Chapter Twenty-Three
MADISON SMILED WHENthe brown mare from Cian’s stable appeared in the woods and trotted right up to her. “Hello, there.” She patted her nose, remembering how aggressive she had been about Madison getting on Tadhg’s back and fleeing. “I guess I should thank you too.”
“It seems your horse has found you,mo dhraoi.” Cian eyed her with concern. “Yet, can you ride her?”
She thought about it for a moment before the knowledge came to her as swiftly as her magic had. “Absolutely.” When he offered a makeshift saddle, she shook her head, grabbed the horse’s mane, and swung up like she had done it hundreds of times before. Undoubtedly had in her last life. “I’m a bareback kind of druidess.”
“Ye look lovely together, m’Lady,” Oran praised. “Ye’ve the same color hair.”
“Will you name her, then?” Cian asked, swinging up onto Tadhg.
“Eventually.” She patted her horse’s neck. “When the time’s right.”
Cian nodded and glanced back at his men. “Are ye ready?” He shook his head. “It should be peaceful there right now, but I want ye in position straight away to defend both inside and outside the castle.”
While tempted to tell them it was merely a premonition, Madison could and would only ever give them the truth, so she told their men what had happened. How serious this was. Cian might not need his black robes right now because he and Madison strengthened each other so much, but they still meant business.
This threat was very real.
Could cost them everything if they weren't ready.
She had opted for something a little different this go around. While she loved her green gown, understood it represented her inner druidess, her connection with Cian, it was hard to fight in. More than that, she wanted to put her dream of the castle in ruins behind her.
And that always took place when she wore her dress.
“Trousers look good on you,”Cian said into her mind.“Really good.”
Her cheeks warmed at the way his eyes swept over her. She had opted for sturdy boots, relatively form-fitting brown trousers, and a tunic cinched at the waist with a dark green belt that allowed her to grab her blade easily.
“Are you ready,mo dhraoi?” His expression grew serious. “For whatever we may find?”
“I am.” She notched her chin and rested her hand on the hilt of her dagger. “More than ready.”
With that, they spurred their horses and chanted their small army to the fields in front of the castle. She hadn’t realized how tense she was until they arrived, and she saw everything as it should be. The castle wasn’t in ruins. Everyone was going about business as usual.
“Thank the gods.” She bit back tears. “We reallyhavebeen given a second chance.”
He nodded and smiled before they headed that way. By the time they reached the drawbridge, many were waiting to greet them, no doubt eager to hear what they had learned at King’s Heart.
“We will tell ye in good time, my people,” Cian said loud enough for all to hear. “But first, we must prepare for an attack.”
When faces fell, and people clamored to understand, Madison stepped in and explained what she had foreseen. Then she swore she would stop it. She would defend them. Where even a day ago she would have been lying, now she knew better.
Shecoulddo this.
Hadto.
“Oh, me’Lady.” Deirdre clasped her hands in delight after Madison dismounted in the courtyard. “Look at ye!” She eyed her up and down with approval and cast a knowing look between her and Cian. “A changed lassie indeed!”
Remembering Deirdre lying dead at her feet, Madison embraced her before she knew what was coming. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” She hugged her new friend a little tighter. “More than you could possibly know.”
“Dear me.” Deirdre hugged her right back before she wiped away a tear Madison didn’t realize had fallen. “I’m just fine me’Lady.” She shook her head. “Don’t ye worry about that.” She planted her hands on her hips and winked. “Ye know I’m a fighter through and through,ta?”
“Ta.” Madison nodded and smiled. “I know you are.” She thought about it. How Deirdre might help. “To that end, I need you to get all children and women who aren’t fighters below the castle where they’ll be safe for now.” She gave Deirdre a look she wouldn’t misunderstand and gestured at the armory. “And bring blades. Enough to defend yourselves if need be.”
Cian nodded with approval and gave orders as well. Everyone must get into position to defend the castle from all angles. Even from within. They made sure their best warriors and archers focused on where the portals would appear.
