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“So we have,” Conall agreed.

“Ruith is free to call me any names he likes as long as he sits and rots in Brough. Now, with that news, I think I will go back to bed.”

Aedan laughed. “I think Isurium Brigantum suits you, Cartimandua.”

“This is a very comfortable little fort you have here, Chieftain.”

“Little?”

“Ah, men…” I replied, giving him a knowing wink then departed.

I made my way back to my chamber and tumbled, fully dressed, back onto the bed. Just a few more hours’ sleep, and then I would be ready to face the world once more.

Just a few more hours…

CHAPTER 30

When I woke again, it was the sound of voices outside that roused me.

“Ruith,” I whispered, sitting up in alarm.

As I looked around the room, I spotted Lollie playing with Ofilla. She was dragging a string before the kitten who was attacking it wildly.

“I tried to be quiet as a mouse, my queen. I’m sorry to wake you,” the girl told me.

“It wasn’t you. It was…” I said, then paused as I listened.

The girl followed my glance. “A rider has come.”

I rose and left the room, hurrying down the stairs. By the time I found my way to the first floor, I walked into a flurry of confusion. First, Corva was there. She was speaking hurriedly to Conall and Aedan, who were standing alongside Chieftain Brennan.

“Corva,” I called, glad to see her.

But when the priestess turned toward me, I could see in her expression that something was very wrong.

“Queen Cartimandua.”

Brennan bowed to me. “Queen Cartimandua.”

“Brennan, what are you… Is it Ruith?” I asked them.

“No, my queen,” Brennan replied, then turned to Corva.

“Cartimandua, we must speak urgently,” Aedan said, gesturing for us to follow him. He led us back to his small dining hall, closing the door behind him and gesturing for the servants to leave.

“What’s happening?” I asked.

“I rode from the west to Rigodonum only to learn you were here. I met Brennan on the road from Mydils,” Corva told me. “My queen, our worries about Lord Gregor were right. When he was in Rigodonum, I could not help but notice the fine bow he carried. It has taken some time, but I tracked the maker of Lord Gregor’s bow. The weapon was made by a Welshman living in a small village in Setantii lands. He remembered making the bow for Lord Gregor…and the bow I possessed—the assassin’s weapon. I was in the village with the maker when a man came through summoning Setantii warriors.”

“Summoning them where?”

“Lord Gregor has called up the warriors in the southern Setantii lands. What silver I could spread bought the news that those under Lord Gregor’s control had allied with King Aengus. King Aengus has taken control of the northern Cornovii lands, and now…”

“King Aengus and Lord Gregor will work together to take the Setantii from Ystradwel,” Aedan said, aghast.

“What news from Ystradwel? Has she called for warriors?” I asked.

“No. I don’t think she knows what is happening.”