Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

as he made his way on the limestone path and out of the garden. She leaned back on the bench and pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. She looked up at the stars through the round hole in the top of the gazebo. Lara didn’t realize she had put her head down and dozed off until she woke to someone walking down the path. She looked up and watched as Aodhan walked up and let go of her legs to stretch them out.
    “I stopped by your room and you were not there.”
    “Guess I just needed some alone time. It’s so peaceful out here and I suppose it’s time to get in some rest. Will you be joining me?” she asked.
    “I will have to say no. It is getting harder to make good on my vow. That is why I am sharing a room with Kedryn instead of Eion. Having him around, for some reason, keeps me in line.” Aodhan said giving her a sly grin.
    “Oh. ok.” Lara said unconsciously giving him a hurt look.
    She stood up wondering if that was true or if he was having second thoughts the closer they got the Quenith. Pulling her into a passionate kiss he cleared her worries away. Aodhan pulled away with their noses touching.
    “I love you. That is why it is so hard not to stay the night with you and I do not think I could control myself anymore. You know that I want to be married to you first.” Aodhan said as he released her and took her hand.
    “You are the best man that I know. I love you for it.” Lara kissed him and let him lead her to the door of her room and bid her good night. She walked into her bedroom and shut the door behind her. Exhaustion caught up to her as she walked over to the bed. Lara let herself fall back onto the bed and immediately fell into a troubled asleep.

Chapter 6

    General Gavin Tynan had recently been appointed the new General of the Firbolg army. Haven been personally trained by General Daigh he knew it was only a matter of time before he assumed his rightful position. Tynan was favored by Lord Faolan but hoped that he would not simply appoint him. If his Lord interfered he would loose credibility among the soldiers. Apparently Lord Faolan knew this and watched on as Tynan succeeded in defeating all of his competitors in the trials. He had returned from the trials elated to tell his wife about his promotion and their newly appointed home.
    After a weeks worth of training and reviewing the troops he returned home to learn that she had been summoned and returned the next morning exhausted. As the cook brought out their breakfast a servant of Lord Faolan’s appeared at his door. Tynan began to wonder if accepting the General position was wise. He looked over at his wife and gave her an apologetic look.
    Aalia playfully tugged on Tynan’s shirt and gave him a quick kiss goodbye along with a look of disappointment. She was hoping for a little time alone together. Since the baby had arrived time alone was very rare.
    “Lord Faolan could at least wait until we are settled in. This whole war business is very irritating.” Aalia said as she twirled a ribbon braided into her long black hair.
    He took her hand and kissed it. “You know as well as I that this all came to pass due to Lord Faolan’s failed attempts to gain recognition by the Danann and Milesian Lords. He would not be pressing war otherwise.”
    “Are you certain about that?” she asked quietly and looked down at her bare feet on the polished wood of their new home.
    “Yes.” Gavin said a bit too quickly and walked over to their front
    door. Tynan stopped, turned from the carved oak door that led outside and strode over to the baby’s room. His son was sound asleep and he leaned over and kissed the baby on the forehead. Aalia followed him out of the room and stopped him to get one more kiss.
    Looking at his wife he wondered if anything ever happened to him what Lord Faolan would do. Would he let his wife and son remain in the house? Or would he force them out of the little forest town of Zona? He thought of Aalia’s first