Page 63 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

I narrowed my gaze and tried to listen to the echoes of my heart. I set my hand on my chest, feeling my fast heartbeat…but more. There was a deeper feeling, that stony heart the Cailleach had put within me was thumping to its own beat. “Something is not right.”

“Rome marches and the southern tribes sleep. Of course, there is nothing right here. I sent riders to Môd and Onnen when I landed in Mydils, summoning them to Rigodonum at once. They cannot be far behind me.”

“Get your rest, Corva. We will confer with the priestesses when they arrive, and our work will begin.”

Corva paused, then looked from me to my sleeping daughters. “Oh. By Brigantia, I am blind. I missed it,” she said,reaching out to touch Regan’s hand. She then looked in the cradle at Aelith. “Two princesses.”

“Yes, it will be a queen for the Brigantes.”

“How sweet they are. I’m sorry I was not here with you.”

“It was harrowing. Be glad you missed it.”

“I’m sorry to hear it. Cormag must have been distraught.”

“Alas, he, too, was absent, but Eddin was here.”

“King Eddin?”

I nodded. “He was at my side when Regan and Aelith came into the world.”

“Regan…and Aelith?” she asked, lifting an eyebrow. No doubt she remembered the Dardani queen’s name.

“Names of Verbia’s choosing.”

“I see. Has King Eddin departed?”

“Yes, he came for a visit and for ships. After the girls were born, he went to Mydils. I’m told he sailed away with one of my best shipmakers.”

Corva laughed. “Gordie Four-Fingers?”

“You knew him?”

“He is Dardani. Of course I knew him.”

“I did not know there was a secret network of Dardani alive and well in Brigantes lands.”

“And here I thought your crows saw everything.”

“They see well, but sometimes not enough. For instance, a fog has rolled into Setantii lands that my crows cannot seem to penetrate. I am glad you are here to help with that little problem.”

“Lady Ystradwel?”

“Who has taken ill and is surrounded by men I do not trust.”

“You fear for her grip on the Setantii.”

I nodded. “We sent people to check on Ystradwel after I received a messenger from her in the form of Lord Gregor.”

“Is he Setantii now? Or Cornovii?”

“You know him?”

“Yes. And that he is not to be trusted.”

I frowned. “Indeed. And far too close to Ystradwel for my liking. We learned that Ystradwelisunwell, but we can’t uncover more.”

Our spy found Ystradwel pale and thin, but her priestesses were giving her care. Druids had come from Mona, as well, to see her. But more than that, our eyes noted many influential Setantii men in Ystradwel’s house, which I did not like.

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