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

in the carriage?”
    Lara scooted on the bench to the door and Derrick offered his hand. “I would like to stretch.” She looked back at Orla. “Are you staying?”
    “Tara said she was going to accompany me when we stopped.” Lady Orla gave her a smile.
    “I will see you soon. I am going to find Aodhan and Kedryn. On the ride tomorrow I would like to hear about your life and family.” Lara said and watched Lady Orla’s grin grow wider. She took Derricks hand and stepped out of the carriage. Lara turned to shut the carriage door and stopped.
    “Can I ask you something? You do not have to answer unless you want to.”
    Orla raised her eyebrow. “What is it?”
    “Eion seems on edge around you since Shanhold. Why is that?” Lara blew a stray hair out of her face.
    Orla looked out the window. “That is a story long lost and forgotten. I wish for it to stay that way.”
    “Understood.” Lara said and closed the carriage door.
    Lara looked around at the camp and took in a breath. It was have to believe that a war was soon to rage on. Her thoughts moved to Lord Faolan and she quickly dismissed them not wanting to cloud her thoughts with negative.
    “Positive thoughts.” Lara whispered to herself and smiled at Kedryn who was walking her way.

Chapter 9

    Lord Faolan leaned against the side of the fireplace drumming his fingers on the head of the carved wolf. He studied Lady Paili who stood poised by a black velvet over stuffed chair awaiting the fate of her brother. Faolan straightened and walked up to Paili stopping a foot away from her and crossed his arms.
    “The Battle Raven must die. I have ordered a small team of assassins to take care of what Damon has failed to do. In two days time he will face the blood eagle. Unless you can convince me otherwise, my dear, say farewell to your brother.”
    Lady Paili straightened and said with an edge of ice to her voice. “I would rather die than live without my brother, my Lord.”
    Lord Faolan slapped her with such force she backed into the arm of the chair. Her heel caught on the hem of her skirt tripping her over and she hit the floor. Surprising herself and Lord Faolan, Lady Paili let out a muffled sob. It was not like her to show weakness. She took in a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. Lord Faolan gave her a couple of seconds to compose herself.
    “You will Never take your leave of me.” he said. The thought of her leaving set him on edge. Faolan regretted hitting her but would never let Paili know.
    She slowly rose to her knees and brushed her hair out of her face not even trying to hide the shakiness in her hands. Paili’s eyes went hard steel gray as she looked up at him.
    “Spare my brother and you can have my power.” Paili said with resignation in her voice as she lowered her head.
    Lord Faolan moved close and ran a hand down her cheek and under her chin tipping her head back. He outlined her lips with his thumb. “You would make such a sacrifice for such a foul failure of a creature?”
    “Yes.” she said pushing his hand away from her face.
    “You have seen how I have taken the menial powers from the few who have agreed to sacrifice for me. by Blood eagle.”
    “Yes, my Lord.” she looked down to the floor.
    Faolan noted the waiver in her voice. He bent down taking Paili’s hands and helped her up. He pulled her close speaking soft words as he lightly kissed her bruised cheek. Paili leaned against him as he pulled her close burying his head in her long black hair inhaling her scent.
    Faolan whispered. “It is all for show. Necessary to install fear and to prove the loyalty of my followers to the masses. It is not necessary for the transfer of the power.”
    She took a step away from him and composed her regal bearing. “The oath. The consent?”
    “That is necessary. Know this. I would not and will not hurt you.” he said as he thought about the slap.
    Lady Paili put her hand to her cheek still confused but relieved that her brother would