Chapter Thirty

Lamorna lay on her bedding, having given up attempting to sleep. Startling dreams of Daroth being tortured had invaded the snatches of sleep she’d managed to catch. It was still dark outside, and she could hear Eva’s steady breathing.

Softly getting to her feet, she felt about for her shoes and slipped them on before pulling the blanket around her shoulders. She crept out the door, pulling it shut behind her. It was pitch dark and even though she could have probably felt her way to the garden, she stayed by the hut in case Eva wakened; she did not want to cause the woman unnecessary worry.

It was a strange feeling, knowing she and her brother were finally safe with no more cause to fear the soldiers. Lamorna knew she had much to be thankful for. She looked up; the moon was no more than a thin sliver in the starlit sky, playing hide and seek behind slowly drifting clouds.

Goddess, Mother Steora, why did he do it? Why did Daroth put himself in harm’s way for me? Surely I cannot be that important to him. Sighing heavily, she lowered herself to the ground, leaning against the wall of the tiny house. “I thought he preferred Janina,” she whispered. “They seemed happy together.”

She shut her eyes, hands clasped to her breast. “Please, Mother, keep him safe. If I could, I would try to free him myself. I would try... to...” Her voice trailed off as a thought formed in her mind. But I can free him. If I surrender myself to Liddon then he will let Daroth go.

A wave of nausea engulfed her at the thought of being alone, unprotected in the midst of Liddon’s soldiers. She could feel her resolve weaken as swiftly as it had formed. “No.” She got to her feet, forcing herself to stand tall. “I must do this. I cannot allow anyone else to suffer for me. My brother will remain safe. I’ll tell them... he died along the way because I could not care for him properly.”

*                      *                      *                      *

As the day brightened, Lamorna’s mood turned gloomier. She remained close to home, refusing even to spend time with Alina. It was assumed that she was preoccupied with worry for Daroth.

Realising that Lamorna had had little sleep, Eva took on the young girl’s chores as well as her own, even attempting to take the baby with her. But Lamorna insisted on caring for her brother, if nothing else. By midday, she’d secretly packed her things, as her plan was to leave that night.

As they ate their midday meal together, Lamorna realised Eva was watching her closely. She’d been in the process of trying to hide her pack when the woman had returned from tending the garden. And now, as Lamorna forced herself to eat, she could feel Eva looking at her. She looked up.

A soft, questioning sound issued from Eva as she pointed to Lamorna’s plate, indicating that the girl had barely eaten. She inclined her head, waiting for a reply.

“I’m not hungry.”

Eva raised her brows then frowned before making vigorous hand movements from plate to mouth.

With a sigh, Lamorna replied, “I’ll try.” She knew she should eat to fortify herself for the hard journey ahead, but every time she thought of her plan, it only served to tighten the knot in her stomach.

After their meal, she started to clear the plates, but Eva shooed her to the bed where her brother lay. Lamorna picked him up; he regarded her with his dark eyes, so like their father’s and she could feel tears pricking her own eyes. She tried to smile but had to bite her lip to stop herself giving in to her emotions. You must grow up tall and strong. They will tell you about me but there will be none to tell you of our mam and papa. I thought I would be here to tell you of them but...

She started and stared up at Eva; she had not heard her approach. She frowned at the woman’s concern then Eva reached out and wiped the tears from Lamorna’s face.

Again, Eva made a questioning sound, indicating Lamorna’s tears. She pointed at the baby and forced a smile to her face then pointed at Lamorna, implying that the girl was only ever happy when in her brother’s company yet here she was crying.

“It’s nothing, Mother Eva. Please do not worry.”

But Eva looked far from convinced. She stood staring at Lamorna, a frown creasing her brow. Without warning, she turned and limped to the end of the bed.

“What are you doing?” Lamorna’s voice rose slightly.

With a soft grunt, Eva struggled to kneel; she reached under the bed and pulled out the pack Lamorna had hurriedly shoved there. Placing it on the bed, she started to open it.

“Mother Eva, please don’t...” Lamorna tried to stop her but failed.

The contents of the pack – Reena’s faded dress, some bread and fruit – lay revealed as Eva laboured to her feet, staring hard at Lamorna. Insistent sounds rumbled from her, demanding an explanation. When Lamorna remained silent, she pointed at her, pointed out the door and waved as if saying goodbye, her hand movements choppy and abrupt.

Shoulders sagging, Lamorna said, “Yes. I was going to leave.”

Moving to stand before her, Eva pointed at the baby.

“No, no, I wasn’t going to take him. He’s safe here, he’ll be safe with you.”

Eva tugged at her until she got to her feet. She jabbed Lamorna with her finger, thumped herself on the chest and hugged herself tightly, tears trickling down her face.

By now Lamorna was crying. “I know you’ll keep me safe too. But I have to do something, Mother Eva. I have to help Daroth.”

Eva’s eyes widened as she jerked back. A sound that was almost a word fell from her lips; “Soldiers?”

Lamorna stood motionless before nodding.

Eva grabbed her by the shoulders, loud noises issuing from her as she shook her head vehemently.

“Please try to understand.”

Moving surprisingly quickly, Eva rushed out.

Lamorna stared at the empty doorway, wondering where she was going. She gasped as she realised the woman would most likely bring Sewell. Breathing fast, her movements clumsy, she re-tied her pack. But the sound of her brother gurgling to himself stopped her. Gently, she scooped him up and pressed her face against his body, her tears soaking into his swaddling cloth. Making sure he was safe on the bed, she hurried out the door.

There was no sign of Eva or Sewell or anyone else close by. She ducked into the garden and ran to the far end. Pulling the hedge aside, she forced herself through, grunting and grimacing as thorns nicked her and pulled at her dress. Then she was out and running towards the forest, expecting at any moment to hear Sewell coming after her. As she crossed the tree line, she could hear the faint sound of his voice calling her.

Leaning against a tree, gasping to catch her breath, Lamorna paused for a moment; as yet, there was no sign of Sewell. Gathering her courage, she turned in the direction she hoped... dreaded... would lead her to Daroth... to Liddon. Then it seemed as if Sewell’s voice was that bit closer. She quickened her pace. And jerked to a halt.

Standing a few paces before Lamorna, staring directly at her, was a white wolf.

She tried to speak but could not, only then realising that she was holding her breath. “M–Mistress... Wolf?” She and the wolf stared at one another before a thought came to Lamorna. “Have you come to guide me? To show me the way to Daroth?” Lamorna took a step forward.

The wolf growled softly.

Startled, Lamorna stopped. “Please, Mistress. I must go. Before Sewell comes.” Again, she stepped forward. Again, the wolf growled.

Another thought crept hesitantly into her mind. What if this was a true wild wolf? What if this wolf had nothing to do with the White Lady?

Aware of the deafening pounding of her heart, Lamorna slowly tried to step to the side. But whichever direction she moved, the wolf growled, although it made no attempt to move any closer to her.

“Lamorna–” Sewell appeared and froze, brought up short by the sight of the wolf.

Hoping the sight of Sewell would distract the wolf, Lamorna tried to run, but the wolf darted forward. Sewell grabbed her by the arm, stopping her. The wolf regarded them for a moment before turning and fading into the forest.

For long moments, neither spoke, Sewell still breathing hard.

“I thought, I thought she had come to help me.” Lamorna’s forlorn words broke the silence.

“What were you... Eva made signs that you’re leaving. She tried to say, it sounded like ‘soldiers’?”

She turned her tear-streaked face to him. “I-I was... if Liddon has me then he’ll let Daroth go.”

Sewell stared, his mouth hanging open.

“I can’t bear anyone else being hurt because of me.”

“You foolish... brave girl. Liddon won’t release Daroth simply because you surrender yourself.”

“But–”

“Liddon will want Daroth to pay for what he’s done to his men, to his pride. If you give yourself up to him, he would not only have Daroth, he will have you as well. And there is no guarantee that he will not come for the baby.”

“No. I will tell them that I lost him.”

Sewell shook his head. “Liddon will know that you still had your brother when you left the last village you were at, where Daroth saw you. He will guess how long it took you to find our village and he will most likely remember your concern for the baby. And do you think he will let us go unpunished for harbouring you and lying to him?”

Unable to answer him, unable to argue, Lamorna gave in to her tears, allowing him to put his arms around her.

*                      *                      *                      *

A few days later, Liddon and his men returned to their village. Daroth was not with them. Liddon said nothing of Daroth’s absence, only demanded that the villagers hand him over. Amleth and Merrick insisted none of the villagers had seen the young man. It was clear that Liddon did not believe them; he ordered the village to be searched thoroughly. There was nothing anyone could do to stop them. Although they had nothing to hide, the people resented these intruders trampling through their homes, leaving destruction in their wake. All for nothing; they left empty-handed, leaving Lamorna anxious yet hopeful.