Page 1 of A Wolf's Bargain

Chapter 1

Cora

Summer in Ireland had always been Cora’s favorite season. She was sure that elsewhere in the world, there were beautiful sights in other seasons, but to her, there was nothing more lovely than the warm breeze rolling through the grasses on a bright summer day.

Not that she had much time to enjoy such things. Ever since she’d officially come of age, her father had made sure that she had plenty of responsibility. He claimed it kept her from going on ‘reckless adventures’ across their lands.

He called them reckless. She called them the closest thing to freedom she had.

As a lord’s daughter, she was bound to the needs of her people, and those needs never seemed to involve galloping over the hills with the wind in her hair.

Even this ride, this momentary reprieve, was a reminder of her station and her age. As a child, she might have slipped away for a few hours unnoticed. But now? She was lucky her father let her travel to the village with just one guard. Supposedly, he was meant to keep a watch out for her because of recently increased attacks from King Edwin of England and run-of-the-mill highwaymen, but the gray-haired guardsman looked ready to fall asleep in his saddle at any moment. Cora wondered if he’d make it another hundred yards before slipping off. It’d be poor manners to laugh if he did, but she wasn’t sure she’d be able to help it.

Her lower back ached from sitting with a perfect posture, but even here, away from everyone else, she was expected toplay her part. Deirdre, her elderly lady-in-waiting, never wasted an opportunity to remind her of the expectations of the world around her.

Sit straight.

Speak softly.

Never argue.

Walk slowly.

Chew quietly.

Never let on that your fingers hurt after a day of pricking them on needles for the sake of your embroidery.

And never, ever, let anyone know that the Captain of the Guard took time every Tuesday to teach you how to use a sword and buckler.

She had the impression that since her mother’s death, her father—and Deirdre—felt the need to overcompensate in her education. Everything she did had a purpose—even her daily rides on Epona had a purpose. Apparently, a lady should take every opportunity to practice good form and posture.

Cora often daydreamed of running away and joining the wildlings and faeries of the forests just for a bit of fun.

Behind her, the guard snored so loudly that his horse startled. It reared back, almost knocking old Cormac from his saddle. He woke with a shout, arms wheeling to keep his balance. Cora shook her head as he gripped the reins, wide-eyed and frantic. “My Lady! Are we under attack?”

“No, Cormac,” she said with a laugh. “No brigands, thieves, or highwaymen to be seen. So sorry to disrupt your nap!”

Cormac bristled, his bushy mustache twitching with indignation. “A seasoned guard such as myself would never be so lax in his duty! I was enjoying the sun and the breeze, that’s all. It’s a fine day.”

“A lovely day indeed,” she agreed, a playful smile curving her lips. “But we’ll be in the village soon. Perhaps you might... appreciate the day a bit later?”

“Aye, Lady. Never fear, I’ll keep a sharp eye. Never know when you’ll come across a thief or one of those wildlings.”

Cora rolled her eyes and smiled. “Ah, yes. I’m sure Cillian Fane himself will leap from the bushes, a wolf's head on his shoulders, just to test if you’re enjoying the sun too much.”

Cormac scoffed. “You jest, Lady, but Fane and his wolf men are no laughing matter. You know, I heard -”

“I don’t care for rumors, Cormac, or for bonfire stories meant to frighten children.”

Strange men with frightening abilities, such as the infamous Cillian Fane and his wild wolf changelings, were popular among the guards at night. Even as a child, Cora had dismissed the stories of men transforming into wolves during a full moon. It had seemed too unbelievable, too strange. Besides, the world was frightening enough as it was. One didn’t need to believe in wolf-men to see that.

Of all of her duties, visiting the surrounding villages was the one she dreaded the least. There were no physicians available, even if their people could afford their services. Most were lucky to have a midwife nearby, or a hedge witch handy with healing herbs. Her mother had seen it as part of her duty to the people of their lands to attend them and provide what medicines and resources she could. After she’d died, Cora had happily taken her place.

Her father claimed the visits were key to their standing as the lords of Ossory, and she supposed that was true. Many lords preferred to lead from great halls and distant castles, never bothering to know the people who worked their lands. Fergus Kilkenny believed a ruler was strongest when his people’s loyalty came from love and respect rather than fear. He supported herwork because he felt it inspired trust and good faith between him and his people. Cora worried that one day he might suggest an actual physician would serve them better. Without the weekly time outside of the castle, she feared she’d waste away with boredom.

They were still a way off from the village when something in the distance caught Cora’s attention. The main road to the nearest village wasn’t often busy. Today, she and Cormac had been alone, with nothing but the sun and the breeze to keep them company. It was strange, then, when she was sure she heard the sounds of shouting somewhere far off. A small figure ran out from the forest ahead, racing as though pursued by the Devil himself.

“Hold, My Lady.” Cormac scanned the open field with suspicion. “Something’s not right.”

---