Chapter 4
Conquering the vault feat had made him feel as if he could fly!
His euphoria had been short-lived. Scáthach mentioned a water feat and he’d started to sweat. He’d hoped it had something to do with boats, or perhaps raft building, but his gut had known better. He’d been sick all during the picturesque ride to the pools.
He’d tried to calm himself. Tried to believe it wouldn’t be that important when they found out. They wouldn’t laugh. They wouldn’t jeer. They wouldn’t belittle him.
“Sentanta, is there a problem?” Scáthach asked.
By all the gods he hadn’t wanted to tell her but he’d had to blurt the truth; they’d all find out soon enough anyway.
“I can’t swim!”
Of course, the laughter and taunting had started.
But she had understood. For the first time in his life, someone understood and empathized with him without judgment or derision or attempting to make him less than so they could appear great. The truth was Scáthach was already great. She didn’t need to belittle him or anyone to prove it.
Sentanta was beginning to think he would follow the Queen of Shadow anywhere.
* * *
The morning dawned bright and clear and unusually warm for early spring.
Sometime during the remainder of the night Leannan had taken her usual place at the foot of Scáthach’s bed.
She trotted next to the Queen of Shadow as they joined Geirr and the Wolfskin guard at the Bridge of Leaps.
Scáthach had chosen not to break her fast with Geirr, not wanting to return to the subject of the crown of Lethra, but it would be an insult if they left without her seeing them off.
Geirr and the Wolfskins bowed as she joined them. Geirr waited for the guard to cross the bridge ahead of him before he spoke to Scáthach, keeping his voice low and earnest. “I did not tell you everything last night.”
Scáthach raised a brow but remained silent.
“It is true your father named you heir. It is also true that the Wolfskins agree with his choice—almost all of the Wolfskins. Some of them, a minority, have sided with Aife and want her crowned.”
Scáthach frowned. “Then why are you here offering me the crown when I have been clear about not accepting it, and you have another daughter of Ardgeimm who does want to rule Lethra?”
“Because Aife has split Lethra!” he shouted, and then ran a hand down his beard, trying to compose himself.
When he spoke again, his voice was quieter, more controlled.
“If you would accept the crown, the majority of Lethra would rejoice. Aife and her rebels would be forced to stand down and accept you.”
“She has a rebel army?”
“Only a couple hundred warriors. She wouldn’t even have that modest number if that bastard Drest hadn’t joined her.”
“Drest? That surprises me. I remember him as the big redheaded Wolfskin who guarded Father’s left while you guarded his right.”
Geirr nodded. “And that’s how it was until Aife got her claws into him.
She’s been whispering to him for years, sowing discontent, manipulating him.
When Ardgeimm died and I announced what Lethra already knew, that you are your father’s chosen heir, Aife disputed the succession; and when the majority upheld your father’s wishes, she called for warriors to support her and dispute your crowning. Drest left the Wolfskins.”
“And some of them followed him.” Scáthach said the part Geirr left unspoken.
“Yah. Your sister has become an expert on horseflesh. Under her guidance Lethra has the swiftest horses in our country and in many others.”
Scáthach nodded. “I’ve heard of the excellence of Lethra’s horses. I did not know that was due to Aife.”
Geirr nodded reluctantly. “It is undeniable that Aife’s breeding program has been highly successful.
Warriors respect her expertise and value her horses, even if her leadership is otherwise lacking.
She seems to attract dissent and conflict.
” Geirr’s lip curled in disgust. “She even changed your father’s sigil.
Instead of a lion as the masthead, she has embraced the serpent dragon Nidhogg. ”
“Her sigil is a symbol of darkness and strife? That makes no sense,” said Scáthach.
“It would make perfect sense if you knew Aife.”
Scáthach shrugged. “As you are well aware, I do not know my sister. The last time I saw her I was five and she was a toddler.”
“Well, she went from a shy child to a waspish, angry adult because of what she did not have.”
“The crown?” Scáthach asked.
“Her father’s love,” said Geirr.
“I can’t believe my father would reject any daughter,” Scáthach said firmly.
“It wasn’t so much a rejection as it was obvious he considered her less than,” explained Geirr.
“Less than?”
Geirr caught her gaze. “Less than the child of Béfionn, fairest of all goddesses.”
Scáthach blew out a long breath. “Geirr, I’m sorry Aife is causing you problems.”
“Problems!” Geirr shouted. “Civil war is more than just a problem. She doesn’t have enough warriors to overthrow us, but her raids are costly to our stores of sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and our countrymen and women.
She raids and steals and cuts down anyone who stands against her, warrior or farmer. ”
“I apologize,” Scáthach said. “I do not mean to make light of what you and Lethra are going through. But I am not your solution. No absentee ruler is your solution.”
Geirr seemed to deflate. His shoulders bowed and he suddenly looked old. “This visit has made me understand that. And still I hope you will return to your home and your people.”
Scáthach gestured to Dunscáith. “This is my home. Here are my people. I will always be a friend to Lethra, but I will not be your queen.”
Geirr stood straighter and nodded grimly. “And yet I hope time will change your mind. I ask that you consider this last thing. Do you remember your father’s longhouse? Do you remember Lethra?”
“Of course!” She was surprised by the question.
“I remember it well.” Scáthach smiled nostalgically as she recalled.
“The particular blue of the sea, the softly rolling hills, the emerald green of the trees and long grasses. I can still almost smell the sweetness of the spring wildflowers and feel the thick pelts on my bed pallet. Father’s longhouse was huge, though in the winter it was snug and warm, especially when his favorite horses shared the space with us. ”
His gaze softened. “Yes, you do remember. Then consider this—Lethra and Dunscáith have twin spirits.” At her frown he continued.
“I am in a unique position to know this. Lethra is my home, but I visited Dunscáith with your father countless times over the past decades.” He gestured at the castle behind them.
“Your walls are stone instead of timber but they are infused with the same warmth and the same spirit of comradery.
“You lead your people with wisdom and fairness—as did your father—and like him, the best warriors flock to you, eager to serve a queen who is worthy of their loyalty. You believe you would be leaving your kingdom if you accepted our crown but you would only be changing locations. Your students would still come to you. Your people would still revere you.” He bowed deeply to her.
“And I, your father’s most trusted warrior, would be honored to serve you.
” He straightened, smiling. “Just consider it.” Then he smoothed his beard, and his mood lightened.
“I hear the Hero of Ulster has joined your student warriors.” He chuckled. “That will annoy Forgall Monach.”
“Forgall Monach? The nephew of the king of the Fomorians?” When Geirr nodded, she continued. “Why would Cuchulainn training with me annoy him?”
“Because Cuchulainn wants to marry his daughter, Emer, and Forgall Monach doesn’t think the young hothead worthy of her.
So he set up a series of challenges Cuchulainn must complete before he accepts his suit—the last of which is to be trained by the Queen of Shadow herself for one year and one day. ”
Scáthach shrugged. “Why my students come to Dunscáith is unimportant. As long as they can pass my tests and behave with honor, I will accept them and train them without prejudice. So far, Cuchulainn has done both. Though I’m surprised Forgall Monach doesn’t want to be bound by marriage to such a talented young warrior. ”
“Could be out of jealousy,” Geirr said gruffly. “Forgall Monach has never been known for his fighting skills.”
“Jealousy is rarely a wise reason to do anything,” said Scáthach. Then she smiled at Geirr and clapped his shoulder. “Safe journeys, my friend. I wish you and the Wolfskins well.”
“Thank you, Queen of Shadow. May you continue to prosper. Please know that Lethra will always be your home and we would welcome your return joyously.” Geirr bowed to her and then followed his men over the Bridge of Leaps.
* * *
Scáthach and Leannan joined Uathach on the practice field as she led the students through warm-up drills. Scáthach put Lethra from her mind and studied the students. Cuchulainn warmed up with the group, though his gaze kept flicking to Scáthach.
She wasted no time. There was no point in it. Her decision had been made.
“Sentanta, I will train you,” she said.
As the other students congratulated Cuchulainn, her daughter’s gaze snapped to her. Scáthach met her eyes steadily until Uathach looked away.
Scáthach gave the group a moment and then addressed them. “Your prowess yesterday assures me that today you will master the next steps of the vault feat.” She nodded to Uathach, who moved to stand beside her mother and took over the instructions.