Stefan's Journey

Chapter 8

Thalia stormed into Hector's rooms. She threw a pillow at Hector's prone body on the bed. Hector snorted as the pillow hit him in the head.

"Wake up Hector!"'

Hector sat up and rubbed sleep from his eyes. He peered blurred eyed at Thalia. "What's the matter?" Hector said on a yawn.

Thalia was temporarily distracted by how cut Hector looked with sleep mused hair. Thalia shook herself and placed her hands on her eyes. She ignored the hot look Hector gave her.

"We've got a problem."

The color drained from Hector's face. "We've been found out."

"No," Thalia said as she started to pace.

Hector looked relieved. He leaned back in bed and watched Thalia pace. "What's wrong then?"

"Stefan has found a woman and he's going to marry her."

Hector frowned. "Who?"

Thalia shook her head as she flung her hands in the air. "That Moira chick who showed up several weeks ago."

"Did ye hear the rumor?"

Thalia tossed Hector a look. "Yes. I heard Cook talking about it as I was in the kitchens. That lady is one who doesn't spread lies."

Hector stood up and ran a hand through his messy hair. "Does father know yet?"

Thalia stopped pacing and turned to her brother with a thoughtful look. "No, but we can use this to our advantage. The feud would restart if something happened to Moira."

"You're very vindictive," Hector said as he caught Thalia about the waist.

Thalia laughed as Hector threw her on the bed. She settled back and watched as he locked the door and then moved back towards the bed. They had thirty minutes before anyone would come pounding on the door.

***

Moira was happy as the days went by. Moira was excited for the wedding. She couldn't wait to bring back the old ways. It'd been so long since she'd sensed any magic in the earth. Kerri and Branwyn were helping her plan the wedding. An invite list was being made and the invites were going to be sent out within the next week or two. The local seamstress was making all of the finery for the wedding. It was going to be all traditional like it was before Christianity had come to Scotland.

Moira grew up during the time of the Druids. Stefan was raised in a Christian household, but he'd refused to follow the religion. That had been a fight between his Father and Stepmother.

"My Lady!"

Moira turned at the shout and saw Thalia hurrying towards her. Moira waited for her. Thalia slowed down to a brisk walk as she neared Moira.

"Yes?" Moira questioned.

Thalia took a deep breath before she gave Moira a smile that turned her stomach. Moira glance around her to realize that she was alone in a part of the forest that few people visited.

"Oh my Lady," Thalia said with a smile. "Ye should have brought guards with ye."

Moira looked around to see several men step out of the forest. They were men she'd seen at the castle. Moira turned her sight back to Thalia. She offered Thalia a smile.

"I know this forest better than even Stefan does."

Thalia back handed Moira so hard she drew blood. Moira looked back at Thalia to see a smile on her face. Moira reached up and wiped blood off of her mouth.