Speirr's uncle was dressed in black leather armor and his aunt in gold armor with a long, plaid skirt.
To the people gathered there, Talon looked strong and proud. Fierce and princely.
The Gauls' whispered voices echoed in the room as they retold stories of his prowess in battle, told each other that he was the Morrigan's favored warrior.
It was said the goddess herself walked beside him in battle and dared anyone to mar his beauty or dull his sword.
What no one knew was that Speirr was ready to bolt as he waited to meet his bride.
"I swear, lad, you're as skittish as a colt," his aunt whispered with a laugh.
"You were too, Ora," his uncle teased her. "I remember your father threatened to tie you to his side if you didn't stop fidgeting while our parents bound us together."
"Aye, but I was much younger than he is."
His aunt placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Speirr took a deep breath as a young woman was brought forward to stand before him.
"My daughter Deirdre," King Llewd said.
She was beautiful. That was Speirr's first thought. With hair as golden fair as any he'd ever seen and blue eyes that were kind and gentle.
But she was no match for his Nynia. No other woman could ever come close to her.
Speirr stepped back instinctively.
His uncle pushed him forward.
Deirdre smiled invitingly. Her eyes warm and accepting.
He stepped back again.
This time, his aunt nudged him toward his bride. "What have you to say to her, lad?"
"I..." Speirr knew the words that would bind them together. He'd rehearsed them incessantly.
But now they lodged in his throat.
He couldn't breathe.
He stepped back again, and again his aunt and uncle moved him forward, toward her and a destiny that seemed suddenly bleak. Cold.
"Speirr," his uncle said with a warning note in his voice. "Say the words."
Do it, or you will lose everything-
Do it, and I will lose the only thing.
In his mind, he saw the hurt in Nynia's eyes. Saw the tears she'd tried to hide.
Speirr clenched his teeth, flexing his jaw with determination. "I willna do this." He whirled around and left the hall, hearing the shocked gasps as he made his way to the door and out into the village.
A few seconds later, his aunt and uncle came rushing out behind him. He was halfway to his horse when his uncle grabbed his arm and pulled him roughly to a stop.
"What is wrong with you?" he demanded.
"Speirr?" his aunt said in a gentler tone. "What is it?"