Celtic Storms by Delaney Rhodes Read Free Book Online Page A

intervened, near half of the keep’s bed linens would have ended up in the fire at the blacksmith’s hut, but he was finally able to reason with Airard. Since the villagers had come to stay in the castle and littered the floors of the great hall each night; there was practically nowhere else for the linens to dry.
    Thankfully Adreana had offered to see to meals for Airard each night in exchange for use of the hearth. Adreana was the eldest servant still working for the Laird and had been widowed almost fourteen summers. Her daughters had left MacCahan lands many seasons before after marrying into neighboring clans. Adreana had maintained a keen interest in Airard for some time and taken this as her opportunity to showcase her skills in the kitchens. Airard was fond of her company and appreciated the meals, and especially of not having to spend his evenings alone. Patrick had teased him relentlessly since the uproar in the forge but Airard seemed not to care.
    “Airard,” bellowed Patrick as he wrapped his fist against the side of Airard’s cottage. “Airard,” he shouted again.
I certainly hope he can hear me over this rain.
    Patrick pushed the door a crack and peaked inside, the smell of roast duckling rose to meet him. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Airard at the table breaking bread and filling Adreana’s mug.
    “Patrick, do come in my son,” he said as he rose to greet him. “Let me take your cloak.” Airard helped Patrick remove his dripping cloak and Adreana hung it on a peg near the hearth so that it would dry.“Won’t you join us?” asked Airard motioning to the table.
    “I do no wi-wi-wish to intrude Airard,” replied Patrick. “Nonsense,” stated Adreana. “Let me fetch you some food.” Patrick gave Airard a knowing grin as Airard blushed and waved him off.
    “I cannot believe it continues to storm,” Airard stated loudly attempting to take Patrick’s mind off his teasing. The sound of the fire splitting and food being dished briefly disguised the incessant patter of rain hitting the roof. In the corner near Airard’s straw bed, Patrick could see a pail which caught the rain slipping through a crack in the thatched roof.
    “I will see to the r-re-repairs tomorrow,” stated Patrick, matter-of-factly. “Nonsense,” retorted Airard, “you have more pressing matters to attend to.”
    Adreana returned to the table with a metal trencher piled high with vegetables and roast duck. “It smells wo-wond-wonderful,” said Patrick giving her an appreciative nod.
    “I must be off now Airard,” Adreana stated. “But I will return tomorrow evening with your meal and I will be back at the forge in the morn to gather the linens.”
    “You shouldn’t venture out in this rain alone my lady,” said Airard. “Why don’t you let Patrick attend you to the keep?”
    “Nonsense,” replied Adreana. “Besides, I am meeting Conri at the stables to assist with the new foal. He will see to my safe return.”
    Patrick and Airard sat in silence for several minutes after Adreana had left. They had finished their meal and cleared their dinner before reclining beside the fire. “Patrick, tell me what your father said.”
    “The sh-shor-short of it is that I am to be married in nearly a fort night. I am to take Bra-Brae-Braeden with me to O’Malley lands. I am betrothed to the deceased Laird O’Malley’s el-el-eldest daughter, Dar-Dari-Darina – I think it was.”
    “O’Malley lands. I have heard tale of them. They are one of the wealthiest of clans, Patrick,” stated Airard.
    “Aye,” replied Patrick. “’Tis so.”
    “I see,” stated Airard. “And what of Braeden?”
    “I am to con-cont-continue his fostering at O’Malley castle,” stated Patrick as he picked the mud from his boots.
    “And – you are alright with this?” queried Airard.
    “Aye,” said Patrick. “I am very fond of hi-him.”
    “Well then, what of this marriage?” questioned Airard with a raised brows.
    “I