They would reach Killcobar in the early evening. Breanne had guided them there throughout the morning and afternoon, and as they neared the fortress, he saw the sudden worry in her eyes.
‘It’s going to be all right,’ she said quietly. ‘I will speak to my father and see what can be done. But keep your face hidden for now.’
Although he knew she wanted to try, he knew better than to believe that this confrontation would result in peace between himself and Feann. The Irish king would never admit to wrongdoing, and Alarr fully intended to seek restitution. He raised his hood in the hopes that no one would recognise him.
‘Wait here,’ she said, dismounting from her horse. She walked to the gates and spoke with the guards for a few moments. Then she returned and took the reins of her mount. ‘I told them that you are my escorts. Stay behind me when we go inside.’
The guards held their spears as Breanne led the way, allowing them to enter the fortress. She guided them towards the stables, and Alarr dismounted, ordering Iasan’s escorts to take the horses and remain apart from them. Breanne took his hand in hers, and said, ‘I could meet with Feann alone first, if you wish.’
‘No.’ He wanted her at his side at all times. ‘We remain together.’ Alarr glanced around and asked, ‘Do you think he’s here?’
‘I don’t know.’ She continued walking towards the largest dwelling. It was rectangular in structure, and the roof was made of thatch. Breanne pushed the door open and brought him inside. Several stone oil lamps were set out, providing a dim light. On the far end, he saw a dais with wooden chairs, but no one was seated in them.
‘Alarr!’ came a man’s voice.
He turned and saw his brother Rurik. He removed his hood and embraced his brother. ‘Are you well?’
Rurik nodded. ‘Come and join me. I have much to tell you.’
‘Where is Feann?’ he asked.
‘He has not yet returned, but he sent word that he will be back within a few days.’
‘So, you’ve not seen him yet.’
His brother shook his head. ‘But I learned a great deal about my mother from the men here.’ He beckoned for Alarr and Breanne to sit at a low table. They did, and Rurik poured them cups of mead. ‘She was Feann’s sister.’
His brother’s revelation was not entirely a surprise. Saorla had always carried herself like a noblewoman. Alarr barely remembered her, since she had died years ago, but he knew she’d been angry with Sigurd.
‘Sigurd led her to believe that they would be married. She went away with him when she learned she was with child, and he brought her to Maerr. Then she discovered that he already had a wife.’
Alarr eyed his brother and said, ‘So you and Danr are Feann’s nephews.’
‘We are. Though I doubt if it means anything to him.’ Rurik took a long drink of mead. ‘Feann travelled to Maerr after he learned of Saorla’s death. He intended to avenge her by killing Sigurd.’
‘And they did,’ Alarr said.
But Rurik surprised him by saying, ‘No. Sigurd was already dead before Feann could reach the longhouse. There were other enemies there.’ His blue eyes were serious when he said, ‘Feann was furious that he was unable to kill him. The men told me of his plans, but he was unable to achieve them.’
‘Who else was there?’
Rurik shrugged. ‘They didn’t know the men. But one was from Glannoventa in Northumbria. They heard his men call him Wilfrid.’
‘Why would Feann’s men tell you anything?’ He wouldn’t trust them at all. They were strangers with no reason to confess the truth.
‘I never told them who I was,’ Rurik said. ‘Remember, I speak the Irish tongue better than you. I asked questions, but I gave them no information about me.’
‘Will you tell Feann the truth about your mother?’ Alarr questioned whether it was wise to reveal it, since the king might not believe him.
His brother inclined his head. ‘If the moment is right.’ He paused a moment and said, ‘Alarr, we will have our answers. But Feann was not the cause of his death.’
‘He intended to kill Sigurd.’
‘But he didn’t. And neither did his men. We need to find out who our other enemies were. Feann may be able to help us with more information.’
A soft touch on his arm caught his attention, and Alarr turned back to Breanne. She ventured, ‘Let me talk with my foster father after he returns. He may trust me more than both of you.’
Rurik’s gaze fixed upon her and then he turned back to Alarr. From the knowing look in his eyes, it was clear that he was aware of their connection. ‘What happened after I left?’
Alarr knew exactly what his brother was asking, but he feigned ignorance. ‘We found Breanne’s mother. She was exiled after her husband turned traitor. She wanted Breanne to reclaim their lands at Clonagh by wedding a man loyal to King Cerball.’
His brother’s eyebrows raised, and he straightened. ‘And what does Breanne think of that?’ He turned to hear her answer.
She squared her shoulders. ‘I care not what Treasa or Feann think I should do. This is my life, and I intend to remain with Alarr.’
‘That wasn’t what you said a few days ago when your father’s men arrived to take you home.’ Rurik refilled their cups, and Alarr distracted himself by drinking.
‘Leave her alone, Rurik.’ He sent his brother a hard look, warning him not to question her further. For a long moment, they stared at one another. He knew that Rurik was only trying to protect him, but he wanted his brother to back down.
‘It’s all right,’ Breanne intervened. ‘He can ask me his questions. I will answer.’
At that, Rurik’s expression grew tense. ‘What agreement did you make with my brother?’
‘We made a bargain between us,’ Breanne answered. ‘He promised not to kill Feann.’ She kept her tone even, but Rurik was not fooled by it.
‘And what did
