He saw a young boy trudging behind his father toward a barn, still half-asleep, no doubt, on the way to chores. Then a woman bundled in blue, tossing feed for chickens with the as yet empty basket for their eggs slung over her shoulder.
Released from the stalls, a buckskin foal frolicked in the field with infectious joy.
He caught the tang of peat smoke, heard a female voice (a bit out of tune) raised in song as she went about her work, the lowing of cattle, the sigh of the wind.
He’d been right to ride, he thought. On Cróga’s back he could view all of Talamh. But on Merlin’s he stayed part of it all. And he’dneeded this time to help him remember, whatever his fears, he stood for this, he fought for this. He would give his life for this if asked.
Leaning down, he rubbed Merlin’s strong neck. “Ready?”
In answer, Merlin leaped into a gallop.
Though he hadn’t sent a falcon, and rode into the Capital without escort, they came out to call greetings, to tip a cap, lift a hand in welcome.
Children, free from school until the turn of the year, swarmed, and those gathered around the well, for a gossip as much as water, paused as he rode by.
He spotted Morena’s nephew Bran as the boy raced toward him. After he crossed the bridge, Keegan slowed Merlin from trot to walk.
“They said you’d come, but not today for certain. I saw Cróga, so I came out to wait.”
“For me or my dragon?”
Bran dipped his head but couldn’t hide the grin. “For both, and the stallion as well, since you weren’t on your dragon. I can take him to the stables for you and give him a good rubdown, as he’s had a long ride.”
“Can you now?”
“Sure I can.” Ever eager, Bran trotted alongside the horse. “And water him, and all the rest.”
“And the barter for your services would be?”
“Such a service for the taoiseach doesn’t need a trade.” But his eyes rolled up, full of hope, to Keegan’s. “And Merlin worked up a good sweat.”
“Both of us have, despite the chill in the air.” After dismounting, Keegan handed the reins to the boy. “Take care with him, for he’s earned that and a carrot besides. You’ll have your ride on Cróga—if you get your ma or da’s leave for it.”
“They won’t say no!”
“Likely not, but you’ll ask all the same. How goes your family, Bran, and you?”
Bran stroked Merlin’s cheek. “My uncle was brave and true, and I know he’s in the light. But… I miss his laugh.”
“As do I.” Keegan laid a hand on the boy’s head. “As do we all.”
“We’re sad, and sometimes it hurts in my belly when I think of him, and never seeing him again. But my ma says you look to the stars, and you’ll see one especially. That’s his light. I know it’s just a story, but—”
“It’s a fine one, and true enough, as when you look at that star you think of him. That makes it true. Cróga will come when you call.”
Bran’s eyes popped wide. “When I call?”
“He’ll know, as I’ll tell him. Take good care of my horse, ask permission, and the dragon comes at your call.”
“I’ll take care, I promise!” He split off toward the stables, turned, walking backward as he beamed at Keegan. “I trained this morning with my mother, as there’s no school. I trained hard, Taoiseach, and I’ll be ready to take my place against Odran and all the dark who come against Talamh.”
“Please gods,” Keegan murmured as Bran led Merlin away, “please all the gods and goddesses, let him never be called on for it.”
He walked past the fountain toward the castle with its banner snapping in the wind. And tried, as he always did, not to feel confined the minute he walked through the doors.
He took time in his rooms to wash and change before meeting with members of the council and others who had needs or complaints, hopes or ideas. And knew before the end of the day, after a meal with Morena’s family—his family now as well—he’d have to stay more than a handful of days.
His mother needed more time with Aisling and the children, and had more than earned it.