapping wounds, so they can help if it becomes too much. But you are all we have for the greater wounds. Tuathal chose you. You can do this.”
Swallowing hard, she felt her nerves start to kick in as she wrung her hands. She knew this would be an unpleasant trip. She knew she would see death and gore. It did not sicken her stomach to see blood, but violence always made her feel ill. She was only glad to be away from the fighting. Her thoughts wandered to the safety of her brother, Flynn, Brennain, Tuathal… and now Eoghann. Jeoffrey was here, as were Alastar and Eoin. All the men she had grown to love were here and she suddenly felt her hands begin to quake at the thought of losing any of them. Most of them had wives and children awaiting them. What if they became wounded and ‘twas her responsibility to save them? What if she failed?
Nay, nay, nay. She would not fail… She could do this.
“Maggie,” she heard Flynn’s voice call to her, and she spun on her heels and immediately embraced him when he approached. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she felt comforted when his strong arms enfolded her, gripping her to his body.
“I’m scared for you, Flynn,” she murmured into his chest, hearing his heartbeat against her ear.
“Do not be. We have the finest warriors in the land all gathered at Ráth Mór. Mal’s army is naught but the last remaining fools who hold on to Elim’s disgraceful beliefs. Most are older men who are serfs. They have nay training and even less strength. I wish it had not come to this. It sickens me to think of fighting in an unfair battle. ‘Tis impossible for them to win. Tuathal held them off for so long, knowing they are not a threat and cannot penetrate our walls. But now Mal is bent on retrieving his daughter… your sister now. He is sending scouts and spies, and threatening the safety of our women. Now, we have nay choice but to bring this fight to them. I pray they stand down and scatter, but we cannot be certain. We must prepare.”
Maggie’s heart ached for Elwynna. She had had such a hard life and only wanted peace with Àdhamh. How must Àdhamh feel now, preparing to go to battle with his own father by marriage? Before she could even ask, Àdhamh strode up with his hands on his hips.
“I never thought I would battle against my wife’s father. But he continuously threatens her well-being. If he will not give her up to me willingly, and continues to plot her abduction, I must put an end to this.”
“Aye. I cannot blame you. I would battle any man who threatened my wife.” His eyes locked on Maggie’s and she had to catch her breath. He was so intense and focused on her. He considered her his wife, even if she had not yet accepted him, and that made her heart flutter wildly. She wanted nothing more than to be his wife. Suddenly, nothing else felt more important. What sort of life would she live if she decided not to marry him because of his duties? She would never love another. Some time with Flynn was better than no time. She knew that now. Maggie wanted to tell Flynn she would accept him as he was, no matter where his duties took him.
Brennain came up behind Flynn and slapped his back. “Tuathal wishes to speak with you about the details. Mal’s camp is just over the hill in the distance. We will raid soon.” Brennain looked at Maggie and sent her knowing wink. To think he would be her brother by marriage. Honestly, she could not ask for more.
“Aye. I will be right there,” Flynn said to his brother. “I have to go, Maggie. I may not see you until this is all over.” He grabbed her arms and kissed her hard before releasing her. “I love you.”
“I love you, as well, Flynn. Please be careful,” she pled. With a nod, he walked away.
“Maggie, you will be all right?” Àdhamh asked, concern written across his face.
“Aye. I will be.”
He reached out and gave her a tight squeeze. “We will return sooner than you think.” With that he turned and went to join the other men gathering around Tuathal to receive instruction.
Breathing deeply, her hands shook as she felt her nerves starting to take hold. As soon as the men left, she would be all alone at this camp. She had wanted this, still did, yet the reality was beginning to terrify her. She would worry until she felt ill about every one of her loved ones while they fought against Mal’s men. And when they returned, she would be on duty. She prayed it was not her own brother or Flynn who she would have to stitch up.
She needed to calm herself. The sound of a rushing stream called to her, and she desperately wanted to wash the dirt of travel off her hands and face. Perhaps the cool waters would also cool her fears. Looking at the huddled men one last time, she knew standing in one spot would only make her suffering feel like an eternity. Following the sounds, Maggie wrapped her arms around herself to stave off the chill. The wind howling around her had a bite that penetrated through all her layers. The water would be dreadfully cold, but her hands were covered in a layer of grime that she could only assume also covered her face. She could not treat injured men with dirty hands, nor could she begin to touch her boiled tools until she properly cleansed herself with the special soap in her satchel.
Leaning over to cup some freezing water into her palms, she splashed it on her face and cringed as it stung her chapped skin.
“Thinking to sneak away before saying farewell?” She heard Eoghann behind her and stood up swiftly to face him.
“Oh. I am sorry. I thought you were with Tuathal discussing strategy.”
A strange, mischievous look crossed his face and her stomach churned with foreboding. “Oh, I was. I learned just enough to report back.”
Taking a step back, she felt the hem of her dress dragging in the water behind her. “Report back?” she questioned, wishing she had more room to back away.
“Report back to Mal!” His arms shot out so fast, she had no time to react. One arm encircled her waist while the other wrapped around her mouth. “You’re coming with me.”
She kicked and thrashed, trying unsuccessfully to bite his hand and kick his shins. What was happening? Why was he taking her? She tried to scream, but his hand muffled any sound.
“I am sorry, Maggie. It has to be this way,” he said, dragging her away from the water and through the brush. “We need a lass of great import to use against Tuathal. Mal wanted his daughter back. I infiltrated Ráth Mór under the guise of finally joining Tuathal’s army, but my mission all along was to get close to Elwynna.”
Maggie gasped and kicked out again, hitting him square in the shin. He hissed through his teeth but did not dare release his grip on her. She could barely breathe with his hand covering her mouth and half her nose. Her chest heaved with panic. This could not be happening, after a lifetime spent avoiding dangerous men, she had too easily trusted an old familiar face. He had fought for Tuathal, not against. Why would he do this?
“Och, do you think ‘tis only your future husband who can spy on the enemy camp? I knew Tuathal had spies, I just was not certain who until I arrived,” he grunted, and he struggled to control her. Panic caused her to buck like a wild mare and she made contact more than once, but the man was tall, strong, and obviously trained to manage more pain than she could inflict at the moment.
Once they were hidden beneath a cluster of towering pine trees, he sat down beside a thick round trunk, pulling her down with him. She sat on his lap and felt herself growing ill. What would he do to her? To think she once believed herself capable of defending against a strong man. She was completely helpless.
“Your warriors will be leaving soon. By the time they realize I am no longer with them, we will already be on our way to Mal. I know a shortcut that will get us there before Tuathal’s party, and now that I know they plan to attack from the south… well, I am afraid most of the men you love will likely die today. I am sorry for that, Maggie.”
Tears slid down her cheeks as she struggled even more against him. Nay. This was a nightmare. In the distance, they could hear the pounding of hoofbeats as all the men took off from camp, heading toward Mal. Finally, Eoghann removed his hand from her mouth and she took a deep breath before releasing a shuddering sob.
“Why?” she cried, knowing that nobody would hear her now. She had been the only one to stay behind at camp. “You fought against Elim! You are friends with my brother! Why would you do this? You lied to me about… everything!”
“Maggie, sometimes a man must change his allegiances, especially when the man he once fought for, is the man who killed his father. I did not lie to you about anything.”
“What? I do not understand!” She could hear the panic rising in her voice and her limbs quaked as he stood up quickly and began dragging her through the forest. “Where are you taking me?”
“I have a horse stowed away. He is tied to a tree over here. We will be at Mal’s camp quite soon. I shall do my best to insure your safety, but I cannot promise anything.”
Finding the brown-and-white spotted horse well-hidden in the thickness of the trees, he grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her on top of it before swinging his own leg up. He mounted so swiftly, she never stood a chance at escape. “You took advantage of my brother’s friendship, just so you could try to steal his wife? You are a terrible person, Eoghann!”
Maggie was past caring if he struck her for shouting back at him or throwing insults. She was in a state of shock and still not certain what was happening. It had all happened so swiftly.
“I am not a terrible person!” he shouted, kicking the horse and they took off so quickly she squealed and panicked, looking for something to cling to. Eoghann’s strong arm came around to steady her before she fell. “I am a warrior, Maggie, and I am loyal to my family! I watched my father suffer terribly for many moons after being sliced through by the very king he fought for! We left everything we knew behind in Alba so we could fight for our rightful king! And he killed my father!”
“What? Nay!” she roared while the world whipped past them in a blur, the wind stinging her face. She was not so sure he could hear her words, but she heard his clearly against her ear as they rode in a different direction than the other warriors.
His voice came more softly than before. “It was chaos. Elim’s men mixed with Tuathal’s. Few men had leather vests with Tuathal’s crest on it. Most of us wore rags or soiled garments. It was hard to know friend from foe. Still, my father fought hard, taking down many men so he could help Tuathal secure his throne. But Tuatha cut my father down. We tried to save him, but he suffered, dying slowly before our eyes. Had we stayed in Alba, he would still be alive! Tuathal never came to visit, though I know he knew what he had done. No apology came. I wanted to believe that it had all been an accident, but I know now that Tuathal intentionally cut down my father, though I cannot understand why. I vowed on the day he died that I would seek revenge for my father’s death.”
Slowing the horse slightly, Eoghann looked around to make sure they were out of sight of Tuathal’s warriors. “Mal was Elim’s greatest warrior. We knew he was building an army against Tuathal, so I sought him out and joined his ranks, eager to take Tuathal down. When Elwynna left camp and married a warrior at Ráth Mór, Mal was determined to get her back. When I found out that the man she married was my old companion, Àdhamh, I was sent to join Tuathal’s army and learn all I could while attempting to steal Elwynna away.”
“Why does Mal want his daughter back so badly? She is happy with my people and with my brother! Her father hurt her, used her for his own purposes. He does not love her. You would bring her back to that man, to be abused again? Now you bring me to him instead? Why?” How could she have so wrongly judged his character, after years of caution?
“Tuathal claims to be a man of honor. We know he will not attack if we have a lass who is under his protection. Our army is not strong enough to fight him. We need time. Gaining Elwynna back would have given us a chance to bargain with Tuathal until we could find his weaknesses. But Elwynna was too well protected. Your over-protective brother does not let her out of his sight while he is home. I could not get to her. When I heard that you were the healer, I knew I could get to you instead. I knew you would trust me once we reunited. Taking you was just as well. Neither Tuathal nor Àdhamh will allow harm to befall you. Once I learned Flynn was the informant, always tracking Mal’s every move as he tried to gain power, I knew stealing you away would give even more encouragement for him to back off Mal.”
Maggie silently shook her head, listening as Eoghann described their plan in detail. They now had Ráth Mór’s healer at their mercy. She knew she did not mean much to most people, but she meant all to Àdhamh and Flynn. While she knew Tuathal and his warriors would do aught to save her, she also felt like a fool, allowing herself to be used as a pawn and placing all those she loved in danger.
“Tuathal would never kill an innocent man intentionally, Eoghann. Surely, as a warrior, you understand that accidents happen in battle. How can you put so many people in harm’s way?” She tried to reason with him. He was not insane, she knew this much was true. He was a man driven by revenge, but not madness.
“That does not bring my father back, does it?” Eoghann growled. “I am fatherless because of Tuathal Techtmar! I will do all I need to, to take him down. And if those men die in the process, ‘tis their own fault for following a power-hungry fool!”
“Elim was power hungry! Mal is power hungry! All Tuathal ever did was try to save this land and its people, and now you are helping Mal take power! He will ruin Ériu, Eoghann! And most of these men are also fathers! How many children will you leave without a father, just to avenge your own? Tuathal has a wife and two children. Àdhamh will have a child next summer. Alastar has a wee lad. Jeoffrey has two wee lads. Freyne also has two, Eoin has two! I could go on—”
“Do not! You bore me with details. You believe I do not know this already? This is war! I shall do what is needed. And right now, what is needed is getting you to Mal. When Tuathal arrives and realizes we have stolen his healer, sister to one of his best warriors and future wife of his best informant, they will scramble to gain the upper hand. Then, we will attack. Mal has plans to weaken Tuathal’s army with this battle, then seek shelter in Alba as he recruits more warriors. When he arrives on Ériu’s soil once more, he will be ready for the final battle.”
A chill ran up Maggie’s spine and she sealed her lips from speaking further. She was wrong. Eoghann was mad. Mad with grief? Mad with power? She was not certain, but the man was not to be reasoned with. Her best chances of survival now were to stay silent and think of a plan. She still had her dagger in her boot. She could pull it out and try to attack Eoghann, but she needed him for now. He knew which way the camp was, and she would never find Flynn and the rest of the men without Eoghann.
Once they were there, she had no choice but to allow him to take her to Mal. She knew he was several times stronger than her. Eoghann had not attempted to harm her, even as she thrashed at him. Mayhap he was not prone to violence toward women. If so, she would need to use that to her advantage.
Based on his information, Tuathal’s army was taking a longer route to Mal’s camp, circling around to the south for an attack. Normally, this would take Mal’s men by surprise, expecting them to come from the west. But once Eoghann arrived and informed Mal of their plans, everyone she loved would be in grave danger.
Heart aching and stomach roiling, Maggie struggled to keep her mind clear. She had to stay calm. One thing was for certain: she had spent too many years cowering from the power of men. She would cower no more.
* * * *
“Something is not right,” Tuathal growled lowly as he held up a hand to still his warriors. “I feel it in my gut.”
Arawn pranced nervously beneath Flynn and he shushed soothingly to his faithful horse, hoping to calm him.
“What is the matter, my king?” Flynn’s uncle Liam urged his horse forward to face Tuathal. Since his daughter had married the king, Liam had become a close confidant and well-respected advisor.
“I have fought in many wars, more than I care to know. When we reach a camp in a surprise attack, there should be certain sounds in the distance. Men practicing with swords, laughter, shouting, the sounds of their blacksmith… something. ‘Tis much too quiet. They knew we were coming.” He narrowed his eyes and took a frustrated breath.
“But, that means—”
Tuathal cut Liam’s words off with a slow nod. “Aye. It means someone in our ranks betrayed us. They could not have known of our arrival otherwise.”
Flynn looked over at his brother on his left, then to his cousin Eoin on his right. They all shrugged and widened their eyes, wondering who amongst them would dare to betray their king.
Turning his horse to face his men, Tuathal’s eyes skimmed his group of three score soldiers, some on horseback and some on foot. His large war horse stood a few hands taller than any other, and coupled with his own massive height, he easily looked down at his men with accusation in his eyes, yet he seemed to be searching the group for a particular man.
“Eoghann. He is missing.”
Flynn growled. Eoghann had given him a bad feeling from the start. He was a new warrior to Ráth Mór and had fought for Tuathal, so he had no real reason to accuse Eoghann other than a deep sense of something sinister he felt emanating from the man. Yet, he had not said a word, suspecting the ripple in his usually honed instincts was due to his jealousy over the man’s relationship with Maggie.
Àdhamh looked around and visibly paled as he realized that, indeed, his childhood companion, and the man he had allowed around his family, was not to be found. He cursed under his breath and ruffled his hair anxiously.
“When was the last time anyone saw Eoghann?” The king roared. The tendons in his thick neck corded and bulged as blood flooded his face. “Who saw him last?”
“I saw him in our group while we discussed our attack to the south, my king,” Brennain said, and a few men confirmed with nods of their heads or responding with a chorus of “ayes”.
“So, he knows our battle plan!” Tuathal clenched his fists. “Fall back, men. We have lost the element of surprise. If he arrived before we did, and he most likely did since we took the longer way around to the south, they are awaiting us. I will not risk the lives of my men. We shall come up with another plan.”
An arrow whizzed through the air, flying just passed Tuathal’s ear and sticking into the ground near his horse’s right front hoof. His horse whinnied and reared its front legs. Tuathal held on tightly, gripping the sides of his panicked horse with his huge thighs.
Chaos reigned as men shouted and turned around to face their attacker, all prepared to fight to the death to protect their king.
“I would not fall back if I were you!” a loud shout from high in a tree called down to them. “We have something you may wish to retrieve… or, someone.”
Everyone went silent at the archer’s words. Flynn’s stomach clenched. Who did they have? Perhaps they had found a way to get Elwynna after all. Flynn shifted his gaze to Àdhamh and saw the man go pale. Clearly, he was thinking the same thing.
Freyne, Flynn’s cousin by marriage and one of Ráth Mór’s most skilled archers, nocked an arrow in his bow and aimed, ready to release on his king’s command.
“Hold,” Tuathal said, eyeing the archer in the tree. “What do you speak of?” he addressed the man.
A rustling of leaves made the men shift their gazes to a thick cluster of trees behind them. Flynn knew Mal’s camp was just over the hill in that direction. Tuathal’s army was much too far away for Mal’s camp to have been prepared for the attack, unless they had been previously informed. Tuathal’s army had approached quietly from the south, but it was obvious Mal had been planting a trap.
A tall man stepped forward, holding a lass with blonde hair in his grasp, his arm wrapped around her waist and the other holding a dagger to her throat. Though her features were concealed beneath the large hood of her cloak, Flynn’s heart dropped into his stomach when he recognized the bright blue fabric lined with fur.
“Maggie!” Àdhamh shouted, and rushed forward before Tuathal put out a hand to stay him. Nothing was going to stay Flynn.
Propelling off Arawn’s back, Flynn rushed toward the man holding Maggie at knifepoint. He knew he could not get to Maggie and he also knew he must be careful to prevent her neck from being sliced, but that gleaming dagger stood between him and all that mattered most in his world.
“Stay back, Flynn!” Maggie shouted, clear panic in her voice, though he still could not see her features. She must be incredibly frightened. He blamed himself. In his quest to teach her to face her fears, she had decided to join them on this dangerous mission. Now, she was held captive by the enemy.
“Cut my sister and I vow I will split you from throat to bollocks!” Àdhamh shouted from behind Tuathal, straining to get closer.
The tall blond-haired man sniggered at Àdhamh’s threat. He knew nobody would harm him while he held Maggie at his blade’s point.
“Restrain Àdhamh and Flynn!” Tuathal shouted, and without hesitation, five warriors rushed over to pull them back, preventing their anger and fear from causing further harm. Though his desperate need to save Maggie caused him to thrash in rebellion, Flynn understood his king’s need to manage the situation and trusted Tuathal to handle it with proper care. Àdhamh did not seem to be as level-headed, and curses flew while he kicked several warriors in the shin. One man punched him in the gut hard enough to drop him to his knees. Àdhamh fell, but his curses continued to fly.
“What does Mal want?” Tuathal shouted to the man in a clear, commanding voice.
“Fall back. Return to Ráth Mór, collect his daughter, and bring her back to him. Only then will you get your prized healer back. I doubt she will be in the same condition she is in now… but she will be alive.”
Flynn clenched his fists repeatedly and locked his jaw so hard, his teeth ached. Panic rose but he fought it down, knowing well that panic would not help him in the moment. Àdhamh was panicking enough for the both of them, and Flynn felt guilt and pity wash over him. The two women Àdhamh loved most were being used as bait in a war brought on by a petty, unstable man.
Staring hard at Maggie, he hoped she was watching him, hoped she could see the determination and promise in his eyes. He would save her. He would never leave this camp until she was safely in his arms. Her face was obscured by darkness and her chest rose and fell rapidly beneath her cloak.
“I will save you,” he mouthed to her. A very slight movement that looked like a nod moved beneath the hood of her cloak. She could not dare move much, risking a slit to the throat, but he was certain then that she had understood his silent promise.
“Nay! They cannot have my sister nor my wife! Tuathal! Do not allow this!”
“Carry Àdhamh away!” Tuathal groaned, running a hand through his hair. Flynn knew his king was trying to think of a plan, and Àdhamh’s frantic pleas were only distracting him.
“Tell Eoghann I will kill him! I will hunt him down and gut him like a boar!” Àdhamh shouted as he thrashed and kicked, being dragged back by several warriors until he disappeared from sight.
Flynn’s mind was reeling with possible strategic plans to get Maggie back safely, but it was hard to think past his fury and the increasing need to vomit. The man holding Maggie shook her hard and she squealed when her hood slipped off her head. Terror shone in her eyes and the blade at her neck gleamed in the light of the high-noon sun. They must be surrounded. They already knew at least one archer was in the tree above them. One wrong step and any of them could be dead. Why they did not kill Tuathal on sight, Flynn could not understand. Mal must truly have wanted his daughter back before the battle began, and would not risk losing his opportunity.
According to Elwynna, her father never showed her love. She was there merely for the purpose of keeping the army pleased with her body, though unwillingly. Why was the man so desperate to have her back? Was it nothing more than a power struggle, wanting her only because she had run away and sought refuge?
“You have three days to deliver Elwynna Mac Rochride back to her father, or your wee bonny healer will be disposed of… but not until every man in camp has satiated himself. I may go first.” The blond man winked at Flynn just before running his tongue up Maggie’s cheek. She cried out and jerked away, squeezing her eyes shut with disgust, and the man gripped the blade harder.
“Our camp is almost a two-day ride away!” Tuathal argued, but the man only sneered.
“Three days… ride hard.”
“Aye. We will bring her to you,” Tuathal glared at the man, “but only if you vow that nay harm will come to Maggie. She is not to be touched by any man. If, upon my arrival, Maggie claims to have been violated, I will not surrender Elwynna.”
Flynn stared at his king in bewilderment. He was agreeing to give up Elwynna? There had to be another way. “My king… this is… we cannot…” Flynn was at a loss for words, Àdhamh would surely kill Tuathal, leading to his own death. Nothing but grief, death, and despair would come of this.
“’Tis the only way, Flynn! Do you not want your future bride back? She is one of us, and our healer. I am sorry. I tried to keep Elwynna safe, but ‘tis not worth the loss of lives we shall have if we battle over her.”
Tuathal turned to the blond man holding Maggie captive. “Three days. Mal shall have his daughter back. Remember my conditions.”
With that, the man smiled with malice and nodded before he let a shrill whistle out and backed into the bushes behind him. Five archers dismounted from surrounding trees, some smiling with mirth, others sneering in disdain. Flynn’s instincts had been correct. They were set up by Eoghann and surrounded the entire time. They never stood a chance at succeeding in their attack. They kept Tuathal alive, if only until Mal had Elwynna.
Rage, all consuming, boiled in Flynn’s blood. The fear in Maggie’s eyes, the way she shook with terror and cringed with disgust at the man’s touch. Nothing felt right. How could they sacrifice an innocent woman, one who carried a child, to the vile hands of her father? Why would Tuathal allow this? His conviction was stronger than ever. He would not leave this camp. He would stay to save Maggie and, somehow, find a way to save Elwynna as well.
“My king. I will stay here. I will not leave until I have Maggie.”
Àdhamh, finally being released and allowed his tirade, shouted all the curses he could up at the gods, spitting in the dirt beneath his feet and glowering at his king. “I came all the way from Alba to fight for you! I took my wee sister with me to give her a better life! And you allow the enemy to take her away without a fight? Then you offer my wife up in exchange? You are a bastard!” Àdhamh spat at King Tuathal once more, looking as if he were ready to murder the man.
A few men hissed at his words and many more backed away, just in case Tuathal unsheathed his sword. Instead, Tuathal measured Àdhamh, looking him up and down with narrowed eyes. “You are one of my best warriors, Àdhamh, so I will let this go, only because I would be equally upset if my wife and sister were threatened. However, the next time you speak to me with disrespect, we will fight to the death… and I shall be the victor. Do you understand?”
Glaring back at Tuathal, Àdhamh’s nostrils flared and his lips pursed, fists clenched at his side. Flynn had grown quite close to Àdhamh before their animosity over Maggie. Though Àdhamh had acted as an overprotective brother, he was a good, fair man, and Flynn ached to help him. Only, he could not show any sign of his intentions in front of Tuathal. He was loyal to his king, but he would never stand back and allow a woman to be sacrificed. It was not Tuathal’s way either, and the entire situation left Flynn baffled to find answers.
“I am staying here. I will break into the camp and get Maggie back.” Flynn said with his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Even if I have to watch from the shadows, I will not leave her.”
“I will stay with my brother. I know their camp well and I have met many of the men.”
Tuathal stepped forward and nodded. “You two may stay. I cannot allow any more than that. My plan is to retreat and—”
“Truly? You will leave my sister here, at the mercy of these men?” Àdhamh shouted. “Nay! You plan on collecting my wife as well? Does it not matter that she is carrying my child?”
Never in his entire time serving his king, had Flynn seen such fire blaze in Tuathal’s eyes. Roughly, Tuathal shoved Àdhamh to the ground, towering over him like a feral cat ready to pounce on its prey. Leaning over Àdhamh, Tuathal reached down and took him by the collar of his dirty green tunic. “You start to anger me, lad. Never interrupt me again! Never question my tactics or my loyalty again!” he shouted and shoved Àdhamh to the ground. “Now, shut your mouth before you ruin everything!”
Flynn, Brennain, and Àdhamh all looked at Tuathal questioningly. Ruin everything? He sounded as if he had a plan. He also sounded much calmer than expected, considering Maggie’s life was being threatened. Suddenly, all the pieces came together in Flynn’s mind. Tuathal was a man of many strategies, yet he would never be so aloof in a situation like this, unless…
“That man who had Maggie, is he… who I think he is?” Flynn whispered carefully so only Tuathal, Brennain, and Àdhamh could hear.
Tuathal helped Àdhamh back onto his feet and looked around the remaining men. “Head back to camp! We retreat!” Tuathal shouted loud enough to rattle the trees. Their men looked confused to hear their powerful king pulling away without a plan to save Maggie, but dutifully, they did as they were commanded.
Once the men cleared, Tuathal nodded toward Flynn. “Come. Mount up. We shall speak as we ride. We must appear to be making haste.” He marched over to his large black horse and mounted easily as the rest of them did the same. Following alongside Tuathal as they traveled away from Mal’s camp, they could see the rest of their army riding away in the distance.
“I must catch up with them soon. We shall not truly retreat. I had to make it appear that we were cooperating until I can get a plan together.” Tuathal looked over at Àdhamh with his steely blue gaze. “I would never give your wife up! After all we have been through, you believe I would allow that? I know you are distressed, Àdhamh and I cannot blame you, but your impertinence almost ruined everything!”
Before Àdhamh could offer up a rebuttal, Tuathal turned to Flynn and raised a knowing brow. “Aye. That man is who you think he is. ‘Tis why I am slightly comforted that Maggie is safe. I will still allow you and Brennain to hang back and observe, but I want you to do nothing unless absolutely necessary. As long as Maggie is safe, you stay quiet and unseen.”
Brennain laughed and clapped his king on the back. “You truly are a man of strategy. You have men everywhere, do you not?”
“Aye, I do. ‘Tis imperative if I am to keep my people safe.”
Àdhamh growled through clenched teeth and sent a scathing look at them all. “Will you stop speaking in cursed riddles and tell me who that bastard was who held a blade to my sister’s throat?”
“He is one of my men, Àdhamh. I have many more than anyone knows. Even Flynn and Brennain did not know his face. They knew I had another man in Mal’s camp, but they did not know who. Nor did he know of them. ‘Tis the best way to keep everyone in line and out of danger.”
“So, you are saying that man was not truly going to harm my sister?” Àdhamh said in bewilderment.
Shaking his head, Tuathal replied, “Nay. He has made quite a name for himself at Mal’s camp. He is trusted and had to keep his men believing he is loyal to them. But, he answers to me. As long as Maggie is in his care, she is safe.”
“He is one man! He cannot keep all the other men away from her!” Àdhamh argued. “I still do not like this. We need to get Maggie out!”
“Aye. And we shall. As soon as we catch up to our warriors, we will rest, eat, regroup… then, we attack tonight, much sooner than they anticipate. They will be unprepared for our attack. Brennain and Flynn, turn around now and quietly scout the camp. Learn where Maggie is being kept and come up with ways to get her out. When we all arrive again after sundown, we will rescue Maggie. After she is safe, we attack.”
“Aye,” both Flynn and Brennain said in unison.
“I am coming with them,” Àdhamh demanded, slowing his horse and preparing to turn around.
“I would not expect anything less from you, Àdhamh,” Tuathal smiled. “You are a faithful, good man. The sooner you learn that I am, as well, the better off we shall be.”
Contrition marred Àdhamh’s face as he scooped his long blond hair away from his eyes. “Aye, my king. I am sorry I doubted you.”
“I am a man with a wife and two children. Had I heard another man offer them up to the enemy, I would have killed him before he had a chance to explain. I am only sorry I had to put you through that while I came up with a plan. ‘Tis not easy being a king, overseeing so many innocent lives, and having to come up with strategies without notice. All it took was one man, Eoghann, to fool us. We could have all died. ‘Tis also why I keep men of my own hidden and scattered in the shadows,” he grinned. “Now, be gone. I shall return with our men at nightfall.”
With a knicker to his horse, Tuathal took off at full speed, ready to catch up with his men and prepare them, once more for battle.
Fear for Maggie still niggled at Flynn. He was relieved to hear that she was currently in the hands of one of Tuathal’s men, yet men were fallible, and that man had licked her cheek and frightened her. After all she had endured in life, to have a man treat her in such a way, even if only playing a role, was enough to enrage Flynn. Friend or nay. That man would feel Flynn’s fist for frightening his love.
Desperate to watch over Maggie’s safety, Flynn turned Arawn in her direction and sprinted back toward camp, Brennain and Àdhamh on his heels.