It was a rather quick retreat after my shrieking brought the men back to their senses. At least they hadn’t gone at it again, but the glare they gave one another spoke volumes. Keu offers somewhat of an explanation, but Sean doesn’t seem to buy it. The few trinkets seem to help, but he isn’t convinced. There’s a helpless confusion written on my face and I quit listening, until we heard the baying of the hounds. It was decided that we leave the area quickly. Keu had split from us to get his horse and joins us just as soon as I had retrieved my things from the tree. Sean doesn’t say anything, but looks as if he has something to say. He looks like hell. They both look like a right bloody mess. Sean’s got a split lip and Keu’s nose is broke. And they both lost against the thorn bush. I don’t have anything with me to even try to treat either of them. It’s just as well. I don’t want to look at Sean. I don’t think he trusts me.

The ride to the Sea Hag is silent. I follow the men with my hood up and cloak tightly bound. I had no choice. There was no way for me to pull them apart. My throat hurts. I’m so angry that tears are stinging my eyes. Damn Keu and his treasure hunting! Alone in the dark none of this would have happened.

I want some cool, fresh water and something sweet to eat. I reach into my pocket and rub my thumb over Toad’s head. It’s a small comfort at the moment. I cannot produce enough spit to wet my throat. My tongue feels like raw fleece. I’ll be lucky to rasp out anything coherent for a few days.

The late afternoon has turned into evening as we dismount at the Hag. I can hear many voices from the inviting light. The horses are watered then tied. The guys clean themselves up a bit as well. I don’t want to go in. I’ll only bring unwanted attention, which seems to be my theme of the moment. First it was the sidhe kids and the bedding debacle and now it was a jealous tantrum thrown by my seemly sweet husband. I didn’t even like Keu so much, but he did nothing to warrant the pummeling he got. But it isn’t like Sean didn’t get a return on it.

I hope Baine is there. I’ve had enough testosterone for awhile. Keu walks off towards the door. Sean starts to follow, but looks back in time to see me plopped down on a bucket next to the horses. I feel like the embodiment of sad with my hooded head in my hands. No sense in showing myself. Besides I’m beginning to wonder if I’m not Sean’s bad luck charm. Or is he the cursed one and not I?

“Aren’t you hungry?” I shake my head no. It was the truth. I was thirsty though, but the horses could share. “Nonsense. You are not staying out here.” I protest, but no understandable words come out as he grabs me by the arm firmly. Partly sniffling I give up and let him lead me where he will. I don’t care anymore today. Being a raider is emotionally draining.

We walk through the door as some biddy is bringing some bowls of stew to the table, where Nion, Keu and some other fellow are sitting. Nion looks to be deep in his cups, but no sign of Baine and her man. Sighing Sean reaches to help me take my cloak off. I slap his hands away and pull my hood lower. He doesn’t press the issue, except me to the table. I take a seat next to Nion and I’m glad he doesn’t scoot away. Sean takes the other side.

Comments are made about the looks of both Sean and Keu. They mumble something in response as the greetings are out of the way. I’m not listening. Someone reaches to pull my hood back and he gets a nasty rapt on the knuckles from my spoon. “Feisty, ain’t she,” he laughs. I guess someone was trying to introduce me. I’m not in the mood as I reach for the mug that was set down in front of Sean. Finally something liquid!

I cough and sputter sending a spray of ale across the table towards the other man. This only sends me into a nasty coughing fit, which sounds worse than it really is. The biddy comes back asking if everything is OK. Nion pipes up that I’m fine and if she’d be so kind to fetch the wee lass some honeyed milk instead of the man’s drink. That’s when Baine and Hadaig enter and some stranger behind them. Sean wraps an arm gingerly about my waist and gives me a little squeeze. I hope it’s for my benefit and not another act of possession. Maybe he’s not so crazy now that he’s eaten. But he never had a reason in the first place.