Brighid’s Quest

“Well,” she said softly. “I might admit to knowing something of what you mean…” she began, but a rustling from the opposite side of the circle drew her attention.

Brighid hadn’t had time to speak to many of the adult hybrids. Everyone had been too involved with setting up camp, and the adults were kept especially busy with their flocks of children. Other than a passing word or two, she had spent her time in the company of Cuchulai

“I spoke too soon,” Cuchulai

Brighid felt him gather himself to leave, and then, before she could stop herself, she reached out and put her hand on his shoulder.

“Stay,” she said, surprised at the unfamiliarly husky sound of her voice. It was as if her impulse to keep Cu there had come from deep within her, and her voice reflected that well of emotion.

Cuchulai

“If you leave one of those children might come and take your place. Then I will be completely surrounded,” she whispered, feeling suddenly too exposed and vulnerable.

“Harrumph,” he said roughly, but he resettled himself beside her.

“Our journey has finally begun,” said Nevin.

“We have waited long for this day.” Curran picked up the thread of his twin’s words. “Our mothers in the spirit realm rejoice.”

“They smile that their hearts’ desires are coming to fruition,” Nevin said. “Do you feel their presence, children?” The winged man smiled at the small faces turned in his direction and the children nodded sleepily.

“Their love is in the wind,” Curran said. “It lifts our wings.”

“And our hearts,” Nevin completed. “And as long as the wind blows, we will not forget their love, or their sacrifice.”

Brighid couldn’t help but be intrigued by the twins’ performance. They truly were bards. Their voices weren’t simply powerful, but had that indescribable note of magic that so clearly separated a bard from the rest of the populace. She thought she could listen to their rich, emotion-filled voices forever, and she was chagrined that the twins had spent all those days at MacCallan Castle without any of the Clan knowing of their gift. She snorted lightly to herself. That would certainly change when they returned. Bards were always a welcome addition to any clan.

“Tonight we must rest well for the coming day,” Curran said.

“So our tale will be a short one.”

“But well-loved.” Curran’s smile flashed brilliantly across the campfire at the surprised Huntress. “With your permission, Brighid. We will tell the tale of how you tracked the young Fand and saved her from certain death.”

The tired children stirred and Brighid heard delighted murmurs from the youngsters sitting nearest to the wolf cub sprawled by the fire. Beside her Liam came back to life and wriggled happily, staring at the Huntress with wide, adoring eyes.

“Glad I stayed,” Cu grunted under his breath to her. “I like this one, too.”

Ciara’s musical voice interrupted the scowl Brighid was aiming at the warrior.

“Now that we have been blessed with the presence of the Huntress, perhaps Brighid would be so gracious as to tell us her own version of the saving of Fand.”

Brighid’s scowl turned instantly from Cuchulai

“Will you tell us the real story, Brighid?” the Shaman asked.

CHAPTER TEN

“I’m no bard, but if you want the real story, I’ll tell it.”

She was glad her voice didn’t betray the tumult going on within her. Her gut was tight and her heart thumped like she had been ru

“Well, it seems you already know the story of how Cuchulai

“Bre

The Huntress squared her shoulders and tossed back her hair. “Did I mention that Bre

Little heads bobbed up and down.

“Well, she was smart enough to say no to a certain arrogant warrior who thought he could snap his fingers and have whatever woman he desired.” Brighid jerked her head at Cuchulai

Brighid did not react to the waves of tension radiating from Cuchulai

“So instead of making the very smart Bre

The children broke into spontaneous applause. Brighid drew a deep breath and turned to face Cuchulai