Leaping Wolf, page 43
part #2 of Caledon Saga Series
‘How much longer must they delay?’
Gawan shrugged at her.
‘Who can guess what goes through the mind of a Caderyn?’
She tried to smile but it wasn’t convincing. She was probably uneasy on behalf of Taliesyn more than anything; if Rhianwyn fell from grace his reputation would be in tatters. Not for the first time that morning Gawan’s thoughts went to his own reputation. He had convinced himself that it had been destroyed by his various ignoble deeds but the more he thought on it now, the more he realised that it was mostly within his own mind that he’d been ruined. He had torn into himself for all he had done but for the most part, the three tribes still held him in high regard. And he wasn’t quite sure how he felt about that.
He still felt ashamed for all that had happened and a part of him felt he did not deserve to be well thought of by anyone. But thanks either to Bael’s words or his warming magic, he found that he was hating himself far less than he had been. The guilt was still there but it was bearable somehow; something he could use to fuel his efforts to make amends rather than the crushing weight on his soul that it had been. He would re-earn the right to call himself a Gadarim of the Gorvicae, and his remorse at his mistakes would spur him on to it.
Something of his new hope must have shown in his face because Tegwen looked up at him oddly.
‘What is it?’
Bael had told him to keep quiet about his return to Bryngarth and Gawan did his best not to lie to his child.
‘There may be hope yet, I think. That is all.’
She kept looking at him quizzically and he changed the subject before she could question him.
‘I forgot to ask, how was it taking care of young Lucan yesterday?’
It wasn’t much as new conversations went but it was the best that he could think of at a pinch. Tegwen didn’t seem to mind it however, and her mouth quirked up in a smile.
‘He’s a talkative lad. And wilful.’
Gawan almost smiled back.
‘That he is, my girl. That he is.’
He was wondering what he ought to say next when the hall’s doors were thrown wide and Merwyn stood in the opening. The old man seemed to have aged ten winters since the trial began but he spoke clearly to the little crowd.
‘Headmen, you may enter.’
The various chiefs began shuffling inside and Gawan saw Taliesyn approaching through the press. He looked down at Tegwen.
‘Wait for us here. This should not take long.’
She nodded to him and took a pace backwards to make room for the headmen. Gawan nodded back before following them into the hall, holding on tight to the quiet hope inside him.
He made his way towards the bench that the Gorvicae had occupied the day before. The other men filed in after him, with Taliesyn among the last to enter. Gawan was surprised to see that Galerian and Derrio had been permitted to join them and had moved to stand a little way apart from the group of Lurians, though still close enough for Derrio to hear them. Presumably it was Merwyn who had extended them such courtesy, unless Alraig wanted them there to witness their ally’s fall from power.
Taliesyn approached the bench and nodded to Gawan before sitting down. Though he kept his back straight he was looking crestfallen, and Gawan wondered if he was more concerned for Rhianwyn or for himself. He looked around the room and saw similar looks of defeat on the faces of Merwyn and Hywel. Both Karadoc and Caserach were looking pleased with themselves but Alraig simply seemed satisfied. It was he who addressed the assembly, face stern and voice clear.
‘Comrades, we your seniors have reached an agreement.’ What little chatter there had been died away almost instantly. ‘It has been accorded that Rhianwyn daughter of Carradan is indeed guilty of allowing our enemies to cross Caledon lands, in defiance of her people and of her own laws. When Belenos reaches his peak on this day the verdict of her people shall be announced to the tribe, and her sentence carried out.’
He paused for a moment and cast his eyes around the room. The air seemed to hum with expectation and Alraig gave them another heartbeat before he continued.
‘I would remind you all that not only chiefs but holy druids have decided on this, and those who speak for the gods…’
But he was interrupted by three loud bangs that echoed through the hall, and all eyes turned to the door. Even Gawan, who’d been expecting something like this, whipped his head around to look as the heavy doors creaked open and Bael walked into the longhall of his tribe. His white robe swished impressively and the rings on his staff jangled as he strode towards the high table, his eyes fixed straight ahead of him. The hall seemed to brighten as though bathed in fresh sunlight, and power radiated from the young man like warmth from a blazing hearth. The whole room held its breath but Gawan found himself holding back a smile as he watched. Old Reaghan had also enjoyed a good dramatic entrance!
He saw Caserach’s face darken with suspicion just as Rhianwyn’s seemed to light up with hope. Gawan felt his heart swell to see it. Bael did not look at either of them however and simply bowed his head at the high table, stopping just short of it with his staff planted on the boards.
‘You are most kind, Alraig son of Galchoran. But I would not say we speak for them. I prefer to think that the gods see fit to speak through us. On occasion.’
Most of the room was still looking on in shock but Alraig recovered himself the fastest.
‘Your pardon, Druid Bael. I am no expert on the will of the gods.’
He managed to apologise while still giving the impression that the other man was wrong, though he was careful to keep his voice respectful. Bael gave him a small smile, understanding and ignoring the undertone.
‘Do not concern yourself, comrade.’ He looked around him at the crowd. ‘But it is true that the gods commune with us through our methods, and both Druid Reaghan and myself have meditated heavily on this matter with them.’
Gawan could almost feel the chiefs around him leaning forward to hear more. The man could enthral a crowd, he’d give him that.
‘We are agreed that the law made by Rhianwyn was wise, and made for the protection of our people.’
Alraig tilted his head, confused, and he wasn’t the only one to do so.
‘Well… indeed.’
He glanced uncertainly at Merwyn who looked just as puzzled as the rest of them. Alraig addressed the druid.
‘My thanks Druid Bael for having meditated on this matter. If that is all then we…’
But Bael held up a hand, the gesture gentle but unmistakable, and Alraig stopped speaking.
‘That law was of course made to prevent Gaian troops from entering our lands in order to threaten our people. As I understand it, the Blackbird Legion was already in Caledon lands, hunting down the remnants of our mutual enemy, the Panther Legion.’ He spread his hands. ‘To my mind, the law remains unbroken.’
An excited murmur went around the room but Karadoc spoke through it.
‘With respect you speak of a mere word of difference, and Rhianwyn has already spoken of her distain for technicalities. Has she not at least broken the spirit of the law?’
Bael looked first at the Gorvic and then at Alraig.
‘I was given to understand that it was by those words that she was judged, was it not? I should say that the spirit of the law was the protection of our people, and in that Rhianwyn has acted only as she saw best for our tribes. Such an action is little different than those which led to the formation of the Caledon. Had I been present to show my hand, I would have shown it in her defence.’
Several sharp intakes of breath followed his statement. His hand would have equalised the verdict, and had Reaghan been there as well and been of the same mind… Gawan held back a smile and saw that Rhianwyn was doing the same. Alraig was not a man easily swayed however and he stopped just shy of scowling at the holy man.
‘But you were not here. And her guilt has already been decided both by chiefs and by your fellow druids. Would you overturn our decision?’
It was a serious question, and Gawan saw Hywel looking gravely at the younger man. Druids were not to interfere in such things unless requested to, and Gawan knew all too well how much Hywel was reluctant to break that tradition. Bael bowed to the headmen.
‘I shall of course respect your decision, as would Reaghan were he here with me.’
Alraig looked almost pleased and Caserach’s face lit up with a vicious smile. But Gawan knew that Bael was not done yet.
‘But as I understand it, Rhianwyn’s sentence has not yet been carried out, nor even announced to the tribe? I would never seek to contradict a verdict made by my tribe’s headmen and my honoured brethren,’ he nodded to Hywel and the Caderyn druid, ‘but I would offer my advice as regards her sentencing, both for my own part and in Reaghan’s name.’
Gawan could tell that every man in that room was aching to ask why the senior druid was not there himself, but none of them dared to question Bael. If he had planned to tell them he would have done so already, and he carried himself with such a presence that it was difficult to doubt him when he said he spoke for both of them. And besides, druids did nothing without a reason. He looked around the room.
‘Therefore at Belenos’ height I say we declare that Rhianwyn be made no longer the chieftain of the Caderyn.’
Gawan saw Rhianwyn looking confused and was feeling very much the same way himself. Merwyn spoke to the druid.
‘And what then?’
Bael gave a tiny shrug, and Gawan couldn’t help but compare him to the Caderyn druid at the high table. While the older man was skeletally thin and had remained silent and grave through all of this, Bael was young and confident, and even through his white robe the shrug had shown the size and strength of his shoulders.
‘She will remain in Bryngarth and a moot will be called for a new leader, as is proper. The chiefs will of course speak from their hearts and who knows, if the gods choose to inspire them so, she may even be made chieftain again? The most important thing will be that all the tribe will have seen that she is truly answerable to her people.’
Alraig’s eyes widened and Karadoc was looking livid, but it was Taliesyn who spoke first.
‘And what of the Caledon?’
Bael turned to look at him.
‘Rhianwyn has been acknowledged as a figurehead for now, but a moot of all three tribes should be called to elect a genuine leader. Not to rule them of course,’ he added, forestalling the inevitable objections, ‘but to represent the tribes and to serve and guide all three.’
There were some approving nods though most of the room seemed uncertain. Caserach of course had no doubts.
‘You think to change a just decision to banish a traitor into her election as supreme leader of us all, is that it? Well no Darin will ever support her or her damned Caledon nonsense, and nor should any right-minded Lurian!’
His tone was shockingly insolent but Gawan had to admit he had a point. Plenty of chiefs would have their objections, and the Darin could influence or intimidate many of them. But Bael had been ready for this.
‘That will be for their own hearts to decide, though few of the Dariniae with whom I have spoken would seem to agree with you.’
Caserach seemed to falter and Bael addressed the room in general.
‘I have not been idle in my absence from you, comrades. I have travelled to Niswyn and have spoken to many Dariniae headmen and Gadarim, listening to their views and offering my council. Most are of the opinion that the man who killed Ierryn the Black, and led many Dariniae warriors to their deaths at Moon Ridge, ought to be brought back to Ynlwyd with all speed to face the judgement of his people.’ He looked at Caserach, a tiny touch of iron entering his voice. ‘Perhaps they will merely banish you, Caserach son of Heuryn, but they will not be threatened by you. And nor will anyone else.’
This time Gawan actually did smile, though he bit it back a moment later. It was subtle, but he saw several Caderyn faces brightening as well, and assumed that these were the men from the clans nearest the coast. Karadoc and Alraig were stone-faced, and Hywel was still looking solemn, but most of the hall seemed to be quietly satisfied. Caserach’s face turned crimson but Taliesyn was the first to rise to his feet.
‘This man speaks with great wisdom, and wisdom should always be heeded. I am with the druid.’
Merwyn rose from his bench a heartbeat later.
‘As am I.’
A dozen headmen at least rose to their feet within an eyeblink, closely followed by a dozen more. Gawan added his voice to theirs and soon Kyran was doing the same. He saw Karadoc calling out objections but no-one heard what they were. So many were shouting support that even Alraig could see there was no use in counting their hands. He had lost.
Gawan felt a warmth in his chest as he watched Rhianwyn trying to maintain her composure. She looked ready to burst into song as she saw how many chiefs were standing for her now that Caserach’s threats had been undone. Bael was keeping a dignified silence but Gawan saw satisfaction in his face as well, a quiet pride that he had achieved what he had come to do. With such support Rhianwyn might lose her father’s chair for a day but she would have it back again, and they all knew it. That was when Caserach overturned his table.
The noise was deafening as the heavy oak crashed onto the boards, the cups on it clattering across the floor. Gawan noticed that Broad Kellas hadn’t moved which meant the Darin must have done it alone, and he felt a new respect for the man’s strength if nothing else. Silence descended over the hall and Caserach half-bellowed to the assembly, his eyes wide with boiling rage.
‘Then I accuse her directly of attacking my people by foul means! I say that Rhianwyn daughter of Carradan has wronged me and my tribe by her actions, and druid or no druid, I demand that this be settled in Trial by Iron! Let justice be done in the eyes of the gods, in person or between my First Man and hers.’
Gawan was as shocked as anyone. Trial by Iron was a rare thing to say the least, but to demand it in contest of a druid’s decision was completely unheard of. What sort of madness has seized him? It was Kyran who broke the silence, fists clenched and eyes blazing.
‘You’ll find sapphires up your arse the day I fight for you, you piss-drinking goat-shafter!’
Caserach glared at him.
‘I will make you regret those words, make no mistake.’
Kyran stepped forward and looked ready to spring across the fallen table. Gawan moved in ready to restrain him but Caserach raised a hand and continued speaking.
‘But it is not you that I need. Broad Kellas was assigned to my protection by the chiefs of the Breiryn.’
The giant rose very slowly and folded his arms, his expression as blank as ever. Bael turned to face the Darin and his voice was calm.
‘Caserach this is foolishness. The situation is resolved. Let it be, and face the consequences of your actions like a man.’
Any other chief would have backed down, but Caserach did the unthinkable; he shouted at a druid.
‘I will not be cheated! Either I am given satisfaction or I shall take this as a snub against my people and the Breiryn. We are bloodied but not broken, and we will fight to defend our honour. Two thousand Breiryn await my word at Reed Marsh and they will avenge this insult if I am denied.’
Gawan had no idea where that was but he assumed it was near the border with Caderyn lands. Not that it mattered. It might be an empty threat but even half such a number would do irreparable damage to the battered Dragon Legion. He jerked his chin at Caserach.
‘Can those two thousand Breiryn hear you? I hope so for your sake because you’re as close to Reed Marsh as you’re going to get!’
He heard approving noises from nearby, though most of the chiefs were still reeling in shock at how the Darin had spoken to Bael. Caserach just sneered at him.
‘You would not dare!’
Of all people it was Alraig who answered him.
‘You are still here as a prisoner of the Caledon, to whom your uncle swore an oath. We have every right to hold you here until your own people take you for trial.’
Caserach simply nodded to Broad Kellas, who began removing one of his bracelets.
‘I am no Caledon. I have broken no vow, nor have my people.’ He tossed the bracelet at Rhianwyn’s feet. ‘Take my sword instead if you wish, but I will go where I will.’
Gawan saw her shake her head, but it seemed more like a reflex than a considered decision. Defeated Gadarim would always offer a victor their swords, and it was tradition for the gesture to be refused and some other offering accepted instead. Gawan frowned in thought. Broad Kellas had presumably gone through this ritual when initially captured but now he was making a point of it in front of everyone. Rhianwyn had declined to take his sword, which meant he could leave the hall right now as a free man. Assuming Caserach was not bluffing, Broad Kellas could take word to his allies at Reed Marsh even if the Caderyn kept Caserach as their prisoner. And if they tried to prevent the Breiryn’s First Man from leaving too it would mean an insult to the whole tribe, and who knew how many warriors would come north to avenge that?
Rhianwyn’s frown and Caserach’s smirk told Gawan they were both thinking the same thing he was. Bael spoke again.
‘The Caderyn has no First Man to face your champion, Caserach.’
The Darin shrugged.
‘Then I shall fight her myself.’
Rhianwyn squared up to him and put contempt into her voice.
‘I shall be happy to kill you for all you have done.’
Gawan knew she was putting on a show of more bravado than she felt. She was a competent fighter but Caserach had strength and reach on his side, and even if she was his equal in skill, those advantages would be significant. If she fought him, chances were good that she would die. Gawan heard his own voice before he even thought of speaking.
‘I will do it! Either with you or with that ugly hillock there.’ He nodded at Broad Kellas, who had gone back to looking indifferent again. ‘I will prove the innocence of Fearless Wildcat in the eyes of all the gods.’
