Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series) (9 page)

“
In the hills just beyond the castle is a lake with a waterfall. I had a manor house built there as a little getaway. If we had more time I would take you there.”

“
My getaway is my carriage house two steps away. I’m afraid the view and the size would not be as considerable as your grand getaway, my lord.” Lara said laughing.

When they reached the palace stables Lara pulled up her skirt and as gracefully as she could slid out of the saddle. As Lara slid off, the hem of her dress caught on the saddle horn making her pitch forward. The only thing that prevented her from falling on her face was Aodhan grabbing her fingers as her arm swung up into the air. A squire hurried over and helped her to her feet. Lara looked around and saw Lady Orla standing in the doorway with a terrified look on her face and Lara burst out laughing. Aodhan gave her a stern stare with one eyebrow raised and looked over at his mother who was trying her hardest not to laugh. He belted out a laugh that made Lara laugh even harder

“
Stop please!” Lara pleaded with tears running down her face. “My face hurts from laughing so hard!”

Kedryn stepped up from behind them out of the stable. “You are lucky my Aunt Teagan isn’t here Aodhan. You wouldn’t be able to get them to stop giggling the rest of the night!”

The thought of family made Lara stop short of her laughing and she straightened up. Aodhan appeared by her side and hooked his arm through hers.

“
Let me assist you. It seems that the grandeur of my home has startled you into almost falling flat on your face.”

That sent Lara and Kedryn into spurts of laughter.

Kedryn quit laughing long enough to speak. “We are to meet in what I would call the map room. Ruark already showed me where it is.”

As Lara stepped through the carved oak door she looked to the rectangular table with high backed heavy wooden chairs surrounding it. The walls were covered with all sorts of maps ranging from very ancient to new. Three walls had a narrow tapestry for each land and the fourth wall was covered with shelves lined with books and scrolls.

Kedryn picked up a map off the table and studied it. “It’s crazy how the lands are the same but not.” he looked around the room “Grandpa would be in here for hours.”

Lara smiled “That he would.”

The scooting of chairs sounded and Lara looked over to see Cadmon and Eion standing next to her. Lara was so engrossed in the map that she didn’t even notice them enter. Arms surrounded her waist and she felt Aodhan kiss her on the neck as he circled to her side. Lawler, Niall, Devlyn and Ruark all entered the room. Ruark gave a motion to sit and everyone sat down.

“Cadmon, you know the area of the Firbolg better than all of us. Please give us your thoughts.” General Ruark said.

“Thank you, General. There are caves that start in the Huath mountains that twist to a valley just below the palace in Laois. There is a larger heavily guarded path through the mountain that leads to the barracks and stables and hidden passages that wind through the dungeons. One opens up to a hall into Lord Faolan’s chambers, the other leads to the hall located a few paces down from the Seers quarters. Kedryn, I still do not see the advantage of keeping the pendant intact.”

“I’m working on it. How well do you know the caves?” Kedryn asked as he leaned back in his chair folding his arms across his chest.

“As a child I explored them and studied the maps that Lord Faolan’s scouts created. I know personally that there are caverns and passageways that they have not yet explored. Last I knew of no one but myself and the seer know about the tunnel opening down from her chambers.”

“Could these caves be of use to us during the battle?” Aodhan asked.

“Only for a small scouting party.” Cadmon said.

“Where should we start? Where have the raids been happening? I really do not want a scouting party to delay us or maybe I do. Especially if Damon is involved.” Lawler said as he flipped a dagger around in his hands.

“Let us try to avoid any delays. Is there a route you think best?” Eion asked.

“There is a cave near the village of Fairmore. It is a crevice up in the mountain that a man would pass right by it if he did not know it was there. We will have to leave the horses.” Cadmon said as picked up a stick of black charcoal and marked the spot of entry.

“The underground cavern runs down a few hundred paces and levels off into a stream. It rises back up to the side of the mountain. That is where I will make my exit.” He circled the spot where the exit was. “The rest of you will take the tunnel here.” Cadmon took the chalk and placed another line that led to the castle and near the seer’s chambers.

“I still do not like the idea of you heading in there alone.” Kedryn said.

“I must go in alone. I will find a way to distract Lord Faolan and dispatch of any guards.”

Kedryn looked around at the group and at his mom who was passing a worry stone through her fingers.

“When will we leave?” Niall asked.

“You will leave tomorrow after your match. As warriors and honored guests you are expected, by the people, to participate or attend at least one of the games.” General Ruark said and shifted in his chair as he gave them all a stern look.

Cadmon looked around the table irritated and stuck his knife into the map on the table and he turned to Kedryn. “We should leave right away, tonight even. Too much time has been wasted.”

Kedryn stood and pulled the knife out of the table and handed it to Cadmon. “We may or may not come back from this. Let us have this one thing and I would like for you to join us. That way all of us will know we can work together. You, Niall, Lawler and I will all pick one game and just one more day is all we are asking.”

“Deargionmaiocht. It is the only one that starts in the morning.” Cadmon said resigned and sat back down.

“Let us eat and after head to the field. I will explain the rules of the game.” Aodhan said.

Ruark stood and looked at the map. “Now that the matter is settled. Let us eat.”

They stood and followed Ruark to the great hall. All of the women were seated waiting on the men as they talked. Kedryn took a seat by his mother.

“Having fun yet?” Lara asked.

“The game should be interesting.” he said and reached over and pulled a leg off of a turkey.

“What kind of game is cut throat anyway?” Lara reached over to her goblet.

“It sounds like it’s a mix of soccer, basketball and football.” Kedryn said giving his goblet of wine to her.

Lara took a sip of wine. “Really?”

“Just wait until you see.” Kedryn said and looked to Aodhan who gave him an impatient look. “I suppose I better hurry. We are meeting at the field after we eat.”

“Don’t want to be late.” Lara said.

“Never.” Kedryn said and wolfed down his meal.

After the meal, Aodhan along with Scanlon led Kedryn’s group to an area at the side of the castle keep. Kedryn examined the tall brick walls with stone circles on each corner. He shook his head. It looked to him like the game that he only knew about from his studies of the ancient Mayan culture. Although he was sure that with this game the losers would live. Kedryn thought about his mother and how she must be reeling from seeing most of her lectures come to life. Kedryn looked to the grass, two dirt squares and to the sideways loops two times the size of a basketball hoop. The grass was still wet from the morning dew. Everyone stopped when they reached the middle of the grassy area.

“This game is called Deargionmaiocht or as others refer to it as “cut throat”. I will go into the rules first. While they are fresh in your heads the rookies can practice first. My team will come back after you are finished to take our turn.”

“
Rookies huh. The only reason you refer to us as rookies is because your team is old.” Niall said and that made Lawler snort a laugh.

“
Older means more experienced. You have Cadmon on your side.” Aodhan said as he looked over the Firbolg standing in front of him.

“
Careful I am your age.” Cadmon said as he looked around at the playing field.

“
You will see how old we really are when we kick your arse. Now, let’s get on with this.” Scanlon said as he flipped a ball from hand to hand and to Aodhan.

“
First of all in the grass that we are standing on you may only pass the ball by foot, knee, shoulder, head and forearm. Touching and carrying the ball with hands is only allowed in the goal area by the blocker. As you can see there are patches of square dirt with the hoop on the side of the wall.”

“
What about cushioning the ball with my foot?” Kedryn asked.

“
You can do that but only with your foot. If you are talented enough you can balance it on your knee.”

Aodhan ran his fingers through his hair. He had never had to actually explain how to play the game before. He glanced at Kedryn who was listening intently.

“
The goal of the game is to pass the ball from team mate to team mate and make it through the loop without letting the ball hit the ground. The only time the ball can touch the ground is during the first toss. If the ball hits the ground the Keeper, who is in charge of the match, will decide which team touched it last. If it is unknown who touched the ball last there will be a face off between the team captains at the spot that the ball landed. Everyone with me so far?” Aodhan asked and looked around at everyone as they all nodded.

“
Good. After a team scores or after an attempt at a goal the game continues on with each team fighting for possession. This continues until the Keeper blows a horn. There are three parts to the game and each part lasts a quarter of an hour.”

“
How many points are there?” Kedryn asked as he looked at the sideways loops.

“
One point if the ball makes it through the loop while you are standing in the dirt area. It is two points if you make it through the loop from the grassy area. Which as you can see is more difficult. Anything else?” Aodhan asked looking at Kedryn as he put the ball he was holding onto the ground.

“
What is allowed to stop the other team?” Kedryn asked.

“
Good question. Players may not be tackled unless they have possession of the ball. Shoving, elbowing, tripping and other dirty little

tactics are allowed against the opposite team. If you tackle a man without a ball it is given to the other team at that spot.” Aodhan looked around at everyone and walked over to the dirt patch.

“
How does the keeper tell the time of the quarters?” Kedryn asked.

Aodhan set the ball on the ground crossing his arms. “He has a

small sand hourglass around his neck that runs a quarter of an hour. Anything else?” Aodhan asked.

“
I don’t think so.” Kedryn looked around at the others.

“
This is what we will be using.” Aodhan said as he kicked the ball to Kedryn. “The footbag is made with a few layers of hard leather. It is packed with wood pellets and sand.”

He motioned for Kedryn to throw the ball back to him. Kedryn picked up the ball and examined it. It was the size of a soccer ball and surprisingly lighter than he thought. Kedryn decided to wipe the smug look off of Aodhan’s face and show off a few of his soccer skills.

Dropping the ball to his side Kedryn hit it with the outer side of his foot. The ball flew high enough in the air for him to turn and hit it with a knee. Kedryn stopped the ball from hitting the ground by catching and cushioning it with his foot. He swung his leg forward so that his foot flicked the ball back to Aodhan. That gained Kedryn a few whoops from his team. He felt the slap on his shoulder as Lawler appeared by his side.

“
We may not be as outmatched as you thought Aodhan. Does your realm have this game also?” Lawler asked through his laughter.

“
No. But we have a couple that are similar if you mix them together.” Kedryn said.

Aodhan raised his eyebrow. “This could be interesting. There will be a feast during the noon meal. I would suggest that you stay for that. I will have servants pack food for your journey at that time.” Aodhan said.

“Do you have a team name or captain? Not that it matters we are going to win.” Scanlon asked crossing his arms in front of him giving them a smug look.

“My vote is for Kedryn and his symbol. How about team Phoenix?” Niall asked.

“I am game if you are.” Lawler said turning to Kedryn and Cadmon.

“Team Phoenix it is.” Cadmon said.

“What’s yours?” Kedryn asked turning to Aodhan.

“We are the Lions and General Ruark is our captain.” Aodhan said.

Lawler picked up the ball and threw it through a hoop. He looked at his team mates. “I am thinking it is time we get in some practice. Lets win this.” Lawler seriously said. He looked from Niall to Kedryn and steadied his eyes on Cadmon.

“No pressure.” Kedryn said and watched as Aodhan and Scanlon walked away. “Let’s get started. Wait, Aodhan.”

Aodhan turned around. “Yes.”

“Who all are we going up against?” Kedryn asked and saw a huge grin spread across Aodhan’s face.

“Do you really want to know?” Aodhan asked

“Yes.” Lawler, Niall, Kedryn and Cadmon said at the same time looking at Aodhan curiously.