Outlaw (Medieval Trilogy 3)

Epilogue

ather Timothy sprinkled holy water on the infant’s forehead and said a soft prayer over the rising wail of the tiny babe. When the prayer was finished, Wolf accep

ted the small bundle from the priest’s trembling hands, and to his wife’s surprise, planted a kiss on the shock of fine red hair. “You be a loud one, son,” he said before handing the baby back to Megan.

“And strong,” she said as she greeted their guests, those who had attended little Cormick’s christening, for the child had indeed survived, despite the deep rending she’d felt in her womb and the fear that she’d lost him.

Throughout the chapel were the people she’d grown to love and trust: Robin, now much taller; Odell; one-eyed Peter; Cayley; Bjorn; and Cadell, the sorcerer. Even Lord Hagan, Lady Sorcha and baby Bryanna joined them. Morgana and Garrick of Abergwynn came as well, with their four daughters and Logan in tow. Morgana, tears in her eyes, stood with Cadell, her brother, and would not let go of his sleeve, as if she expected him to disappear from her again.

While little Cormick squealed unhappily, the guests filed out of the chapel at Dwyrain, where she and Wolf had made their home during most of the past year while waiting for the birth of their child. Cayley was ruler of the castle, and between her and Hagan of Erbyn, all Wolf’s sins had been forgiven. Now, ’twas time to return to Abergwynn and to a small keep not far from the castle.

Wolf wrapped an arm around her middle, and urged her toward the steps of the great hall.

“I’ll be there in a minute,” she said, and while he led their guests into the keep for a feast, Megan hurried through the gates of the castle and up a small hill to the cemetery. As the October breeze swirled her skirts, she laid a small bouquet of flowers from the christening on her father’s grave. Finally, Ewan was at peace with his beloved Violet. Bevan’s grave and a small one for Roz were nearby. “I miss you,” she said, “I miss you all, but Father, finally, at last, I’m married. As you wanted.”

“And happy?” a voice boomed behind her. Turning, she spied Wolf, his hair catching in the wind, his face as rugged as the great hills of Wales.

“Where’s Cormick?”

“His aunt Cayley was cooing to him when I left.”

“She needs a babe of her own.”

“First a husband.”

“Who would marry her?”

“A man more stubborn than she.”

“Is there such a bullheaded man in all of Wales?” she asked, laughing, and the merry sound carried on the wind.

“Now, wife, you didn’t answer my question,” he said, advancing upon her. “Are you happy?”

“Oh, nay, Wolf, can you not see I’m miserable?” Again, she laughed.

“As miserable as I am.”

He circled her waist with one arm and tilted her face up with his free hand. Cool lips brushed over hers.

She eyed him in the afternoon sunlight. “You’re not an outlaw any longer. All charges against you were forgiven.”

“A pity,” he said with a cynical grin.

“So now you’re an honorable man.”

“Is that what you believe?” He kissed her again as a great owl flew above them and disappeared into the forest. His smile was wicked and a glimmer of seduction appeared in his eyes.

“I believe a part of you will always be a thief and rogue.”

“ ’Tis true,” he agreed, and her heart raced a little as he kissed her lips again. “But only for you, m’lady, for I plan to steal your heart over and over again.”