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AlsobyBreeWolf
Chapter1
To New Shores
Chapter2
AFather’s Daughter
Chapter3
An Unexpected Return
Chapter4
Brother &Sister
Chapter5
For Those We Love
Chapter6
To Old Shores
Chapter7
Conflict
Chapter8
Between Duty &Desire
Chapter9
Known As a Traitor
Chapter10
Enemies No More
Chapter11
Back to Castle Morganach
Chapter12
Undeserving of Her
Chapter13
To a Brother’s Side
Chapter14
Legend of a Love
Chapter15
Reunited
CONTENTS
By the Light of the Moon
Chapter17
AMessenger Arrives
Chapter18
AMatter of Family
Chapter19
North
Chapter20
Dissention
Chapter21
True to His Word
Chapter22
Homeward
Chapter23
Fathers
Chapter24
Choosing Sides
Chapter25
Welcome Home
Chapter26
AWord of Farewell
Chapter27
AFoolish Man
Chapter28
Longing &Belonging
Chapter29
ANew Generation
Chapter30
Secrets Revealed
Chapter31
And Then There Were Three
Chapter32
An Unexpected Blessing
Chapter33
ANew Chapter
Chapter34
AFiery Lass
Chapter35
Westward
Chapter36
In the Dead of Night
Chapter37
Words of Warning
Chapter38
ACall for Aid
Chapter39
The MacKinnears Prepare
Chapter40
Strangers
Chapter41
We Stand Together
Chapter42
What Belongs Together
Chapter43
In the Blink of an Eye
Chapter44
Family, Old &New
Chapter45
Bonded
Chapter46
Lass of Legend
Chapter47
Free to Fly
Epilogue
AboutBree
Copyright©2023BreeWolf
TextbyBreeWolf
CoverArtbyVictoriaCooper
EbookISBN:978-3-98536-192-2
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,places,brands,media,eventsandincidentsareeithertheproductsof theauthor’simaginationorusedinafictitiousmanner
Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,oractualeventsispurelycoincidental
AllRightsReserved
Thisbookoranyportionthereofmaynotbereproducedorusedinanymannerwhatsoeverwithouttheexpresswritten permissionoftheauthorexceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview.
Two sisters, two personalities But only one big love!
Diving into a world of dreams..
…Romance, heartfelt emotions, lovable and witty characters, some humor, and some mystery! Because we want it all! Historical Romance at its best!
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LassofLegend
Whiskedcenturiesintothepast,fieryScottishlassYvaineMacKinnearfindsherselfentangledinabloodyfeudbetweenrival clans.Whilestrugglingtoreconcileheridentityandresistherclan'spoliticalplots,shefallsdesperatelyforenemywarrior CaelenMacCarmaig.TornbetweenherhomeandanewlifewithCaelen--prophesiedintheoldlegendsofherpeople--she racestoalterthecourseofhistory
Withbetrayals,passion,anddestinycolliding,YvaineandCaelenfighttoforgepeacebetweenthewarringclans;yet conspiringforcesthreateneverything.
#1LiketheBreakofDawn
#2BytheGreyLightofMorning
#3IntheComingofTomorrow
MacKinnearIsland,Scotland1401(oravariationthereof)
CaelenMacCarmaigstoodonthewindsweptcliffs,breathinginthesaltytangoftheseaair.Beforehim,thewavescrashed against the jagged rocks below, a wild symphonythat matched the turmoil inhis heart. Beside him, Yvaine’s fiery-red curlsdancedlikeflamesaroundherdeterminedface,andhergreeneyessparkledwithhopeandpassion.
“Lookupontheseshores,”Yvaineurged,gesturingtowardthefaintislandonthehorizon,almostconcealedinthemistthat lingereduponthesea.“Thisiswhereweshallmakeournewhome,wherewewillforgeanewbeginningforourpeople.”
BesideherstoodFergus,Caelen’schildhoodfriend,hisdarkhairruffledbythewind,hisgreeneyesfilledwithloyaltyand resolve. Gwyneth, Caelen’s sister, her chestnuttresses braided downher back, listened intently, clutchingFergus’s arm, her headrestingagainsthisshoulder.Aye,shesharedinYvaine’sdream,hopingtofindloveandfreedomfarfromthebitterfeud thathadconsumedtheirclansforgenerations,farfromthedutyshehadgrownupwith adutythatpromptedhertoignoreher ownhopesandwishesandagreetoamarriagebasedonpoliticalreasonsalone.
AsCaelenwrappedhisarmsaroundYvaine,hecouldnothelpbutbesweptupinhervision.HehadbeentotheFeyIsles before, and yethe had never seenitas a possible home. Steeped inmyths, eventhe howlingofthe wind there had always seemedeerietoCaelen.YetinYvaine’sstories,thisislandwasthemostwondrousplace.Hesquintedhiseyes,gazingatits faintoutline inthe distance, knowingits rockyshores to promise sanctuaryfromthe bloodshed and hatred thatplagued their lives.Aye,inYvaine’smemories,inthefuturethatwastocome,itwasaplaceofpeaceandhappiness,whereeveryperson could choose their own path, unburdened by the weight of their ancestors’grudges. It would become MacKinnear Island, namedfortheclantheywouldcreatetogether aclanthatwouldthrivethroughthecenturiestocome.
“’Tis beenso longsince I’ve beenthere,” Yvaine whispered as thoughto the wind, her voice barelyaudible above the crashingofthewaves.Tearsclungtoherlashes,andyetasmileteasedherlips,atfirstsmallandtentativebeforeitgrewinto somethingradiant.“Inever thoughtI’dbe sohappytoreturnhome.Ialways dreamedofadventure.” She looked up and met Caelen’seyes “Ineverknew ”Atearrolleddownhercheek,andshedidnotbotherwipingitaway
HerwordsstirredsomethingdeepwithinCaelen’sheart,andheknewhowtornshewas,howmuchherheartachedforthe homeshehadleftbehind,forthepeoplewhowereherfamily.Aye,shehadsacrificedmuchtobringthemallhere,andCaelen wishedheknewifherheartwouldleadherbackhome
Awayfromhim.
As heartbreakingas thatthoughtwas, Caelenknew he could notdenyher this choice. After all, beingfree to choose, to determineone’sownfatewastheveryreasontheystooduponthiscliff.Ofcourse,theycouldhavecontinueddownthepath laidoutbytheir forebears,apathmarredbybloodandpain.Yettheyhadchosendifferently.Itwas time tocarve outa new wayforward onebuiltonloveandrespect.
“IwishIcouldseeit,”Caelenmurmuredinherear,hisarmswrappingmoretightlyaroundher.“IwishIcouldmeetyer family”Couldhe?Wouldthedoor tothefutureopenfor him?Theydidnotevenknow ifitwouldopenfor her should she choosetogo.
“Yewillseeit,”Yvainewhispered,squeezinghishandasshesnuggleddeeperintohisembrace.“Yeallwill.”Shesmiled atFergusandGwyneth,stillstandingarminarm “Thiswillbeanewbeginningforallofus”
Withreneweddetermination,theylefttheclifftopandbegantheir descenttothebeachbelow,their eyes sweepingnorth andsouthtowardthepeopletheyhadglimpsedfromafar.Theirpeople.Peoplewhohad,likethem,chosentotreadthisnew path Andthus,astheyreachedthesands,theyweremetbyathrongofpeoplefromboththeMacCarmaigandMacLeòirclans Eachhadbroughtwiththemthehopeforabrighterfuture,andthecouragetoriskeverythinginpursuitofit.
“’Tistrulybeginning,isnait?”Yvainemurmured,her eyesshiningwithdisbeliefastheytoucheduponall thosewhohad cometojointhem “Thesewillbeourpeople United Anewclan Anewhome”
Caelensmiled “Aye,” he breathed this one word, and yetitrangwitheverylasthope he held dear Todaywas the day Together, theywere now embarkingonthis new journeythatwould change the course ofhistory, all ofthembound bytheir shareddesireforpeaceandtheunyieldingbeliefinabetterlife
As the people gathered around them, Caelen could see the mixture of fear and hope in their eyes Clutching their few belongingsclose,childrenheldtightlytotheirparents’hands,uncertainofwhatlayahead.Yet,theyhadtakenthischance,and theircouragewouldservethemwellinthedaystocome
“Yvaine,”awomanspokeup,hervoicewaveringwithuncertainty “Whyarewehere?Whatwillbecomeofus?”
Families frombothclans murmuredtheir agreement,awaitingananswer thatwouldputtheir minds atease Ayounglad lookedupatYvaine,hiseyeswidewithcuriosityandawe.“AreyetrulythelasswhoisprotectedbytheFey?”heasked,his voicebarelyaboveawhisper “Dotheywishforustogototheisland?”
Caelen’sgazeshiftedtoYvaine,awareoftherumorsthathadcircledher disappearanceattheageofthree Thoughnone knew she had traveled through a portal four hundred years into the future, where she had been taken in by her future descendants theMacKinnears thewhispersofherconnectiontotheotherworldlyFeyhadpersisted
Yvainemetthelad’sgaze,herexpressiongentleyetfirm “IhavenevermetanyoftheFey,”sheadmittedtruthfully “Iam mortal like all ofye.ButIbelieve we have beenbroughttogether for a purpose to create a new home, a place where our clanscanlivetogetherinpeace Wemustallmakethischoiceforourselves,asitisourlivesthatweareshaping”
Thepeopleexchangedglances,weighingherwordsastheyconsideredtheiralternatives toreturntothefeudthathadtorn their families apartor to embrace this new beginning. As Yvaine spoke, a sparkofhope ignited withinthem. Manynodded along,asanewfoundeagernessshownintheireyestobeginthisnextchapteroftheirlives
Fergus and Gwynethexchanged impressed smiles as theywatched the scene unfold Caelencaughthis sister’s eyes, her ownglowingwithexcitementandhope.Itwasacontagiousfeelingthatspreadthroughoutthecrowdasifaweighthadbeen liftedfromtheirshoulders
“Letuswalkthispathtogether,”Caelendeclared,hisvoiceringingclearandstrongashegraspedYvaine’shandwithinhis own. “Hand in hand, side by side, we shall create a new clan one that values love, family, and safety above all else. Together,weshallforgeourownpath”Hiseyessweptovertheassembledcrowd “Whoiswithus?”
Thepeoplecheered,theirvoicesrisingtogetherinachorusofhopeanddeterminationastheyallstooduponthatbeachand lookedoutattheFeyIslesshroudedinmist.Caelenknewfewpeoplehadeverbeenthere,mostofwhomhadfeltunwelcome, chasedawayandbacktothemainlandbysomeunseenhand ButdidtheFeytrulydwellthere?Orwasitnomorethanamyth?
Caelencouldnotrightlysay.Though,fromthebeginning,hehadthoughtthattherewassomethingotherworldlyaboutYvaine. Shepossessedaspiritunmatchedbyanyhehadeverencountered,andyetsheherselfhadonlyeverspokenofamortalfamily whohadtakenherin.NeveroncehadherpathcrossedthatoftheFey.
CaelenledthewayasheandYvaineguidedtheirpeopledownanarrowpathhiddenbytallgrasses,towardacornerofthe beachwhereboatsfromClanMacLeòirwereconcealedwithinsmallcaves ThesightremindedCaelenofthedayhehadfirst metYvaineupontheFeyIsles.Hiscousin,Lachlan,hadcomeuponherbeforeCaelenhadstumbleduponthemboth,shockedto seeher,forherresemblancetoherfamily’sclanhadbeenunmistakable.Ofcourse,Lachlanhadwantedtobringherback,use herasapawninthebloodygameplayedbetweentheirclans.
Then,though,theMacLeòirshadcomeuponthem,andafighthadbrokenout,duringwhichYvainehadslippedaway.The nexttimeCaelenhadseenherhadbeenontheshoreoftheislandasherbrotherLoganhadcarriedheraway,placedherinone of the very boats now concealed nearby, and taken her back to the mainland alongside his warriors. Caelen remembered standingontheshoreandwatchingher fadeintothedistance,his hearttellinghimeventhenthathewas experiencingaloss unlike anyhe had ever known. Ofcourse, his mind had understood onlymuchlater thathe needed her byhis side, thatshe belongedwithhim.
Yvaine’shandstill restedwithinhisastheystoodwiththeir feetinthesand,churningwavesrollingontothebeach.The daywas brightand promising, and the saltysea air filled Caelen’s lungs, invigoratinghimwithrenewed determination. He could sense the trepidationthat clungto the people around themlike a heavymist but also the faint glimmers of hope that flickeredintheireyes.
“Here we are,” Yvaine announced, her voice strong and confident as she gestured to the boats hidden in the shadowy recessesoftherockycoastline.“Thesewillcarryusacrossthewatertoournewhome.”
Astheybroughttheboatsforth,CaelenandYvainetookcaretoassignpeopletoeachvessel,makingsurethateachgroup hadatleastoneexperiencedsailoramongthem.Theboats,thoughsturdyandwell-built,couldnotaccommodateeveryoneat once.
“Dunnaworry,”Caelenreassuredthoseleftbehindontheshore.“Weshallreturnforyeassoonaswehaveferriedthefirst groups across.” They successfully loaded the boats and set out toward the island, its rugged beauty faintly visible on the horizon. Caelenkeptone eye onthe wind and the other onYvaine, mesmerized bythe expressionuponher face as the mist parted,revealingtheonlytruehomeshehadeverknown.Therewaslonginginhereyesandsadnessaswell,andonceagain, Caelenwondered whatthoughts lived inher head. Had she alreadymade up her mind? Did she alreadyknow ifshe would stay...orleave?
Astheyreachedtheshore,Yvainejumpedoutoftheboat,eagernesscarryingherforward,whiletherestofthemhungback. ManypeopleeyedtheislandwithapprehensionasCaelenhimselfhaddonethelasttimehehadbeenhere.Therewasalow howl uponthewindasthoughvoiceswhisperednearby,andCaelencouldnotquitedecideiftheywerefriendlyor not.One truthhehadalwaysknown,though;although,hehadnevercomeacrossanothersoullivingonthisisland,itdidnotseem or feel uninhabited WasitindeedtheFeywhostirredtheseemotionswithinhischest?Or wasitsimplyhisownimagination, fueledbytheeeriesoundsofthewind?
Thesundippedlower inthesky,castinglongshadowsonthesandyshore,asthefirstgroupdisembarkedfromtheboats andtentativelyventuredupthebeach Yvainestoodabithigherup,wavingthemforward,hereyesaglowandthesmileupon her face radiantandreassuring.Caelensmiled.She was like a beaconinthe night,castinga warmglow over everyone,her certainty and faith inspiring Caelen could see it upon the people’s faces as they took their children’s hands and led them forward.
“Helpme gather some men,” CaelensaidtoFergus,whostoodnearby,his features etchedwithquietresolve as he,too, eyedtheirfuturehomewithabitofwarinessinhisgaze “Weneedareturntothemainlandandfetchtheothers”
Fergus nodded,thenhe turnedtoGwynethandkissedher uponthe forehead Thenhe senther to Yvaine’s side, his hand holdingontohers for as longas the distance betweenthemwouldallow it.Caelenmarveledatthe sightofthem,wondering how hehadnotseenthebondthatconnectedthembefore Perhaps ithadsimplybeenthe hopelessness oftheir situationthat haddeterredhim.After all,haditnotbeenthe same for Fergus andGwyneththemselves? Theyhad knowneachother since childhood,and yetonlyrecentlytheyhadrevealed their true feelings to one another ina momentwhenall hope had seemed lost.Aye,oftenenoughitwasthesemomentswhichbroughtforththetruth.HaditnotalsobeenthesameforhimandYvaine?
Together, Caelen and Fergus gathered a small group before setting off once more on the journey back to the mainland. Beforetheyleft,though,CaelenpulledYvaineaside,loathetoleaveherside evenifonlyforashorttime “Areyecertainye canmanagewithoutme?”heaskedsoftly.
Yvaine raised her rightbrow, her greeneyes sparklingwithchallenge. “Are ye certain ye canmanage without me?” she retorted,crossingherarmsoverherchest
Caelen laughed, loving her dauntless spirit “Not certain at all,” he murmured, pulling her into his embrace, his hands slippingup her arms, over her shoulders and theninto her hair. He felther leaninto him, her greeneyes wide and her lips slightlyparted as theybreathed together “I ” He swallowed hard, yet before he could tryto find the right words, Yvaine placedastayinghanduponhischest.
“I willna leave,” she vowed softly, sincerity glowing in her eyes, “without saying goodbye. I promised ye that, and I shallnabreakmyword”Sheheldhisgaze,waitingforhimtonod “Doyetrustme?”
Caelennodded “Aye,Ido”Anditwasthetruth Hedidtrusther Onlyshouldshedecidetoleave,hecouldnotbearthe thought of wasting anytime he could have spent inher presence. If only he knew what the future would bring. Never had YvainespokenofwhathappenedafterthelegendaryYvaineandCaelenhadledtheirpeopletotheirnewhomeupontheisland Hadtheylivedhappilyeverafter?
Caelenwishedheknew.
“Doye trustme totake care ofour people?” Yvaine asked,her voice lighter now,andher eyes sparklingwithmischief. “OrdoyebelieveIwillburnthisplacedownifyeturnyerbackforameremoment?”
Caelenchuckled “Thisplaceisalreadyinruins Idunnathinkthereismuchdamageyecoulddotoit”
Yvaine’seyeswidenedinmockoutrage “Thatisnotverrareassuring AmItrulytobelievethatyehavenofaithinme?”
Thoughlaughing,Caelenpulledherintohisarms,holdinghertightly.“Idohavefaithinye,lass,”hetoldherthen,savoring thefeelofherpulsebeneathhisfingertips.“Morefaiththanye’lleverken.”Aye,heknewherstrengthandresilience,qualities thathaddrawnhimtoherfromtheverybeginning
“Takecareofyerself,Yvaine,”hesaid,hisvoicethickwithemotion.“IwillreturnassoonasIcan.”Hepinchedherchin playfully.“AndifIdunnafindyesafeandsound,there’llbehelltopay.”
Yvainechuckledthenfreedherselffromhisembraceandshovedhimaway.“Gothen,andbebacksoon.”Thelookinher eyesmadeitalmostimpossibleforCaelentoturnaway,toevenremindhimselfofthenexttaskthatneededhisattention.Inthat moment,allhecouldthinkaboutwasher,allhewantedwastofeelheragaininhisarms.
Later,somerationalcornerofhismindwhispered.
Later.
As Caelensailed awayfromthe island, the wind whippingthroughhis dark hair, he allowed himself to be swept up in the enormity of what they were undertaking. For years, he had fought against the endless cycle of violence and hatred that had defined their lives Now, with Yvaine by his side, they were poised to create something new, a clan united not by blood but by choice a familyboundbylove,loyalty,andhope
Fergus steered the boatbeside Caelen’s, his owngaze fixed onthe receding shoreline. Theyshared a nod of understanding, acknowledgingthe magnitude of their task but also the righteousness of their cause This was the path they had chosen,andtheywouldseeitthrough,nomattertheobstaclesthatlayahead.
“MacKinnear Island awaits us,” Caelenwhispered, more to himself thananyone else. “Together, we shall forge a new future”
Yvainestooduponthebeach,Gwynethbyherside,astheywatchedCaelen,Fergus,andtheotherssailbacktothemainland.
Herheartachedattheirdeparture,butsheknewthattheywouldreturnsoonwiththerestoftheirpeople Andthen?
Nowthattheyhadarrivedontheislandthatwastobetheirfuturehome,Yvainerealizedthatshehaddonepreciselywhat hadbeentoldandretoldinthelegendofYvaineandCaelen.
Aye,she, Yvaine, hadcome outofnowhere duringa time whenthe clans had beenatwar. Shehad...falleninlove with Caelen,thesonoftherivalclanchief,andtogether,theyhadsoughttobringaboutpeaceforboththeirclans Unfortunately,as toldinthelegendsofold,theyhadnotsucceeded.Abattlehadensuedandmanyliveshadbeenlost,includingherbrother’s.
Logan.
Yvaineblinkedbacktearsatthememoryofherbrother’sdeath.Hehadtakenanarrowmeantforher...orperhapsCaelen; theydidnotquiteknowforcertain Hehadsavedherlifeandgivenhisintheprocess Onlythatacthadenragedtheirfather, leadinghimto attackCaelen’s people. Who had shotthatarrow was still openfor debate. Another thingtheydid notquite know
Andnowtheywerebringingtheirpeopletothisisland,theislandthatwastobetheirfuturehome MacKinnearIsland A clanmadeupofdifferentpeople,unitedintheirdesiretobefreeandhappy.Itwassomethingsoverysimple,andyetterribly hardtoachieve
Am I free now? Yvainewonderedtoherself Have I fulfilled my duty? If so, if I returned home now, would history still continue as it is meant to? Perhaps. And yet...
Her gaze drifted out to sea where she could spot only small specs dancing upon the waves, the boats returning to the mainland The complicated truthwas thatshe loved Caelen, had loved himever since thatfirstfateful day If only I knew what the Yvaine of the old legends had done,shethoughttoherself. If only I knew what I am to do now. Am I to stay? Or to return home? Itseemedanimpossiblechoice
Shakingoffthese heavythoughts, Yvaine looked around herselfand found thatthe people had gathered around her, their eyesexpectant,filledwithuncertaintyandhopealike,lookingtoherforguidance.ItwasanewexperienceforYvainetolead somany,andshedrewcouragefromthememoryofhertruefather,AidanMacKinnear,whohadalwaysbeenabletoreassure hispeoplewithjusthiscalmvoiceandquietdemeanor.
“Listenwell,” Yvaine addressedthe crowd,her voice steadyandstrongdespite the slighttremblinginher hands.“Upon thisisland,weshallrebuildourlives There,attheoldfortress,now inruins,wewill laythefoundationofourfuture”She gesturedtowardthedistantstructure,itscrumblingwallsatestamenttothepassageoftime.“Wewill constructaflourishing village,aharbor whereshipsfromall cornersoftheworldwill cometotrade Intime,morevillageswill sproutacrossthe island,forminganetworkofthrivingcommunitiesboundtogetherbypeaceandunity.”
As Yvaine spoke, she could see the tension in the crowd begin to dissipate, their eyes sweeping over the landscape, alreadyimaginingthelifetheywouldbuildtogether AlifeYvainehadnotonlyseenwithherowneyesbutalsoalifeshehad lived.Alifeshelongedfor.Alifethatcalledtoher.“Followme,”shecalledtothosearoundher,findingherwaythroughthe crowdanduptheslopinghillthatledtotheruins Inthefuture,itwouldbelinedbyhouses,thepathtothecastlefrequented dailybyallthoselivinginitsvicinity.“’Tisnotfar,”Yvainebeckonedthem,andtogether,theystartedtomaketheirwaytothe oldruins,somewalkingwithpurposewhileotherslingered,stillabsorbingtheenormityoftheirdecision
Once theyarrived atthe ruins, Yvaine tooka momentto envisionthe castle the home she had knownfor years In her mind’seye,shesawagrandstructure,proudandstrong,asymboloftheirdeterminationandunity.“Oneday,”shewhisperedto herselfashereyessweptoverthecrumbledrocksandbrokenwalls “Oneday Butfirstthingsfirst”Addressingher people oncemore,Yvaineputthemtowork,remindingherselfofall thenecessities survival demanded.Yetas was tobe expected, conflictsarosebetweenthosefromthewarringclans,theiroldanimositiesrefusingtobeforgottenwithinthecourseofasingle day.
Still, there was no time. And thus, Yvaine did nottryto soothe and reassure. She simplyshouted, “Enough!,” her voice cuttingthroughthe heated arguments “We have come here to startanew To leave behind the hatred and bloodshed thathas plaguedour lives for toolong.”Her eyes were hardas theyfixeduponthose arguingthe loudest.“Ifwe are to succeed, we mustworktogether,asonepeople Doso orleave”
Herwordshungintheair,heavywithtruthandconviction Thecrowdfellsilent,andforamoment,Yvainefearedshehad ruinedeverything,certaintheywouldnowallturntheirbacksandreturntothelivestheyknew.Instead,though,peoplebegan toturntotheir tasks,albeitreluctantly Somesetupcampfor thenightwhileothers startedcooking Afew ventured into the surroundingwoodstogatherfirewood,andotherssearchedforfoodandwatersources.
Yvainewatchedasthechildren,firsthesitant,begantoplaytogether,tentativelyeyeingoneanother.Soon,though,theecho ofsoftlaughtercouldbeheardhereandthere,andhopeblossomedanewinYvaine’sheart Aye,itwasalwaystheveryyoung whoknew besthow toforgetthepastandlooktowardthefuture.Perhapswithalittletimeandeffort,theirparentscoulddo thesame,allowthewoundsofthepasttohealandbeginagain
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows by the time the second group of people arrived on the shores of MacKinnear Island.Exhausted fromtheir journey, theystood hesitantlyonthe beach, glancingwarilyatone another. Yvaine couldseetheapprehensionintheireyes,andsheknew itwasherdutytohelpthemovercometheirfears Never hadshefelt closer toher truefather thaninthesemoments,feelingtheweightofresponsibilityuponher ownshoulders.Always hadshe beenthe carefree daughter, seekingexcitementand adventure, and althoughshe had found plentyofit, now was the time to standtallandbethevoiceofreason,ofcompassionandhope.
“Welcome,”Yvainecalledouttothenewcomers,hervoicestrongandsteady.“Joinusupattheruins.Wehavebeguntoset upshelterforthenightandawarmfiretowardoffthechill”Shebreathedindeeply,awidesmileuponherface “Smellthat? That’s our supper, roastingas we speak. Follow me.” And thus, Yvaine led another group up the slope toward the ancient castle I wonder who first built it,shethoughtasshewalkedahead,her gazetakingintheglowingruinsatthetop Atsome point,therehadtohavebeenpeoplehere.Butwho?
WithCaelenandFergussailingbacktothemainlandonelasttimetofetchthelastgroup,Yvainesettoworkorganizingthe newcomers,assigningtasks,andeasingtensionswithher calmpresence Athoughtwhichmadeher smile After all, she had neverbeenacalmpresenceinherlife.Odd,how circumstancescouldbringoutasideofonethatoneneverknew waseven there Still,aflickerofdoubtremained Wouldshetrulybeabletounitethesepeople,whohadknownnothingbuthatredand strifeforgenerations?
“Remember,Granddaughter,”hergrandmother’sgentlevoiceechoedinhermind,“nothingiseveraccomplishedovernight. Bepatientandye’llpersevere”
Yvainedrewstrengthfromthismemory,pushingasideherdoubtsandfocusingonthetaskathand Astheafternoonwore onandthesunbegantoset,thefinalgrouparrivedontheisland.Theoldcastleruinswereawashinawarm,goldenlight,and alargefireblazedinthecourtyard,castingflickeringshadowsonthetentsthathadbeenerectedforshelter
“Come,” Yvaine said, beckoningeveryone to gather around the fire “Let us breakbread together We’ve accomplished muchtoday,andwedeserveagoodmeal...andagoodstory.”Sheaddedthatlastpartwithabitofamischievouswink,and tentativechucklesdriftedtoherearsinreward
As foodwas handedout,the atmosphere begantochange People frombothclans gatheredaroundthe fire Thoughmost stillsatwiththeirownclansmen,tentativeconversationssprunguphereandtheredespitetheoldsuspicionsthatstilllingered. Yettherewasanundeniablesenseofhopethatpermeatedthegathering
“Lookatthem,”CaelenwhisperedtoYvaineastheystoodofftotheside,watchingtheirpeoplecometogether “Wouldye everhavebelievedthispossible?”Awestoodinhiseyes.
Yvainenodded,unshedtearsprickingthebacksofhereyes.“Iken’twastobe,andyet...,”sheagreedsoftly.“Westillhave alongroadaheadofus,though,”shewarned,afraidtobemisledbythisfirsthopeful steps “Wemustnaletour guarddown andstepinwheneverneedbe.”
Ratherabruptly,Caelenreachedforherhand,tuggingheralongtoadarkcornerofthecourtyard,awayfromthewatchful eyes oftheir people Thesunlightwas fadingfast,andits lastrays castawarmglow over their makeshiftcamp “IkenI’ve saidsobefore,andIalsokenthatI’venorighttodoso.”Heswallowedhard,hisgazeurgentuponhers.“Iwantyetostay, Yvaine Iwantyetostayhere withme forever”
Caught off guard, Yvaine stared into Caelen’s eyes, her heart suddenlybeatingso fast that she could not seemto draw enoughairintoherlungs.“Caelen,I...”
Closinghis eyes,he shookhis headathimself,his hands tightuponhers.“I’msorry.IkenIshouldna have said anything but ”Heheavedadeepsigh,analmosthelplessexpressionuponhisface “Iloveye WhatcanIsay?Ido AndIneedyeto kenhowIfeelaboutye.”Alongbreathrushedfromhislipsasheleanedbackagainstacrumblingwall,pullingheralong.“I cannaimaginethisplacewithoutye Yebelonghere Ikenyedo And ” Hebrokeoffabruptlythencastherasheepishsmile “Ishouldnahavesaidallthat,”hemurmured,hanginghishead “’Tis yer decision, and Iwould never take thatchoice fromye. Iunderstand well whatI’maskingofye.” He glanced across the courtyard to where Fergus and Gwynethsatamongtheir people, their faces aglow and their arms entwined as theylaughed together.“Myfamilyishere,and’twouldbreakmyhearttoleavethem.”Hisblueeyesreflectedthefirelightashelookedat her “Isimplyneededyetoknowhow ”
Overwhelmed, Yvaine surged into his arms, burying her face against his shoulder “I feel it as well,” she whispered, clingingtohimasthoughhemightvanishintothinairifshedidnot.Wasthathowhefelt?Thatifheturnedhisback,shemight vanishtoaplacewherehecouldnotfollow?“IwishIcould ”Shesoughthisgaze “Iloveyeaswell,butmyfamily I I wishI...”Theresimplywerenowordstodojusticetothewarraginginsideherheart.
“Iken,”Caelenmurmured,gentlycuppinghercheek.“Ikenthat’tisfarfromeasyforye,andIdunnawishtoputpressure onye,lass Isimply wantyetoken”
TheireyesremainedlockedforalongmomentbeforeCaelenabruptlytuggedherforward,hislipsclaiminghersinafierce kiss.Itwaslikeawildfirethatquicklyspreadthroughoutherbody,settingeverynervealight.Hishandswerewarmandgentle
astheyroamedoverherback,pullingherclosertohim.Shemeltedintohisembrace,feelingtheheatradiatingfromhisbody. Hislipsweresoftyetdemandingasheexploredherswithanintensitythatremindedheroftheirearlierkisses
Yvaine moaned softlyinto his mouth, the sound seemingto fill himwithhunger and desire His hands moved downher sidesbeforefindingtheirwaybackupagain,caressinghercurvesasifhewerememorizingthemforeternity.
Justincase.
Then,Caelenpulled awayever so slightly,his gaze searchinghers witha mixture oflongingand desire. He brushed his lips against her mouthone last time before restinghis forehead against hers Theystayed like that for what seemed like an eternity until finally he stepped back and took a deep breath to steady himself. “Ye promised thema story,” he murmured againstherlips,hisblueeyesaglowinthelightfromthefire
Yvainebitherlip,herheartstillinturmoil Ifshedidnotstepbacknow Sheswallowedhardthennodded “Aye,Idid” Anotherstepbroughtmoredistancebetweenthem,andyetYvainecouldstillfeelCaelen’sgazelikeatouchuponherskin.
“Go,”hewhisperedwithawarmsmileuponhisface,andyettheexpressioninhiseyesmirroredtheupheavalofherown emotions “Theylooktoyeforreassurance”
Witharenewedsenseofpurpose,YvainemadetostepawayfromCaelenbutpausedthen.“Nottome,”shewhispered,anda slowsmilespreadacrossherface “Tous”Sheheldoutherhandtohim,andhetookit,theexpressionuponhisfacewarming Yvainemorethanthefireinthecourtyard.
Autumnwaswellonitsway,andthenightairwascool.Peoplehuddledclosetogether,theirhandswrappedaroundtheir bowlsofsteamingstew,astheysataroundthefire,soakingupitscomfortingwarmth
Handinhand,YvaineandCaelensteppedforward,exchangingonelastglancebeforetheyturnedtotheirpeople.“Listen closely,”Caelencalledthemalltogether,beckoningwithhisfreehandtothosewhostilllingeredabitfartheraway.“Yvaine promisedyeastory,andastoryyeshallhave”Hegrinnedatherrathermischievously,andfromonemomenttothenext,the easethathadbeenbetweenthembeforereturned.
Yvainelaughed,herheartfeelinglighter.Thenshesteppedforward,awareofalltheeagerfacesturnedtowardher.“’Tisa tale ofour clan’s future,” she began, her voice clear and strong “Ofwhatwe canbecome ifwe stand united and leave old hatredsbehind.”
The childrenleaned in, eyes wide withcuriosity. Their faces were innocentand free fromthe weariness thatcame with experience TheywhisperedquestionsinhushedtonesasYvainespoke,tooenthralledtovoicethemoutloud Theadultsalso listenedattentively;they,too,wantedtoknowmoreaboutthisstrangerwhohadappearedasthoughoutofnowhere.Yearshad passedsinceYvaine’sdisappearanceasayounglassie,andnow,allofasudden,shestoodbeforethem Ofcourse,theyhad questions;Yvainecouldseeitupontheir faces.Shedidher besttoweaveacaptivatingnarrative,speakingoffamily,of her family,withoutrevealinghertrueorigins Instead,shedescribedathrivingcommunity,theoneshehadgrownupin,boundby loveandrespect,whereeveryonehadachancetobehappy.
“This island,” Yvaine continued, eachword spokenwithslow emphasis, “has a protector.” Instantly, hushed silence fell over the crowd, and Yvaine smiled, aware of their fascination “Rumors are that a sea serpent dwells beneath the waves, safeguardingnotjustthisspeckoflandbutallthosewhocallithome.”
Thechildrengaspedinawe,their imaginations nodoubtpaintingvividimages ofthemythical creature.Their eyes grew round,andsomeevenclaspedtheirlittlehandsoverthemouths
“Ye needna fear it,” Yvaine reassured them, “for it would never harma soul upon this island Ye have my word” Of
course, the glisteningcobblestone pathhiddenjustbeneaththe waves could notcause anyharm, and Yvaine prayed thatits secretwouldremainashiddenasthepathitselfintheyearstocome Itwasawonderfulstory,andsheknewfromexperience thatitinspiredasenseofbelonging,ofsafety,ofwonder.
Awe lingeredinthe air thatfirstnightuponMacKinnear Island,andalthoughYvaine knew a roughroadlayahead,there weresparksofhopeeverywhere
“Thisisournewhome,”Caelenstatedinhisstrong,deepvoice,hishandsclaspedtohershouldersashestoodbehindher “Thisistheplacewhereourchildrencangrowupfreeofourpast;yet’tisuptoustoensuresuchafuture.Letuslearnfromthe pastbutnotbeshackledbyit.”Helookedaroundthefire,fromfacetoface,imploringpeopletoforgetoldhatredandmove forward.“Forourchildren.”
Allaroundthefire,peoplenoddedinagreement,theireyesaglowwithhopeandpurpose.SomeevenpickedupCaelen’s words,“Forourchildren,”andtheyechoedaroundthefireasthenightdeepened,keepingatbaythedarkandwhisperingofa bettertomorrow.
Caelenstoodatopthecliff,hisblueeyessurveyingtheislandthatwastobecometheirnewhome.Theruinsoftheancient fortress loomed before him, a silentsentinel thatno doubthad witnessed countless battles and generations ofwarriors The wind whipped athis almostblackhair as he tookinthe landscape, feelinga strange sense ofpeace and determination washoverhim
“Ye think we can make it work?” Yvaine asked, her fiery-red curls dancing around her face as she joined himon the precipice.Hergreeneyessparkledwithhope,mirroringhisownthoughts.
“Aye,”Caelenreplied,his gaze lingeringonthe crumblingstone walls.“We’ll startbyrebuildingthe keeptoensure our people’ssafety Later,wecanfocusonsettingupthevillageandharbordownbytheshore”
Fergusnoddedinagreementasthelateautumnsuntoucheduponhisdarkhairandgreeneyes,givinghimabitofawicked expression.“Itwon’tbeeasy,mindye,buttogether,wecanmakethisplaceourown.”Henodded,fullofenthusiasm,rubbing hishandstogetherasthoughhecouldnotwaittosettowork
Overthenextfewweeks,thepeopleofbothclansworkedtirelesslytorestoretheancientfortress Thesoundsofmenand womenpoundingstoneandwoodrangthroughtheair.Therhythms weresofamiliar anddear thattheyseemedtohavebeen coursing through Caelen’s veins for centuries The calls of seabirds, echoing off the cliffs, mingled with the shouts of construction.ToCaelen,itsoundedlikeagreatsongbeingwoventogether,witheachnoteneededtomakeitcomplete.
Despite their shared goal, though, tensions sometimes flared between those formerly of Clans MacCarmaigs and MacLeòirs Centuriesofenmitycouldnotbeerasedovernight,andoldgrudgesstillsimmeredbeneaththesurface However, CaelenandYvainewerealwaystheretoquellanydisputes,theirloveforeachotherservingasasymbolofunitybetweenthe twoclans
As time wenton, the unlikelyduo oftall and burlyLiam, formerlyofClanMacCarmaig, and dainty-like-a-pixie Isobel, formerly of Clan MacLeòir, grew in importance. When tempers flared, they were often able to mediate with humor and compassion One day,twoclansmennearlycame toblows over a huntingdispute Liam,though, stepped inbetweenthe two enragedmen.“Letusnotfight,”hedeclared,holdingouthishandswhichcontainedsomeofthegamemeathehadhuntedthat day “Takethisasagestureofgoodwill andletusputasideourdifferences”Hiswordshungheavilyintheair,andthetwo menlookedateachotherandthenbackatLiam.ItwasIsobelwhosteppedforwardinthatmoment,hersmallframebelyingthe strengthofhervoice “Letusnotwastethisbeautiful daywithsuchbickering,”shesaidwithasweetsmile “Surelywecan cometogetherandfigureouthowtoshareinawaythatisfairforall.”
Liamsmiled appreciativelyatIsobel’s suggestionwhenshe beganto singquietly, her voice liltingand lightas a pixie’s wingsinthesummerbreeze Thesongwasoneofpeaceandunderstanding,encouragingeveryonetoputasidetheirdifferences and find common ground. Others, drawn by her song, soon joined in, singing softly as they shared the food that Liamhad brought Inno time atall, tensions had beendefused and the group laughed as theyshared stories oftheir families and lives
beforecomingtogetheronthisisland.
WhileLiamoftenstoodasthevoiceofreason,Isobel’slaughterwaslikebellsringingoutinjoyouscelebration.Itseemed impossible nottobe filledwithwarmthwhenshe was around Her gentle spiritwas infectious and she oftenfound ways to makethosearoundhersmileorlaugheveninthemostdifficultcircumstances.Shehadbecomeanimportantpartofthislittle familyofsorts,bringinglifeintoeverymomentwithherhumorandcompassionforothers
Caelen smiled at the sight Aye, without realizing it, their people had come to rely on Liam’s and Isobel’s soothing interferenceindiscoveringnewwaystospeaktooneanother.Thankstotheirefforts,theairuponMacKinnearIslandslowly filledwiththesoundoflaughterandcamaraderie,ratherthanangryshouts.
“’Tisgoingwell,Caelen,”Yvainesaidoneevening,astheyonceagainstoodsidebysideonthecliff,watchingthesunset overthesea.“Ourpeoplearebeginningtotrusteachother.”
Caelennodded,savoringthismomentofpeaceafteralmostalifetimeofconflict.Toolonghadtheirtwoclansbeenatwar, this terrible feud standingbetweenthemeverydayofhis life, and so a partofhimcould nothelp butbe surprised byhow smoothlythings were going. Everyone was pullingtheir weight. Everyone was tryinghard. Everyone was hopeful. “Winter will be here soon,” he murmured, tucking Yvaine into his arms. The wind blew strong, and she snuggled deeper into his embrace,herfierycurlsdancinguponthebreeze,ticklingthesideofhisface.“Wemusthurrytoprepare.”
“Aye,” Yvaine agreed, resting her head against his shoulder. “It willna be easy.” She gazed up at him. “Yet we never expectedittobe,didwe?”Ateasinggrinclaimedherlips,temptingCaelentobendhisheadandstealakiss
“We didna,” he murmured, his eyes lingering upon hers, imagining not only the future of their clan but also their own personalfuture.Though,washefoolinghimself?Hisgazeshiftedfromher andoutwardtothesea,imaginingbeyondthetall cliffstothesouththesmallislandwhereaccordingtoYvainetheportallayhiddeninanundergroundcavern “Haveyethought ofwhatyewilldo?”
The expressionuponYvaine’s face changed,andCaelencouldtell thatshe understoodhim.“I’mafraidtogothere,” she murmured, her eyes distantas thoughinthatmomentshe were picturingthe cavern “I’mafraid ofwhatI’ll find there” She blinked,andhereyesturnedtomeethis.“WhatifIcannagoback?”
Caelen’sheartpausedinhischest.
“What if I can?” Yvaine sighed deeply, the expression upon her face utterly torn. “I dunna ken what I want. I want everything”Shescoffed,shakingherhead,makinghercurlsdancewildlyuponthebreeze “WhatdoIdo?”Hergazesearched his.
Closinghiseyes,Caelenheavedadeepbreath.“Dunnaaskmethat,”hemurmuredbeforelookingather oncemore.“Ye kenwhatIwant” His arms tightened uponher, pullingher deeper into his embrace “Ye canna expectme to be unbiased I cannamakethisdecisionforye.’Tisyers,andyersalone.”Speakingthosewordsnearlykilledhim,andyetheknewthatthis washowithadtobe
Witha bitofananguished expression, Yvaine rested her forehead againsthis chest “Inever once thought, Inever once imaginedthatbeingallowedtochoosefreelywouldfeelsoawful.”
Nomorewordspassedbetweenthemthatdayastheystoodupontheclifftop.Thespotwasquicklybecomingtheirplace, aplacetheyretreatedtowhentheywantedtobealonetogether Sometimeswordswerenotrequired Sometimes theysimply stood in each other’s arms, sweeping their gaze over the sea and the island as well. Almost every evening they found themselveshere,andsometimeseventhroughouttheday Itwasaplacewheretheycouldbreathe,wheretheycouldgetaway fromthebuzzofactivityaroundtheruins,ruinsthatwerechanging,takingonthefeelingofaplacetheycouldcallhome.
Perhapsafortnightlater,Caelenoncemorestoodatopthecliff,hiseyesscanningthehorizonashelistenedtothesoundsof theirpeopleworkingdiligentlybelow Hisownfacewasbathedinsweat,hisshirtsoakedthrough Hismusclesached,andyet Caelencouldnotremember ever havingfeltsomuchatease.The verysightbefore his eyes was peaceful andsoothing,and when he looked down at the woman standing beside him, he could not help but smile The sunlight danced on the waves, castingashimmeringpathacrossthewaterthatseemedtoleadstraighttotheirisland,andYvaine’spresencebesidehim,her warmthanddetermination,fueledhimevenastheworkaheadloomedlarge
“’Tisaperfectday,isnait?”Caelenmurmuredasheclosedhiseyesandsimplyenjoyedthelateautumnsunshineaswell asthechillingeastwinduponhisface.Aye,winterwouldbeuponthemsoon.
Besidehim,CaelenfeltYvaineshiftuponher feet,andwhenshefailedtorespondtohisquestion,heopenedhiseyesto seewhathadclaimedherattention
Indeed,she stoodwithher eyes squinted,slightlyleaningforward,one handshieldingher eyes as she peeredouttosea “Doyeseethat?Isthataboat?”
Movingtostandbesideher,Caelenliftedahandtohisowneyes.“Aye,itlookslikeaboat.Avisitor?”Hisgazeshiftedto meethers,seeingtherethesameapprehensionthatteasedhisownpulse “Orperhaps ?”Heraisedhisrightbrow
Yvaineshrugged,andher posturestiffened “Idunnaken Butwe mustbe prepared” Shegraspedhis hand “Letus head downtotheshore.”Theybegantheirdescent,thegrassyslopeleadingthemdowntotheruinswheremanypeoplewerestill hard atworkrestoringit, the clangofhammers onstone interspersed withthe cheers ofthose who were watching As they passedby,Caelennoticedafew ofthemglancinghisway,clearlyconfusedbytheir rapiddescent.He ignored them, though, andkeptwalking,unwillingtocauseanyundueconcern Afterall,itwasyetunclearwhoseboatitwas
Justastheyreachedthebottomofthehill,ayoungMacLeòirladcamerunninguptothem,pointingexcitedlyatsomething inthe distance. His eyes were wide, and the wayhe looked atYvaine senta cold shiver downCaelen’s back. “Look! ’Tis Logan!He’sinthatboat!’TisLogan!”Disbeliefclungtohisvoiceashepointedatasmallcraftmakingitswaytowardtheir fledglingharbor,whichatthispointwasnomorethanasimpledock.
“Logan!”Yvainegasped,hergreeneyeswideningassheclutchedCaelen’sarm,herfingersdiggingintohisflesh.“Canit be?”Hereyesmethisforasplitsecondbeforetheysoughtthesmall boatoncemore,narrowing,tryingtosee “He’s dead,” she murmuredas thoughfightingtokeepher hopes fromsoaringtothe sky.“We saw himdie,didwe not?” she spunto face him,desperateforananswer
Caelen grasped her hands, trying his utmost to remain calm “Let us go and see,” he said simply, afraid to see her go throughthatlossagain.Still...
Together,theyrusheddownthehillsidetowardtheshore,theirheartspoundinginunison.Astheboatreachedthemakeshift harbor,theydrewtoanabrupthalt,andCaelenfelthispulsebeatlikeahammeragainstthesideofhistemple
“Logan!”Yvainegasped,herfacesuddenlypaleasshestaredatherbrother’sbrightredhair,gleaminginthesunlight He lookedpaleandweak,whichofcoursewasnotsurprisingconsideringthearrow woundhehadsustainedamerefew weeks before Still,itwashim Barelystandingandhisbreathinglabored,butalive
AsYvainestaggeredtowardher brother,Caelenblinkedwhenhenoticedanother persondisembarkingfromtheboat He hadonlymetheroncebefore,andyetCaelenknewinstantlywhoshewas:Catriona.Indeed,herpale,almostwhitehairgave heraway,andthealmostsereneexpressionuponherfaceremindedCaelenofthedayLoganhadnearlylosthislife Therewas trulysomethingotherworldlyabouther,asthoughsheknewmorethananyothermortal.Hergazewascalm,andyetitshowed notahintofsurpriseasitsweptovertheisland,takingintheworkthatwasbeingdoneontheoldruins Ifanythingatall,it
showedapproval,as thoughtheyhadindeedactedoutaplan,fulfilledtheir destinyas hadalways beenpredicted.Itwas an oddthought,andyetitdidnotlinger,quicklypushedasidebythediscoverythatLoganwastrulyalive
Pain still contorted his face as he staggered toward Yvaine, yet his blue eyes shone with fierce determination Caelen smiled, for the firsttime seeinga deeper resemblance betweenbrother and sister thantheir fiery-red hair. “Yvaine,” Logan croaked,reachingoutahandtowardhissister “’Tissogoodtoseeye”
Tears streamed down Yvaine’s face as she all but flung herself into her brother’s arms For a moment, he staggered backward, and Caelen feared he would crumble to the ground. Catriona’s hand at his back, though, steadied him, and he embracedYvainewiththesamefierceness,hisarmswrappingaroundherandholdinghertight.Thesightwasdeeplytouching, andCaelenstoodback,allowingthemthismomentofreunion.
“IthoughtI’dlostye,Logan,”Yvainesobbed.Thenshestoodbackandlookedupintoherbrother’sface.“Thearrow.”She shookher head,andCaelencouldseethatshewasstill afraidtobelieve “How areyehere?Ithoughtyedead Iwas there Ye...Ye...”Again,sheshookherhead,atacompletelossforwords.“Howisthispossible?”
“Catrionasavedme,”Loganwhispered,hisvoicehoarseandhiseyesglisteningwithtearsashecuppedhishandstohis sister’s face.“She nursed me backto health.” He swallowed hard, glancingatthe pale-haired womanbyhis side. “Ihadna diedbutmerely...”Heshrugged.“Icannasay.Thosefirstfewdaysareabitofablur.”
Yvaine’sgazeshiftedtothepale-hairedwoman.“Idunnakenwhattosay,”shemurmured,wipingtears fromher cheeks. “Thankye Thankyeforsavinghim Icannabelievethatweleftye,”sheadded,spinningaroundtofaceLoganoncemore “I’m sosorry.Itrulythoughtyelosttous.Otherwise,Iwouldneverhave ”
“Iken,”Loganinterrupted,oncemorecuppinghercheek.“Yeneednafeelguiltyforanything,Yvaine.Ikenhow fierceye are, and ye made me a promise, did ye not?” His brows rose questioninglybefore he lifted his gaze toward the ruins from whichthe sounds ofhammers and saws echoed downtoward them. “And Isee thatye’ve succeeded. Ye saved our people. Thankye,lass.Thankyeforallye’vedone.”
Yvaine heaveda deepsigh “Notall ofthem,I’mafraid Wetried”She glanced over her shoulder atCaelen “Onlyour fatherswouldnalisten.Afteryewerestruckbythatarrow,everythingfellapart.”
For a moment, deep sadness hung above their heads like a gray cloud on a sunny day. Then Caelen stepped forward, placinghishanduponYvaine’sshoulder “’Tis goodtohaveyeback,”hesaidtoLogan,andthewords feltstrangeuponhis tongue.NeverbeforehadhespokentoLoganinsuchamanner.Thusfar,theyhadalwaysbeenenemies.
Logansmiled weaklyathim, thoughhis eyes shone withgratitude. “Thankye for seeingto mysister.” He squeezed her hand “ItseemsI’vemissedquiteabit”
“Indeed,”Yvainereplied,wipingawayhertearsasshegazedoutacrosstheislandthatwasslowlybecomingtheirhome “Ithasnabeeneasyasyecanimagine.But,anyway,we’veallcometogether.Ithinkpeopleunderstandthatthisisthebestway, theonlywaytoliveinpeace”Hereyesglowedasshelookedtowardtheruinsandallthoseworkingthere “Aye,it’llallbe well.Together,wewillensurethatthisplacestandsstrongagainstallodds.”
AstheyhelpedLoganashore,Caelenknewthattheirpathforwardwasfraughtwithdangeranduncertainty.Yetwiththeir lovedonesbytheirside,Logannowincluded,therewasnothingtheycouldnotface orovercome
YvainecouldbarelyaverthereyesfromLoganevenforamomentastheyslowlymadetheirwayuptowardtheruins.Wasit possiblethatshewasmerelydreaming?Whatifsheblinkedandallofasuddenhewasgone?Losttoheroncemore?
TearsstilllingeredinthecornersofhereyesassheclungtoLogan’shand,offeringhersupportashelaboredtomakehis wayupthesteepslope.“Yeshouldrest,”shewhisperedtohim,wishingtheycouldhaveamomentalonetogether.Yetasthey walked, more and more people gathered around them, all stunned bythe verysightofher brother Like herself, theyhad all believed himdead and were now staringinutter disbelief, their surprise and shockonlytoo visible upontheir faces. Still, YvaineunderstoodthatquiteafewsawLogan’ssurvivalasagoodomen,asignthatperhapsthenewbeginningontheisland wastrulyblessed.
“I’ve rested for long enough,” Logan grumbled, and the tone in his voice betrayed his displeasure with his current condition “I’vebeenflatonmybackforthepastfewweeks Believeme,themomentIfeltstrongenoughtostandup,nothing couldstopmefromcominghere.”Again,hesqueezedherhand,hiseyesseekinghers.“Thatfirstdaywemet,”hemurmured, onlyloudenoughforhertohear,“righthereuponthisisland,Ikenthatonedayyewouldshaketheearth”Hegrinnedwidely, andforamoment,Yvainewasnotcertainifhiswordsweremeantasacompliment.“Icouldseeitinyereyes.”
“Bythe gods,” Liambreathed, his eyes wide withamazementas he shouldered his waythroughthe crowd and came to standinfrontofLogan Themenhadbeengoodfriendssincetheiryouth,andLiamwouldhavebeenatLogan’ssidethatdayin theclearingifhehadnotbeenoneofthemenchosentoremainbehindandsecurethekeep.“Wethoughtyelost,Logan.”
“Oh, so did I,” Logan replied weakly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Amoment later, Liamalmost crushed himin a bearlikeembrace “Careful,”Logangroaned,hisfaceabitcontorted “I’mnotquitemyselfyet”
MoreandmorevoicescalledforthetaleofLogan’ssurvival,andbeforelongtheywereall settledinthecourtyard The sunwas beginningto set, and people putdowntheir tools and gathered close around the fire. Seeingtheir eagerness, Logan raisedahandtosilencethem,asmileuponhisface “Ifyewillbequiet,Ishalltellyewhathappened”
Again,hespokeofthedayintheclearing,andforamoment,Yvainesqueezedhereyesshut,tryingtoblockouttheimages hiswordsconjured.Sheknew shewouldnever forgetthemomenthehadbeenstruckbythatarrow;andyetevennow,even knowinghehadsurvived,itwasstilltorturetoreliveit
Catriona satclose by,her eyes observantandtraineduponLogan The youngwomanseemed to note everytwistofpain uponhisface,everylaboredbreath,herownexpressiononeofwatchfulconcern.ThoughYvainehadnotknownsobefore,she gatheredthattheyoungwomanwasahealer,trainedtojudgeanother’spainanddetermineitsseriousnessandorigin Hadshe notbeentherethatday...
Yvaineshookherhead,notevenwishingtoimaginesuchascenario.
“’TwasCaelenandYvainewhosavedmefrombeingtrampledonthebattlefield,”Logancontinued,achucklerumblingin his throat, but his eyes, though, did not dance withhumor “I must admit I dunna quite recall whenCatriona found
nodded toward the pale-haired woman, who answered his gaze witha softsmile. “As far as Iwas told, Caelenand Yvaine believed me dead whentheyleft to save ye” He gestured around the fire, and grateful smiles appeared uponthe people’s faces.
“Tell us whathappened, Catriona,” Gwynethasked, her voice tremblingwithemotionas she clungto Fergus’s arm. Her eyes,too,shonewithtears HerhearttouchedbyLogan’sstorylikesomanyothers “Howdidyesavehim?”
“Ah,well,”Catrionabegan,forthefirsttimelookinguncomfortableundertheintensegazeofthecrowd Yvainecouldnot help but wonder how muchtime the youngwomanspent onher own, always actinginthe background, watchingothers but herselfunseen. “Itended to himas bestas Icould. Then, shortlyafter dark, mypeople found us and aided me inremoving Loganfromthe battlefield. We brought himto a safe place where he was able to recuperate enoughto attempt the journey here.”
YvainecouldtellfromtheexpressionuponCatriona’sfacethattheyoungwomanwaschoosingherwordsmostcarefully Indeed,whatlittle she hadsaidinspireda myriadofquestions inYvaine’s mind. My people.Who indeed were her people? Yvaine vaguelyremembered Catriona speakingof her family, her mother and those before her, mentioningthat theyall had certaintalentswhichtheyusedtoguidepeopledowntherightpath.Still,Yvainecouldnotimaginewhatsuchalifewouldlook like. Were theya family? Acommunity? Onlya handful of people or a great many? Somehow, Yvaine felt certainthat they wouldneverknow.
“Thankye,Catriona,forallye’vedone.Yehaveoureternalgratitudeforsavingmybrother,”Yvainestatedforalltohear beforesherosetoherfeetandlookeduponherpeople.“IamcertainyeallaremostcuriousabouteverylittledetailofLogan’s journey.However,mybrotherisstillweakandneedstorecover.”Inthecornerofhereye,shecaughtLoganfrowningather, clearlydispleasedwithbeingpaintedasweak.“Therefore,pleaseenjoyyer eveningbutshow patiencetowardmybrother.” ShesmiledatthemandthentuggedLogantohisfeet.
WithFergusandCaelensupportingLogan,theymadetheirwayuptotheirhutnestledamongtheruins,whichhadbecome theirmakeshifthome.GwynethandCatrionafollowed,concernetchedontheirfaces.Onceinsidethedimlylitspace,Yvaine impulsivelyembracedherbrotheryetagain,herownthoughtsofpatienceforgotten.“IneverthoughtI’deverseeyeagain.”
Loganchuckledweakly.“Ye’llsmothermebeforeIcanfullyrecover,Sister,”heteasedbeforeseatinghimselfonachairin thecorner.“AsmuchasIhatetoadmitit,I’mnotquitestrongenoughyet.”
“Forgiveme,”Yvainelaughedthroughhertears.“Istillcannabelieveye’rehere,alive.”
“NeithercanI,”Loganadmitted,hisvoicebarelyawhisper.“So,tellme,whatarewedoinghereonthisisland?”Afrown tuggeduponhisbrowsashisgazemovedfromYvainetoCaelenandback.“Whydidyecomehereofallplaces?” YvaineandCaelenexchangedglancesbeforeslowlyexplainingtheirplan,theirhopetorebuildtheancientruinsandcreate anewclan,freefromthefeudsthatplaguedtheirfamilies.
“Yehavechosenanoblepath,”Logansaid,hiseyessadyetproud “Butourfatherwillneverchange,Yvaine Icanseethat now.Asmuchasitpainsmetoadmitso,aslongashelives,therewillbenochanceforpeace.”Helookeddeepintohereyes. “Thefeudcontinuesevennow.”
Yvaine stilled, those last few words sending a chill through her body Of course, she had never imagined the conflict betweenthetwoclanswouldsimplyvanishthemomenttheyreachedtheisland.Still,tohearthatthefightingwasongoingwas painful. Her first instinct was to interfere, to return to the mainland and save the rest of her people. Yet one glance into Catriona’sfacetoldherthatthatwasnotherpath,thatitcouldnotbedone.WasthatnotwhatLoganhadsaidonlyamoment ago?“Thenwemustensureitdoesnatouchushere,”Yvainedeclaredthen,andherheartbrokeforallthoseleftbehind.“We
shallrebuildthisplaceandfortifyit,ensuringthesafetyofourpeople.”Yetwerethoseleftbehindonthemainlandnotalsoher people?
Instantly,hermindconjurednotonlyanimageofallthoseshehadcometoknowsincesteppingthroughtheportal,butmost particularlyanimageofhermotherandheryoungestbrother,Rory.Althoughtheirfatherhaddisagreed,Roryhadneverbeen borntobeawarrior Hewasahistorian,astoryteller;ayoungladwithakindheartwhoalwayssawthegoodinpeopleand didnotwishtoharmanotherlivingsoul.Wherewashenow?Washesafe?
I ought not have left without him.
Yvaine’sheartclenchedatthethoughtofherlittlebrother,imagininghiminthemidstoftheirclans’feud.Instinctively,she reached for Caelen’s hand, seeking comfort “Rory,” she whispered, fear gripping her heart “What if he is caught in the crossfire? We should have taken himwith us.” Thus far, Yvaine had tried not to think of those who had remained on the mainland,tellingherselfthatitservednopurpose Now,though,thatsheknewthefightingwasongoing,therewasnowayfor hertosilenceherheart.
Caelensqueezedherhandreassuringly.“We’llfindawaytomakesureheissafe,lass.Dunnaworry.”
“HaveyereceivedanywordfromChiefMorganach?”Loganasked,hisexpressionfilledwithconcern.
“Nay,”Yvaineshookherhead.“Whydoyeask?”
Logan’s lips remained sealed, and yet the expression upon his face spoke of anguish as he met her gaze, and Yvaine understood
Sensingtheneedforprivacy,YvainelookedtoCaelen,hergazeindicatingFergus,Gwyneth,andCatriona “Wouldyemind givingusamomentalone?”
Thoughclearlysurprisedbythisrequest,theothersnodded,understandingtheneedforsiblingconfidentiality.Astheyfiled outofthehut,YvaineheldCatrionabackforabriefmoment “Thankye,truly,forsavingLogan’slife”
“Yearewelcome,lass,”Catrionareplied,asmallsmilegracingherlipsbeforeshejoinedtheothersoutside Oncetheywerealone,YvainereturnedherfocustoLogan “Yecanspeakfreely,Logan Tome,atleast Ihopeyekenthat” Shesteppedtowardhim,placingahanduponhisshoulderasheliftedhisheadtolookather.“IkenhowyefeelaboutEllen, andIunderstandthatye’reconcerned ’Tisnothingtohide”Shechuckledsoftly “Imyselffellinlovewithourenemy’sson”
Awide grinstretched across Logan’s face, and itfeltgood to see it “Ye admititthen?” he asked, his gaze intense as it lingereduponhers.“Before...yeseemedabithesitant.”
“Aye, Iwas. Perhaps Istill am,” Yvaine admitted, aware thather feelings for Caelenwere far fromsimple. “Love isna easy,notevenunderthebestofcircumstances Andnow?”Sheshrugged “Allwecandoischoosethepeoplewelove,inour heartsandatourside.”
Logannodded,adeepsighdriftingfromhislips.“Seeingher again...itoverwhelmed me,” he confessed, his voice thick withemotion “Myheartisstillhersandevershallbe Before,IthoughtIcouldforgether,domydutytoourfather,doashe demanded,butnow... now IkenthatIwill never find peace ifIdunna go to her.” Withhis jaw setindetermination, Logan struggledtohisfeet “Ineedafindher,andtellherthat ”
“Thatyeloveher,”Yvainestatedsoftly,smilingatherbrother’svulnerability Aye,inthebeginning,shehadonlyseenthe fiercewarrior,his mindrational andhis eyescold.Now,though,sheknew thathis emotions wentfar below thesurface.He knewhowtokeepthemhidden,andperhapshewouldhavedonesoforalltime
Had I not come, Yvaine said silently to herself, considering everything that might have gone differently had she never
steppedthroughtheportal.Forbetterorforworse.
“Aye,Ido,”Loganadmittedwithanalmostmesmerizedsmileuponhisface.Indeed,beinginlovesuitedhim.“Iloveher, and I want her by my side She needs to ken that” He heaved a deep breath, then he settled one of his large hands upon Yvaine’sshoulder.“AndwhatofyeandCaelen?Aye,yelovehimbut...”Hisbrowsrosequestioninglyashelookedatherwith allthewisdomofanolderbrother “Somethingstandsbetweenthetwoofye Icanseeit”
Yvaine hesitated, unsure how to explainher ownsituation She knew she had a choice to make to stayinthe pastwith Caelen, or returnto the future where her familyresided. The decisionweighed heavilyonher heart, butitwas notone she could share withLoganjustyet. After all, as ofyet, he had no notionwhere she had beenall these years. Besides Caelen, FergusandGwynethweretheonlyoneswhoknew,andYvainewasnotcertainifLoganwouldunderstand.
“Logan,I...”shebegan,searchingfortherightwords.“IdoloveCaelen,butthereare...complications.”
“Complications?”Loganraisedhiseyebrowafractionhigher,concernetchedonhisface.
“ThingsIcannaexplainjustyet,”Yvainereplied,hopinghewouldunderstand.“ButkenthatIwantnothingmorethanfor all of us to find happiness and peace inthis turbulent world” She heaved a deep sigh, reminded at that moment that many people struggled withthese sorts ofemotions, always tornbetweenhope and fear. Few decisions inlife were simple, easy, straightforward Mostrequiredsomesortofsacrifice Afterall,onecouldnothaveeverything Yetevenknowingthatdidnot makeitanyeasier.
“Thenletushavehope,Sister,”Logansaid,reachingforherhand.“Together.”
Yvainesmiledathim,gratefultohaveLoganbackathersideformorethanonereason.Aye,shetrulyandhonestlyloved him,butitalsofeltwonderfultohaveanolderbrotherwatchingoutforheragain Sheneverthoughtshewouldtrulymissbeing thelittlesister.Still,shehadgrownupthatwayanditfeltfamiliarandreassuring.
Aye,together.
Over the nextfew days, Caelenfound himselfdeep indiscussions withYvaine and Loganonhow bestto proceed. They gatheredaroundamakeshifttablewithintheruins,amapofthesurroundinglandsspreadoutbeforethem Theweightof theongoingfeudbetweentheir former clansseemedtopressdownonthemlikeastormcloud,castingasomber atmosphere overthegroup CaelencouldnothelpbutglanceatYvaine,hergreeneyescloudedwithworryasshetracedherfingeralong thelinesoftheirhomeland.
“Yvaine,yekenthereisnotimetolose,”Logansaid,hisvoicelacedwithconcern.“Wecannabecertainwhathappenson themainlandinourabsence”Hehuffedoutadeepbreath,pacinganxiously “Icannasithereanddonothing Ihavetokenhow theyare.EllenandRoryboth.”
“Logan,Iunderstand.Believeme.Thereis nothingIwantmoremyself,”Yvainedeclaredemphatically,her gazeseeking her brother’s, urginghimto understand “Onlyye’re still too weak Ye barelymade ithere, and the firsttwo days after yer arrival,yecouldbarelystand.Thejourneytookitstoll,andyehavetoallowyerbodytimetoheal.”
Afrustrated growl rose fromLogan’s throat. “Catriona made thatclear before she left,” he grumbled, runninga nervous handthroughhisdisheveledhair “Isitherwaytosimply disappearintothinair?”heinquiredabruptly
Caelensighed,watchingbrotherandsisterintently HesympathizedwithLogan,knowingfrompersonalexperiencewhatit feltlike tobe separatedfromthe womanhe lovedwhile concernedfor her well-being.Still, inhis currentcondition, Logan wouldbenohelptothem Infact,hewouldbealiability Hemightevengethimselfkilled,andthatwouldservenoone Still, remainingbehindwasclearlynotanoptionforLogan.That,too,Caelenunderstood.Perhapsinafewdays’time,Loganwould bestrongenoughtoattemptthejourneytothemainlandandfartheronward
“Aye, ’tis,” Yvaine replied with a chuckle “Catriona comes and goes as she pleases Now that ye’re here and safe, I suppose she feels she is no longer needed.” She shrugged before her gaze became thoughtful. “How she got off the island, though,puzzlesme Afterall,noneoftheboatsaremissing,noteventheonethetwoofyearrivedin”
Caelenchuckled “Perhapsshedidnaleavetheislandatall,”hesuggested,grinningwidelyasbrotherandsisterlookedat him with frowns upon their faces. “After all, we havena looked farther than the camp. She could be anywhere.” Indeed, perhapsCatrionaremainedclosetotheportalortoYvaine Afterall,morethanonceshehadshownupratherunexpectedlybut alwayswhenshewasneeded.Howcouldshedosoifshewerenotnearby?
Logansighed,andtheexpressionuponhisfacechanged,histhoughtsclearlyturningawayfromCatrionaandbacktoward Ellen “Ihave tokenifshe’s safe,” he imploredYvaine “Ihave tosee her AndRoryas well”His voice was strained, his gazepleading.“Icannabearthethoughtofeitheroneofthemcaughtupinthisbloodfeud.”
Tensionhungheavyintheair,andCaelenknewtheyneededtomakeadecision.HealsorecognizedthatYvainewouldnot beswayedfromaccompanyingher brother He couldsee itinher eyes “Ifye go,” he stated, needingto voice his concerns, “there’sariskyemightbecapturedbyyerfather’swarriors.”Heswallowedhard.“Ormine.”
“Iamawareofthat,”Loganreplied,wavingCaelen’s objectionawayas thoughitmatterednot.“I’mwillingto take that risk”Thesternexpressionuponhisfaceunderlinedhiswords
Yvainesteppedtowardherbrother “Iken,andIamwithye AllIamsayingisthatweneedawaitatleastafewdaysfor yetoregainyerstrength.Ellenwill never forgiveusifweallow anyharmtocometoye.”Shegavehimastrangelychiding look,onemoresuitedtoanoldersibling
Slumpingdownintoachair inthecorner,Logansighedthennoddedinacquiescence “Verrawell Butas soonas Ihave regainedmystrength,Iwillleave.”
Yvaine nodded in acknowledgment before she turned and walked over toward Caelen. “Speak with me alone,” she requestedsoftly,hereyesimploring
Caelennoddedandrosefromthetable,followingheroutside Theywalkedalongthecliff’sedge,theroaringwavesbelow providingasoothingbackgroundtotheirconversation“Yvaine,IunderstandthatyewishtogowithLogan,”hegraspedherby the shoulders,spinningher aroundtolookathim,“butwe mustbe cautious Ifanythinghappens toye ” He could notquite finishthesentence,his heartalreadyinanuproar atthemerethoughtofit.Whywas italways sosimple torushintodanger whensomeoneonelovedwasatstake?Yetatthesametimetoallowanothertodothesamewasnighonimpossible
Understandingglistenedinhereyesassheleanedcloser,hervoicenomorethanawhisperashergazesoughthis “Iken,” Yvainesaidsimply,clearlyawarethatnopromisescouldalleviatehisfearsforher.“ButRoryisourbrother.Wemustmake sureheissafe AndEllen ”Sheshrugged,andadeepsmilecametoherface “Helovesher Heloveshertheway Ilove ye.”
Thewordshungintheairbetweenthem,andCaelenfeltawarmthspreadingthroughhischestatherconfession.Hegazed into her eyes, captivated bythe love he saw there, and drew her closer His lips met hers ina passionate kiss as his arms encircledherwaist,hisheartbeatingfastwithjoyattheknowledgethatshelovedhimjustasdeeplyashelovedher.
Yvainemeltedintohim,returninghiskisswithequalfervor.Thewavescrashedagainstthecliffbelow them,andthesun keptthemsafe fromthe wind’s icysting Theyclungto eachother for what seemed like aneternityuntil finallytheybroke apart,bothofthembreathlessfromtheintensityoftheirfeelingsforoneanother.
CaelensmileddownatYvaineandbrushedawayastrandofhairthathadcomelooseduringtheirembrace.“Wewillfind Rory,”hesaidsoftly,“andwewillmakesurethatEllenissafe”HekissedYvaine’sforeheadtenderly
“We?”Yvainewhispered,thequestioninhervoicenotvisibleintheglowthatlingeredinhereyes Indeed,Caelenknew thatsheunderstoodpreciselywhathehadmeanttosay.
“YekenIworryforye,Yvaine,”Caelensaid,hisvoicestrainedbythehowlingwind.“ButifitwereGwyneth,Iwouldgo aswell”Hewrappedhisarmstighteraroundher “AndIwillnaletyegoalone Neveragain Icouldnabearit”
Yvainenodded,hergreeneyesfilledwithunderstanding “Iken Ifitwereme,I’dfeelthesame Icouldnaletyerideoffon yerowneither,notevenifyewerecomingtosomeone’said.”Shereacheduptocuphisface.“Iwouldbeatyersideaswell.”
“Together,wecandothis,”Caelenmurmuredastheystoodineachother’sarms.“We’llfindRoryandEllen,andwewill makecertainthatourpeopleareprotected”Hegrittedhisteeth,hismindchurningwithwhattodo,howbesttoprepare “We canna be certainwhat will happenif either of our fathers will be so bold as to tryto seize the island. We canna leave it undefended”
Yvainenoddedinagreement “Aye,wemustbecertainofanythreatsthatmaycomeourway Whatdoyethink?Shouldwe leaveFergusincharge?”Hereyessearchedhis.
Caelennodded. “He’ll kenwhat to do, and he’ll have Liamand Isobel to help himkeep the peace. Together, theywill
“Thenwewilltraveltogetheroncemore,”
Yvainestatedwithafiercegrin,hereyesaglowwithadventure.Aye,apartof her wanted to be offonce more;Caelenwas certainofit She was notmeantto stayinoneplacefortoolong,forthewindconstantlytuggedheronward.
Astheystoodamidsttheruins,thesundippedtowardthehorizon,castinglong shadows across the land Embracingeachother, Caelenand Yvaine clungto the knowledge that they would walk this path together. Aye, Caelen had always dreamedofapeaceful lifetogether,awayfromtheburdensofthepast Yet, deep down,heknewthattimehadnotyetcome...ormightneverarriveatall.
“Whatever happens, Caelen,” Yvaine whispered, her voice barely audible abovethewind,“Iwillfaceitwithye Together”
“Always, Yvaine,” he replied, holdingher tighter as theywatched the sunsinkbelow the horizon, their hearts bound by loveanduncertaintyforthefuturethatlayahead.Still,CaelencouldnothelpbutwonderaboutYvaine’sintentions.Together, aye Butalways?
Yvainegazedoutacrossthemist-shroudedwater,herbreathformingpuffsofvaporinthechillyautumnair.Thefogclungto her fiery-red curls like a spectral lover as she surveyed the landscape, her greeneyes takinginthe distantshores ofthe mainland.Nearby,CaelenandLoganwereleadingtheirhorsesontooneofthelargerboatsthathadbeenconstructedinrecent weeksforthepurposeofcarryinggoods,people,andlivestock Caelenledachestnut-coloredmarewithaglossycoatwhile Logancoaxedablackstallionthatprancedconfidentlyasitsteppedontothedeckoftheboat.
Yvaine’sgazeshiftedfromthehorsestoCaelen,herheartskippingabeatasshetookinhisstrong,broadframe.Heworea simpletunicandtrousersthatshowedoffhismuscles,andhehadaleatherbeltaroundhiswaistwithabroadswordhanging fromit.Hisexpressionwasfierce,hisjawlinestrong,andhishighcheekbonesgavehimanairofnobility.Hislongdarkhair waspulledbackinatightbraidthatcurledinathisneck
Rather takenwiththesightbeforeher eyes,Yvainenotedthewayhis strongarms movedwithpurposeas hesecuredthe horses’halterstopostsondeck.Hisbroadshouldersshowedoffyearsoffightingwhilehisthickcallousedhandsrevealeda lifetimeofwieldingasword Yethiseyesweregentle,atouchofmirthinthem,astheymethers
Yvainefeltherselfblushandturnedtoleadherowndapple-graymareontotheboat Still,hereyescontinuedtostraytothe manwhohadstolenherheart.Despiteherattractiontohim,YvaineknewitwasherheartthatyearnedforCaelenmostofall. Shewantedtoknow moreabouthim,endlessquestionscirclinginher mind Aye,shefeltlikeshecouldspendhours talking withhimifgiventhechance justbeingnearhimfilledherwithwarmthandjoy.
The sunbroke throughthe clouds inthatmoment, illuminatingCaelen’s features and sendingwarmrays oflightover his face Staring, Yvaine thoughtshe could see into his soul;for beneathall ofhis strengthand power laya gentle spiritfull of compassionandunderstanding.Shewatchedhimlovinglyasheworked,knowingthatifsheeverhadneedofanyone’shelpor protection,hewouldbethereforherwithouthesitation
“Ye seemrather distracted, Sister,” Loganremarked witha bitofa mischievous twinkle inhis eyes as he led his black stallionpasther.“Aye,hadIeverstaredatalassthisunabashedly,Motherwouldhavetannedmyhide.”Hegrinnedwidelyat her
Rather unaccustomed to being teased thus and with good reason Yvaine closed her eyes, feeling heat shoot to her cheeks.“Ye’reratherobservant,Brother,”sheremarkedwithachidingtone,meetinghiseyesbeforerollingherown.“Canye nottellwhenyercommentsareunwanted?”
Logan’sgrindidnotwaver “Oh,Icantellwhenthereunwanted;however,Icannabringmyselftocare Imustsay’tisgreat funteasingye,littleSister.And,truthbetold,Ihaveyearstomakeupfor.”
Yvaineslappedhimplayfullyontheshoulder.“Ye’reimpossible.Worsethananyofmy ”Shepausedabruptlybeforeshe couldspeakofthebrothersshehadgrownupwith Afterall,Loganstilldidnotknowwhereshehadbeenallthoseyears