Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier Page A

us," I said bluntly. "We're going to hear it regardless, one way or another."
    He looked at me again. "You're right of course, Liadan. But it is—it is not pleasant. None of this story is.
    I was brought ... I was brought a leather pouch, which had been left where my men could not fail to find it. Inside this pouch was a hand, a neatly severed hand."
    There was total silence.
    "By the rings it wore, we knew this was removed, with some skill, from one of our own. I interpret the gesture as a challenge. He tells me he is strong; I know already that he is arrogant.
    His services, and those of the men he leads, are now for sale in these parts. Of that we must take heed in planning any venture."
    We sat stunned for a while. At last my father said, "You think this fellow would have the gall to offer any of us his services after what he has done? To ask for payment?"
    "He knows the value of what he has," said Liam dryly. "And he's right. There's many a chieftain whose scruples would not stop him from accepting such an offer had he the resources to finance it. I imagine they would not come cheap."
    "One could hardly consider it seriously," said my mother. "Who could ever trust such a man? It appears he would change his allegiance in an instant."
    "A mercenary has no allegiance," said Eamonn. "He belongs to the man with the fattest purse."
    "Nonetheless," Sean spoke slowly, as if working something out, "I would like to know if their skills by water equal those they showed in ambush. Such a force, used in conjunction with a well-disciplined, larger troop of warriors, would give one a great advantage. Do you know how many men he has?"
    "You would not seriously consider employing a rabble such as this?" asked Liam, shocked.
    "Rabble? From Eamonn's account, this is no unruly band of oafs. They seem to strike with the utmost control and plan their raids with a keen intelligence." Sean was still thinking hard.
    "They may work cleverly, but they are worse than fianna, for they carry out their missions without pride, without commitment save to the deed itself and the payment," said Eamonn.
    "This man has misread me badly. When he dies, it will be at my hands. He will pay in blood if he sets foot on my territory or touches what is mine. I have sworn it. And I will make sure my intention reaches his own ears. His life is forfeit should he cross my path again."
    At this point Sean wisely held his tongue, though I could sense the suppressed excitement in him.
    Eamonn took another goblet of wine and was soon surrounded by eager questioners. I thought this was probably the last thing he wanted at that moment when his tale had brought the memory of his losses back starkly into his mind. But I was not his keeper.
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    I suppose that night was the first time I had seen Eamonn come close to conceding he was not in control of a situation. If he had any outstanding quality, it was authority, and next to that was his commitment to what he believed in. It was no wonder, therefore, that the precision and audacity of the Painted Man's attack, and the arrogance of its sequel, had disturbed him deeply. He was due to escort his sister home
    the next day, for there were many matters to attend to. I was surprised, therefore, when he came into my garden soon after I had begun my morning's work, as if our previous appointment had merely been slightly postponed.
    "Good morning, Liadan," he said politely.
    "Good morning," I replied, and I went on cutting the spent blooms from my ancient briar rose.
    Prune them back now, and they would provide many more flowers as the summer advanced.
    The hips, later, could be used for a powerful cordial with a multitude of applications, as well as a tasty jelly.
    "You're busy. I don't wish to interrupt your work. But we leave soon, and I would like to speak with you first."
    I ventured a glance at him. He did indeed look rather pale and extremely serious. This campaign had aged him beyond his years.
    "You will, I suppose, have