Page 120 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

But then, I spotted a familiar lock of blond hair. “Aedan,” I said.

I watched as he raced through the town toward us. Mud-spattered and looking exhausted, Aedan quickly dismounted his horse and hurriedly approached me.

“Aedan,” I called, confused by his sudden appearance. My heart started to thump loudly in my chest, and a strange ringing sounded in my ears. “Aedan?”

“My queen.” The chieftain wouldn’t meet my gaze. When he came to me, I reached out for him, but Aedan dropped to his knee.

My breath left me.

“My queen, we were betrayed. Lady Ystradwel has wed King Aengus of her own volition, uniting the Setantii and Northern Cornovii, allying their forces against the Brigantes. We were led into a trap.”

“Betrayed,” I whispered, then looked at Aedan. The expression on his face… “Aedan, where is Cormag?”

“Cartimandua,” Aedan said, looking up at me, unshed tears in his eyes. “Carti,” he said softly. “We were betrayedand ambushed.”

My hands began to shake.

“Ystradwel lured King Consort Cormag and Chieftain Andoc into Bell’s Harbor, summoning them to her aid. I… I was delayed in joining them because Aerin was injured in a skirmish. It is only afterward that we realized the deception. King Ord sent a messenger with the news of Lady Ystradwel’s duplicity, but hearrived too late. Cormag and Andoc had already advanced on the city. By the time the rest of us chieftains rallied our forces and pushed in… Oh, Cartimandua…”

“Where is Cormag?” I whispered.

“Carti…”

“Aedan, tell me.”

“He… He is dead, my queen. He, Andoc, and all their closest men were killed in the fighting.”

A chill washed over me. For a moment, I thought my heart had stopped. “Where is Ystradwel?” I finally breathed.

“Chieftain Venutiux has gone after her. He swears he will not rest until he brings her before you to pay for her deception. He led the forces south, chasing the rebels. I… I did not want you to hear it from a messenger, but I must return at once.”

I reached out my hand, lifting Aedan to his feet. Leaning in, I kissed his muddy cheek. “Thank you for coming yourself.”

“Cartimandua, I am so sorry,” he whispered. “He was a dear friend to me as well.”

I nodded, then turned and made my way toward the gate.

“Cartimandua?” Corva called.

Knees shaking, I waved to her to stay behind.

Leaving the fort, I followed the old path outside the gate that overlooked the city.

It can’t be real.

This can’t be real.

Aye, goddesses. Will you take my love from me as well? What is left for me?

When I reached the secluded corner, I collapsed to my knees, blind to the physical pain, and then I wept, hoping that I, too, would die.

CHAPTER 34

At some point, Conall and Corva came for me, leading me back inside. Corva took me upstairs to rest, and then she and Conall spoke in whispered tones.

“Mael Muire must be told. She cannot learn it from another,” Conall told Corva.

“I will call for a priestess and send them north with the news,” Corva replied.

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