The Farrier's Daughter Page 8

“ ’Tis not a great distance to the most spectacular sight you’ll ever see, Alainn. I will show you something so extraordinary, you will be truly stunned.”

  She found herself growing excited with anticipation as the land grew steadily rockier, the rolling hills more craggy and steep, the trees sparser. Finally, Killian stopped and dismounted, and lifted her from her horse. He found a tree and tethered the horses, then took her hand. Together, they walked up the steady slope.

  The sun was just beginning to set, and the ball hung low in a sky made lovely with pinks, crimsons, and gold. When they’d walked a short distance, he placed his hands over her eyes and she laughed but allowed him to lead her. Finally, he stopped and removed his hands.

  “Oh Killian!” she cried, finding no other words. “Oh Killian.” Five immense cliffs rose up from the sea in marvelous grandeur. They were as tall and craggy and enormous as any mountains she’d seen in paintings. The layers of rock were varied in color and the radiant sunset playing against them only added to the enchantment of the location. She watched as waves crashed against the monumental stone walls.

  She stood on tiptoe, fairly bouncing, so elated was she. Killian gave a hearty laugh, and she smiled back at him.

  “You have not done that since you were a child, Alainn, that wee bouncing motion. Rory, Riley, and I used to see who could cause you the greatest amount of glee, for we liked to see your wee dance.”

  “You taunted me unmercifully about it, Killian, the three of you.”

  Her eyes had still not turned from the spectacular view. “They take my breath away, Killian. How grand and marvelous, how utterly magnificent they are. I have never beheld such an astounding, impressive sight. Apart from seeing you unclothed, of course,” she added.

  “Aye, the cliffs are a good second choice, I suppose.” He chuckled.

  He held her until the sun had sunk far beneath the horizon and the cliffs were barely visible in the twilight.

  “This is such a beautiful country, Killian. I adore it all so much. I have just recently seen the great Atlantic Ocean, with its rocky burren and sandy beaches, and now these miraculous cliffs. I love it all the more. ’Tis no wonder whoever touches Ireland’s shores wants to claim it for their own. The Norse, the Normans, the English. But they are never so very kind to the Irish people.”

  “Aye, they’ve not dealt us many kindnesses to be certain. They want to claim our land but change everything about the people, from our customs and traditions to what we eat, how we dress and wear our hair, what music we make, what musical instruments we play. They even alter our manner of speaking.”

  “The English are the worst of the lot, Killian. There is so much heartache ahead for the Irish people. It makes my own heart ache to know how much tragedy still lies ahead.”

  Her tone had grown so sad and ominous he attempted to change the subject.

  “So you are well-pleased with our grand cliffs, Lainna?”

  “Aye, I adore them as I do all of this beautiful land. But what are they called, these cliffs?”

  “They are called many names. The Cliffs of Mhothair in Gaelic. We shall come back one day by moonlight or at first light when the puffins and sea hawks scatter from the top and plunge downward to the sea. But now, the hour grows late.”

  She placed her hand to his cheek and whispered lovingly, “Whatever happens between us, Killian, know that I am happy. At this precise moment, I am truly happy. Thank you for sharing this with me, and for what we have shared these weeks and, in truth, all the years we have been together.”

  “Christ, Alainn, you sound as though you are bidding me farewell.”

  “Well if it is to be our farewell, it would be best done here in a place of such beauty with no one around us, and only the wind and the seabirds to hear my weeping.”

  “ ’Tis not a farewell, Alainn. We will find a way.”

  She was so filled with dread a chill descended upon her, and the wind accelerated and grew cold. The waves below the cliffs peaked white and began to crash forcefully against the rock. The sky filled with a rumbling of thunderclouds, and lightning illuminated the sky. Cold, hard rain began to pelt down upon them.

  “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the weather in this area changes quickly. But, I’ve never seen such a violent storm brew so quickly. We must find shelter, yet there is surely little to be found here.”

  “Just hold me, Killian!”

  “Alainn, we must move away from these cliffs before the gale throws us over the edge!” he shouted above the screaming of the forceful wind. “The lightning is bound to hit us or the horses, for there are few trees.”

  “Hold me, Killian, if you trust me, hold me but for a moment!”

  “You are sounding addled!” But he held her tightly against his chest. Before the moment had passed, the wind died, the sea grew quiet, and the thunder and lightning stopped as quickly as it had begun.

  “ ’Twas me,” she whispered in a broken voice.

  “What are you sayin’, Alainn?”

  “ ’Twas me!”

  “You’re talkin’ nonsense and sounding whirled.”

  “I caused the storm.”

  “That’s impossible. Even with your powers. No one but our God can control the weather.”

  “There is a prophecy,” she said in a tight voice. “Morag and Mara have both spoken of it to me. There will be a witch capable of conquering all around her. She will have the ability to control objects, then flora and fauna, the weather, the seasons. A being able to cross the realms of fairies and druids, capable of seeing into the past and looking into the future. Capable of spanning the portals of time. Able to both heal ill and inflict pain. And that creature will be the first of a line of many with such powers.”

  “Alainn, ’tis surely just superstitious legend. There are dozens of such stories that have not a thimble of truth to them.”

  “Killian, you must think on this. I have moved objects and been a seer all my life. I can heal, you know that well. I am able to enter the fairy glade and surely able to go through the portals within. I can control animals, and you’ve said for a long while how unusual it is I am able to grow plants others cannot. I’ve suspected for a time that my moods could change the weather.”

  “It cannot be true!” he said angrily.

  “If you want to turn and run away, I’ll understand. I will not make you suffer because of what I am.”

  “Even if this were a certainty—”

  “It is a certainty, Killian. I have no doubt.”

  She walked away, into the darkness of the night. He did not try to stop her, but followed some distance behind. When she was halfway down the trail, she crossed the open pasture land.

  “Alainn, what is it you’re doing?”

  “Finding holy ground.”

  “What by God’s nails are you talkin’ about?”

  “This was a burial ground for an ancient people,” she said, gesturing toward an ancient pile of stones, “so surely ’tis holy. Do you believe it is so, Killian?”

  “I have no way of knowing, Alainn, but aye, perhaps you are correct.”

  “Come sit here with me, Killian.”

  He sighed deeply, but appeased her and sat down on the damp ground beside her.

  “You have the amulet safe around your neck?”

  “Aye. I promised you I wouldn’t remove it.”

  “Good, now stay here. Do not move from my side, for it will be dangerous for a time.”

  She closed her eyes, and he watched as a huge ring of fire began to burn around them. He swallowed hard but did not move. The flames were immense, as tall as a round tower. When he believed he could be no more stunned by what was happening, enormous stones fell from the sky, framing the ring of fire and forming a perfect circle. Thirteen enormous stones in all, tall and pointed, like grave-markers, only considerably larger.

  Alainn began chanting in the language he’d heard her use at the fairy glade. Then he noticed the dagger in her hand and almost attempted to stop he
r, for he was not completely sure she would not harm herself. But she only nicked her thumb with the tip of the blade, and red droplets fell to the ground. Without being asked, Killian offered his hand.

  She gently poked his thumb and squeezed the drops so they fell and mingled with her own. They burst into flames, and she spoke once more, this time in English.

  Forever more through all eternity, the powers that rise from within me,

  Shall never be capable of causing ill to those whose hearts remain joined still.

  Not by fire, nor water, air or earth, not by my hand or of those I birth,

  Nor any descendants of mine; however far down my line.

  By the forging of blood that flows through my veins,

  And his whom I’ve given my heart free reign,

  As I’ve declared it, so shall it be, forever more through eternity.

  With those words, fire leapt up, and the flames seemed to encompass them entirely. Killian could feel the heat, but the flames did not touch his skin. A wind began to howl eerily over the nearest hill, and a heavy rain fell, extinguishing the fire, yet not one drop landed upon them.

  “ ’Tis done,” Alainn said calmly, rubbing her hands together. Her tone was matter-of-fact, as if she’d just put together an ointment or potted some herbs. She stood and shook the grass from her skirts while Killian sat, unable to move.

  “I will rest easier this night knowing my powers shall never bring you harm. No matter how angry or displeased I may be with you at any time, you will be safe from my magic. Immune to my supernatural abilities, except those that will benefit you.”

  “How?” was the only thing that managed to escape his lips. Her eyes held a wild quality, and he wasn’t certain he didn’t feel fear. She noticed.

  “I’ll tell you once more, Killian,” she said in a stiff voice. “If you wish to go back to the castle without me, I will go to the fairy glade. I shall remain there this night, and then go to Mara on the morrow to see what can be done to end the curse.”

  “You’ve unnerved me, I’ll admit it full well, Alainn, but it has not changed my feelings for you. And though you have still not agreed to marry me, I think, whatever just happened, whatever ceremony you performed, we are joined just the same.”

  “Aye, we are joined by the laws of nature. By druid and fairy ritual, we are one.”

  “How can you know all this, Alainn? You were not raised in druidism.”

  “It just comes to me,” she shrugged, “as if from a long suppressed memory. More knowledge comes to me each day and with it more power, I fear.”

  Killian drew close and took her hand, but the sound of horses’ hooves behind them caused him to turn his head sharply. Two tiny dots of light shone in the distance. He put his hand to his sword.

  “ ’Tis Riley and MacKenzie MacArthur, your uncle’s captain. They search for you.”

  He did not ask her how she knew. She stood on tiptoe and softly kissed his lips.

  “You must go back with them, Killian. Your uncle is surely concerned about your whereabouts. He’s sent out many men this night to search for you.”

  “I will not leave without you.”

  “There is a family of musicians in a large wagon that will round the nearest bend by the time Riley and MacArthur reach us. They come as part of your uncle’s entertainment for the celebrations. I will accompany them to the castle and take the horse if you allow it.”

  “It is yours, Alainn, to keep for as long as you desire it.”

  “You know your uncle will not permit a servant to own such a possession.”

  “Perhaps, but it is yours just the same. He will soon have no say over us, for he cannot deny my wife anything I choose to give her.”

  His lips sought hers in a desperate kiss. She brushed the rich dark brown hair from his eyes and stepped away.

  “Sleep well, my love, for tomorrow you will surely be involved in many bouts and challenges. I will not come watch, for I become too unnerved knowing you risk life and limb for such frivolous games.”

  “You are not so confident of my skills, Lainna?”

  “Oh, I know well enough you are the most skilled at all weaponry and games of brawn. But they will want to take away your many titles and revel in defeating your uncle’s champion. Even Riley, and he loves you well.” She stepped into the shadows under a tree as Riley and the captain rode up.

  “We thought you were attacked and surely dead when you did not return from Galway,” Riley said with some relief. He peered into the shadows. “By God’s bones, Killian!” he crowed upon seeing Alainn. “Now I see the reason for your delay!”

  “I’ll escort the lass back to the castle,” Mac suggested, “for I think it unwise if you arrive back together. The O’Brien would surely not approve. He has already announced to his guests that you are promised to the MacDonald lass.”

  Killian looked at Alainn with concern.

  “No storm clouds, thus far,” she said with a hint of humor.

  “What is this you speak of, Alainn?” asked Riley.

  “Nothing of importance.”

  “We saw flames and thought the trees must be on fire, though I know of very few trees near the cliffs. We came to investigate. ’Tis the reason we found you here.”

  At that moment, a wagon filled with people playing musical instruments rounded the bend and came rolling to a halt. It was accompanied by a lone soldier, a young man, perhaps not as old as Alainn. She thought it most peculiar that she had not seen him in her vision, only the musicians.

  “Good evenin’ to all of you!” shouted an old man.

  “Good evening!” Mac called back. “And where are the lot of you headed?”

  “To Castle O’Brien. We are to entertain the chieftain and his kin. I hope we are headed in the correct direction. We were not plannin’ to be out travelin’ in complete darkness, ye understand, but we had an unfortunate mishap with our wagon some miles back and had to replace a spoke on the wheel. It was the oddest occurrence, for they were right as rain when we checked them this morning.”

  Killian glanced over at Alainn. She smiled mischievously.

  “Fortunately we have three strong sons who were able to fix it in little time. And this fine young soldier assisted most graciously.”

  It did not escape Killian that all three sons were staring intently at Alainn. Nor did he miss how the young soldier gazed at her. It disturbed him even more, for he wasn’t openly ogling at her. There was something else about how he looked at her.

  “Might I accompany your family back to the castle?” asked Alainn. All three sons jumped off the wagon to assist her.

  “Aye, to be sure,” smirked their father.

  “I will ride my horse,” she answered, smiling sweetly at Killian, “for I much prefer riding to being in a cart.”

  The three young men nearly fell on top of each other to help Alainn, but it was the young soldier who stepped forward and gently, but capably, lifted her upon the horse. His hand lingered longer than necessary on her leg as she positioned herself upon the chestnut mare. Alainn looked into his eyes in the moonlight and thought perhaps she should have recognized him.

  The young man was tall, still possessing the thin body of a boy not yet fully matured, though he seemed stronger than his slight form suggested. His hair was light-colored; his eyes a smoky grey-blue. She reasoned that one day he would be a grand man.

  Their eyes met, and she felt the attraction. This took her off guard for, in all the time she’d loved Killian, she’d never felt a hint of attraction toward another man. Why would this boy, surely younger than herself and a stranger, appeal to her? She shook her head to dispel the confusion.

  “Will you be quite well, Alainn?” Killian asked in a displeased tone, looking back and forth between the two.

  “I will, Milord.” At hearing the title, the musician driving the wagon bowed his head in respect. His dark-haired adult daughter gazed brazenly at Killian as Riley and Mac sped off toward the castle. Killian’s horse
reared up and ambled to where Alainn sat on her mare. The steed nuzzled the mare, and she whinnied in response.

  “They like each other, Father,” said the girl. “Perhaps they’ll be needin’ to stay together.”

  “ ’Tis unlikely daughter. If the steed belongs to the chieftain’s nephew and the mare to a servant girl, they’d never be permitted a time together lest they mate, for surely that would be less than desirable to the chieftain.”

  Alainn stiffened and pulled her mare away from the affectionate nuzzling. The horse snorted loudly in protest.

  “I know it well, girl,” she whispered. “Life is entirely unfair.”

  Alainn led the way, the soldier riding beside her on his pitch black horse.

  “Are all of the bonnacht so young then?” she asked the lad.

  “There are soldiers of many ages. When duty calls age is oft not a consideration.”

  “And have you been made to fight many battles with the English?”

  “Not many. Mostly, they stay confined to the Pale in Dublin, but more seem to arrive in our country each day. I feel it will be an age before Ireland is free of conflict.”

  “Do you suppose Ireland will ever truly be free of conflict?”

  The young man shrugged.

  “And what brings you to Castle O’Brien, away from your fellow bonnachts?”

  “I was a minstrel and musician before I became a soldier.” He patted the case that hung from his saddle. It obviously held a fiddle.

  “And is it common for a soldier to be allowed time away from his duties to perform for a chieftain?”

  “Is it common for a healer to be allowed time away from her duties to spend time with nobles?”

  She glanced at him suspiciously.

  “You have the gift of second sight?”

  “Aye, since I was a wee boy.”

  “Are you druid?”

  “I am uncertain, for I did not know my parents. I was left in a basket upon the steps of a churchyard.”

  “Who raised you, then?”

  But, he did not answer, for they were at the guard tower leading to the drawbridge.

  Chapter Eleven

  Once Alainn had seen her mare to the stable, she headed straight to her bedchamber. The number of people arriving for the week of celebrations was stunning. The village was overrun with entertainers and vendors. The courtyard was filled with actors, jesters, and musicians for the entertainment of guests. The halls of the castle were teeming with people, mostly lords chatting amongst themselves with drink in hand.