Free Celtic Storms by Delaney Rhodes

through page after page of ancient markings and symbols, careful not to tear or crumple any of the parchments. After she had gone through the rolls one at a time for the second time, she grew hesitant.
    “Odetta, it’s not here!”
    “What do you mean - it’s not there?” echoed Odetta.
    “I’ve looked through all of the pages, and I don’t see it. This volume only goes back for fifteen years, Odetta. We cast that spell over twenty years ago. Did the scribe record it?”
    “He better have,” came her reply.
    “Easal, thank the gods, you are just the man I need,” said Odetta tipping her head to him as he walked through the doorway and towards the high table.
    Easal blushed as he walked into the chamber to greet Odetta.
Well I certainly hope you feel that way -
he thought to himself
– especially after last night.
    “Easal, I have need of the scribe. Naelyn has been unable to locate the original curse in the great scrolls and I must consult with him at once. There is much to be done and much planning for the great service, and I have need for it.”
    “Cynbel will be none too happy if I leave Burke lands, you know this Odetta. Besides, we have been on high alert since you imprisoned the merchant. Have you yet to determine what is to become of him?”
    Odetta stood from her chair by the fire and walked towards Easal. She had the look of a lover in her eyes, and Easal grew more aroused the closer she came. Just remembering their time together the night before caused him to gasp with anticipation of what was to come. No doubt she hadn’t drunk her fill and would want him again.
    And so soon. Naelyn, leave. Leave
, he thought.
We don’t need your interruption now.
He glared at Naelyn with squinted eyes and motioned for her to be dismissed. But Naelyn didn’t budge. She glared back before continuing her search through the mound of papers.
    Odetta swayed her luscious hips in a rhythmic fashion and held her head high as she grew close to Easal. She stopped just in front of him to survey his form.
It is nice indeed.
When she lifted her chin to look him in the eye, she knew he was hers. He would do her bidding; there was not even a question of it. She licked her lips and Easal grew hard with anticipation. When she raised her arms towards him, he let out a long breath of expectancy and waited.
    Odetta’s hand struck hard against his cheek. The sting of the connection forced him backwards, stumbling towards the floor. He raised an arm and braced himself against the wall, holding his jaw. When Naelyn looked up, she could clearly see the outline of Odetta’s hand on Easal’s face, red, white and beginning to swell.
    “You should focus on what I plan to do with
you
Easal. Forget the merchant and stop questioning me. I do not answer to you or my brother. You know this!”
    “Yes my lady,” said Easal still rubbing his cheek.
    “Now – bring me the scribe.”
    “But…”
    “But what Easal? But what?”
    “I’ll have to clear it with Cynbel, if I am to go to O’Malley territory.”
    “I’ll clear it with it Cynbel. You just go!”
    ***
     
    Darina hadn’t slept at all the previous night. After her conversation with Kyra, she was even more confused and dismayed. Surely when Ruarc arrived he would have more information or at least some guidance for her. Her future and that of her clan was in question, and the port merchants were also counting on a secure alliance and security of the port to continue their trading.
    But that wasn’t what troubled Darina the most. Kyra had mentioned that she knew Darina had attended the Lunar Bacchanal celebrations. Although Darina was aware that most of the young women in the O’Malley clan had participated at least once in the monthly festivals on the Women’s island, she hadn’t been sure that Kyra or her sisters knew. She had hoped they hadn’t.
    Tis just as well. At least my betrothed won’t see me as a prudish virgin. After all, times have changed. And the clan’s