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

assembled.”
    “Yes sir. I have a matter to attend to. May I see to it first?” Lieutenant Shea said and picked up a dagger.
    “Very well. Be quick about it. Tell each man you see to prepare to leave.” General Tynan said.
    The lieutenant’s face turned to grim determination. “It will be done.”
    Tynan watched him leave and hoped Lieutenant Shea’s personal matter did not involve something that would eliminate the him before the mission. His defeat in the sparring ring a few days ago was a surprise to them all. This was not a time to settle a grudge. Tynan let out a sigh and headed to gather the troops praying the spies were correct that the Lady Battle Raven was nowhere near during the raid.

Chapter 7

    Lara woke to the fumes of coffee, bacon and eggs. Aodhan walked to her bed and she sat up cross legged watching as he sat the tray in front of her.
    “Careful. I might get used to this.” she said and pulled her hair back.
    Kicking his boots off Aodhan sat on the bed next to her. He pulled the tray up to them and they started to eat. “I see you are dressed and ready to go?”
    Lara looked down and realized she hadn’t even taken off her boots. She was dressed in her brown cargo pants and a light blue t-shirt. Old habits die hard. Lara had skipped past the clothes Gobnait made for her and put on something that reminded her of home. The only thing she wore from this realm were Badb’s necklace and hair pins. Her dagger and belt with sheath were neatly placed on the small nightstand near her bed.
    “Guess I was more tired than I thought. I suppose everyone else is ready. I can always take a bath at the Inn. It does have a bath area right?”
    “I believe the Inn has a separate bath for each room. Nothing but the best for the General and his wife. Not everyone is ready yet and they were all finishing up breakfast when I left.” Aodhan said as he looked at her confused and annoyed look.
    “I planned this with mother. That is why you were not informed about breakfast if that is what the look is for. We will be meeting by the stables and I’ll make sure your horse is ready.”
    Aodhan hopped off her bed and gave her a peck on the cheek as he picked up the tray. He walked to the door and winked at her as he left the room. Lara scooted off the bed and grabbed her gear pack. As she walked though the halls of the house Lara took her time. She looked at each piece of art work she could find.
    “These artists could give Van Gogh, Picasso and Michelangelo a
    run for their money.” she said studying a painting of a multicolored sunset before her.
    Her all time favorite still remained “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt. Lara finally decided it was time to quit browsing and go. If they really were in a hurry she was sure that Kedryn or Aodhan would have come to fetch her. As she walked up to the stables Kedryn strode up to her.
    “Taking your sweet time? Let me guess, you were looking at the paintings.” he said as he walked over to his horse and swung into the saddle.
    “You know me too well.” Lara said as she swung herself onto the saddle of her horse and turned when she heard a horse gallop up to her.
    Aodhan appeared at her side. “Mother and the other women are in the carriage and would like for you to join them.”
    She masked her annoyance. “I would like to ride to the next town with Kedryn.”
    He gave her a disapproving look. “You tell mother. I am not about to get scolded for it.”
    Lara reached over and patted his cheek. “I mean no disrespect to you or her. I would like to spend more time with Kedryn. Then I will ride in the carriage the rest of the way from Shanhold. Besides, I would like to get to know my future mother in law better.”
    He glanced at the carriage and to Lara. “I will be riding with Ruark.”
    “I will let her know.” She turned her horse around and rode to Orla’s carriage.
    Lara nearly hopped off of her horse to get to the carriage. She was in a hurry to get back to spend as