Exile's Return (Book 1) (31 page)

‘Oh? And what did Patric say to change your mind?’

Finnlay’s eyes went dark but he didn’t look away. ‘Some rubbish about how you needed me. Personally, I wasn’t convinced.’

‘So why did you come?’

‘Because I realized that I would never get the truth from you if I didn’t. Take it or leave it, Robert.’

The truth? Now that would be nice. If only it was so simple. Still, Robert had to smile. It was so typical of Finnlay to try and bridge the chasm between them in this manner. But – and this was the important part – it appeared Finnlay was prepared to try.

‘Very well. I’ll take it.’

*

‘And in the fullness of our devotion, divine Mineah, we ask that you bless us with a fruitful spring, and that we may continue to thrive in the warmth of your love.’

Robert shifted in his seat as Father Colin paused in his prayer and turned to face the congregation. The intimate chapel of Dunlorn was filled to capacity on this day, the most important in the festival of Caslemas. It had already been a long morning, but with mass almost over, the day was by no means finished. There was still the festival by the river, the banquet in the evening.

Once again, Father Colin raised his hands towards the heavens. ‘Divine Mineah and blessed Serinleth, we also offer up our thanks for the safe return of our lord and master, whose absence was keenly felt. We ask that you bless him and guide him and keep him safe unto you.’

There was a firm amen from those around Robert and he bowed his head as though in prayer. It was a funny thing, really. This particular part of the religious year was dedicated to the goddess and her powerful works. In recent centuries, however, the ceremony had focused more on the last verified incarnation of Mineah – the one which helped destroy the sorcerers. It was ironic that Father Colin should thank Mineah for the safe return of a sorcerer!

With a final prayer, Father Colin finished the service and Robert rose to leave.

‘A lovely service, Robert,’ Maud said at his elbow. ‘And most appropriate under the circumstances of your welcome return.’

‘Why thank you, Maud.’ Robert smiled then tensed as Lady Valena joined them. He tried to relax, but every time he saw her, every time she spoke to him, his reaction was always the same.

‘Indeed, my lord,’ Valena agreed, ‘your people hold a great love for you. They are most fortunate you have returned to them.’

She was looking at him again with that same drowning gaze and he found it difficult to respond. As though she knew the effect she was having, she added, ‘I sincerely hope
their prayers are answered and you will remain with them for a long time. I understand that your brother believes this to be the case?’

Robert forced in a breath and tore his eyes away. Fortunately they landed on Micah, who waited for him by the door. For some reason, Micah was frowning.

‘Yes,’ Robert replied absently. ‘If you ladies will excuse me, I have things I must attend to before this afternoon.’

He waited until they were through the hall and alone before throwing a question at Micah. ‘What are you looking glum about? How are things going with your father?’

‘Well enough. He doesn’t speak to me, but I’m determined to win him round.’

‘Good.’ Robert nodded; but that wasn’t it. Micah was still frowning. ‘Anything else?’

Micah glanced over his shoulder. ‘That lady – who is she?’

‘I told you, Finn found her in trouble and brought her here. I believe she plans to leave tomorrow. Why?’

‘I just don’t like her.’

‘Oh come now, Micah, there’s nothing to dislike. Are you not a little jealous that my brother commands most of her attention?’

‘Aren’t you, my lord?’

Robert paused. He searched Micah’s face for some other answer, but came up with nothing. ‘Come on. I still have to get changed before I go down and start the festivities.’

Micah said nothing more on the subject and an hour later, changed and rid of his official duties, Robert walked along the wet grass by the river and enjoyed the first bleak rays of sunshine for weeks. He wound his way between stalls selling honey cakes and hot spiced wine. Tumblers performed on a wooden platform erected the day before while peddlers bellowed, selling their wares. Hundreds of people, rugged up against the cold, were out enjoying the spectacle.

Further along the riverbank, Robert saw his brother, unsurprisingly escorting Valena. He tried to avoid them, but it seemed the lady was determined to speak to him.

‘This is a most wonderful festival, my lord,’ she began,
turning those eyes on him again. ‘So many people have travelled so far to see you. For one so greatly loved, I wonder that you left at all.’

Robert tried to smile, but his face felt wooden. ‘I fear I am not so loved as you imagine. This is, after all, a festival for Mineah – not me.’

‘Still,’ Finnlay added, ‘it is a good turnout. We even have some sunshine to go with it. Father Colin believes that it’s the work of the gods. They’re pleased you’ve finally come home, and are showing it.’

Robert inclined his head for the benefit of Valena. ‘I assume you refrained from adding that they might have thought about showing it a few weeks earlier rather than risk half my people freezing to death.’

Valena laughed prettily, her eyes lighting up. ‘But you must find so much has changed in your absence. The Guilde spreads its arms across the country. Perhaps one day soon you will find a Guilde Hall somewhere on your own lands?’

‘You appear to know a great deal about me, my lady,’ Robert replied evenly.

‘Nothing more than your reputation, I assure you. Still, I believe you would not welcome a Guilde presence so close.’

Robert began to smile – then stopped. Was she warning him? ‘If the Guilde wishes to grace my lands with a Hall then I will not stop them. The real question, however, is would they want to come here?’

The dancing light in Valena’s eyes faded and she turned back to Finnlay. ‘Your brother retains the skills of courtly debate. I wonder where he practised them.’

‘Excuse me, my lord.’ Micah stood behind Robert, his face dark and angry. ‘Master Ulric and the archers are awaiting you. The crowd is gathered to watch the competition between you and Lord Finnlay. Will you come?’

Robert frowned. Micah was being almost rude. But why? He would have to sort this out – but not now. ‘Yes, of course. Finn? Time to display your talents.’

*

‘I’m sorry, my lord, but my opinion has not changed.’ Micah stood close to Robert and handed him another arrow. ‘I just don’t like the lady.’

Robert took the arrow and slotted it into the string of his bow. The crowd watching the competition cheered his next shot – even before he’d taken aim. Keeping his voice low, Robert asked, ‘Is it possible you’ve met her before?’

‘No, my lord. I would have remembered.’

Wouldn’t anyone? Robert spread his feet, straightened up and pulled the arrow back. With a practised eye, he took aim on the target and released the string. There was a faint whoosh and a corresponding thud, and the crowd cheered again.

‘Another bullseye for his lordship!’ Ulric bellowed. ‘The score stands all even at twelve shots.’

Robert stepped back to allow Finnlay his next and final shot. He glanced once at Micah, then around at those watching the competition. Daniel was there, cheering him on. Beside him, Valena kept her eyes on Finnlay, almost absorbing his every move. Yes, she was beautiful, and Finn seemed equally taken with her. So what was wrong with Micah?

Finnlay took his shot and the crowd cheered again.

‘Thirteen perfect shots for Lord Finnlay!’

Micah handed Robert his last arrow and stood back to give him room. Notching the arrow in the bow, Robert took up position. Again his shoulders tensed for no particular reason. He closed his eyes for a moment and sent his senses out into the crowd. He found nothing in his search and, without thinking, jet the arrow loose. He could easily see in his mind where the target was – and instantly cursed himself for a fool. If that arrow should hit its mark—

He felt a push.

The arrow thudded into the target to a disappointed sigh from the audience. Robert opened his eyes to find he’d missed the target by almost a foot – fortunately! However …

‘By the gods! I’m such an idiot!’

Finnlay came close, his voice a whisper. ‘What are you doing, Robert? That shot …’

Robert forced a laugh and said loudly for all to hear, ‘Well done, brother! I must be getting a little rusty.’

He put his arm around Finn’s shoulder’s and murmured, ‘I should have seen it before, but it’s too late now. I have to warn you.’ But he never got to finish. Instead, Owen pushed his way through the crowd.

‘Forgive me, my lord, Deverin has just returned from his patrol. He needs to see you urgently. He’s waiting in the winter parlour.’

*

Deverin was there, and so was Harold. The big man was sitting by the fire and lurched to his feet almost guiltily when Robert entered. Finnlay and Micah stayed by the door. Robert waved Harold back to his seat and turned to his master at arms. Deverin was almost swaying on his feet, his clothes covered in mud, his face lined with exhaustion.

‘Forgive me, my lord, but there’s been another raid. Last night.’

‘By the gods,’ Robert swore, ‘where?’

‘Nyrac, by Trappers Pond. We came upon them just as they were leaving. Half the village was ablaze, four dead and countless others wounded. The raiders struck just before midnight, killed some cattle and took whatever gold and silver they could find. My men got two of them but they died fighting so I couldn’t even ask them any questions.’ Deverin paused and ran his knuckles through his muddied beard. ‘This is a bad business, my lord.’

‘Aye,’ Robert nodded. ‘And it’s getting ridiculous. They’re within the borders of my lands but I can’t do anything to stop them. I should have been with you last night.’

Finnlay came across the room. ‘Do you know how many there were?’

‘At least twenty, perhaps more. It was hard to see them in the dark, even with the fires lighting up the sky.’

‘Damn it, Robert,’ Harold growled, ‘what are we supposed
to do? They hit all of us and Selar refuses to lift a finger to help! What are you going to do?’

‘Do?’ Robert paused, glancing at Finnlay before framing a response. ‘Deverin, after the festivities are over tomorrow, you and I will make plans for recruiting more men. I know Owen’s objections, but we can’t fight this threat with such a small force and it’ll get worse once the weather improves. I won’t have them attacking my people like this.’

Harold came to his feet again, his face clouded with anger. ‘But what about …’

Robert stopped him. ‘In the meantime, we need to talk, Harold. Tonight, after the banquet. With Daniel, too. We need to co-ordinate our patrols. Perhaps if we work together we can get some results. Will you ask Daniel to join us here tonight?’

‘Very well,’ Harold grunted. He drew himself in and Robert was in no doubt that Harold planned to have his say later. ‘I’ll tell him.’

The door slammed shut behind him and Robert turned to Deverin. ‘You did well to get so close to them. It’s the first time we’ve so much as seen them. Any other casualties?’

Deverin shrugged. ‘A few cuts and scratches. Nothing serious.’

‘Good. You go and get some rest. We’ve a lot of work to do.’

‘Yes, my lord.’ Deverin turned to go, then paused. His grim face creased into a crooked smile. ‘It’s good to have you back, my lord.’

As Deverin disappeared, Robert turned back to the fire, staring at the harsh orange glow. How many more people would die before he caught these raiders? And how was he to catch them in the first place? The best way was to go out with every patrol. Then, the next time he got close, he could use his powers to trace them, perhaps even …

‘Robert?’ Finnlay interrupted his thoughts. ‘What’s going on? What was that business before?’

Instantly Robert snapped back to the present. ‘Not here. Let’s go up to my study. We don’t have much time.’

*

Robert closed the door to his study and raised his hand to set the warning seal. He would have sufficient notice should anyone come up those stairs.

‘Well? What’s wrong?’ Finnlay demanded. ‘What were you going to warn me about?’

‘Valena.’

‘What?’ Finnlay stared at him a moment, then turned to pour himself some ale from the table by the window. A little stiffly, he added, ‘What about her?’

‘She’s Malachi.’

The cup slipped from Finnlay’s hand and clattered to the ground. He gazed down at it absently then turned back to Robert. ‘Are you sure? How did you know?’

‘Actually, I didn’t – Micah did. I don’t suppose I ever told you, Finn, but when I set Micah’s Seal, I made sure there was an additional warning frame which would make him very uncomfortable if he were ever in the presence of Malachi. Unfortunately, I was too overcome by the lady’s beauty to take much notice of what he said. I admit I felt a little uncomfortable talking to her, but the final straw was that last arrow I fired. Sure I had my eyes closed, but you and I both know I’ve done that a hundred times and never missed.’

Finnlay was speechless, so it was Micah who asked the important questions.

‘So what do we do now? What kind of danger is she? Do you think she knows anything?’

‘Not unless Finn’s been indiscreet.’

‘Me?’ Finnlay looked up, shock still pasting his face white. ‘I’ve told her nothing of importance, Robert! How can you even suggest …’

Robert laughed. ‘Don’t get all excited, brother. It wasn’t a serious suggestion. As far as I’m concerned, she’s done no harm being here and she leaves tomorrow. I suggest you continue your attentions, Finn, so she doesn’t realize we know the truth. Actually, I doubt she’s found out anything important. If she’d thought either of us were sorcerers, she wouldn’t have tried anything herself. As it was, I think she
only did it out of mischief. That is, after all, what Malachi means. What concerns me more is what she’s doing here in the first place.’

‘Well, do any Malachi know who you are?’ Finnlay asked, finally getting his mind to tackle the problem.

‘Not that I know of. The last time I met a Malachi, I killed him. I didn’t give him the opportunity to talk. What about you?’