Page 46 of Boudicca

“I can fashion teats from a bladder for the pups,” said Wulffaed. “Last whelping season one of our hound bitches had not enough milk for her litter of eleven, and I found a way to help suckle the puppies. Goat’s milk and a little honey mixed with the blood of a pig worked well. We did not lose one pup.”

“They are very dirty.” Enfys wrinkled her nose.

Ceri nodded and her sad eyes met mine. “And they smell of fear and death.”

I felt a premonitory chill shudder down my spine as I remembered that Rhan used to do that—used to scent feelings. Did I want to lose Ceri to Ynys Môn? I mentally shook myself. That was not a worry for today. “They are yours,” I told my daughters. “Bathe them, feed them, show them you understand their bravery, and I believe they will richly reward you.”

Enfys looked up at me. “Wedounderstand their bravery. They deserve to live.”

“Yes,” said Ceri firmly. “They do.”

“Then with the queen’s permission, let’s get these pups bathed and fed,” said Wulffaed.

“Permission granted,” I said with a grateful smile.

As Wulffaed and her granddaughters began heating water to bathe the pups and gathering supplies so they could be fed, Briallen met my gaze. “That was wise of you.”

“Not my wisdom.” I pointed my chin at my horse master.

“Aye.” Briallen smiled at Maldwyn. “All beasties come to this one.”

Maldwyn’s face flushed as he bowed to me. “I’m glad to serve my queen and her daughters.”

“And you can continue doing so. Sit with me.” I motioned to the trestle table my daughters had just vacated. I glanced around the lodge until I spotted my longtime servant. “Phaedra, bring us mead.”

Maldwyn sat across the table from me. We did not speak until Phaedra placed two full mugs of spring mead before us. I drank quickly, only then realizing my thirst and hunger, which clever Phaedra had noticed as well. Soon she placed a pitcher of mead and a platter of bread and cheese and dried fish before us. I nodded for Maldwyn to join me. We ate silently while I sorted my thoughts. I heard Wulffaed’s gruff voice tell one of her daughters to be sure I had privacy and was glad that Maldwyn and I had a small pocket of solitude in which to speak.

“I will lead us into battle,” I said with no preamble.

Maldwyn’s brows lifted. “May I make a suggestion?”

“As long as it is not that I remain behind the battle lines, yes.”

“I would never think such a thing. I saw you slit the throat of our enemy. I watched you closely. For a moment the fire of the banshees blazed in your eyes. I knew then you would lead us into battle.”

His words sent a thrill through my body. Banshees were Druid warrior women who became so consumed by battle lust that theybrought terror and death to any man who attempted to stand against them.

“I suggest you fight from a chariot,” continued my horse master. “From there you can lead our warriors into battle, and with the right driver, you can be deadly as well as protected better than you would be on horseback.”

I nodded slowly. I knew he was right—our chariots were light and swift and deadly—but I had drilled more often with sword and spear from horseback.

He broke into my thoughts. “You have time. When you lead us you will be ready.”

“And which driver would you choose for me?” I asked.

He bowed his head and put his fist over his heart. “None but me, my queen.”

It made sense. I’d elevated him to horse master for more than his ability to communicate with horses. Maldwyn’s expertise at fighting from horseback was second only to his skill with a chariot.

“I agree. Make me a warrior fit to lead our people.”

Maldwyn’s eyes blazed as he replied, “You are already that, my queen. I give you my oath that I will be sure your spear arm is as true as your banshee spirit when you lead us, Victory.”

“Good. Then let us begin.”

He blinked at me as if in surprise. “Now?”

“Now.”