Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series) by Isabelle Stewart Read Free Book Online Page A

picked up her pack.
    “Let’s head out. This should be an interesting ride.” Lara said as she followed Kedryn out the door.
    When they reached the procession she noticed that behind Lady Orla’s carriage a smaller similar one was directly behind it. A glace at the horses showed Jodi in the lead of Lady Orla’s carriage and she grinned to herself.
    Orla gave a dainty wave to Lara. “I believe that Aodhan is waiting for Kedryn.”
    “Right, I better get going. See you when we stop.” Kedryn said and gave Lara a hug before he headed out.
    Orla led Lara to her carriage and Kory appeared by the door opening it for them. She motioned for Lara to go first and the he took her hand as she stepped up.
    “Derrick and I will be guarding this carriage as we head to Quenith, my Lady.”
    “I will feel the more safer for it. Thank you Lieutenant.” Lara said as she nodded to him and stepped up to find Lady Orla sitting directly across from her.
    Lara looked around. “Where are the others?”
    “If you do not mind on this stretch I would like to get to know my future daughter. Tara will join us after this first stop and Fand, Serina and Kaylee will stay in the other carriage.”
    “That sounds good to me.” Lara said with a slight frown on her face.
    Lady Orla noticed the frown. “Is that a problem dear?”
    Lara looked up and smiled. “No. It is most certainly not. You must be referring to my thinking face. That is the first thing you have now learned about me. When I think, I frown, not sure why, I just do. I was just wondering where I should start first.”
    “Anywhere you would like.” Orla said as they felt the carriage lurch forward.
    Lara started out with her family. She told Orla about her mother and father and how they now are happily married for thirty seven years. She talked proudly about her sister who is a pediatric surgeon and described a little bit of what she did. Lara smiled when she spoke of her brothers Shane and Glen. Orla let out a bell of a laugh at Lara’s brother’s antics when they were younger.
    “It seems I am not the only mother whose son has given her fits.” Orla said.
    “They grew out of it.“ Lara laughed. “Somewhat. My brother Glen is getting married soon. I would have loved to have been there.”
    “How sad that must be for them. Not knowing you and your son are still alive.”
    “His fiancé Cassie is a dear. I’m sure she will help him and the rest of my family pull through.”
    Reaching over to a square box Orla pulled out two goblets and some wine. She poured both of them a glass. “Let us speak of happier matters. Aodhan says that you were quite well known in your realm. What is it that you did?”
    Starting with what she did in the carriage house behind her Victorian. Lara told Orla about the art classes she taught to children and adults. She explained her job as a freelance archeologist and about the digs that she went on alone and with Kedryn. Then about the find of the dagger.
    “You have led a brilliant life. What about Kedryn? His dad? His education?”
    “His dad is not around. His choice, not ours and we will leave it at that. His education was almost finished when Aodhan came along. He is an honor student in all of his classes. Was even looked at to be recruited to play baseball and football which I suppose you would call an honor in your realm.”
    “It seems that you have raised him to be a fine young man. From what I have seen and heard from Aodhan he has a sharp mind and is a natural warrior.”
    They felt a jolt and heard a shout. Lara reached down for her dagger. When the door opened she was ready to pounce. Derrick appeared and gave a short bow. He glanced at her dagger and gave Lara an amused look.
    “Expecting trouble my lady?”
    “It never hurts to be prepared.” Lara said as she put the dagger back into her boot.
    “We are at our first stop and the servants have started to set up the pavilions. Do you wish to stretch your legs or prefer to stay