The Carrickmore Abbey: Book Two in the Chronicles of Philip Williams by Evans Jason Henry

Author:Evans, Jason Henry [Evans, Jason Henry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grant Street Publishing
Published: 2021-03-17T00:00:00+00:00

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The morning sun was bright and warn. It was a welcome change from the dreary clouds and whipping autumn winds of Ulster. Colleen even heard laughter from Fiadh and Aoifa as they rode the old, mare down the road.

Colleen, Kierra, and Mary all rode their own mares. Of course they were surrounded by redshank guards. They also rode in the middle of the column of twenty men moving towards the village of Carrickmore and the abbey that stood there. As Colleen looked around her, she couldn’t escape the idea that she was a possession.

“Will you not speak of it ever?” Kierra’s eyes sparkled like a girl gossiping.

Colleen smiled wryly. “Have you lost your maiden’s head?”

Kierra blushed. “That is not a question one asks,” she said in between giggles.

“You keep your accounts and I will keep mine,” Colleen said. She then turned to Kierra. “Know that all I have done I did for our safety. You would be wise to keep council with no one on these matters. If we are returned and if you are wed, either to Collin or another, know that rumor and respect fly out together.”

The color left Kierra’s face. “I was only making a jest, Colleen. I would never break your trust.”

“I know it well. Just remember when all these things have run their course.”

Kierra placed her chin on her chest and slowed her mare.

Foolish child, Colleen thought. She could not be too mad with the girl. Even though they were the same age, Kierra led a sheltered life. And, being of marrying age and clearly untouched by men, to see others exercise their womanly power was fascinating. None of that, however, excused rudeness.

“We won’t be here, long, my lady. The carpenter is good and has many fine pieces. You should see him first. Then go to the tavern for a meal,” Senan said.

Colleen smiled. “I think I shall.”

Senan’s redshanks arrived in Carrickmore in midmorning. There were few yeoman and farmers in the street. Colleen noticed the street clear of what little traffic there was when Senan’s party came to town. The streets were empty, in fact.

Senan stopped in front of the carpenters shop. “My lady, I will leave you here. The tavern is a short walk down this street. I will meet you there, understood?”

Colleen nodded.

A gapher helped Colleen down from her horse and she entered the carpenters shop. There were fine, sturdy tables and small wooden chests. There were ax handles ready for a blade. There was even a bedframe, an extravagance here in Ulster.

“Carpenter,” called the gaffer guard.

A curtain whipped open and the shopkeeper appeared covered in saw dust. His leather apron swaying heavily as he walked. “How now, goodman?”

“These ladies are here to peruse your wares. They are to take anything we can put on horseback, understood?” the gaffer gaze menaced the carpenter.

He nodded.

The gaffer turned and walked about to look at the goods himself.

“W-what are you goodly ladies looking for?” the carpenter asked.

Fiadh and Aoifa were distracted, looking at the scroll work on a large chest.

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