The Blacksmith Queen (The Scarred Earth Saga, #1) - G.A Aiken Page 0,99
brothers leaned back in their chairs and refused to look at each other.
Fed up, Emma reminded both men, “Our babies are out there, risking their lives, and you two are just going at each other. I can’t stand it another second!”
“He took what was mine!” Archie accused.
Emma finished pouring out some ale, shoving the cups in front of each man. She picked up her own and dropped into a chair, putting one leg up on the table.
“If you’re talking about me—”
“I am!”
“—I was never interested in you.”
“How could you say that to me?” Archie asked, pressing his hand to his chest. “You loved me.”
“No. I didn’t. But I do care for you as my husband’s brother. That’s why you’re still breathing.”
Angus laughed as Archie’s eyes narrowed on her. “You’re a cruel woman, Emma Smythe.”
“I am. Now let’s eat and drink and not annoy me anymore.”
“Then what fun will we have?” Archie asked.
Emma chuckled, bringing her cup to her lips. But she stopped before drinking and gazed at Endelyon. Her young daughter. She held the little hammer Keeley had given her tucked into her elbow, both hands rubbing her eyes.
Placing the cup down, Emma asked, “What are you doing up, little bit?”
“Can’t sleep. Too many horses coming. Is Keeley back?”
Emma looked at her husband and his brother.
“Farlan? Cadell?” she called out to their protector centaurs. “Where are you two?”
“Under the stairs, getting ready for night watch. Why?” Farlan shot back.
“You need to get out here now,” she told the centaurs as she swung her legs off the table and tore off her skirt. She’d been wearing it to hide her chainmail leggings and all her weapons from the younger children, not wanting to panic them.
She went to her daughter and picked her up. “Let’s go get your brothers and sisters up, yes?”
* * *
The attack started as soon as Emma disappeared up the stairs to round up the children. The attackers had a battering ram and were banging at the door.
Archie tossed Angus a sword and shield. They’d already blocked the door when they’d settled in for the night.
“How long do you think?” Angus asked.
“Before they take the door down? Not sure. But they’re coming.”
Brothers faced the blocked door together, shields and swords raised.
“You know,” Archie said as they waited, “I built this place out of stone so they couldn’t set fire to it and trap me inside.”
Angus glanced at him. “Do you worry often about people trying to kill you with fire?”
“Yes.”
Deciding they didn’t have time to debate that, Angus continued to wait. After a few minutes, his wife and children rushed down the stairs with the centaurs. The eldest ones helped the younger ones, and Emma with the very youngest tucked against her breast in a sturdy leather sling he’d built for her. The centaurs had their weapons out and were keeping everyone moving quickly toward the tunnels Archie had built under his home.
“Let’s go, gentlemen!” Emma ordered.
“You go,” Angus replied. “We’ll catch up.”
“Angus Farmerson!”
His wife’s bellow had Archie pushing him toward her. “Just go, Brother. Before she tears both our balls off!”
“Come with us.”
“They’ll not make me leave my home, Angus. No one will make me leave my—”
Angus dragged his brother toward the tunnels as the front door was finally battered open.
The two brothers ran into the hallway, where the door to the tunnel was still open, but Angus heard men behind them.
He turned, brought down his sword. His brother used his shield to slam another into the closest wall and finish him off with a sword slash to the throat.
More soldiers poured in, wearing the colors and crest of Prince Straton.
“Come on!” Emma yelled from the stairs.
“Go!” Angus ordered. “Now!”
“Angus—”
“Go!”
He heard the door behind them slam and the brothers continued to fight until three arrows hit Angus in the right part of his chest. He stumbled back, and his brother stepped in front of him.
Angus worked to ignore the pain and the way it became harder to breathe. He stepped back up to the line and pushed at his brother.
“Go to them, Archie. Take care of my family.”
“I’ll not leave you, Brother!” Archie bellowed. “I’ll kill them all!”
“Archie, no!”
But it was too late—his brother waded into the charging men, swinging his sword and shield; screaming like a crazy man.
Angus snatched open the tunnel door with his good arm. “Archie!”
“Go, Brother! Go!”
Archie swung his shield, knocking the unit of men back. Then he stopped, stared.
“Huh,” he muttered, shocked at what he saw. “Horses are in my house,” he