Dark Witch (The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy #1)(44)

“It’s not a small thing. You’ve done well so far. If it was only a matter of bringing out what’s in you, we could take all the time, and there’d be more joy in it for both of us.” Branna looked out the windows toward the hills. “But I don’t know how or when he’ll come. I don’t know how it’s possible he can, as he was burned to ash by powerful magicks. But he will, cousin, when he believes he’s strong enough to defeat us all. We have to make certain he’s wrong.”

“There are four of us, so—”

“Three,” Branna said sharply. “We’re three. Fin isn’t part of the circle.”

“All right.” Dark territory, Iona thought. She’d try to steer clear of that until she had more light. “We’re three, he’s one. That’s a big advantage.”

“He can and will bring harm to all and any to win. We’re bound by our blood, by our art, by everything we are to harm none. He may not understand it, but he knows it.”

She rose, went to the back door. When she opened it, the dog padded in. Iona hadn’t heard a thing. “Kathel will walk with you to the stables when you’re ready.”

“My guard dog?”

“He enjoys the ramble. Cabhan will pay more mind to you as your power lights, so be aware of it.”

“I will. When will you take me to the place in the woods?”

“Soon enough. I need to get ready. I’ve work. Go on and get unpacked before you head out.”

“I’ll clear up here. You don’t have to make me breakfast.”

“Be sure I won’t unless I’m in the mood to,” Branna said in such an easy way it made Iona feel only more welcome. “And you’ll not clear today, but you and Connor will work that out between you from tonight. If I do the cooking, one or both of you does the clearing.”

“More than fair.”

“There’s a little washer and dryer—though in good weather, we hang out the wash—right in there. And we’ll be working out the marketing and the other chores. Come the spring, there’ll be gardening, and you won’t touch a blade of grass until I’m sure you know what you’re about.”

“Nan taught me. I’m pretty good.”

“We’ll see. You’ll want to go hawking with Connor.”

“I’d love to.”

“You’ll enjoy it, but it’s for more than that. We each of us have our guide, but we’re stronger when we connect with each, and they with all of us.”

“All right. Will you come see Alastar?”

“I will, soon enough. This is your home now, and ever will be.”

“You’ve always known where you belong. I don’t know if you can understand what it means to me to finally feel that.”

“Then go, put your things away. And when you come home, we’ll work. And for you.” Branna lifted a hand, closed it into a fist, then opened it again. A silver key lay in her palm. “We don’t always lock the doors, but in case, this will open them for you.”

“You have to show me how to do that,” Iona murmured, and took the key, still warm from Branna’s magick. “Thank you.”

“Sure, you’re welcome. I’ll be in my workshop when you’re done at the stables for the day. Come there, and come ready to learn.”

“I will.” Thrilled at the prospect, Iona all but danced out and up the stairs.

Her home now, Branna thought again. She’d tend to it, work for it, and one day, she’d have no choice but to fight for it.





9





IONA LED HER FIRST GROUP SOLO, MOUNTED ON ALASTAR. She couldn’t be sure if she’d earned the responsibility, or if Boyle had tossed it at her to get her out of the way.

It didn’t matter.

She enjoyed the hour with the horse, and though she knew he’d have preferred a good gallop, sensed his pleasure in her companionship. Just as she gained pleasure from the easy conversation with the couple from Maine, and the pride of being confident on the paths, the directions, and most of the answers.

We’re earning our keep, she thought, giving Alastar a pat on the neck.

When she returned, Meara came out to greet her and her group. “I’ll take it from here, if you don’t mind. Iona’s needed at the big stables.”

“I am?”

“And Alastar. Can you find your way?”

“Sure. You showed me, and I marked it on the map. But—”

“Fin’s orders, so you’d best go on. And how was your ride?” she asked the couple.

At a loss, Iona turned her mount, headed back the way she’d come.

Had Boyle complained about her? Was she about to be fired?

Her unsettled thoughts had Alastar turning his head to stare at her.

“I’m being stupid. Just overreacting, that’s all. Boyle’s pissy, but not petty.” Plus, she thought Fin liked her, at least a little.

She’d know when she got there. And thinking that, gave herself the pleasure of letting Alastar have his head.

“Let’s go,” she decided, and even before she could give him a light kick with heels, he flew. “Oh God, yes!” On a laugh, she lifted her face to the sky as Alastar thundered down the path.