Chapter Four
Killian trudged behind the traveling party during the late afternoon, heedless of the miles they had traveled.
Taryn had taken his advice, remaining at his sister’s side at all times.
It was a dangerous game they played, and thus far, the chieftain had not given their identities away.
But the Lady was careful to hide her scars.
With the veil to shield them, her appearance was striking.
Deep blue eyes stood out against a heart-shaped face that held a quiet bravery.
He could only hope that their deception would last for only a day or two.
He had sent Lady Taryn’s guard to the MacEgans, with the message to send help in the form of Trahern MacEgan.
The bard was a giant of a man, one who could guard Carice easily.
Once Trahern arrived, Killian could breathe easier.
Brodie rode ahead of the litter, while Killian remained behind everyone else.
He’d been ordered to stay out of the way, except when the Lady Taryn summoned him.
He wasn’t entirely certain what to think of her.
She was a contradiction, both bold and fearful.
When he’d touched her scarred face, she’d appeared shocked that he would dare to cross that boundary.
But she didn’t seem angry, only surprised.
Killian didn’t know what to think of that. He had many scars of his own, from the years of training for battle. He didn’t view them as a physical imperfection, only a lesson learned. Many times, he’d earned his own scars when he wasn’t swift enough.
Since he’d not been allowed to train with the men when Brodie could see, he’d trained with Seorse and some of the others in secret.
Later, he’d spent a few summers with the MacEgan tribe when Seorse had taken him along as a servant.
Those had been among his favorite memories, for during those seasons, he’d never felt like a slave.
A year ago, he had considered leaving the Faoilin tribe to join the MacEgans, except that he was not free to do so—at least, not yet.
One of the High King’s soldiers walked to the back, approaching Killian until he strode alongside him. The man’s expression was grim, and he sent him a sidelong glance. “I think we’re being followed.”
Killian glanced behind him but could see nothing, save the forest that stretched out behind them for miles. “What makes you believe that?”
“I saw the glint of armor when we crossed the last hill.” He added, “I want you to scout the enemy and find out how many there are. I’ll speak to our commander and take the women east, toward that round tower.
” He pointed to a high column in the distance.
The tower was often used by the priests, both as a means of sighting danger and a place to hide religious treasures.
“Stay hidden,” the man ordered, “and meet us there when you know how many soldiers they have and what banner they carry.”
Killian nodded. While it was possible that it could be the MacEgans, he doubted if Taryn’s guard could travel that fast. The soldier was right—if they were being followed, he needed to know what threat they were facing.
“I’ll return within the hour,” Killian promised. He wasn’t certain how far back the men were, but he could run swiftly and find them.
He slipped into the trees, cloaking himself as he began to run. Over the next few miles, he kept his pace swift, until he reached the clearing. There, he kept low to the ground, hiding himself amid the underbrush and gorse.
He wasn’t prepared for the sight of two dozen men, heavily armed, as they rode over the next hill.
Nor had he expected to see a woman riding in the center of the men.
Her red hair was vibrant, her posture rigid.
As they drew nearer to his hiding place, he guessed who it was—Taryn’s mother, the Queen of Ossoria.
His prediction was confirmed when he spied the standard raised high by one of the men.
The white banner was trimmed in red and gold, with a rampant lion upon it.
If the Queen’s men intercepted the wagons now, it would unravel all of their plans. She would identify her daughter and take Taryn away. Somehow, he had to slow them down and make it impossible for the soldiers to catch up.
It didn’t surprise him that the Queen would pursue her daughter.
Lady Taryn should never have traveled alone with a single guard.
It was clear that she’d come here without permission.
Strangely, there was no sense of urgency, since the Queen already knew where her daughter was going.
They would catch up to them within the hour, for carrying the women in a litter was slowing down the High King’s men.
In the end, Killian decided a diversion was best. If the men of Ossoria were following the wagons, then hiding the women elsewhere and leading the wagons on a slightly different path might be enough. He only needed a day or two before Carice would flee.
He kept low to the ground, inching his way back toward the trees.
Only when he was surrounded by the wood and underbrush did he break into a run.
He moved as deeply into the forest as possible, the branches cutting his arms as he ran.
His lungs burned with exertion, but he wouldn’t stop.
Time was slipping away, and he needed to get the women out.
After half an hour of running, he finally reached the clearing where the church and round tower lay.
The traveling party had stopped to rest, and the moment he approached, the soldier he’d spoken to earlier came forward.
Killian caught up to him and said in a low voice, “They have about two dozen men, all armed. The Queen of Ossoria is traveling with them.” He eyed the litter and added, “She did not want her daughter to travel to Tara.”
“Then we will leave the Lady behind with her mother,” the soldier said, appearing unconcerned about the idea. “You may stay with her, and we’ll continue on with Lady Carice.”
Killian said nothing, for he wasn’t about to abandon his sister. There had to be a way around it. The Queen of Ossoria would not interfere with Carice’s journey—but it was clear that she intended to stop her daughter from traveling to Tara.
“It is better this way,” the soldier continued. “The King of Ossoria is the Ard-Righ’s prisoner, and he intends to make an example of him. The Queen and her daughter should stay far away from Tara.”
Which was what he’d anticipated. Rory ó Connor kept hostages, but an execution was rare. If crimes were committed, fines were set by the brehons who passed judgment. A death sentence meant that Taryn’s father had committed a serious offense.
“The Lady wishes to plead for her father’s life,” he told the soldier. “It’s why she wanted to accompany Lady Carice to her wedding.”
The soldier shook his head. “King Devlin is guilty of treason. The High King will never let him live.”
So that was the reason. Killian doubted if he wanted to be involved with helping Taryn’s father, but he wanted to know more. “I heard that King Devlin refused to send men to join King Rory’s army.”
“No, he tried to raise his own army against the High King,” the soldier answered. “He wanted to claim the throne for himself.”
If that was true, then the soldier was right. Rory would never allow a rival king to lay siege to what was his. Killian thanked the soldier for the information and added, “I will speak with the Lady Taryn and tell her.”
He walked past the guards, toward the litter where his sister and Taryn were seated. The moment he came closer, Brodie drew his horse in front of them, blocking his path.
“What do you want?” the chieftain demanded.
I intend to warn the women, he wanted to say but didn’t. Instead, he answered, “I came to speak with the Lady Taryn. We are being followed by her mother’s guards.”
Brodie glowered at him. “I will grant you leave to speak with her, but do not bother Carice.” At that, he waved his hand in dismissal and moved his horse.
Killian walked alongside the litter and glimpsed both women through the curtained space. He spoke in a low voice. “Lady Taryn, your mother has sent guards after you. She’s wanting you to return to Ossoria.”
From a small opening in the curtains, he saw Taryn peer out at him. Her eyes held fear, and she kept her voice in a whisper. “How many men are with her?”
“Two dozen. They will catch up to us within the hour.”
He spied her dismayed reaction. “I cannot let her see me. I’ve come this far, and I don’t want to give up.” She closed her eyes, as if struggling to think.
He straightened and regarded her. “You could hide in the round tower, if we go now. Her men will continue following us while you make your escape.”
But his sister had a pointed look upon her face. “And who will stay with her, Killian? She cannot go there alone.” He didn’t answer, for he could see that she was trying to make him feel guilty.
“I’m not leaving you, Carice. Not until you’re safe.” There might be another of Rory’s men who could accompany Lady Taryn. But it would not be him.
His sister’s face softened with acceptance. “The soldiers know who I am, Killian. Even if Taryn leaves, it’s too late for any sort of deception. Either Trahern MacEgan will save me, or he won’t.”
He didn’t know what to say, but the idea of leaving her was unthinkable. His sister had improved a little, but she could hardly walk at all. “I won’t abandon you.”
Carice struggled to sit up. “You have to let me go, Killian. There’s nothing more you can do.”
The finality in her expression spoke of a woman who had accepted her inevitable death.
Her gaze moved from Taryn to him and then she said, “You must go to the MacEgans. Their castle is not far from here, and you could take the Lady there by tomorrow evening. Find out if Trahern is coming for me. If he is not, you can send someone else.”