Her Warrior Slave by Willingham Michelle

Author:Willingham, Michelle [Willingham, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Man-Woman Relationships, Missing Children, General, Romance, Historical, Ireland, Fiction, Slaves
ISBN: 9780373295227
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2008-11-01T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

A few days later at sunset, the chieftain Alastar Ó Falvey called all the men to gather outside his dwelling. The council had convened, and they had come to a decision. They would ride out to meet the Lochlannachs, attacking them if necessary. They’d not wait for the enemy to strike first.

Davin stood at his father’s side, his spirits heavy about what was to come. He’d grown up with these men, knew them all by name. And on the morrow, some would die.

‘We ride to meet the Norsemen at dawn,’ Alastar declared. ‘The Gaillabh are passing too close to our boundaries, and I need men willing to defend our ringfort. Who among you will volunteer to keep your women and children safe?’

A roar of approval sounded from the men. Davin surveyed the crowd and saw Iseult standing next to her friend Niamh. Neither looked pleased. Niamh, in particular, glared at him as though he were responsible for the danger.

He didn’t particularly want to go into battle, either, but it was his duty. Only the young men like Orin, and the elderly, would stay behind. He and his tribesmen would form an impenetrable shield around their home, so that none of the invaders could cross it.

His father gathered groups of men together, assigning some as foot soldiers, others as archers. Each was given his choice of a weapon, and the men’s spirits were high as they selected battle-axes and spears. As for himself, Davin preferred a sword.

Neasa summoned the slaves, ordering a large feast for the men. Barrels of ale were brought up from storage, and all were given as much as they wanted. Davin poured a cup for himself, carrying another to Iseult.

Though he wanted to be alone with her, to take her into his arms, he could see the hesitancy upon her face. She hadn’t forgiven him for chaining Kieran; he could see it.

What else could he do to heal the breach between them? Though he did not believe his tribe would lose the fight, he didn’t want ill feelings between them tonight.

‘Would you like ale?’ he asked, offering her the cup. She forced a smile, closing her hands around the goblet.

Then he stared at Niamh and nodded towards the door. An expression of annoyance flickered upon her face before she took the unspoken request and left them alone.

He wanted to say something to Iseult, anything to break the awkward silence. The cool distance in her eyes bothered him more, for it made her unreachable.

‘Your bruises are fading,’ he remarked, then wished he hadn’t mentioned them. It would only conjure up memories of the night she’d been attacked.

‘Yes.’ She sipped the ale, her attentions elsewhere. He looked to see if there was something distracting her, but it seemed a deliberate move, not to meet his eyes.

He laid a hand across her shoulders, hoping she would turn and look at him. But though she did not pull away, it reminded him that she rarely initiated an embrace or a kiss.

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