Chapter 26: Chapter Five

ADA

There was only one man that stood by the stables, and he looked at us as if he didn’t know what to do.

If he left, Cayden would surely hold him responsible for my death, but if he stayed, Weylin would kill him right here. So he left us, taking his chances.

Weylin shoved me down onto a bed of hay, staring at me salaciously. “I am going to take great pleasure in what I am about to do to you.”

I was so scared, I lay there motionless. He was dirty and reeked of ale; the foul smell was beginning to make me feel nauseous. Weylin placed his hand near my stomach, near where my child rested.

Just like when Lugh attacked me, I felt something inside me growing. With adrenaline and rage, my maternal instincts told me to fight.

My hand found a piece of wood at my side, and I swung it as hard as I could at his head. Weylin fell back for a moment but quickly found his position again.

I struggled as much as I could, punching and kicking him, hoping to break free. He was trying to turn me over. I knew from my training that as soon as he did, I would lose all control.

We continued to struggle, and I was able to kick him a few times in the face. When it became evident that he was losing, he grabbed my ankles and yanked me off the hay into the muddy road.

Surprised, I tried to readjust my position, but it was too late. He was kneeling on top of my legs with his hand pressed against my throat. That is when I realized he had already lifted up most of my dress.

CAYDEN

“Father, I will personally travel home to retrieve Cayden two weeks before we leave,” Sayer said. Barra sat in a large chair with his sons standing in front of him.

“Fine. You may leave. I am sure your mother will be happy to see you, but you better keep up your strength while home.”

“Thank you, father,” Cayden said. He gave him a hug and turned to go downstairs, excited to share his news with Ada. He reached the main floor and looked around for her.

Her beauty showed even through the largest of crowds, so she would have been easy to spot in the hall. Cayden continued to search the hall, making his way toward Padriac and the others.

“Have you seen Ada?” Cayden asked, standing on top of one of the benches. He felt uneasy, knowing she wouldn’t be anywhere else than with their friends.

“No. I thought she was with you,” Padriac answered. “Maybe she went to relieve herself.”

“What are you doing?” Sayer asked.

“Ada. Do you see her amongst the men?” Cayden asked. Sayer joined his brother on the bench and scanned the crowd. There were a few other women, but none like Ada.

“She said that she wanted to get some fresh air, but that was a while ago. Before I came to speak with you and father.”

“Where is Weylin?” Cayden said with growing anger. “I do not see him. Where is he?” he yelled, jumping down from the bench and pushing everyone out of his way.

Cayden ran outside and began looking frantically for her. He knew something was wrong and hoped he would find her in time. The man from the stables came forward and touched his arm.

“I know where she is, and for a price, I will tell you.”

Cayden knocked the man to the ground, choking him as he did so. “You will tell me where she is now, or you will die.”

While gasping for air, the man managed to form the word “stable,” and Cayden released his grip. He sprinted to the stables and could just make out a large figure in the dark.

As he drew closer, he saw it was not one large figure but two separate people. With all his strength, he grabbed the back of Weylin’s shirt and hauled him backward onto the ground.

ADA

I felt Weylin’s hot breath all over my neck. Trying to pry his hand off my neck with one hand, I used the other to keep him from pulling my dress all the way up.

I wasn’t sure how long I could carry on this way, but I needed to think of my next move before it was too late. I thought if I could grab a handful of mud and rub it in his eyes, it would give me enough time to get away.

It would have to be quick, since my one hand was the only barrier protecting me. I started to count to three when all of a sudden, I saw Weylin’s face change. His body fell backward.

Cayden had Weylin on the ground. It was dark, but I could see blood running down the side of Weylin’s face as Cayden repeatedly clobbered him.

I rolled onto my side and tried to get up, but my body was sore. I was scared to move too quickly, worried I would lose the baby.

“Ada, give me your hand.” Padriac was next to me. As soon as I saw his face, I felt instant relief and started to cry. He slowly helped me to my feet and I grasped onto him.

Even though my dress and hair were covered in mud, he let me hug him as long as I wanted, rubbing my back. Sayer and Gosta were pulling Cayden and Weylin apart.

Cayden was visible now in the light of the torch. I knew by the expression on his face that he wanted blood. Weylin’s blood. He continued to lunge at Weylin, but Gosta kept a strong grip on him.

“Enough,” Barra yelled with Sayer and Rankin beside him. “That’s enough!” He was quickly catching up on the situation. Cayden finally looked over at me.

His demeanor turned from wild anger to controlled rage. Padriac carefully transferred me to him. He wrapped one arm around my back and the other around my head, cradling me into his chest.

“Tell me what’s going on here,” Barra demanded.

“My lord. I was outside when Ada approached me. ~She~ enticed ~me~,” Weylin said.

Rankin stood behind his son. “I believe it. Just look at her, she’s a seductress. We all see how she teases my son. It’s a part of her game.”

Cayden gently pushed me into the center of the men, revealing my current condition.

“Does this look like a woman who wished to bed you? She is terrified and covered in mud,” Cayden shouted so loudly I felt my body vibrate.

I tried to go back into his arms, but he kept me in the center of the group. “Tell me. Does it?”

“Cayden, stop this,” Sayer said, lowering his brother’s arm. “Your point has been made.”

Cayden drew me back into the same position, kissing my head. I could hear his heart beating fast. He was so enraged. I didn’t believe he would ever calm down.

If the others had not stopped him when they did, Weylin would certainly be dead in the road.

“I do not believe that my future daughter, the woman that carries my grandchild, would ever have tempted you,” Barra’s voice was loud. “I will spend the night thinking about your punishment, Weylin.”

“It would be in your interest to retire for the evening. As for you, Cayden, you will leave first thing tomorrow morning. Make your preparations for Dundalk.”

The group of men left, leaving me and Cayden alone. He was still holding me as tightly as he could, as if scared to ever let go. I could feel that in that moment, he needed me just as much as I needed him.