Page 28 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

“Quickly, Cartimandua,” Conall said, pulling me by the arm as he rushed me to his horse, which was waiting nearby.

The guard around me protectively, Conall leaped up on his horse while the others helped me mount in front of him.

“King Consort,” Conall said, worry in his voice.

“Get her to the fort. I’m coming right behind you,” Cormag said stiffly.

“But Prince Cormag—” Conall began.

In a stern voice, my husband said, “I’m coming. Go.”

“Cormag,” I heard Damhan say, worry in his voice.

“Conall. What’s happening?” I asked, trying to look.

“Hold on, Cartimandua. I’ve got you,” Conall told me, and with that, he spurred his horse, which took off in a gallop back toward the fort. The other guards flanked us as we raced back toward the hillfort.

I held on tight, aware that I had no business on horseback in my condition.

Sacred Epona, Lady of Horses, watch over my children. Be easy on me. Brigantia, protect my children, protect my people.

Calling for the people to clear the path and for the gates to the king’s house to be opened, Conall rushed us into the fort and then leaped from his horse, even before it stopped.

“Close the gates behind Prince Cormag,” Conall called to the guard, then quickly ushered me inside.

Turning a corner, we found Kamden, a crate full of bottles in his hands. “Kamden, take Queen Cartimandua to her workroom and see the queen well-guarded.”

“What’s happened?” Kamden asked, bewildered.

“An attempt on the queen’s life,” Conall replied.

Kamden gasped.

“Conall?” I said, turning to him in confusion.

“Cartimandua, I must see the fort searched. We must be sure no one slipped in during all the activity.”

A moment later, however, I heard a noise in the central courtyard. I turned back to look, seeing Damhan, Brodi, and Fabius helping Cormag inside.

It was then that I saw…

There was an arrow in Cormag’s back. Dark blood poured onto his scarlet-colored tunic, staining the fabric.

“Cormag!” I called, turning back.

“We have him, Queen Cartimandua,” Damhan told us, hurrying Cormag inside.

Stepping aside so they could pass, I followed as they rushed Cormag into my workroom.

“Fetch the healer from the village,” I heard Conall tell one of the men. “Quickly.”

Damhan and Brodi began working at once to rip away Cormag’s clothes to get to the wound.

“Cormag,” I said, breathless. He had gone pale. “Cormag, what have you done?”

“Protected you and my children.”

“And your leather protected you, my prince,” Damhan said, frowning. “The arrow is not deep, but removing it will hurt. Brace yourself now,” Damhan told Cormag, then began washing the wound.

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