Dragon Knight's Sword Read Online Free PDF Page B

lists?” Cormac cupped his hands on either side of his mouth and roared, “Finn!”
    They heard the pattering of feet across the stone floor, and a lad of nine winters ran into the hall colliding with Cormac, who all but yanked him up by his tunic and tucked him up against him.
    “By all that’s holy, Finn, do not tell me you have been in the lists?” Cormac asked sternly.
    Finn cocked his head to the side, and the expression on his young face was one of surprise, but only for an instant.
    “Oh sir, I cannae go into the lists. I just watch from the slats on the outside.” Finn’s chin tilted up in a defiant air, which made it difficult for Cormac to keep a stern face on the lad.
    “Humph! Well, I’ve been hearing otherwise, Finn.” Cormac released Finn and with arms crossed over his chest for emphasis, gave him a stern look. “I need ye to go fetch the healer. No stopping or dawdling. It is urgent, Finn.”
    “Oh yes, my lord.” Finn’s chest swelled with eager anticipation to serve.
    “Remember, no side journeys, right, lad?”
    Finn nodded in agreement and with a tousled shake of his hair from Cormac, the lad was off and running.
    “Do not think this changes anything,” said Duncan. Grabbing a ewer off the table, he strolled out of the hall.
    “What the bloody hell does that mean?”
    Duncan stopped and glared at Cormac over his shoulder. “I will not have ye or any druid tell me what to do.”
    Cormac waited until Duncan was out of sight before he uttered, “Bloody bastard. If only it was so simple, my friend— if only .”
    ****
    It was coming upon nightfall and yet, no sign of Finn. Duncan was beginning to worry the lad had fallen into trouble or worse, mischief, when the great doors opened to reveal a small, old woman covered in a green woolen cloak. She walked into the hall and stood before Cormac, blue eyes blazing with fury.
    “Ye send a wee one to fetch me, Cormac Murray? When there is no one who requires my tending? Tsk, tsk, lad.”
    Duncan saw Cormac flinch at her words, especially since she had done so within hearing of others in the hall. Seeing the fury simmering in his friend, he strode forth, placing a hand on his shoulder.
    “Och, Matilda, do not stir the beast from Cormac. His wrath can be far worse than mine, healer,” said Duncan, embracing her in a huge hug.
    Matilda had been the healer for their clans for as long as Duncan could remember. She had helped in the birthing of his da, and with Duncan, his brothers and sister. No one person knew how old she was, but when she demanded respect, it was to be given.
    “It has been many moons since I’ve set my eyes on ye, Duncan. Ye should have come to me sooner.” Matilda took her gnarled hands and reached up to touch Duncan’s face, tears streaming down hers. He took her hands and kissed them tenderly, closing his eyes to the pain that shone in hers.
    Shaking his head, he whispered, “There is naught ye could have done. This is my pain and burden alone.” Duncan released her hands and brought a chair for her.
    Unpinning her cloak and tossing it on the bench beside the chair Duncan pulled out, Matilda looked to Cormac, saying, “Finn is tending my horse and I’ve sent him to the kitchens for his meal. I told him I would see to ye straightway. He already has a stubborn streak, one I could only assume he would get from his laird, whom he worships.”
    “Humph,” grumbled Cormac, as he pulled a chair out and poured some ale into two mugs. “I sent Finn to fetch ye for the purpose of finding the old druid.” Cormac held her steady gaze, and she slowly turned to face Duncan.
    “Have ye not heard from your brothers, Duncan?” whispered Matilda.
    Duncan shook his head no, and with bitterness in his words replied, “I cannae go back to my home, Matilda. I have destroyed all of their lives. It is best they never see me again.” Pounding his fist against his chest, Duncan spat out, “It should have been me who died that night. For