She felt the smooth fabric between her fingers, the close weave of soft threads. Holding it close, as she were embracing a person, she thought she could still detect the fragrance of rosemary. Then she saw that Mairi was shivering.
“You’re cold,” she said, wrapping it back around Mairi again. “I’d like you to keep it.”
In her surprise, Mairi looked meek and wide-eyed, almost childlike. “I’ll treasure it,” she said. Then she rested her hands on Kaetha’s shoulders and drew her close. Tears ran down Kaetha’s cheeks. “It’s alright now.” Mairi’s voice was soft and warm. “It’ll be alright.”
She held Mairi tightly and it was a while before she found her voice again. “I’m proud to have you as a mother,” she whispered.
In the quiet moments that followed, Mairi stroked her head. “I’m the proud one,” she said. “I’m the proud one, you brave lass.”
“I wish I didn’t have to say goodbye.” Kaetha took a deep breath and wiped away her tears as she stepped back from Mairi.
“It’s not forever,” said Mairi. “And you’ll be alright. I have faith in you.”
FOURTY
The Tide Turner
Kaetha blessed the hours she had with her family, thankful that she did not have to leave them immediately but, when she considered the uncertainty of when or if she might see them again after she left, time still felt as though it sailed by too fast. However, when she thought of Svelrik and his men out there looking for her and of the ship waiting to take her away to safety, time seemed to freeze. She twisted the fabric of her cuffs as she looked up out of the window.
“I can go back out there if you like,” said Tam. “Find out where he and his men are.”
She put a hand to his arm. “I’d rather we all stayed together,” she said.
Donnan handed her a ewer of water. “Here. Why don’t you help Mairi with her hair.” He went and sat beside Alistair who gave Tam a wary look as the Baukan went to stand in a corner.
Mairi positioned her head over a bucket.
“Close your eyes,” Kaetha said as she knelt beside her and poured the water. The bucket caught the drips of red dye .
Mairi gasped. “Careful. Some of that went down my back.”
“Sorry,” Kaetha laughed.
“It’s bloody cold,” added Mairi, trying not to laugh too.
Kaetha filled the ewer again to poured more water and used a cloth to squeeze out the remains of the dye and wipe away the rusty streaks which ran down Mairi’s face and neck. As well as being glad to do something practical to keep her mind from drifting to thoughts of farewells, Kaetha enjoyed the closeness she felt between herself and Mairi in performing this simple act.
The square patch of sky was a rich, deep blue by the time Ewan descended the stairs again with a tray of food, ale and rushlights. Kaetha’s appetite returning, she ate more haggis, neeps and bread than she thought she ever had before. She even had room for pears and honey cakes afterwards.
“Can we afford all this?” she said, tucking in to her second honey cake.
“That’s right, ask after you’ve eaten it all,” laughed Donnan.
“It’s fine,” said Alistair. “I’ll pay whatever Ewan will let me.”
Ale flowed and, as the sky darkened, they talked cheerfully, as if they had all agreed to forget the parting that loomed ahead. Alistair had them all laughing as he recounted stories of the drunken expoits of his youth which involved contriving to place a large hog in the bed of a sleeping laird.
“He was dead drunk,” chuckled Alistair. “So we then decided to see how many fish we could put down his trews without him noticing. We even—” he caught Gwyn’s eye. “Well, perhaps the rest is a story for another time.”
Silence fell. One rushlight dimmed and went out.
“It’s time for me to go, isn’t it?” said Kaetha.
“Aye,” said Gwyn. “I’m afraid so.”
Kaetha got to her feet and put on her cloak.
With an involuntary groan of pain, Aedan got up. “Here lass,” he said. “I forgot to thank you for this.” He took Morwena’s copper clasp and pinned it onto Kaetha’s cloak. “Seeing it gave me hope. May it do the same for you.” He smiled at her then, his old, familiar smile and, in that instant, it was as if none of this had happened, as if they were back at home in Braddon and all of this had been a story. But then her aunt was handing her the leather bag and the reality that this was goodbye flooded back.
“The ship’s moored at the end of Orach Bay furthest from the citadel,” said her aunt. “It’s called the Tide Turner. Now, remember, there are many ears on a ship, so best not use your real name to the crew and passengers. I’ve paid for you to go as far as Roustowe in Angaul.”
“But this money will allow you to travel much further if you need to.” Alistair pressed a purse into her hands.
“And here, take my ring,” said Gwyn, pulling the gold signet ring with the symbol of the crownstar flower off her finger. “There. it’s yours now. If you happen to meet any Edonians on your travels, show them this and they are bound to show you hospitality.”
Aedan took Kaetha aside. “Vinbourg isn’t far from Roustowe,” he said in a low voice. “Countess Margaret Brodeur of Vinbourg is a relation of the late Queen Donella. She’s an ally of Rhona’s and no friend of Svelrik’s. I believe she would help you if you found yourself in need of someone powerful to protect you.” Returning to the others, he spoke so that all could