Highland Blood

Chapter 22

I headed back to my chamber where I found Ute pacing pensively.

“My Lady? Lord Gillacoemgain told me to prepare your things. We’re riding for Aberdeen?”

“Yes,” I lied, “as King Malcolm commands.”

She nodded. “I’ve packed warm clothes for us and the little ones,” she said. Her voice sounded assured, but she had gone completely pale.

“Very well. Head to the kitchens and ensure we have enough food for us and four men for the journey.”

“Yes, My Lady,” she said then headed out of the chamber.

I opened my trunk and pulled out what few belongings I could not bear the thought of parting with. I set Uald’s gift on the bed, as well as the torcs and amulet I’d brought with me from Ynes Verleath. I gazed down at the violet-colored wedding gown lying in the bottom on the trunk. It would have to stay behind. Sighing, I closed the trunk then dug into my medicines, pulling out anything that might help me in case anything went wrong during the journey. I placed everything into my bag then sat down on the bed. The little ones turned excitedly. How was I ever going to manage the trip?

The door opened behind me. Gillacoemgain entered.

“I spoke to Tavis. I want you on your way today. The men are getting ready. They will be ready when you are.”

I nodded, rose, then pulled some warm clothes from my wardrobe. Slowly, I began getting dressed, Gillacoemgain helping me slide into a woolen tunic. Wordlessly, he bent and helped me lace up my riding boots.

I lifted Uald’s gift, but the belt wouldn’t fit around my waist. The tension was so high, the air so thick and sad between us, that we were startled when we both laughed.

“Here,” Gillacoemgain said, helping me strap the sword around my chest. “It’s harder to pull the blade when it’s on your back but is still at hand if needed. And take this as well,” he said, unbelting the dagger he always wore. I recognized it by the gold pommel decorated with a Pictish flower.

I shook my head. “Oh no. It’s such a precious blade. You should carry it.”

Gillacoemgain took my hand and placed the dagger in my palm. “It bears the symbol of my mother’s line which, much like your own, springs from the royal blood of this land. It was given to my sister by my mother, and before her, by her mother, all the way back to our ancestors from the isle of Scáthach where the women in my family once learned the ancient arts.”

I stared at Gillacoemgain. “Then you do know,” I whispered.

“From the moment I laid eyes on you, walking into Madelaine’s hall like an ancient queen. And I know, no matter what happens to me, you will survive. And you will care for our children.”

I closed my eyes, wishing for the millionth time that the babes I carried were, in fact, his. Tears streamed down my cheeks.

Gillacoemgain wiped my tears. “None of that, little Corbie,” he whispered. Taking the dagger, he slid it into its scabbard then slipped it into the top of my boot, lacing it inside.

Without another word, we headed downstairs where Ute, Tavis, Standish, and two soldiers waited.

Gillacoemgain nodded to Tavis, and we all headed outside where Kelpie waited, already saddled.

With Tavis’ and Gillacoemgain’s help, I mounted my beloved animal while Thora wove between the horses, excited to go on a new adventure. I hated how useless I felt. My sole concern had to be for my children, but in days past I could fight just as well as any man. I had my own sword, and I knew how to use it. Rather than running, I should have been at Gillacoemgain’s side. Instead of fighting, I was leaving my husband to…I didn’t want to think of what. The vision I’d seen wanted to impose itself on me. I closed the door to it, not wanting to remember.

I pulled the heavy cloak I wore around me tightly as I settled onto Kelpie. It was going to be a long, uncomfortable ride. As long as Kelpie stayed sure-footed and we avoided trouble, everything would be fine.

Gillacoemgain helped Ute onto her horse, settling her in, then spoke in low tones with Standish. After, he returned to me.

“Gillacoe—” I began, reaching out to touch his face.

“No goodbyes,” he said, taking my hand, kissing my fingers. “Ride safe, and I’ll join you and my little ones very soon.” But even as he said it, I knew we both felt the dark shadow that hung over us.

I closed my eyes. I wanted to be with him in that moment, but the raven showed me pictures. I saw Gillacoemgain in the middle of a roundhouse. Once more, I felt the heat from flames licking the walls and saw fire and ash breaking through the ceiling.

I gasped.

“Corbie?” All will burn. Make your heart ready, Cerridwen.

Shaking, I opened my eyes and looked at him. “Beware…beware the flames…beware of roundhouses.”

“Roundhouses?”

“I saw…flames. A meeting place…there was fire all around you.”

Gillacoemgain studied me closely, his forehead furrowing. “Don’t think of it. Try to think of a name for our little ones.”

I smiled weakly. “You’ll let me choose?” I asked as cheerfully as I could, still frozen by the image of fire that had danced across my mind.

“If we have a daughter, name her Crearwy, for my sister?”

Tears threatened. I swallowed hard. “Of course.”

He reached out to stroke my cheek one last time then let me go. “I love you, Corbie,” he told me in a low voice so the others could not hear.

“I love you too,” I whispered. “May the Morrigu ride at your side.”

“And at yours,” he said then stepped back, motioning to Standish that we were ready.

Taking the reins, I turned Kelpie and followed the other riders across the ward to the gate. I looked back just once more.

Gillacoemgain raised his hand in farewell.

I gazed at him long and hard, trying to engrain his image into my mind, hoping it was not true, but still knowing I would never see Gillacoemgain of Moray again.