Pagan Rites (Tribes of Britain Book 0) by Sam Taw

Author:Sam Taw [Taw, Sam]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Carantoc Publishing
Published: 2019-05-28T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

Creeping closer on the rocks, I slipped my hand through the gap in the shelter and pulled the fabric aside. My heart thumped so hard it deafened me.

“Paega! You frightened me half to death, boy.” I breathed hard, trying to calm my pulse.

Aebba heard me yell. “What in the name of Cernonnus are you doing here? You should be with your brothers.” Aebba stomped over to the shelter fuming with indignation.

Paega scooted forwards on his arse until he could step out of my bedding. “I came to fetch help, Father. A wolf pack…”

“I know all about the wolves, child. Your brothers saw them off, killing two great beasts in the process no thanks to you.” The Metern turned on his heels and began building the fire up with kindling and dry moss. He could not meet his son’s eyes.

“But how do you…?”

“Where do you think we have been this night, Paega, hmm?” I poured two cups of ale and handed one to the Chief. “We saw the whole thing play out.”

The young warrior glanced down at the embers as his father fanned them back into life with a short plank from the cart.

Aebba peered up at Paega. “You could have built the fire when you got here instead of cowering inside the tent like a girl. Even your sisters have more courage than you, boy.” He tutted and then blew air across his teeth. “Well don’t just stand there, get your horse and ride back or Tallack and Blydh will leave you for dust come dawn. The only way you can redeem yourself is to find the herd and bring a pelt back to the tribe.”

Paega scurried away from his father as if his arse was aflame. He wasn’t even out of earshot before Aebba began his grumbling. “Hard to believe he has any of our family’s blood in him at all.”

I always had my suspicions regarding Paega’s parentage but absolutely no proof. We only have Eseld’s word that Aebba was the father but when first she fell heavy with child, rumours were rife about camp that she was a little too affectionate towards her cousin from the Priest Sect. Aebba must have heard the same gossip, as shortly after announcing the impending birth, Aebba sent the entire sect away from the Chieftain compound to roam the moors and borderlands. It would certainly explain why the boy had none of Aebba’s qualities.

I was cold and miserable and the mist was rolling in again. Leaving Aebba at the fireside, I tried to get some rest before he turned in for the night, when his snoring would disturb my slumber.

***

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