On Fallen Wings (9 page)

“Oh, but there’s a prize to win with victory.” I spun Ophelie around to taunt him and then leaned closer against his chest.

“Tell us, Sean,” said Father. “Where do you plan to live, once you two marry?”

I could feel the rhythm and warmth of Sean’s heart. Our horses walked slowly east, along the grass and close to the shore. When he spoke, I could hear his words through his tunic.

“My family owns some forest land.” Sean pointed at Taylor’s Ridge. “On the northern side. It’s no use for farming, but that’s where we’ll build a home.”

“Next to Owen Dorsey’s land?” asked Father.

“Yes,” answered Sean. “That’s the place.”

I watched my parents. Although I had known what Sean would answer, I was curious about their response. We had never told them where we intended to live after the wedding.

“That’s a wonderful idea,” said Mother, to my delight. I had worried about how she would feel with her oldest child leaving the nest.

“Hey. How will we visit you?” asked Ethan, leading his horse close to us. He pointed back toward the house. “I think you should build a home next to ours. That way, we can visit you every day, and you can still help us with the field work.”

“That’s the idea,” I said, wincing at the thought of helping Ethan with his chores forever; he was a slower worker than Leila was. “We want to live close enough to help with the herd, but far enough away to make our own life.” I pointed east. “If you follow the shore and keep riding past the fence, Sean’s land is on the other side of the stream. It isn’t far.” I turned to Leila. “You can visit us whenever Father will allow. And I’m certain we’ll spend many days with the herd.”

“What are you going to do, Cael?” asked Mother. “Once Sean has left, will you take his place helping your father?”

Cael shook his head and smirked. “I’ve never been a good farmer,” he told us. “I’ve been working with Owen, learning to trade.”

I could sense an argument brewing. Nia’s father traded goods with everyone, including Morgan. His trading company offered a mystique and a fantastic change for many of the men in Aisling. The young men found it an escape from working in the fields or trades of the forest, while many of the older men had discovered trading for Owen Dorsey brought a satisfying income to their families. No doubt, Owen was wealthy, and Nia never lacked for anything—except a mother. Nevertheless, Father had always despised the village across the lake and was annoyed with anyone who dealt with them, including Owen.

I decided to change the subject. “Thank you both for visiting,” I said. “This has been a lovely afternoon. I wish it didn’t have to end.” I turned back to Sean. “And I wish you didn’t have to leave, although I understand your urgency.”

“There’s something else,” said Sean. “There’s another reason for my visit.”

“What, Sean?” Mother looked worried.

Sean continued. “I’ve asked my brother to come with me for two reasons. The first is to accompany me home, tonight; I don’t want to break the rules. I hope that you didn’t mind him coming.”

We all acknowledged that Cael was welcome. I turned and looked back at the western trees. The sun hadn’t dropped behind them.

“The second,” said Sean. “I’ve asked him to look after you.” He turned to me. “To keep you safe in my absence.”

I missed a breath and glared back into Sean’s eyes, hoping that he understood my meaning. Annoying and proud, his brother bothered me. Cael was like a buzzing insect that wouldn’t leave.

“Will you accept my gift of protection?” asked Sean, ignoring my silent message. “With a bandit loose in the village, I’m afraid for you and your family. I want to keep you safe for my return, and our eventual marriage.”

A dozen prying eyes focused on my response.

“Yes,” I answered, choking on the word. “I accept.”

Cael led Avalon next to Sean. “I promise you, brother, no one will harm her.”

I looked away, trying to put on a calm façade. The thought of seeing Cael regularly was dreary, but in the face of Sean’s concern for me, I couldn’t reject his wish. I made up my mind to be gracious about it.

While the rest of my family continued to ride along the lakeshore, I kept Ophelie steady and still. Other horses gathered around us and soon a small herd surrounded Sean, Cael, and me. I sat quietly; hating the awkward silence, hoping Cael would leave and allow us to talk in private. My wishes weren’t strong enough. With a groan, I nudged Ophelie and weaved her through the herd toward my family.

The casual ride was relaxing. After allowing everyone a final drink from the lake, Father led us south and back toward home. We laughed at Sean’s stories, entertained by his smile and wit. Although I smiled, my spirits were glum. The sun was dropping. After dawn, these memories would be all I had of him, for a while.

“It’ll be dark soon,” said Father, smiling from beneath his beard. “Who wants to race home? I’ll give you an early lead.”

He had barely finished the challenge, when Ethan and Cael prodded their horses and raced across the field. Leila, looking surprised, whispered into her horse’s ear, who then galloped after them in a cloud of dust. Father kicked Garrett and began his pursuit.

“Wait,” I said, grabbing the reins from Sean. With a nod, I acknowledged Mother, who had turned to look back at us before chasing the others.

Sean turned and smiled. “I won’t tell you what your father said.” He reached for the reins.

I chuckled. The peaceful afternoon had made me forget his earlier secret. “Why did you ask Cael to look after me?” I stared, almost glaring at my fiancé. “I’m not a child. I can take care of myself.”

Sean shifted in his saddle. “I know that,” he answered. “I also know how dangerous the village has become. There was another robbery last night, near my end of the village. It seems that even the rain won’t stop this villain.”

“My father rarely leaves the house and the meadow,” I said, refusing to release the reins to Sean’s prying fingers, “except for council and for celebrations. I dare the bandit to bother us—he wouldn’t wake the next morning.”

Sean laughed at my unexpected ferocity. “Maybe I should have you protect Cael,” he teased. “I’m sure any bandit within sight of Aisling would fear you.”

On any other day, I would have enjoyed his banter, but I found myself unusually quiet. I hadn’t told him I had met Darian and suddenly didn’t want to.

“What’s bothering you?” Sean asked. He always seemed to know what I was feeling. Maybe it came from years of working the land. A good farmer had to be attuned to the world around him, the seasons, the weather. This sensitivity would be a blessing in our marriage.

“I’m afraid.” I released the reins and touched his hand. “Why can’t your brother go with you? I have to prepare for the Moon Season Celebration, and find your armor. I don’t want him following me everywhere. It’s bad enough that Leila does that.”

“I trust Cael,” Sean answered. “He is a pest, but in a fight, there’s no one better. With him around, I know you’ll be safe. I won’t have to worry while I’m gone.” Sean locked my fingers with his. “By allowing him to protect you, you’re offering me peace in return. That’s important to me.”

His gentle words melted the last of my annoyance. Sean was the best thing in my life, and long ago, I had promised myself that I would do anything for the chance to marry him. He was asking me for a favor so that he could make that happen.

I nudged Ophelie gently forward, but didn’t allow her to run. Racing back to the house would hasten the end of a day that I suddenly wished could last forever.

Sean and I rode along the fence rails, chatting absently about friends and memories. I was nervous about his trip, and could tell that he was, too. Even when he laughed, Sean’s voice was empty and hollow. The day was passing and taking us into our future. Dusk and its violet shadows dominated the trees when we replaced the saddles and ropes in the stable. Then hand in hand, we wandered up the gentle slope toward the warm light of the dining room window.

Amid smiles from my family, Cael addressed me as I entered the house. “We were discussing,” he said, “my promise to Sean. When will you need an escort?”

“I don’t know. I need to prepare for the celebration,” I told him. I winced at my misspoken revelation.

“Great.” Cael stood from the bench. “When should I take you to Stone Meadow?”

I turned to Sean and gripped his tunic for comfort. He pleaded with his dark eyes.

“I should practice here at home,” I said, turning to face Cael and my family. “It’ll be safer.”

Sean nudged me in the back, and my heart pounded against my chest. Its beat was deafening.

“Will you come at dusk,” I asked Cael, “on the eve of the Moon Season Celebration? You and Ethan can watch for the bandit while I practice outside. That will allow Leila a chance to help Mother prepare the food.” I looked around; everyone, except me, seemed to enjoy the torturing moment.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Rhiannon,” said Mother, with a smile. “Cael, thank you for offering.” She turned to Sean. “And thank you for your kindness. This has been an unforgettable day.”

I caught Leila smirking as Ethan nudged her under the table.

“Sean,” said Father, wiping his beard. “Take a goblet. You should celebrate and warm yourself.

I had always objected to the village tradition of extreme inebriation—mostly because of Father and his family. Normally loud and full of curses, the alcohol amplified their rudeness and made them unbearable. As Sean hesitated to approach Father’s offering, an idea caught me.

“It’s all right, Sean,” I told him, “enjoy a drink with Father. I need to prepare something for you.”

My fiancé looked bewildered. “For certain?”

I prodded his ribs and whispered in his ear. “It’s okay. One drink. I’ll return in a moment.”

Ignoring the stares from my family, I bolted from the dining room and skipped up the dark stairs to my bedroom. I lit the small orange candle on my windowsill, and watched as the shadows from the wavering flame danced on the angled wooden ceiling of my room. I waited for its warm glow and then retrieved a small uneven piece of parchment from my top dresser drawer. Using a quill and small glass jar of black ink that I warmed over the candle, I scratched a short note. Examining it carefully, I blew across the paper, waiting for my message to dry, before folding it neatly. With a final stroke, I wrote Abigail’s name on the outside and rushed to the dining room.

Cael and Ethan were laughing at the table while Sean drank heartily from his goblet. Father was absorbed in his own cup, and Mother and Leila sat in front of the fireplace behind him, wrapped in a bear fur. After noticing my glare, Sean lowered the offering and straightened his smile.

“Sean,” I asked, “will you do something for me?”

“Of course,” he answered, wiping his mouth.

I handed him the parchment. “Will you deliver this to Abigail Bree this evening, during your walk home?”

Sean looked at the paper and opened the fold, revealing my inscriptions. “What does it say?” he asked. “You wrote faerie symbols.”

“Anyone could read it if I didn’t,” I said. “It’s a note for her, concerning the celebration. Will you deliver it, please?” Employing a trick from Mother, I put my hand on his arm and blew warm air into his hair, by his ear. I moved close and inhaled deep, allowing my body to expand into his.

“Yes,” he said, quivering. He motioned to Cael. “I think we should go, now. I have an early start in the morning.” While I held him, sharing my warmth as a blessing, he turned to Father. “Thank you, Neal. Thank you for the drink.” he paused. “And everything.” He pulled me with him and walked to Father, who set down his goblet.

I stepped away, allowing them to hug. The air from Sean’s lungs squeezed out, leaving him gasping when Father released him. Then he turned to Mother with his arms open wide.

“Thank you, Sean,” she said, accepting the hug. She kissed him on the cheek.

Leila rushed to Sean, as soon as Mother released her grip, and jumped into his arms. “Good fortune, Sean,” she said, squeezing him tight. “We’ll miss you.”

“I’ll return soon,” he gently lowered Leila until her feet were back on the floor. He grabbed my hand and pulled me close.

I closed my eyed and accepted all of his warmth.

While Cael distracted my family with handshakes and hugs, Sean pulled me around the corner of the hall and kissed me warmly. “I have a white horse to find,” he whispered. “When I return, I will marry you.”

“You’re handsome when you’re being noble,” I said.

Sean held me tight. “You make me so. I love you.”

I squeezed him, ignoring the familiar giggles from Leila and Ethan behind us. When I dared, I released him. “Good fortune,” I whispered. “I love you.”

A final round of farewells, and promises to return with tales of adventure, and Sean and Cael left our home. We stood in the doorway watching while the night swallowed them.

“Well,” said Father, slapping his hands and rubbing them together. “That’s that. May good fortune bring him home.” He stepped back inside and disappeared.

Leila and I lingered in the doorway, watching the steam from our breath fade to the night. We sniffled and cried until Mother nudged us inside.