Read Online Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier - Free Book Online Page B

Illann must head back soon with the children. But she’s not far away.”
    “I like the little garden,” I said. A dog rose; dear Eilis. That made me want to laugh and cry at the same time.
    “It was something I had to do, or I’d have found it difficult to walk across my own stable yard. I often come here in the early mornings. What happened…” Father hesitated, his head bowed. “It’s still raw, even after so long. Perhaps, now that you are home again, that pain may start to fade a little. My dear, it’s so good to see you. My lovely daughter.”
    “And you, Father.” The tears were abating; I wiped my face awkwardly on my sleeve. “I know I have come at a difficult time. Uncle Bran showed me the letter you sent, and he told me about the terrible things that have been happening here. I suppose it’s obvious why we’ve brought the yearling, Swift. The best horse in all Erin could not make up for the loss of a man’s sons, but such a gift may smooth your path with this chieftain a little.” How could I tell him I was not home for good? His eyes told me he had spent ten years longing for this moment to come. “I have a certain knack with horses, even nervous or difficult ones,” I said. “That’s why I’ve come now, even though it might not seem the best time. Swift needed me on the journey. The grooms, Emrys and Donal, are both very capable. But there are things I can do that they can’t.”
    Father did not answer for a while, and I wondered if he had understood the unspoken part of my explanation. “The yearling is remarkable,” he said eventually. “It’s a pity Eilis is not here to see him, since she’s always had such a passion for horses.” His smile was wistful, as if he would like nothing better than to go back to the way things were, his daughters innocent children, his domain peaceful, his neighbors allies. “I did know about your gift with animals. Liadan occasionally gives me news through our special link. Without that, I could not have endured your staying away so long.”
    I said nothing to this. When pairs of twins were born in the Sevenwaters family, they often had the ability to link their mindsand exchange their thoughts, even when they were far apart. My sisters Clodagh and Deirdre could do it, as Father and Aunt Liadan could. It was a gift that could be both useful and inconvenient, and I had never been sure how often they used it or how much they told each other.
    “Bran and Liadan believe your ability is quite exceptional,” Father went on. “I’m grateful to you for helping bring Swift here safely. I’ve had a word with your fellow, Emrys, and with my stable master, Duald—you may remember him. The creature is fine looking, but he’s highly strung, perhaps a danger to himself. That makes me think twice about his suitability as a stud horse, and I imagine Cruinn of Tirconnell would agree.”
    “Swift is still young, Father. Bran’s decision surprised both me and the stable master at Harrowfield. Had it not been for—” No, I could not say I had come home only because of the risk to Swift of traveling without me. “I’ve worked with Swift for a long time and I know him well. He needs a quiet period at pasture, followed by a little more work in the yard. Then he’ll be ready to go on to Tirconnell.” Seeing a certain doubt on my father’s face, I added, “Swift’s temperament is sound, despite appearances. Otherwise he wouldn’t have weathered the sea voyage as well as he did. If there’s a safe, quiet field where he can graze and a place where we can do some careful work with him, he should be ready to travel before the weather gets too cold.”
    Father smiled; the somber look lifted. “You speak like a seasoned stable master, Maeve.”
    “I can’t ride,” I said flatly. “I can sit behind someone and hold on, but that’s about it. I can’t put a bridle or a saddle on a horse. I can’t lead a creature around the yard or unfasten a stable door or