Page 25 of Boudicca

“The goddess will send sign to show the people you are her choice to lead them into battle,” said Derwyn.

Silently, I returned to painting my mother’s body, but the weight of my husband’s torque hidden in the bag that rested against my hip reminded me that Andraste already had sent sign.

“It is late. The village has settled for the night,” Derwyn said. “The Druids and I will keep watch over the dead and finish the preparation of the pyre. Rest tonight, Boudicca. Tomorrow the warriors will arrive.”

I almost said that I wasn’t sure I could ever sleep again, but Rhan’s question interrupted my thoughts.

“Derwyn, has Gar returned from the fen yet?”

“I do not believe so,” Derwyn said. He cocked his head and studied Rhan. “What have you seen?”

“It is more a feeling than a vision, but he will return with news that could change everything.”

“What do you meancouldchange everything?” I asked my friend.

Rhan moved her shoulders restlessly. “That is all the goddess has allowed me—and the knowledge that the rest will be up to you.”

And suddenly I felt unimaginably weary, so much so that my hand trembled as I painted the last line on my mother.

Gently, Rhan took the brush from me. “I will finish the queen’s preparation. As Derwyn said, you must rest.”

“Rhan, there was a servant whose body lay beside Mother’s when you found her. I would ask that she be anointed by you as well.” I wiped a shaky hand across my brow.

“Ancient Dafina? I remember her well. She was ever at your mother’s side,” said Rhan.

I nodded. “She died at her side.”

“Then she shall be anointed as I would another queen mother, and she will be close beside Arianell on the pyre. Now, my friend, go. Rest. You must ready yourself for tomorrow,” insisted Rhan.

“But you need a dress for Mother and...” My mind was a muddle and my words faded.

Derwyn’s voice took up the thread of my weary thoughts. “I shall walk with you to the lodge. You may give me your mother’s robes. I will return them here.”

“Yes. Thank you.” I turned to Rhan. “She looks beautiful. Your preparation of my mother has been perfect.”

“Ourpreparation,” Rhan said, and bowed her head to me respectfully as Derwyn escorted me from the silent tent.

***

“How many are dead?” I asked the Druid as we walked through the quiet village.

“Seventy elders, three children, one mother, and twenty-five warriors in their prime. The healers say that three more mothers are likely to enter Annwn before dawn.”

“They will be good company for my mother and the others.” I tried to sound strong and sure, but my voice shook with grief and exhaustion. So many daughters and sons had been made motherless today.

“They will, indeed. There will be feasting and merriment in the Otherworld tomorrow.” Derwyn rested his hand lightly on my shoulder as we walked. “Do not despair, Queen Boudicca. They fought well and died protecting their queen and their people. Their welcome to Annwn is assured and eventually they will be reborn new again, with the pain of their violent departure from this lifetime left behind.”

“I know all of that. It is just so much loss... so soon after...” My words faltered and then trailed away as grief usurped my voice.

“Focus on the living. You have much left to do.” Derwyn stopped, and his pressure on my shoulder halted me as well. “I found this notfar from the stake in the practice field. I thought that you should have it as I believe you will make good use of it.”

From inside his white robes Derwyn brought forth the procurator’s pugio. The blade gleamed in the dim light. I stared at it and for a moment was unable to move. And then I took it from the Druid and gripped it with enough strength to whiten my knuckles.

“I believe I will, too.” I opened the flap of my leather satchel and slid it within, where it rested next to the heavy golden torque.

Silently we continued our trek through the village. Soon we’d come to the doors of the lodge, which had been closed against the night. I was surprised to see Briallen, dressed in a fresh Queen’s Guard tunic, holding a spear and shield and standing at her post beside the doors.

“Briallen! You should be resting with the girls.”