Ruin=, page 9
“Is anyone else coming?” Asa suddenly asked.
Helena looked at her as she stepped over a tree root. “You don’t think the four of us can handle the Vikings and a witch?”
“I would like better odds in our favor.”
Rory chuckled. “I think going from two against sixty-two to four against sixty-two is better odds.”
“You chose the Witch’s Grove for a reason,” Helena said. “It’s a good one.”
Asa looked for Frida out of habit before remembering that her friend was at Blackglade. “For me and the witch. Not for everyone else.”
“As I explained to Jarin, I know how Hosvir attacks. We’ll use that to our advantage,” Rory told them.
Asa heard the tightness in his voice. He thought she doubted him again. It wasn’t that at all. She feared for anyone who stood alone against so many Norsemen.
“I plan on making them split up,” Rory continued. “Put them in smaller groups, and it’ll be easier to fight them.”
Helena looked at him with admiration. “I like that.”
“I’m no’ new to battle,” he stated and glanced at Asa.
She shot him an apologetic look. “They’re coming for me. I don’t want anyone I care about to be hurt. Or worse, killed.”
“This isna your fault. I blame the witch,” Rory said.
Helena pulled a braid free that got stuck on a low limb. “Does she have a name?”
“Dagny.”
Asa blew out a long breath. “It won’t be long now before I get to meet Dagny.”
The three grew quiet as they walked. A short time later, Jarin and Valdr returned after scouting a place for them to camp for the night. It was dusk when they finally reached it.
Asa went to Rory as he unsaddled Abhain. He took her hand when she started to apologize again and drew her against him. His palm slid around her neck and into her hair as he bent for a long, sensual kiss. Then he pressed his forehead to hers. They stood like that beneath the stars for a long time.
“I doona want you facing this witch any more than you want me battling the Vikings. But there’s no walking away for either of us,” he said.
She lifted her face to look in his eyes. “Nay. There isn’t.”
“We’ll plan well, expect to deviate to another plan, and do our best to stay alive.”
Her heart was bursting with the love she felt for him. Her stubbornness had put them in this situation. Had she run when he told her to, they wouldn’t be facing battle so soon.
“Right?” he pressed when she didn’t answer.
“I should’ve run when you warned me.”
He shook his head. “The battle was inevitable. You accepted that when I didna.”
“We would’ve had more time together.”
“I’m no’ giving up.”
She wrinkled her nose when he quirked a brow at her. “Neither am I.”
“Then you agree that we’ll do everything we can to stay alive.”
“Aye, we will,” she whispered before pulling his head back down for another kiss.
13
He should’ve been able to rest with the camp protected by spells from two witches and a warlock but sleep eluded Rory. He’d taken the first watch after their supper and a round of planning, but he hadn’t been able to do more than doze for a few moments at a time.
Despite the injuries having healed, his body was still sore from the stabbing. The wounds from his encounter with the wolves bothered him a little, but he had battled with far worse. He didn’t say anything to Asa because he wanted her to conserve her magic for the fight.
An expectation had settled over the four of them that evening. A tension. He didn’t need to ask what it was. Anyone who had been in combat understood it—the lead-up to battle.
They were all vigilant, cautious, and acutely aware of everything around them. Their easy conversation had halted after they made camp. If they spoke at all, it was in hushed whispers. Rory had sharpened his sword, the dagger he kept at his waist, and the dirk in his boot. Asa had sat alone with her eyes closed. Helena had moved away by herself and was working her magic in a ball of purple that she grew and shrank over and over.
And Jarin stood with his back to all of them, his gaze outward. Neither the wolf nor the falcon was with him, but Rory knew they likely weren’t far. It made him think of Frida. His gaze returned to Asa. She knew something was wrong when the bird hadn’t returned to her. He was grateful that Jarin had found Frida.
Rory sat up and rolled his shoulders before stretching his neck one way and then the other. He heard several pops that eased the pain. He got to his feet and cast a look at the fire Helena had created with magic. At least they didn’t have to worry about finding wood for it. Rory slid both hands into his hair, shoving the locks from his face as he looked from Asa to Helena.
Asa was on her side, her eyes closed. Helena lay on her back, her gaze on the sky. Rory quietly walked to stand beside Jarin. The warlock hadn’t moved since he’d taken up the position a few hours ago.
Rory spotted a fox’s fluffy tail before it disappeared into some undergrowth to his left. He slid his eyes skyward to see bats diving in and out of tree limbs as they hunted. Noise to his right drew Rory’s gaze down, where he was stunned to find a badger. The animals were reclusive and kept away from humans. Yet this one was close enough that Rory could see it.
“You seem surprised by the activity,” Jarin said in amusement, his voice low.
Rory grunted softly before whispering, “I’ve spent many a night outdoors. I hear wildlife, but I’ve never seen so many animals this close.”
“They know we willna harm them. They know we’re protecting the area, and that makes them safe.”
Rory hadn’t considered that. He continued his perusal of the woods, watching a wildcat climb along a thick limb as it hunted. An owl swooped down and caught a meal before taking it high into a tree. This was a side of his beloved land he had never seen before.
The darkness held its own kind of beauty. He’d spent so many nights staring at the sky that he had missed what was right in front of him. It was as if he had walked into another world. He knew the nocturnal animals, but he had never considered how stunning the night could be. He had been taught that shadows held danger, so he had to be prepared for just that.
“Each night, I think it has to be the most beautiful time. Then dawn comes, and I love the day. I doona think I could pick which one I enjoy more,” Jarin said.
Rory crossed his arms over his chest and smiled as a fox let out a cry in the distance. “I can see why.”
“What will you do?”
Rory looked at the warlock. “Do?”
Jarin’s pale blue gaze met his. “After the battle.”
He looked away. It was all that had been on his mind. Well, that and the upcoming conflict itself. He’d been a well-trained warrior when he went to Norway. He’d become stronger after working with the Vikings. Rory could hold his own against those he’d once considered friends. But against all of them?
“Do you plan to die, then?”
Rory cut a look at the warlock. “I doona.”
“Doesna look that way to me.”
He faced Jarin. “Is there something you’re no’ telling me?”
“Quite a lot, I imagine.” Jarin grinned and then returned his attention to the forest. He sighed softly. “Just because I have magic doesna mean I’ll live.”
“I never said it did.”
“You’re thinking it. You have been since you woke after Asa healed you.” Jarin turned his head to him. “Which, by the way, takes considerable magic. No’ every witch or warlock can master the healing spell.”
Rory hadn’t realized that not all witches could heal. He glanced at Asa over his shoulder. She had been calm and focused since she’d learned what Hosvir planned. Not once had she become angry or tried to run, even when he told her to do that very thing. She had faced all of it.
Like the true warrior she was.
“I might have, for a wee moment,” Rory said as he slid his gaze back to Jarin. “Considered that I’d be in the way without magic. Then I remembered who I was. I doona need to be a warlock to defeat Hosvir or his men. I know their weaknesses.”
Jarin watched him intently. “They also know yours.”
“They believe I’m dead. That gives me an advantage.”
The warlock grinned. “It does.”
Rory drew in a long breath and then released it. “As for what I’ll do after the battle, that’s between Asa and me.”
“So it is,” Jarin said with a low chuckle.
Rory dropped his arms to his sides. “Hosvir willna get his hands on her.”
“She willna let that happen. Neither will we.”
Rory rolled his shoulders, feeling a tingle along his spine that told him something was amiss.
“You feel it, too, then. Good.”
His brows snapped together as he glared at Jarin. “Feel what?”
“That the enemy is close. Closer than I’d like.”
“Will we reach the Grove in time?”
Jarin took his time considering it. “Possibly.”
Shock rocked Rory. He’d been counting on reaching the Witch’s Grove. They should’ve had a long enough head start that they could get there before they faced the Vikings. “We need to get moving. And we need to devise a new plan. We can no’ allow them to ambush us. It’s their preferred way of attack.”
“We’ll reach the Grove,” Asa said.
Rory and Jarin turned to see both women sitting up and watching them. Rory exchanged a glance with the warlock. “We should have days on them.”
“The witch is good,” Helena said as she flicked a braid over her shoulder. “I sensed them closer than before about an hour ago.”
Rory looked at each of them. “Why do none of you seem concerned?”
“Because there’s a way for us to reach the Grove whenever we want,” Jarin stated.
Rory narrowed his eyes on the warlock. “Then let’s do it.”
“You say that now,” Helena murmured as she climbed to her feet.
Asa’s gaze met his before she said, “We’ll have to leave Abhain behind.”
“Valdr and Andi, too,” Jarin added. “They’re used to it. My two will find us.”
Rory looked at the stallion. He hadn’t planned to use Abhain in battle anyway. Not only did the forest make it difficult, but the Norsemen fought on foot, whether it was an ambush or not. “I want him safe. I doona want him to fall into another’s hands.”
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t,” Asa said.
Rory walked to his horse and ran a hand down his broad forehead to his velvety nose. Abhain’s lips nibbled at Rory’s palm, looking for a treat. Unfortunately, Rory didn’t have anything. “Listen to Asa carefully, lad. We’ll be together again soon enough.”
He stepped aside as Asa moved close and looked into Abhain’s eyes. Rory couldn’t hear their exchange, but he knew she would ensure the stallion stayed safe.
Asa lifted her head and nodded at him. “Abhain understands and knows what he has to do.”
“If you wish, I’ll send Valdr with him,” Jarin offered.
Rory stroked the horse’s neck. “He’ll be fine. He’s a warrior himself.”
“Then I guess it’s time,” Helena said, her voice heavy with dread.
Rory frowned in confusion. “You sound as if you doona wish to reach the Grove.”
“It isna the Grove she’s thinking about,” Jarin said with a chuckle.
Asa’s mouth was tight when she said, “It’s the way we’re going to reach it.”
“I was hoping we wouldn’t have to do this.” Helena said it more to herself than anyone else as she extinguished the fire.
Rory strapped on his weapons and untied Abhain from the tree. He glanced at his saddle and bridle but decided not to make the stallion carry them. He could always get another saddle. When he turned back to the others, they stood together, waiting for him. Rory gave Abhain another pat before he joined them.
Everyone linked hands. Rory took hold of Asa’s and Helena’s. His heart was thundering with apprehension. Perhaps he should’ve asked them exactly how they were going to get to the Grove, but by the knowing look in Jarin’s eyes, Rory didn’t think they would’ve told him.
“Hold on to us,” Asa said as Jarin began murmuring words.
Rory strained to hear them, but he couldn’t understand the dialect. Then, the world around him started to buzz and then spin. He closed his eyes, thinking it would help, but it only made him dizzier. Asa’s fingers tightened around his. He gripped her and Helena tightly as the wind roared in his ears. Then, as soon as it had begun, it was over.
He opened his eyes only to feel himself lurching forward. Rory planted a foot in front of him to keep his balance. Then his stomach pitched. He swallowed and fought to keep from being sick. He had nearly gotten control when he heard someone retching. Rory looked over to find Jarin holding Helena.
Rory released her hand and swung his gaze to Asa. Her face was tinged green. He caught her when her legs crumpled, but they both went down. She rolled away from him as she emptied her stomach.
“Doona fight it,” Jarin warned him. “It’ll pass soon.”
Rory closed his eyes and comforted Asa. Eventually, she grew still. Sweat covered him. It was all he could do to calm his stomach. He opened his eyes long enough to find a tree. He managed to drag himself and Asa to it and then propped them against it. She rested her head on his chest. He searched until he found Jarin and Helena, their eyes closed, and their breaths even in sleep.
He swallowed, the sound loud to his ears. The darkness seemed to close around him. The last time Rory had felt so weak was after he’d been stabbed. He didn’t know exactly what had happened, but he knew they were no longer in the same location, and it was impacting his body. His lids grew heavy, but the protector in him wanted to stay awake. In the end, he didn’t have a choice. His body made the decision for him.
When Rory next opened his eyes, it was to find sunlight filtering through the leaves while Jarin sat with a still-pale Helena. Asa’s head shifted against him. He lowered his gaze to find her looking up at him. Rory smoothed the hair from her face.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
Asa winced as she sat up. “Like I just traveled over a large distance using magic.”
“There’s a price to pay for using magic,” Jarin said.
Rory slowly leaned forward, testing his body. “Someone could’ve warned me.”
“It wouldn’t have mattered,” Helena replied.
Asa dusted off her skirts as she stood. “At least we’re here.”
Rory followed her gaze through the rays of sun to find a set of trees that looked as if they were twisted together. He didn’t see an entry.
“Welcome to the Witch’s Grove,” Asa said.
14
The magic that swirled inside the Witch’s Grove was so great that it seeped through the tangled trees and spilled outward. The draw of it was powerful. Asa wanted to be inside the circle of trees. Anyone with the slightest bit of magic would sense the Grove and be drawn to it.
“It’s one of the oldest in all of Britain,” Helena said.
There was a rustle of leaves as Jarin stated, “I believe it is the oldest.”
Something brushed Asa’s hand. She looked over to find Rory beside her. His gaze was locked on the trees, a confused frown furrowing his brow.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I’m no’ sure.”
“Do you feel something?” Helena prodded.
Rory shook his head. “That I shouldna go near it.”
“It’s how witches warn others away from what they consider a sacred place,” Jarin explained. “Nothing will happen if you enter.”
Rory grunted. “It doesna feel that way.”
“You don’t have to go inside,” Asa said. “I’ll be there waiting on the witch.”
Helena rubbed her hands together in the chilly air. “She’ll go straight to the Grove and Asa. Hosvir and his men will follow.”
“They’ll try. We’re no’ going to let that happen,” Rory said.
Jarin grinned, anticipation glinting in his pale eyes. “They believe Asa is on her own. That works to our benefit.”
“They’ll be looking for signs of anyone lying in wait. The best place to hide is in the trees.” Rory looked above at the branches.
Helena’s gaze slid to Asa. “Are you sure you want to face her alone?”
“There are sixty Norsemen and only one witch,” Asa replied.
“That didn’t answer my question.”
Asa felt everyone’s gaze on her, but she didn’t look away from Helena. “It doesn’t matter what I want. This is happening. They want me, and they’ll keep coming regardless of who tries to stop them.” She lowered her gaze to her and Rory’s joined hands before lifting her eyes to him. “I’m not afraid. This absurd plan of Hosvir’s stops here. Now. One way or another.”
“Agreed. The first thing we should do is get the lay of the area,” Jarin stated. “Every detail matters.”
Jarin walked into the woods in one direction, and Helena went in another. Neither Asa nor Rory moved. His thumb caressed the back of her hand as he studied her.
“We can do this,” she told him.
He raised his brows. “I doona doubt it.”
“Then why are you looking at me like that?”
He gently shifted her to face him. “I’m wondering how you’ve hidden the fact that you’re a warrior for so long. I didna see it at first, but I do now. Either Hosvir has forgotten, or he never knew. Regardless, he’s a fool.”
“He and his witch think they can control me with magic.” Asa lifted her chin. “That will never happen. My father taught Liss and me about battle. My mother honed my magic. And my aunt combined the two. She wanted me prepared.”
“She equipped you for this day.”
“Possibly. She never claimed to see the future, but my aunt wasn’t one to share things.” Asa blew out a breath. “None of that matters now.”
