Page 50 of Highland Queen

We rode deep into the night, finally reaching the stream where Tavis often camped. When we arrived, I debated what to do. I had never agreed with Madelaine’s reluctance to bring Tavis to the coven. He was not a practitioner of our faith, but he knew what the coven was and had even befriended Uald. There would have been no harm in bringing him, yet he never came. I glanced at Killian. He had proven himself loyal, and I knew he worshipped the old ways. He was not the problem. Crearwy was. No one from the outside could ever see my daughter. Not even a man I trusted to protect my life.

“What is it?” Killian asked. “Do you need to rest?”

“No. We are nearly there, it’s just…this place I’m going to is special. It is closed to the outside world. I will ride ahead but will return soon with holy women, healers, who must be taken back to the castle at once.”

“I should ride with you.”

“I assure you, I am safe here. Make camp here. I’ll send word or come myself within the hour.”

“Gruoch,” Killian protested.

“By the Great Mother and Father God, I ask you to trust and obey me,” I said, and with a twitch of my fingers, I pulled a bit of magic from the aether, wrapping glamour around me.

Killian flexed his brow then inclined his head. “As you wish. I see there is an old fire pit here. I will camp… for now.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

Killian huffed a laugh. “Secrets then, Lady Gruoch?”

“Don’t we all have our secrets?”

“I suppose we do. Your secrets are safe with me,” he said then bowed. I couldn’t help but catch the glimmer in his eyes. Maybe Banquo was right. Perhaps Killian did hold some affection for me. It was a love I could never return, but if he admired me, he would be more inclined to keep my secrets.

“Thank you,” I said then turned the horse and rode into the night.

I moved through the dark forest, guided only by the moonlight. An owl shrieked, and animals moved through the woods, unseen. At that moment, I wished I had Thora with me. She had been a constant comfort and protector. I keenly felt her absence.

I pushed through the woods, finally arriving at the coven when the moon was high in the sky. I was surprised to find the place quiet. No one had risen to greet me.

The fire was out in Sid’s house. Her windows were dark.

Frowning, I tied the bay then went to Uald’s smithy. I crept quietly inside to find her in her sleeping chamber, snoring loudly.

“Uald,” I whispered, gently shaking her shoulder.

She woke with a start and sat bolt upright. She grabbed a dagger from her bedside and brandished it in front of her.

I stepped back. “Don’t kill me.”

“Cerridwen?” Uald asked, her eyes clearing.

“Yes.”

“What…when did you arrive?”

“Just now.”

“Epona didn’t tell us to expect you.”

I shook my head. “The entire place is asleep.”

Uald frowned hard. It was not like Epona to miss that a visitor was coming.

“Why are you here?” Uald asked.

“Tavis is gravely ill. I must wake Druanne. She must go at once.”

“Oh, well, this will be interesting,” Uald said with a chuckle then rose.

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