Minna followed them, squinting in the sun that bounced off the white walls and redtiled roofs of the villa. The main house and its two wings enclosed a courtyard splashed with light. Beyond, the green hills beckoned. He glanced over his shoulder as Severus left the chapel. The overseer tipped the whip handle to his forehead, and his eyes never left Minna as he loitered by the wall for Mistress Flavia.
Though she was two years younger she often brushed his heavy fringe back with a maternal swipe. But not today. As the servants poured out into the courtyard, Broc dropped his voice. Anger sharpened his freckled face. But no more. They had lived with their grandmother ever since. Now there were just the three of them, safe in their little house by the stream.
How could Broc say these things? Just then they became aware of people staring at them as they whispered furiously together. With a scowl, Broc dragged her around the corner of the building, where a yard opened through a gate to fields. His shoulders had thickened: he was a boy no longer. Her belly flipped over as Broc took a deep breath, bracing himself. She watched his lips move, but could not take in his words.
And though, in this era, the Dalriadans ceased to formalize their leaders as kings—preferring to live in deference to freedom rather than security—in troublesome times they rallied behind men worthy of leading their people. His heritage was a calling passed down to his sons, a destiny to unfold with time. This calling flowed within their blood, it was who they were—men willing to live and die for such a calling.
And in time, they would be asked to do both. Rhiann hated Eremon at first, because of the forced marriage. Yet respect did eventually dawn, and then friendship, and finally — so slowly! And all the while things continued to evolve in the outer worlds as well as the inner.
For the Mother had drawn these two together for a cause beyond themselves — to forge the warring tribes of Alba into a single people, to shield their land from the Romans who encroached from the south. And though the other Alban kings and chiefs baulked at the idea of an alliance, Rhiann and Eremon did gain the favour of the great king of the Caledonii, Calgacus the Sword. It was a strong beginning.
He hated Eremon for possessing what he coveted. She drew the sinking boat safely shorewards to a place Rhiann knew well, yet dreaded to return to — the Sacred Isle, the place of her greatest joy and her greatest pain; where she had found her true self and lost it again.
And though Rhiann quailed to face the Sisters, whom she felt she had wronged, the Sisterhood had kept their hearts and arms open, waiting until she was ready to come home.
And though Rhiann was full of fear, for the first time they joined that night not just in body, but truly in soul. With what fierce joy they and their friends left the Isle, after the uncertainty of their arrival!
They had found each other, Rhiann had rejoined the priestesses, and Eremon had forged new alliances with the Caereni and Carnonacae tribes, who proclaimed him their Stag, their war leader, by giving him the sacred tattoos.
And yet. Dalriada the Dawn of a King. Dalriada the Dawn of a King Book Review:. Blade of Fortriu. Blade of Fortriu Book Review:. The Dawn Stag. The Dawn Stag Book Review:. Macmillan Dictionary of Archaeology. Macmillan Dictionary of Archaeology Book Review:. Land of Mists. Land of Mists Book Review:. The Sword in His Hand.
Author : J. The Reaches. The Reaches Book Review:. Sc Thach s Prot G. Scottish Rock. Scottish Rock Book Review:. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology. The Facts on File Dictionary of Archaeology. The Birsay Bay Project Volume 3. Author : Christopher D. Igniting the Reaches. Igniting the Reaches Book Review:. The Journey to the West. The Journey to the West Book Review:. The Shining Company. The Shining Company Book Review:.
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