AEgir (BERSERKER WARRIORS #1) - Lee Savino Page 0,1
but none dared trespass Nanny’s realm. I sat and sipped an herbal brew while Nanny fussed with my hair.
“Shall I tell you the story?”
“Why not,” I sighed. I’d heard all of Nanny’s stories before, but it would help pass the time.
“Once there was a great and fearsome warrior named The Wolf. He was the strongest and best of the king’s men but wished to keep his strength forever. He went to a witch for a spell to make him the greatest warrior of all time. The witch warned him that her magic had a price. She would make him the greatest warrior of all, but he—”
I closed my eyes and allowed Nanny’s voice to take me away as her clever fingers untangled the snarls in my hair. By the end of the story, my dark mane was tamed into a respectable plait befitting of a lady. And I was calm.
“There,” Nanny said at last, stepping back. “Now you can change, and you’ll be ready for the crossing.”
“I’m not changing.” The gown I’d worn to hike the hill wasn’t my best, but it was clean, and the color reminded me of my mother’s eyes. Paired with my sturdy boots, it would serve to deliver me to my intended.
“You’re wearing that to the wedding?” Nanny sounded scandalized. “What will the Uí Néill think of us?”
“The same as they already do.” I rose from the stool. I had no great height, but I towered over Nanny. “That we’re pagan savages.”
“Don’t let Father Pátraic hear you say that.” Nanny crossed herself but her rolling eyes belied her piety.
I grinned. “He knows he has work ahead of him to make our people forget the old ways. He’ll think it easier with me gone.”
“Dòmhnall won’t let you keep the old ways.” Nanny bustled about, gathering herbs into a linen cloth. “The Uí Néill keep the Christian faith.”
“I’ll never abandon my mother’s teachings.” I crossed to the hearth and gazed into a bowl of water. For a moment, smoke seemed to cross its surface. I stilled, willing the vision to come to me. My mother could scry at will, but my own visions came to me unbidden.
Before the smooth surface could show me anything, Nanny plopped down on the hearth, bumping the bowl. As she tsked and wiped up spilt water, the smoke swirled away.
“Your husband might insist you do. According to Father Pátraic, Christians prefer their wives silent and biddable.”
“Silent maybe. I doubt I’ll have much to say to the Uí Néill. But my new husband has a lesson coming to him, if he thinks I’ll be biddable.”
“Good lass.” Nanny handed me the linen bundle. “Keep that secret and safe. You’ll know how to use it, if the time comes.” She winked but I tucked away her offering carefully. My mother taught me to use herbs to ward off sickness and prevent quickening since I was old enough to tend a fire. I had my own herb sachets in my packed belongings. I’d not bear Dòmhnall a child unless I wished.
Murmurs outside the stillroom made our conversation cease. A young servant heralded the arrival of Father Pátraic.
“The boat is here. Your bridegroom awaits,” the priest said, his ceremonious air ruined by him addressing one of the hanging herb bundles. Nanny cleared her throat and he turned his myopic gaze to me. “The Lord grant you safe passage over the channel.” He shifted from foot to foot, ill at ease in Nanny’s domain.
I nodded my thanks and swept past him. Of all my father’s people, the priest would be the happiest to see me go. With Nanny’s help, I’d taken my mother’s place as healer and wise woman. I took care not to gainsay any of the priest’s preaching, but my very presence seemed to threaten him. In his narrow world, a woman should not speak her mind, or wield so much power.
Together Nanny and I made our way down to the beach.
“The fog’s still upon us. Do you think Dòmhnall will wait to send the boat for you tomorrow?”
“He did not want to wait, remember? He saw me at the fair and would have no other for his bride.” My lip curled.
“And your father wouldn’t gainsay him.”
“Only because he is the son of a great chieftain who has the High King’s ear. The daughter of a tiny tuatha should be grateful for such a match.”
Nanny sniffed. “You’re the daughter of a chieftain, equal to Dòmhnall. And your mother had great power.” She glanced around but none