Page 38 of Winter Queen
“Just before he reached Angus’s palace, he saw a group of people flying in the opposite direction. He thought he’d spotted the Summer God, so he followed them rather than continuing on to the palace. Somehow, he managed to stay out of sight, or at least they didn’t notice him. They flew all the way to the Eastern edge of his Realm, where they landed and seemed to be waiting for someone. My messenger was about to descend and speak to them – by now he knew for sure that it was Angus down below – but then someone else arrived. A woman appeared out of thin air, wrapped in a black cloak, with hair as black as the night and skin as pale as the moon.”
“The Morrigan,” I whisper, remembering the memories Crispin showed me. She’d been beautiful, stunning, except for the coldness in her eyes and the cruel smile on her lips.
“Yes. The Goddess of Death and Darkness. Of course, my messenger was far too scared to land or get closer, so he didn’t hear what they said. Only at the end of their conversation, the wind suddenly turned and he heard one single sentence: See you at Tioram.”
“Tioram? Where’s that?” I ask, struggling to remember where I’ve heard that name before.
“Surely she didn’t mean Castle Tioram on Earth?” Storm frowns. “That’s the only Tioram I know.”
“I hadn’t even heard of that castle,” Flora admits. “But I asked my librarian and he showed me a map of a place called Scotland. Tioram is a ruined castle on a tidal island, and humans aren’t allowed to go there. It sounds like a great hideout, but I don’t get why a Goddess would stay on Earth. Our powers are weak there and it becomes painful if we stay too long.”
She shrugs. “Of course I sent some scouts there. I needed to be sure that Angus was really working with the Morrigan. I’ve not liked his methods for a while, but he’s my creator and Spring and Summer have always stuck together. I ignored the things he did, and tried to focus on my own Realm, keeping out any trouble he might bring with him. I even harboured some people who’d fallen afoul of Angus, protecting them from him. But I never outright went against him – until now. I can’t believe he’s working with the Goddess of Death. It’s extreme even for him… everybody knows the story of what she did to that Guardian she created. How she made him kill children. It’s disgusting.”
I smooth my expression, carefully hiding the effect her words have on me. She’s heard about Crispin. I didn’t know his tale was that widely known. But of course, I assume Beira doesn’t intervene in the business of other Gods very often, not unless it’s necessary. The news that she banished the Morrigan must have spread like wildfire back then.
“What did your scouts find?” Gwain asks Flora and I pull myself out of my thoughts.
“They never returned. The next day, my husband was dead.”
She blinks several times, trying to hide her threatening tears.
Gwain strokes his beard – he always does that when he’s deep in thought.
“That means that someone definitely is at Castle Tioram, unless they were captured on route. Maybe Angus or the Morrigan saw your messenger after all and were monitoring your moves? Either way, we need to go to that castle.”
“I’d be happy to put a team together,” Storm volunteers. “And I’ll join them.”
“I’ll go too,” I say immediately, followed by three loud nos. I turn around and look at Frost, who’s glaring at me.
Flora chuckles softly. “That’s the price we have to pay as rulers: others get to have all the fun.”
Her words take me by surprise. I didn’t think she’d be someone who considers exploring a ruined castle and potentially fighting a Goddess ‘fun’. Maybe I’ve misjudged her.
“She’s right, Wyn,” Storm says calmly, but his eyes are burning with emotion. “You’re our Princess, hell, you’re the Heiress. The one in charge. We need you here, where you’re safe. There’s a reason Beira has an army and doesn’t fight the battles herself. If something happens to our ruler, the entire Realm will be thrown into chaos.”
“You’re not strong enough to fight the Morrigan though.”
He smiles. “Neither are you. We’re not intending to fight her. This is a scouting mission. If we find her there, we’ll return and make plans how to attack with our full force. If not, then… well. Let’s have Algonquin look for any other places called Tioram. Maybe there’s somewhere in one of the Realms with that name.”
“I’ll let him know,” Frost announces from behind me. “It’s Arc’s turn to accompany Wyn tomorrow, so I’ll be able to help the librarian.”
“I hope you find her there,” Flora says. “And once you do, let me know. I have a word or two to say to that bitch. I may be the Goddess of Spring, but even newly grown flowers have strength. I’m not weak, I’m life, while she is death. I will fight alongside you.”
She smiles and gets up.
“And now goodnight, Your Highness, gentlemen.”
She leaves the room while the rest of us mutter good night, taken aback by her sudden show of strength.
She’s right. She’s spring, and spring is life. It’s good to have her on board.
Chapter Twelve
“Come, we need to talk.” Crispin’s voice wakes me from deep sleep and it takes me a moment to fully regain my bearings. I’m in bed, deep breaths around me signalling that the men are here with me. Crispin is crouching on the floor by the bed so that his head is on the same level as mine.
“I need to talk to you, it’s urgent,” he whispers. His face is hidden in the dark, but his voice is unmistakable.
I sigh and lift the heavy arm lying on top of my ribcage. Storm grunts in his sleep.
