Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series) (5 page)

“Guess I was more tired than I thought. I suppose everyone else is ready. I can always take a bath at the Inn. It does have a bath area right?”

“I believe the Inn has a separate bath for each room. Nothing but the best for the General and his wife. Not everyone is ready yet and they were all finishing up breakfast when I left.” Aodhan said as he looked at her confused and annoyed look.

“I planned this with mother. That is why you were not informed about breakfast if that is what the look is for. We will be meeting by the stables and I’ll make sure your horse is ready.”

Aodhan hopped off her bed and gave her a peck on the cheek as he picked up the tray. He walked to the door and winked at her as he left the room. Lara scooted off the bed and grabbed her gear pack. As she walked though the halls of the house Lara took her time. She looked at each piece of art work she could find.

“These artists could give Van Gogh, Picasso and Michelangelo a

run for their money.” she said studying a painting of a multicolored sunset before her.

Her all time favorite still remained “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt. Lara finally decided it was time to quit browsing and go. If they really were in a hurry she was sure that Kedryn or Aodhan would have come to fetch her. As she walked up to the stables Kedryn strode up to her.

“Taking your sweet time? Let me guess, you were looking at the paintings.” he said as he walked over to his horse and swung into the saddle.

“You know me too well.” Lara said as she swung herself onto the saddle of her horse and turned when she heard a horse gallop up to her.

Aodhan appeared at her side. “Mother and the other women are in the carriage and would like for you to join them.”

She masked her annoyance. “I would like to ride to the next town with Kedryn.”

He gave her a disapproving look. “You tell mother. I am not about to get scolded for it.”

Lara reached over and patted his cheek. “I mean no disrespect to you or her. I would like to spend more time with Kedryn. Then I will ride in the carriage the rest of the way from Shanhold. Besides, I would like to get to know my future mother in law better.”

He glanced at the carriage and to Lara. “I will be riding with Ruark.”

“I will let her know.” She turned her horse around and rode to Orla’s carriage.

Lara nearly hopped off of her horse to get to the carriage. She was in a hurry to get back to spend as much time as she could with Kedryn. Walking up to the only window that was not covered by gold velvet curtains she made her presence known. Lady Orla was seated in the middle of a cushioned bench by Fand. Tara, Serina and Kaylee were seated directly across from them.

“Are you going to join us dear?” Lady Orla asked with her eyebrow raised noting that Lara hadn’t moved to step into the carriage.

“Meaning no disrespect Lady Orla but I would like to spend some quality time with my son before he leaves. Aodhan plans taking Kedryn out to scout with Kory and Derrick after we leave from Shanhold. I would be delighted to ride with all of you then.”

Lara grimaced inwardly. She didn’t know how her rejection to Lady Orla’s request would be taken. She was certain her ladyship was not used to someone saying no to her. And seriously, who would? Lara was relieved when Orla shook her head and apologized.

“Apologies Lara, I was not thinking. I would do the exact same thing. I look forward to your company on the journey from Shanhold to Quenith.”

“It will be an honor.” Lara said as she looked at each woman in the carriage. Backing away from the carriage Lara stepped up to her horse and swung back into the saddle. She noticed how tense she was when Jodi turned around and tried to trot past the horses. The prancing jolted her tense muscles as she tried to relax. She nudged her horse into a gallop and came to a stop next to Kedryn. He was talking to Lawler and looked to her as soon as she stopped.

“No pampering for you on this journey?” Kedryn asked as he patted some dust off of his pants.

“Not until we reach Shanhold. I would like to spend time with my favorite son.” Lara said as she leaned over and swept some dust off of the sleeve of his shirt.

“And I would like to spend time with my favorite mother.” Kedryn said pushing her hand away.

“Your only mother.” Lara said and laughed.

She felt her horse lurch forward and watched as the men in front started to lead them out of Tralee for the first part of their journey. Standing up in the stirrups she looked ahead at Aodhan who kept glancing back at her. Lara gave him a thumbs up and he nodded and turned around. She took a quick glace over her shoulder. Lady Orla’s carriage was in line a few rows behind. The wagons with all their belongings brought up the rear.

Kedryn turned as Lawler took his place in line beside Niall. As Kedryn watched him, Niall caught his eye and gave Kedryn a mock salute. They both laughed as Kedryn turned back to Lara.

“I always went to the digs with you in the other countries because it always felt like an adventure. This takes the cake.”

“Tell me about it. With this we didn’t really have a say. Unless we wanted to face what was coming for us back home.” Lara said as she readjusted her hair.

“I hear ya.” Kedryn said and his attention was drawn to the huge stone arch that led outside the walls of Tralee.

The procession stopped as Carrick consulted with Ruark, Eion and Aodhan for a quick moment and they moved on. Their pace was slow but General Ruark said that they would reach Shanhold by nightfall. Kedryn hoped he was right because he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Kedryn’s uneasiness traveled to Niall and Lawler and they all kept a close eye out. The only thing that distracted him was when his mother starting talking about family, friends and the situation they were in. When the sun reached its highest point the procession stopped for lunch in a small wooded area. Lara joined the women and servants in preparing lunch and drinks. Just as quickly as they stopped everything was gathered up and the procession headed out again.

After a few miles of dusty trail a quaint little village came into view. Cream colored Victorian houses appeared on the outskirts with patches of small gardens surrounding them. Beyond the houses stretched a road lined with small thatch roof cottages. The small village had a general store and a pub and small gothic church. Her eyes followed Ruark and Aodhan as they galloped ahead to a large dark brown Victorian house. The town was full of vibrant flower gardens and trees that surrounded all of the houses.

Lara turned in her saddle and watched as Devlyn and Scanlon led all but a few troops to a huge barn. The wagons were changing direction and followed directly after them. When she stepped into the sitting area Lady Orla and the other women were talking with the host and hostess who were about to lead them all to their rooms. Just as Aodhan said she had a private bath and Lara took full advantage. Wanting some time for herself Lara gave herself a quick tour of the house and grounds and headed back to her room.

As she was preparing for her evening meal Lara heard a knock at her door and she walked over to it to find Aodhan standing on the other side.

“It seems the closer you get to home. The more you remember your manners.” Lara patted him on the cheek.

“Mother keeps reminding me of them whenever she gets the chance. Apparently she does not wish scandalous rumors of her son and the Lady Battle Raven spread throughout the court. Would you grant me the honor of an official proposal?” he asked and saw the frown on her face and quickly changed the subject. “Are you ready for dinner, my Lady?” he asked and offered her his arm.

“Yes.” she said and looped her arm through his. Her head was spinning about what he had said. He had mentioned it before in passing. Her thoughts went back to the maze in the back of the house. Lara smiled as she came up with a plan.

Looking up she glanced at Aodhan as he stopped at two double doors and opened one for her. She stepped into a large dining area and was happy to see that Lady Orla had invited Kedryn, Lawler and Niall to dinner. Eion was standing in the corner looking uncomfortable as Lara walked over to him.

“Is everything ok?” she asked.

He glanced to Orla and straightened. The uneasiness draining from his face. “Perfectly fine, my lady.”

“Good. Where are Kylie and Fand?” Lara asked looking around.

“They are helping with the preparations for the trip tomorrow.” Tara said.

“I see.” Lara said.

Ruark motioned for them to sit down and gave the blessing. They quietly ate and as they ate dessert Lara noticed that Lady Orla kept glancing out the window to the courtyard beyond and to Eion.

Tara dabbed at her mouth and set down her napkin. “It is such a lovely night. What do you say of meeting in the courtyard behind the house for a night cap?”

“I don’t think . . .” was all the Eion got out as he glanced at Orla who raised her eyebrow at him.

“That is a brilliant idea.” Serina said and took a bite of raspberry tort.

Lara gave Eion and Orla a curious look and decided to think on it later. She had bigger plans for tonight.

Ruark leaned back in his chair. “A little relaxation would be good for all.”

Lara grinned to herself as she followed everyone outside. She looked at the maze and decided it was time to have a little fun. She put her arm around Aodhan and rested her head on his shoulder. He pushed some strands of her hair behind her ear. She looked up at him and melted at the adoration in his eyes.

She gave him a devious smile and looked to the rose colored mazes. “Are you up for a little challenge before we head to bed?”

Aodhan let out a loud yawn. “What sort of challenge would that be?”

“I see that there are two mazes both about the same size. I’m assuming each has an end right?” her heart began to race as she wondered if he would agree.

Aodhan shook the sleep from his head as he looked at each maze realizing what type of challenge she had in mind. He had played in the hedge mazes at the castle since he was a child. What Aodhan didn’t know was that Lara was an expert of figuring out mazes at dig sites and gardens herself. They were on equal ground.

“Each should have an exit on both sides. Are you challenging me to a race?” he mock hit her arm.

“Absolutely. I think we should let your mother decide which maze each of us will enter. If you aren’t too afraid to be beat by a woman.” Lara said.

“I am always up for a challenge. How is it you say?” he bowed to her. “Bring it on Lady Battle Raven.” Aodhan said giving her a sly grin.

“Bring it on Tracker boy.” Lara said as she took the pins out of her hair and tightened the bun and stuck them back in.

Lady Orla looked at them both amused. “Lara, you take the left. Aodhan, you take the right. Lawler please find the end of Lara’s maze. Niall you can take Aodhan’s. Yell when each has finished. The starting point is the edge of the gazebo. What are the stakes? If any.”

Lara walked up to the edge of the gazebo and turned to Orla. “If Aodhan wins he gets what he want’s. To officially propose tonight and announce our engagement. If I win and we wait until Kedryn gets back.”

“I am soooo winning this.” he said and strutted over next to her.

Orla motioned to Lawler and Niall and they walked around the corner of each maze to find the exits. Each yelled OK when they found them.

“Lady Orla. Please signal when.” Lara said as she gave her a wide grin.

Lara and Aodhan readied themselves to race. Lady Orla stood up from the stone bench she was sitting on. She walked over and stood in front of them, pulled out her kerchief and raised her arm. She let the kerchief drop.

“GO!”

Lara and Aodhan both sprinted to the entrance of each maze. As Aodhan entered Lara stopped at the entrance and let out a laugh. She listened to him rush through the hedges. Walking over to the edge she

waved for Lawler to join her. He gave her a strange look, walked up to her and followed Lara to where Lady Orla and Tara were sitting. Ruark let out a laugh and they looked to him. He shrugged his shoulders.

Lara sat down, picked up a cup of tea and took a sip. She looked at Lady Orla’s raised eyebrow.

“I was going to let him win anyway. Might as well make him work for it.” Lara said.

That sent Lady Orla and everyone else around into spurts of laughter. Shortly after they all heard Niall yell “Finished!” and a hoot of Victory from Aodhan was heard. Everyone watched as Aodhan strode to the benches where they were all sitting. He stopped in his tracks when he saw Lara sitting by his mother.

“What is this?” he asked annoyed looking at everyone trying to hold in their laughter.

Lady Orla gave him an amused look and stood up. She took off a small diamond band from her finger and placed the ring in his hand. Aodhan’s annoyance turned to confusion.

“You looked annoyed my dear. Never fear, you won, please proceed.” Lady Orla said as she moved to the side and gracefully swept her arm indicating Lara who was now sitting on the bench blushing.

Instead of heading straight to Lara. Aodhan walked over to where Kedryn was standing. “There is something I would like to ask of you.”

Kedryn leaned back against a post and crossed his arms. “What would that be?”