Free The Sword of the Banshee by Amanda Hughes Page B

thinking I would conduct a rally where I would find the widest audience, but tonight the meeting is in the village of Watermore instead. It’s a coastal hamlet far from the populated cities. I arranged for three banished leaders of the most powerful clans in all of Ulster to be with me, the O’Neills, the McGuires, and the O’Donnells. Have you heard of them?”
    India nodded and leaned forward, engrossed in what he was saying.
    “Their ship is scheduled to dock tonight at the quay in Watermore. These men will fan out across Ulster spreading word of the rebellion and organize repparees from their clans to further our fight for freedom.”
    India realized the importance of this night. It was not to be missed. Her stomach jumped when she thought of listening to the three largest clan leaders of Ulster give their call to arms. Then she remembered with disappointment that Watermore was not within walking distance of their manor. It was pointless to ask Colm if she could go with him, he would not allow it.
    Determined to attend, India decided to tell the guards that she was taking a late afternoon ride on the moor but in reality she would ride to Watermore. She would bring her men’s disguise along and change on the outskirts of town before the meeting. Upon her return, she would say she had been lost on the moor, if anyone asked.
    Everything went as planned. She changed her clothing in a glen outside of town and tied her horse up by a stream. Although the mare was small, she was easy-going and quiet, a perfect choice for a clandestine outing.
    India started down the road toward the hamlet. A gray mist hung over Ulster which brought early darkness to the countryside. She shivered, pulling her hat down and her collar up. The journey to Watermore seemed endless. When India finally arrived she saw a decaying old town on the coast with abandoned warehouses, crumbling cottages and two inns. A small merchant vessel and several fishing boats bobbed in the harbor.
    She stood in the shadows of a warehouse watching the quay. Even though it was a small port, boisterous sailors were everywhere. She was surprised at the amount of activity the sleepy little town generated. Many of the seamen were drunk and others had whores on their arms. Their raucous laughter mingled with the shouts of several dock workers.
    She looked past them at the quay. There was a great deal of activity surrounding a ship that just docked. It appeared to be a merchant vessel unloading cargo. India wondered if this was the ship carrying the clan chiefs. Her suspicions were confirmed when she spied Colm approaching the gang plank. Several of his men accompanied him holding lanterns.
    Three men stepped off the ship greeting her husband. Just as India was about to get a closer look, a sailor passed in front of her, blocking her view. The pock-marked seaman burned a look into her, examining her face closely. She was indignant at first, then alarmed. She recognized him. He was one of Colm’s men. Now it was clear why there were so many men around. They were insurgents masquerading as seaman to watch for trouble.
    She followed Colm and the three men. They crossed the square and disappeared into a tavern not far from the docks. India was disappointed. They were having a private meeting. Hoping there still may be a rally, she waited in the rain three quarters of an hour. Still no one appeared. She paced around the square, blowing on her hands and wiping her nose on her sleeve every few moments. She was growing frustrated. It was cold and damp and growing late.
    Suddenly, the door opened, and the men emerged. At once there was a burst of activity around the town. Torches were lit in the square, and people started to gather.
    India was flabbergasted. She had no idea so many people had been waiting, just like her. They flooded out of warehouses and up from the docks. Carts full of peasants rolled down from the hills and villagers emptied out from the cottages, parents with