Page 111 of Bloodmoon Ritual

Bee clutched my hand and we watched them both wield their weapons with white-knuckled fear.

But Ronan’s Congregation came from all sides to trap the invaders, and they were all killed.

It was easy to pick out my brother’s big form as he cut his way through his former Congregation, his former allies.

Because his loyalty is to me

And to those who would hurt me, he is absolutely ruthless and inflexible.

A Holy Warrior,but I’m his temple.

When the battle was over, and the women were let out, Ronan was going through the bodies, kicking aside each corpse.

“I don’t see Cenhelm,” he said. “The coward must have run away. Probably gone to the cities.”

“Why did he turn?” Rhyder asked.

“I wouldn’t let him kill his wife,” Ronan answered harshly. “If you stay here, you’ll have to accept that I am an Apostate.”

Rhyder shrugged. “It is no sin to protect women. My wife would agree.”

I felt a tingling, joyous relief spread in my gut.

Ronan’s harsh mouth twisted up in a smile and he put an arm around Bee. “A Helpmeet is good,” he said. “All the time.”

“All the time, a Helpmeet is good,” Rhyder agreed.

And then the two blasphemers turned back to the corpses they had slaughtered.

“Praise to the Allfather,” Ronan called out, and his Congregation responded obediently.

For victory in battle

Praise to the Allfather

Each bloody corpse

His favor shows

“And now,” Ronan added with a roar of triumph. “Take and seize what the Allfather gives you.”

And the men of the Congregation surged forward, heading past the boundary gates to swarm the lands of those who had challenged them.

*

AFEW DAYS LATER, MYarm was still throbbing, but it was a healing pain.

“Here,” Bee said, “I’ll show you which plants are good for healing.”

I looked down at the ground and saw a delicate little white flower struggling to push higher out of the hard cold ground. Even as I watched, it seemed to raise fluttering petals to the light.

Spring was coming.

“I love you,” Rhyder said. “I love you so much, Temperance.” One big, warm hand wrapped around the back of my neck, his fingers lightly stroking my skin. With the other hand he drew me closer, not stopping until I was flush against his body. Like he always wanted.

“I love you too,” I replied.

“Breeding season is almost here,” he added, his body curving around mine so I was cradled in his big arms. “The breeding heats are dangerous, but I will be here with you.”

---