Page 93 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

In Gaul, the Romans were on the move once more. Caligula was dead, replaced by the more ambitious, and sane, Emperor Claudius. Claudius’s ambitions in Gaul seemed less focused on expansion and more on wealth and trade. He built ports and ships for trade and commerce. I should have cared more, but the truth was, my heart was still hard over the deaths of my daughters. While Corva tried to keep me abreast of the news, I listened less to the movements of Rome. I simply did not have the heart to bother with Romans. So, when Corva mentioned that our operatives in Gaul had been oddly silent during the early spring of 43 AD, I couldn’t manifest the will to care.

My eyes were better served close to home where a cloud hung over the Setantii. My crows were not clear on what was happening, but Lord Gregor was on the move. I had sent more spies to uncover the cause, but so far, they had turned up empty-handed—or not at all, leaving Corva and I both wondering if the slick lord had found them out and done dark deeds.

Perhaps, after all these years of being frustrated with me for not supporting King Aengus, Lord Gregor had decided to annex himself.

Part of me would be glad to see him go, but only because it would give me the excuse to do what I had been wanting to do for years—annex the lord from his life.

“I will go and seek answers myself,” Corva said, sounding frustrated. “Something is afoot.”

“Gregor is either moving to join Aengus or usurp Ystradwel. We must know the truth,” I agreed.

With that, Corva rode out.

Very soon, I hoped to have answers.

On a warm spring morning, not long from Beltane, I was in my workroom looking over some notes when there was acommotion in the yard. I looked out my window to see riders carrying Eddin’s banners.

Smiling, I moved to smooth down the dark blue gown I was wearing, the dress trimmed with a deep red hem and collar, only to discover my fingers were covered in coal. I worked quickly, trying to clean them, but it was little use. Adjusting my long braid—and feeling sorry I had not let Hilda fix my hair—I made my way downstairs to greet the king.

Rolling my shoulders back and adjusting my posture, I linked my hands behind my back and approached Eddin as he dismounted.

He looked very well, his cheeks red from the ride.

“Cartimandua,” he called in greeting but wore an odd, almost nervous expression. He looked away, as if steeling himself.

“Eddin, you are very welcome in Rigodonum. I am sorry to share that Cormag is with his mother in Din Eidyn. You have just missed him.”

“Is all well with Mael Muire?”

“There was a fire in one of the northern villages. Damhan’s parents lost their farm. The Votadini have gone to help with the rebuilding. Come inside. You will be parched,” I said then turned to Conall.

“I will see to his men, my queen,” Conall, who had just joined us, said. “Welcome, King Eddin.”

“Thank you, Conall.”

Giving Conall a grateful smile, I led Eddin inside. Kamden met me when I reached the door of my workroom.

“Kamden, ale for King Eddin, please.”

“My queen,” Kamden replied then added, “I will have the kitchens prepare a feast for the Dardani for dinner.”

“No need, good friend,” Eddin told Kamden. “I… I am only passing through.”

“Very well,” Kamden said then disappeared.

Puzzled, I opened the door to my workroom and led Eddin inside.

“I am glad to see you,” I told Eddin, “but surprised. It is early spring yet.”

“Yes, I… Well, I have been meaning to come since fall, it’s just… Well, I just… I wanted… I am glad to see you well, Cartimandua,” Eddin said, awkwardly.

Confused, I sat and bid him to do the same. Kamden arrived a short time later with a tray on which he brought a pitcher of ale, mugs, bread, cheese, and salted meat. After pouring us both a mug, he departed.

Eddin took a deep drink then exhaled deeply. “The ale in Rigodonum is like no other. And I have been dreaming of these,” he said, picking up a round of bread and taking a bite.

“Is all well in Dardani lands?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said, his mouth full. “I have already had two ships to Éire and back this spring. Trade is going well, and I hope to travel there myself one day.”

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