Fiat Lux II: Part XX

"Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." Isaiah 56:1

*********

"Does anyone know where that trail leads?" Ian looked at the freed boys, but they all shook their heads. Meanwhile, Ashe's party came riding down and once again, the first Welshman spoke up.

"It used to lead back to the village along the cliffs over the river. Rhodri here and I used it as youngsters. But it's a dead end now; landslide sheared the path clear off the hillside for about thirty yards. A man would have to fly to bridge that gap!"

"I wouldn't put anything past Gethin now." snarled Skye. "Does he know it's a wash out?"

"I can't say, Lady."

Ian nodded. "All right, then. Skye and I will go after him. Uncle, could you and your men see to the boys?"

"We've got them, Ian. Go!"

He didn't have to say it twice. Ian and Skye set off at a run on the mercenary's trail, and as they ran, they made plans.

*********

Gethin stood, staring out at open air at the far edge of a gap he knew he could never bridge. His hostage whimpered in fright and Gethin shook him by the neck. "Be still. I need to think."

"Little late for that, don't you think?"

"Damn you, I'll jump! I'll take the boy with me!" He turned; Blackthorn and his wife, of course. Couldn't they just leave him alone? The boy nearly broke away, but he only got a few steps before Gethin grabbed him again, pressing the knife close to the carotid artery. "What now, Blackthorn? How can you stop me? Are you going to blast me with magic like you did the walls of Carcasonne?" He sneered. "I know the truth about that! It wasn't you at all, was it, it was Michael Ard Rhi! One of his men told me!"

Blackthorn took a step forward. "And what makes you think I could not have done it if I wanted to? Ard Rhi wanted me to take the blame, and spread the lie." He stretched out his hand and a blue ball of light appeared resting on his palm. "And like all good lies, this one was based on some truth." He threw the light into the air, and Gethin looked up. In those few seconds, as he was distracted, Skye threw a dagger that sank to the hilt in the exposed throat. He staggered back, his own knife fallen, but his hand locked on the boy.

"IAN!"

On the edge of the cliff, as he stood about to plunge into two different abysses, the last thing Gethin saw was Ian Blackthorn's face as he tore the boy away to safety.

Then there was darkness.

*********

"…so when the villagers began falling sick he looked at it as an opportunity to kill you and make it seem a part of the general illness. He didn't count on Llwyd sending for us." Skye reached out and put her hand over Branwen's. "I'm sorry."

They were sitting out in the garden. The bright midday sun made Branwen look even paler, but she had insisted she needed fresh air. So after bundling the older woman up in as many blankets as she could insist on, Skye had asked Ashe to carry the woman out to the garden. After the short trip (which Branwen seemed to enjoy) they set her down in the chair Ian carried out for her and discussed what had happened.

"I am a fool." Branwen's eyes seemed to glisten and she angrily brushed at them. I should have seen it coming; ten years ago I would have. I think, perhaps, Gethin was right. I'm no longer a fit commander. Look at what happened! "

Llwyd shook his head. "Branwen, it happened because Gethin was an evil man, not because you were unfit. If not this way, he would have eventually tried another to take command and over your dead body."

"The brother is right, Branwen." said Ian from beside her. "His ego would have driven him to it late or soon. Move on from it."

"I plan to. Ian, can you send me a man you think would be a good man to replace me? Someone I can train, before I do step aside?"

He smiled. "Aye. And there's some others here who will be good junior officers, as well. Tathan and Rhodri, for starters."

She nodded. "What of those boys?"

Llwyd smiled. "Most of them have been taken in by villagers. Two have families to return home to, and Lord Blackthorn has promised he will see them sent home safely."

"Which reminds me." Blackthorn stood. "We have to get back home to Camelot. There's still Talor to deal with, and more children who need to be rescued. Branwen, be well, my friend." He bent down to plant a quick kiss on the cheek of his old friend, then extended a hand to Skye and helped her stand as well. The redhead kissed Branwen farewell also. Branwen held her briefly, whispering thanks for her aid, and then the women parted.

Ashe made to kiss one of Branwen's hands gallantly, but she snatched it away. "Oh no, you don't! You still have to carry me back inside. And when you kiss me farewell, milord "Great Healer", it best be longer than that and fit to get this old woman's heart aflutter!"

And then Ian roared with laughter, as he saw his uncle, Ashevathallion of the Clan of the Silver Rose, step back, and slowly, brightly, blush.