No matter. Ardahl remained in her world. She could endure anything.
*
They ate besidethe fire, the three of them together, and Ardahl told them in a low, even voice what had taken place at Brioc.
As might be expected, the first thing Mam said when Ardahl finished was, “And who would blame the man? His son.”
“Still and all, it does naught to help our position.”
“What will Chief Fearghal do?”
“Set a strong guard, I imagine, even as Brihan suggested. But”—Ardahl hesitated—“’tis summer. I believe Dacha will make best use o’ the season. He will try to finish his task while the weather does hold.”
“Conquer us, ye mean?” Liadan stared at him, her beautiful eyes wide.
“We are in peril indeed,” Mam whispered, and shot Ardahl a look that spoke of her love for him. “But at least ye ha’ returned to us safely, aye? Let us look no further than that now.”
Difficult not to look farther, though. In Ardahl’s head, he could see Dacha’s warriors arrayed, ready to cross Brihan’s lands and swoop in upon them. Countless chariots. Many, many fighting men. Could they withstand it?
When they finished their meal, Mam tidied away the remains before getting to her feet. “I ha’ just remembered,” she announced abruptly, “I promised to call in upon Mistress Maehan, who does not feel well.” She eyed the couple beside the fire kindly. “I’d best go to her. And I do no’ doubt she will want me to sit wi’ her all the night.”
Ardahl did his best not to look at Liadan.
“But Mistress MacCormac,” Liadan half babbled, “are ye certain?”
“Aye, I am that. I am sorry to say ye will no’ see me before morning.”
She knew, Ardahl thought. She knew how he felt for Liadan. Guessed what they would do here alone tonight. A staggering wave of gratitude hit him.
Mam bent and embraced him. “Son, I am so glad to have ye home.”
She gathered a few things into a basket and went out softly. Liadan arose from the fireside and tied the door curtain shut behind her. When she turned back to Ardahl, her face was alight.
“That was kind of her.”
“Aye.”
“D’ye think she knows—”
“I hope not but—aye, I expect so.”
“D’ye think anyone else will come looking for ye this night? Asking about the meeting, or guard duty, perhaps.”
“I expect they would sooner go to the chief.”
“Then”—she came and knelt beside him—“’tis a gift she has given us.”
“Aye. Liadan, I want—”
“As do I. I have been famished, Ardahl, for the taste o’ ye. Hungry for the feel. Do no’ say nay.”
He would not. He could not. But first…
He caught her shoulders between his hands. “After I left this morning, I regretted no’ saying all I wished to ye.”
She leaned forward so her lips were but a breath from his, so her eyes gazed deep into his eyes.
“Wha’ is there to say?”
