Field of Death: Part I

His left foot caught the edge of one of the pieces of wood as he danced, breaking the cross on the floor, and Ian came to a halt. Jaelyn struck a final mocking chord and Skye handed Ian a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his face. He nodded thanks to his wife, and then looked at the Bard.

"Was that lively enough for you, Mistress Bard?"

A few minutes earlier, Jaelyn had dragged him, and of all people, Elspeth O'Donnell, to their feet and demanded they dance to something lively. In a bit of a fey mood himself, Ian had laid out a cross on the floor with wood instead of swords and then taught the dance to Elspeth, setting the pace as fast as he could go. Lady O'Donnell had tried her best to keep up but finally dropped out, and if Ian had not been trying to show off he would have too. He called himself ten kinds of fool as he wiped his face again. He had forgotten how tiring that dance could be.

Jaelyn laughed. "I sit very impressed. And my desire to make others move and thus add a little liveliness to the room is sated... for now."

Ian jested with his wife and their friend for a few minutes, then suddenly became aware that Elspeth was calling him from across the room. She stood next to a distraught young man, and the expression on her face was enough to let Ian know something was wrong. He walked over to the two.

"What is it Elspeth?" Behind him Skye and Jaelyn had also approached.

"Something has happened to Fionn."

Ian frowned for a second, and then recalled the name. "Ah yes, the grocer's lad. What's wrong?"

"This is Jesib, Fionn's brother. He brings news of..."

"Fionn..." Jesib's face was pale.

"He has found him...where did you say?" Elspeth's voice was soothing, and her eyes full of concern. She gave Jesib's hand a squeeze. "Ian will do what he can...tell him exactly what you...how you found him."

Ian nodded. The young man obviously was in shock. "Tell me, Jesib. What is wrong with Fionn?"

Jesib swiped at his hair absently with a shaking hand and began again. "His… I went looking when he never came home last night. Maybe it's not him. He's probably at Becky Wilson's house now."

"Easy, lad. Take your time. What did you find?"

Elspeth laid a hand on the boy's arm. "Perhaps we should sit?"

"At the Wilson's farm. Fionn. I threw up. I'm sorry. I was sick from it and I think I got it on him." At Elspeth's touch, he began to cry uncontrollably, leaning into her.

"How long had he been missing, Jesib?"

Skye stepped closer. "Ian, perhaps you should go see what you can do." Her eyes widened slightly as she realized her husband's expression meant nothing could be done for Fionn now.

"My brother...on the Wilson's farm. I found him there. I..." Jesib took a breath, wiping his face with his sleeve "He was cold, so I covered him." He shrugged and shook his head.

Elspeth exchanged worried looks with Ian and Skye. The boy rubbed at his throat, the motion catching Ian's eye.

"Is that where he was hurt, Jesib? At the throat?"

Jesib nodded once, and then turned to look at Elspeth, "He's a good boy. Helpful with Mother and Father. Maybe I was wrong with it."

"I know, sweet. He has always been a good boy. But you must tell Ian what you know. Something must be done."

Skye touched Ian's mind briefly, letting him know she was going to give Jesib something to calm him. He nodded as she moved off to put some herbs in a cup of tea, and then he turned back to Elspeth and the boy. "Did it look like he struggled, Jesib?"

The boy shook his head.

Ian rubbed at the back of his own neck, then asked a final question. "Did Fionn have any enemies? Is there anyone you can think of who hated him enough to do this?"

Jesib shook his head again. So did Elspeth as she spoke. "He is a well-loved young man. Both the boys are quite popular." She took the mug of tea Skye handed her and gave it to Jesib.

"Alright. You stay here, get your bearings. When you feel up to it one of my men will take you home to tell your parents." Ian looked at Skye and Elspeth. "Will you ladies look after him for a bit?"

Skye nodded "Are you going out there?
He nodded, and then kissed her.
"I don't like this, Ian."
"Neither do I love, neither do I."