Oath of the Brotherhood by C. E. Laureano Read Free Book Online Page B

in my household. Brothers Treasach and Iuchbar have generously come from the monastery at LochLaraigh for that purpose, and I think you will find them as knowledgeable as your tutors back home.
    “On the matter of your sword training, Gainor and I have agreed it can wait until you settle in. After that, Gainor will work with you himself until you feel comfortable joining the men in the yard.”
    Conor supposed he should be embarrassed by how keen Calhoun’s measure of him had been, but he couldn’t summon anything but relief.
    “In the meantime,” the king continued, “you’ll have your afternoons free to pursue your own interests. I thought perhaps you might spend some time with Meallachán.”
    This time, Conor could not keep his shock from his face. “Meallachán?”
    Calhoun arched a brow. “Did I get that wrong? I guessed you were a musician.”
    “No. I am. At least, I try. But Meallachán?”
    “It’s your choice. None of my siblings have the talent or the inclination, and it seems a shame not to take advantage of his willingness to teach.”
    “It would be a great honor,” Conor managed at last. “Thank you, truly.”
    Calhoun waved off Conor’s thanks. “Good, that’s settled. Now, I believe Treasach is expecting you three in the library.”
    Niamh rose immediately, but Aine didn’t move. Instead, she addressed her brother in a surprisingly deep, Aronan-accented voice. “By your leave, Calhoun, Mistress Bearrach asked me to go to Fionncill this morning.”
    “As long as Ruarc accompanies you,” Calhoun said.
    “Thank you.” Aine’s brilliant smile lit her entire face and once more shattered Conor’s train of thought. “I’m looking forward to putting my studies into practice.”
    Calhoun gestured to the older sister. “Niamh, you can show Conor to the library then.”
    Niamh shot Conor a pointed look, and he leapt to his feet, his chair’s legs shrieking against the stone floor. He gave Calhoun a hasty bow. “Thank you, my lord.”
    The king waved him away once more, and Conor followed Niamh back into the hallway. His awe faded with each step. Niamh might be beautiful, but she was also sullen and rude. Aine, on the other hand, merely seemed reserved.
    That smile, though, had been anything but shy. Who was Mistress Bearrach to elicit that sort of reaction? And what sort of business did she have outside Lisdara?
    He certainly couldn’t ask Niamh. Even if she did deign to speak with him, she seemed no friendlier with her half sister than she was with him. Instead, he fumbled to fill the silence. “What exactly do Treasach and Iuchbar teach?”
    “Treasach’s specialty is languages, history, and geography. Iuchbar teaches mathematics and law.”
    “Which do you prefer?”
    “Languages.” A chilly half smile formed on her lips. “I wouldn’t worry if you don’t take to it. From what I hear, a Mac Nir needs only wield a sword.”
    Heat rushed to Conor’s cheeks. She had obviously guessed what the delay in Conor’s training meant. A surge of defensiveness propelled his next words   —in Norin. “Normally, you would be right. But my education has been somewhat unconventional.”
    Niamh stared at him, uncomprehending.
    He switched to Levantine. “The language of the Kebarans perhaps?”
    Another blank stare. Finally, he said in the common tongue, “I wouldn’t worry about it. From what I hear, a Faolanaigh princess need only be sweet and biddable to catch a husband.”
    Niamh’s expression hardened. He hadn’t thought it possible for her to look any colder. Inwardly, he cursed his impulsiveness when she picked up her pace, forcing him to nearly run after her.
    When they arrived at the library door, Niamh looked at him pointedly, and it took a moment to understand what she wanted. He jerked the door open, and she brushed past him without a glance.
    Lisdara’s library was twice the size of Balurnan’s, high-ceilinged and packed with books. Small square tables, each with two