Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series) Read online

  Chapter 3

  The morning of the Peace Negotiations had arrived. The sun shown bright and servants bustled to prepare the pavilion where the Milesian and Danann lords would discuss the treaty.

  The negotiations were being held in a large pavilion in the middle of the Duir Plain. On one side facing where the Milesian army had been was the color of bright red and the other side a slight golden color representing the Danann. The two other sides were left white and were rolled up to let light in. Flags of Lord Liam and Lord Aodhan’s family crests waved in the breeze.

  In the center of the pavilion sat a square wooden table with high backed black leather cushioned chairs surrounding it. Set out on the table in front of each chair was a place setting of a white porcelain plate, bowl, golden goblet and white cloth that was formed into a triangle. On each side of the pavilion were two side tables with a stool.

  An ancient centerpiece representing the Danann, Milesian and Firbolg lands was set in the center of the table. Aodhan had found it in his father’s possessions when Lord Blaine MacCionaoith’s pavilion was taken down. In the hopes of peace negotiations starting before the battle Blaine had brought it with him. It was made of bronze and had a large Griffin, Dragon and Wolf representing each land. Three tall snow white candle sticks were placed into holders on each side of the symbols.

  Outside of the pavilion everyone involved stood patiently. General Ruark and General Kayne each agreed that Kedryn would be placed at the entrance to question each person, even Lara, as to their intent with the peace negotiations. Kedryn felt like a body guard at an exclusive club, without the clipboard of names. When he was satisfied that no one was going to cause problems he backed away to the table in the corner. General Kayne stood at the table opposite of Kedryn keeping watch.

  The men were dressed in thin leather doublets with the crest of their family embroidered on them. Gobnait had crafted a doublet for Kedryn and dress for Lara for the special occasion. Lara teased Gobnait by mentioning that she must whip their outfits out of thin air. Kedryn’s doublet was black with a red and silver embroidered Phoenix along with black leather pants.

  Lara’s dress was a cream colored velvet with slits on the side that showed a dark violet silk underskirt through the slits. Braided violet ribbons were sewn on the top of her scoop neck bodice and down the long flaring sleeves. A golden raven was embroidered onto the bodice. Lara had at first objected to the cream color. Gobnait waved her protests aside and insisted. She assured Lara that the colors were proper for the peace negotiations.

  Guards were placed at each entrance of the pavilion more for show than protection. Two for the Milesian side and two for the Danann side. Kedryn glanced over at the hand picked soldiers. It did not surprise him to see that General Ruark had chosen Lieutenant Kory Donnlan and Lieutenant Derrick Staffard to stand at attention on the Danann side.

  Kedryn brought his attention back to the table and watched as Lord Liam rubbed his head nervously. Liam’s uneasiness around Lara was showing through. When no one but Liam was looking, Kedryn made a show of a huge yawn and rolling of his eyes. Liam belted out a quick laugh and watched as Lara looked back at Kedryn sharply. She then focused her attention to Liam whose face was composed. She could still see the laughter in his eyes which was a good sign that he was doing better.

  Glancing around Lara saw that everyone was seated and she took Aodhan’s hand and squeezed. He was engrossed in a conversation with Eion who sat at his other side. Lara was happy to see that Aodhan did not notice the interaction between Liam or Kedryn. He most certainly would have taken offence.

  General Ruark, Lord Aodhan, Eion, Kedryn and Lara sat representing the Danann side. Representing the Milesian side were Lord Liam, General Kayne, Dillon, Niall and Brenna. Lara looked at Brenna curiously wondering why Bevin’s handmaiden was there.

  General Ruark was the first to speak. “Lord O’Cuinn, your messenger brought the revised peace plans. This is very interesting. And none like I have seen in my time. Would anyone like to give their opinion on any part?”

  Everyone grew silent. Lara almost raised her hand and shook her head smiling at herself. She looked around to make sure no one else was going to speak.

  “I most certainly do.” Lara said seriously and saw the worried look on Brenna’s face. Lara winked at her and watched as a slow smile spread across Brenna’s face.

  “To let the serf’s or farmers, as we call them in my realm, rent the parcel of land they farm is a brilliant idea. It gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment in what they do.” Lara said as she brushed a flyaway hair out of her face. “Also, by giving them a percentage of what they farm or raise makes them self sufficient. Not having to depend on their land owners to provide food and shelter.”

  Aodhan squeezed her hand. “Well said, my lady in my opinion I believe the cut is also equally fair. The nobles will rent land out with a split of sixty, thirty, ten and it will still make them wealthy. It is an excellent idea that a moderate family home, that they can rent out, should also be provided. Lord O’Cuinn I would like to be interested in your thoughts. The nobility should be encouraged to start immediately. To show all that we are serious. The additions to the treaty were brilliantly planned out.”

  “The credit goes to Lady Brenna. She subtly suggested most of the changes.” Liam said as he looked Brenna’s way.

  Brenna actually blushed. Aodhan looked from Liam to Brenna and let out a small Huh that only Lara heard. “I believe we should decide on this matter. Please make a show of hands of who agree to the section with regards to the nobles and serfs.” Aodhan looked around to see everyone’s hands raised.

  General Ruark signaled to the servants. “Now that the matter is agreed upon. Let us eat and we will discuss more after we have had our fill.”

  Aodhan’s eyes strayed to the center piece. Thoughts of his father distracted him and he started thinking about the battle. He felt a rage start to boil up in him and his control start to slip as he looked at Liam.

  Lara watched Aodhan and Liam enter into a “boys will be boys” stare down. She felt her stomach growl and as if on cue the servants placed a light noon meal in front of her. They offered to fill up everyone’s goblets with either water, wine or ale. Lara looked at her plate and studied the meat and cheese stacked in a biscuit. There was

  also some fruit placed to the side along with bowls filled with what looked to be stew.

  Just like home, she thought, sort of. They had to make and serve their own meals back home. Lara’s mother always teased her because their diet consisted of almost always, sandwiches, fruit, frozen veggies and anything microwaveable. Minus the ale and wine of course. Take that back, minus the occasional wine for herself. Lara looked behind her. Kedryn sat on a stool at the table in the corner eating. Her eyes moved over to General Kayne and he was doing the same. She realized that General Kayne must have given up his seat at the main table to Brenna. Chivalry is definitely not dead in this realm.

  Eion looked up from his plate and noticed the tension between Liam and Aodhan as they sat staring down each other. He decided to take charge and put a damper on the tension. Taking a drink of his ale he looked again at their unwavering stares and shook his head.

  “Ruark. What say you to discussing while we eat?” Eion asked.

  General Ruark looked around at everyone who nodded in agreement with mouths full. “It would certainly move things along. Let us talk of peace. As stated in the treaty it is suggested that the counsel should meet twice a year to discuss items of concern. It also states that a Lord can make a request for the counsel to convene if a matter is urgent.”

  General Ruark noticed that everyone’s attention was on Aodhan and Liam’s little stare down. He grew seriously annoyed at their childishness and took a sip of his ale watching as neither man gave an inch. It seemed they were not listening to a single word that he had said. General Ruark cleared his throat.

  “What say you Lord MacCionaoith? What say you Lord O’Cuinn?” he as
ked giving each man a stern look.

  Lara glanced over as she watched General Kayne step away from where he was standing. He put a hand on Liam’s shoulder and squeezed. She reached under the table and jabbed Aodhan with her fingers in the ribs. He turned his head and sharply looked at her. Aodhan realized what he had been doing and quickly turned to look at General Ruark. To Ruark‘s astonishment Aodhan had heard every word he said.

  “I agree with the meeting of the counsel. Communication instead of rash action is the best way to deal with things.” Aodhan said as he gave Liam a harsh look.

  “I also agree.” Liam said as he casually sat back in his chair ignoring Aodhan’s glare. If it would not have offended anyone he would have propped his feet up on the table. However, it would insult people he did not wish to.

  “May I speak?” Kedryn asked and he walked over and stood behind Lara.

  Aodhan turned sideways in his chair to look at Kedryn.

  “Of course.” both Aodhan and Liam said at the same time.

  “If the counsel is going to meet twice a year. Why not have a tournament to go along with it? Like the games I’ve heard Lawler and Doyle talk about that take place at Quenith castle. Jousts, hand to hand competitions, mock sword fighting and some sort of ball game.” he looked down as his hand and realized that he was running his worry stone through his fingers. He stopped and placed the stone back into his pocket.

  Kedryn ran his fingers through his hair. “It seems the tournament only takes place once in a blue moon. Even a celebration feast could be held at the end of the tournaments. You could have one tournament in Milburn and the other in Quenith and switch off every year.” he looked around at everyone with a look of uncertainty on his face. It seemed that everyone was considering the idea. Lara turned to look at her son and grinned.

  “The idea holds merit.” Eion said and sat back in his chair.

  Liam reached up and rubbed his head. Kedryn and Lara never ceased to amaze him. “If everyone agrees we can hammer out the details later. Another item that we should all consider is Lord Faolan. Brenna suggested that there be a place for his signature. Also, a messenger sent with a copy of the peace plans as a gesture of good faith. That way he can not claim he was excluded from the negotiations.”

  “I had not thought of it. Was word sent to Lord Faolan regarding the negotiations?” Ruark asked.

  “The night the treaty was revised. General Kayne sent a messenger to inform Lord Faolan with regards to the peace negotiations. He never returned with a reply. Are there any other comments with regards to this?” General Ruark asked looking around the room.

  “Very well. All agreed raise your hands.”

  The vote was unanimous.

  Eion took a sip out of his goblet. “It looks as though we have

  agreed. I think this was the smoothest Peace Negotiation in history. Thank you Lady Brenna for your insight and to you Kedryn for your suggestions. I believe that we should meet again in two moons time and iron out the details. Agreed?”

  “Agreed.” Everyone around the table said.

  “Messengers should be sent from each side in one moons time with suggested dates. Later we will discuss when the war counsel will gather. Lord Faolan will not waste time and neither shall we.” General Kayne said.

  “Lord O’Cuinn. I believe that the first meeting and tournament should be held in Milburn. It will show all the lands that you bode no more ill will.” Aodhan said.

  Liam leaned forward in his chair and nervously rubbed his head and looked at Lara. He watched as she mouthed “Do it.” Liam nodded his head and agreed with Aodhan.

  “You are correct Lord MacCionaoith. We will have the tournament in Millburn and decide on a date at the first counsel meeting. Shall we sign?”

  General Ruark signaled for the servants to bring over one of the tables from the corner. He reached over and carefully picked up the ancient center piece and placed it onto the table. Brenna stood, walked over to the table and placed three documents with two quills in front of the centerpiece. She had meticulously copied three documents for each to sign with one to deliver to Faolan.

  Aodhan and Liam moved their chairs back and stood up. They both walked over to where the treaty was set out. As Liam looked at the document in front of him he saw in the space that Brenna had curiously left, it was now filled in with the tournament and counsel meeting statements agreed upon. He looked up at her and shook his head and smiled.

  Aodhan took out a match that Lara had given him and lit the candle set beside the Griffin. He handed the match to Liam who lit the candle set behind the Dragon.

  Aodhan drew his dagger from his sheath and Lara tensed as she watched Liam do the same. She relaxed when they both made a slight cut in their forearm.

  “I Aodhan Mahon MacCionaoith, as Lord of the Danann, by my blood, I decree this peace treaty to be final and reviewed again during

  the first meeting of the counsel.” Aodhan picked up the quill that Brenna had set beside the papers. He dipped the quill in his blood and signed each copy of the Peace Treaty.

  “I Liam Solo O’Cuinn, as Lord of the Milesians, by my blood, I degree this peace treaty to be final and reviewed again during the first meeting of the counsel.” Liam repeated the process and signed.

  They both picked up a candle and let the wax drip on each treaty at the bottom. Each placed their ring of office on the wax.

  Chapter 4

  After the Peace Negotiations Lara and Kedryn made their way up the hill where the pavilions had once stood and quietly looked over the Duir Plain. It was time to head to Quenith. Lara looked over the rolling hills that were splashed with red and orange from the sunset before them and she put her hand on Kedryn’s shoulder.

  “Think we’ll ever get back home?” he asked.

  “I don’t know.”

  Lara looped her arm through Kedryn’s and without saying a word they walked to where their packed horses were.

  Lady Orla had offered to send Lara her carriage and she politely declined. Lara wanted to be out in the open and take in as much of the scenery and fresh air as possible. She had nothing against carriage rides but she refused to be in the confines of a small box.

  Patting the side of her horse Lara checked the bridal and saddle. As a gift Carrick had given her a black stallion with a spot of white on its nose and belly. The Stallion was named Jodi of all things, which was kind of odd and funny in a way. Lara and Kedryn’s dog back home had recently passed away. The dog had the same name with the same color and markings only Jodi the dog was female.

  “Now I believe in reincarnation.” Lara said to Kedryn when she heard the name and got a huge laugh out of him.

  “Except our Jodi was not a male.” Kedryn laughed out.

  She was actually feeling nervous about heading to Quenith. This would be Aodhan’s home front and she didn’t know what to expect from him. Would he turn into a snooty Lord or stay the same man she had always known. Devlyn walked up to her interrupting her thoughts.

  “Need any help, my Lady?” he asked giving her a cocky grin.

  She grinned back at him. Lara put her foot in the stirrup and swung herself into the saddle. “No thank you, dear sir.”

  “I should have known.“ Devlyn said as he let out a laugh and walked behind her to his horse and mounted.

  Lara looked over to her side and saw that Kedryn was already up on his horse. His horse was all gray except for a white spot, like her stallion, on its belly. She stood up in the stirrups looking ahead and could see Aodhan who was in the lead talking with General Ruark.

  Guards were set out in front and back of the procession. Directly behind Aodhan and General Ruark rode Cadmon who was flanked by Kory and Derrick posing as his guards. They had loosely tied his hands together in front of him to give the illusion he was still a prisoner just in case Lord Faolan’s spies were watching. Cadmon did not have to fake his irritation. He wanted to head out right away on their mission. Instead, they were heading to Quenith to play ga
mes before they left.

  Earlier Kedryn had pulled Cadmon aside and explained that he wanted to spend some time with his mother before he left on their mission. Especially with the possibility of not returning. Of course he did not mention his fears to his mother and Cadmon understood but was annoyed all the same.

  Eion, Scanlon, Devlyn and Niall were on horseback behind Lara and Kedryn as they headed out. She overheard Eion mention to Devlyn that they would stop at Tralee to get some rest first and head out in the morning. She let out a relieved sigh and thought. Thank God, maybe I can get in a real bath.

  She felt the tug of her horse moving forward. She tried to enjoy the scenery as the procession moved along to keep thoughts away from what was to come. It did not take long when the high walls of Tralee appeared before them. Cadmon, Kory, Derrick and the other soldiers split from the procession when they passed through the arched gates. They headed off to report to General Carrick and to stay at the barracks before heading out in the morning. Most of the soldiers had returned to their families and homes and only a small group remained to accompany them to Quenith.

  The women who were staying at the manor house greeted them as they rode to the stables behind the house. Lara dismounted and patted her horse and whispered in it’s ear.

  “Thank you Jodi.” she smiled as the horse neighed happily. Lara turned to the squire standing by her to take the reigns. “Please take extra special care of this horse.”

  “Yes, Lady Battle Raven.” the squire said as he gave a short bow and led the horse away.

  She walked over to Aodhan and he gave her a kiss. “How are you my heart?”

  “In need of a serious bath.” Lara said grinning and wrinkled her nose.