Lendra grew silent and Elysia knew there was more she wished to say and waited.
“Lord Odran will make an announcement soon and all believe it will be to inform the clan that Chieftain Emory is dead. That gives Lord Odran the right to decide who will become chieftain. After it is done, the new chieftain declared, Lord Odran will take his leave.”
“Lendra!”
She turned to see Dana, the servant lass, waving frantically to her.
“I have to go,” Lendra said. “Bless you, Elysia, for all you have done.”
Elysia stood staring after her. She felt as if Lendra had bid her farewell. She didn’t want to leave her home. She needed to be here when Annis returned or if Bliss reached out to her. This truly was a nightmare and yet who did she want to turn to for comfort more than ever?
Saber.
But there was no Saber. The man she had wed, had fallen in love with, did not exist. It had all been a lie.
She had purposely lost herself the last few hours healing the many wounded so she did not have to think about Saber—Lord Odran—whoever he was. She did not know how to comprehend or cope with this news. She hurt and was frightened more than she wanted to acknowledge, or dare let anyone see. How did she talk with a man she did not know? How did she face the chore of being a wife to one of the cursed lords? Her eyes went wide. How did she ever make love with him?
Her hand went to her stomach. How did she give birth to a child that was cursed before he took his first breath?
The thought sent a shudder through her and she jumped when a voice shouted, “ALL WHO ARE CAPABLE MUST COME TO THE KEEP. LORD ODRAN MAKES AN ANNOUNCEMENT.”
Elysia had no desire to join the others, but she needed to hear what Lord Odran had to say. She kept to the back of the crowd, tucked out of sight the best she could. More villagers gathered than Elysia expected, the wounded leaning on their women, on sturdy staffs, and on other men. Bairns slept cradled in their mother’s arms and young children clung to either their mum or da’s legs, still frightened by the day’s attack. And yet, Elysia saw hope in their eyes as they looked upon Lord Odran.
Lord Odran stood at the top step of the keep. He held himself erect, shoulders drawn back, his chin a slight tilt to it, and his green eyes scanning the sea of faces with an intensity that had some people turning away.
His strong, commanding voice rang out over the crowd. “All of you know me as Saber… I am Odran of the Clan MacBridan. I will not explain why I disguised myself with a false name. That does not concern you. What does concern you is that I am here to see you kept safe.”
A cheer went up in the crowd.
Elysia watched the way her husband’s eyes darted repeatedly over the crowd, searching. He looked for her and she made sure to keep herself tucked where she could not be seen.
“Today the Clan Loudon celebrates a victorious battle fought bravely by all. Unfortunately, it is followed by sorrowful news. Chieftain Emory was injured in battle the other day and has succumbed to his wound.”
Gasps rushed through the crowd, as well as whispers, and tears were shed.
“I am appointing a new chieftain to lead your clan. He is a good and fair man, I learned that for myself while I was here. Neil—Chieftain Emory’s brother will lead the Clan Loudon.”
A loud cheer rang out. Lord Odran was right, Chieftain Emory’s brother Neil was a good and fair man. He would serve the clan well.
Elysia shook her head. The man who spoke was a stranger to her, his voice strong and commanding. She knew nothing about him. How then did she call him husband?
“I will depart as soon as I see things settled here, but fear not, you will be left well-protected. There is food and drink aplenty in the keep for anyone who wants it,” Lord Odran called out.
No one moved since Lord Odran remained standing at the top of the keep steps, his eyes looking out over the crowd. Everyone waited, silence hanging heavy as dusk drew near.
Annoyed Odran did not see his wife, he shouted out, “ELYSIA!”
She jumped, her name sounding like a strike of thunder hitting the land. She tried to stay tucked away, but people around her parted, clearing a path for her to go to her husband.
Elysia wanted to run and hide, but that would do her no good. She had to face this and see it made right. She approached the keep steps and as she reached the top step she took a wide berth around her husband and entered the keep.