Page 24 of Ensnaring the Dove
“Why is she helping us?” she whispered to Aedan as they hurried away from Achwig, up a grassy hill. A waxing moon sailed high above them, casting a silvery veil over the world. Although Enid had taken them in, Colombia had believed it was for purely mercenary reasons.
“She’s guardian of this village,” Aedan answered, his tone grim. “And doesn’t want to see any of her menfolk die on my blade. Helping us get away without more bloodshed is in everyone’s interest.”
“Will they come after us?”
“Yes … the wise woman won’t keep them at bay for much longer.”
Aedan’s words were prophetic, for moments later, the roar of the mob, which had started to fade, grew closer once more. Colombia glanced over her shoulder to see the glow of torchesapproaching from the bottom of the hill, like a cluster of huge, angry fireflies in pursuit.
Her breathing caught. “What are we going to do now?”
“Don’t worry,” Aedan replied. “If we run fast, they’ll give up soon enough.”
Turning, they sprinted away from the village, cresting the hill, and stumbling down the other side.
Just like when they’d fled the outlaws, Colombia was grateful Aedan gripped her hand. Despite the moonlight, it was difficult to see in the darkness, although fear gave her a burst of speed. The leather foot coverings were surprisingly comfortable—far more than her slippers had been—and her tunic and shawl, although of far poorer cloth than the garments she’d given Enid, were much less restrictive. It made it easier to keep up with Aedan.
They ran over shadowed hills—and soon left the mob behind. As Aedan had predicted, the men quickly gave up, once they’d chased them from the village.
Colombia was tiring now, sweat pouring down her face, chest, and back. Her heart pounded against her ribs, and the muscles in her legs burned.
To her relief, Aedan slowed to a brisk walk as the hills gave way to woodland. Finally, he released her hand, and they strode amongst moonlit trees, twigs snapping underfoot. The hoot of an owl filtered through the woods, followed by the far-off howl of a wolf.
And despite that she was overheated from running, Colombia shivered. She’d been in a deep, dreamless sleep when Aedan woke her earlier, her body relaxed and warm. But now she was fleeing again.
“I don’t understand,” she panted, still struggling to catch her breath. “They could have run us out of the village when we arrived earlier … why wait until halfway through the night?”
“Did you notice how slow that man who attacked me was?” Aedan replied. “I’d say they’d been downing ales all evening, working each other up until their aggression spilled over like boiled milk.”
“Will they harm Enid?”
Aedan glanced her way, his face all shadows and angles in the moonlight streaming through the trees. “I think not … as I said, she’s the village wise woman. Most of the men fear her wrath.”
A relieved sigh escaped Colombia. She didn’t want anyone else hurt because of her. She couldn’t help but blame herself for Flavia and Atticus’s deaths. No, she hadn’t wielded the arrow or blade that killed them—yet they’d only been in Britannia because of her.
Her belly clenched. She was beginning to wish she’d never set foot on this cursed isle. This land was brutal, and piece by piece it was tearing away the beliefs that had cocooned her over the years.
She couldn’t believe her father had lied to her about the Britons—but he had. The realization was as bitter as wormwood on her tongue, and it also made her nervous.
What else wasn’t real?
Aedan quickened his stride, and Colombia followed, falling in behind him. They moved softly through the woodland, and despite that she was still frightened, despite that her heart still hammered in her chest, and dread clenched her gut, Colombia noted the beauty of her surroundings. She’d never been in the woods in the middle of the night like this. The air was cool and rich, and the silvery light of the moon made the woods seem otherworldly.
“I almost expect to see nymphs out here,” she admitted finally, grateful to focus on something other than the gnawing worry deep in her chest, “cavorting in the moonlight.”
Aedan gave a soft snort. “This is Britannia … you won’t see any such creatures here.”
“What do you have instead then?”
“The Sidhe.”
He pronounced the word ‘Shee’, and Colombia was intrigued. “What are they then?”
“Fairies … little people. They live in the hidden places of this world, and no two are the same in temperament. Some are friendly, while others will unleash their wrath if you offend them.” He paused then. “But if you are kind to one of the Sidhe, they will bless you with luck.”
Colombia managed a half-smile. “And have you ever helped a fairy?”
“No … does my life seem blessed with good fortune to you?”