I took all of this in, but I found it hard to stop staring at the doctor. I knew this man, or perhaps I should say I knew this man’s mirror image—very well.

ClanFintan made a motion and an earsplitting whistle. The warriors who had been guarding us from what might have emerged from the forest immediately gave up their positions and headed to us.

“The centaurs will take Ian’s body to your work site. I will be in your debt if you can clean the young one up, and make him presentable to his family.” ClanFintan’s voice sounded as if it had aged years in moments.

“There will be no talk of debt.” Their eyes met and I saw a look of mutual respect pass between the two of them.

“Thank you,” I said to him. “I know we can depend on you.” My voice, though gruff from my recently shed tears, was filled with the warmth I felt for his mirror image. “Dougal deserves at least that much comfort.”

“It will be done.” I was taken back by the sudden look of coldness that sharpened his face as he answered me.

ClanFintan directed the centaurs to transport the Healer and follow him with Ian’s body. The centaurs lifted the bloody corpse and began their sad journey back in the direction of the temple.

But instead of watching them, my eyes had been drawn to Alanna. She was staring at the Healer, and as he rode away I saw him send a furtive glance over his shoulder in her direction.

“Rhiannon, let us go back to the temple,” ClanFintan said.

“Yes…” My voice sounded shaky.

I cleared my throat and called softly to Epi, who came obediently to me.

I smiled sweetly at the well-mannered mare, who had stood silently through the horrible death. As she came close to me, she nuzzled my face with her muzzle as if she needed comforting.

“It’s over now, sweet girl,” I crooned to her. I could see the damp trail tears had left down the sides of her face, more evidence that she was different from other horses.

ClanFintan’s strong hands circled my waist and he lifted me to Epi’s back. Then he turned and placed Alanna on his back. Together, we made our way slowly back to the temple.

19

ClanFintan led the way to the stables where we were met, not by my usual flock of maidens, but by several well-armed guards. First he helped me from Epi’s back, and then he set Alanna gently on the ground.

“Have the lead warriors, centaur and human, gather in the temple audience chamber.” He spoke a quick command to one of my guards.

The guard looked at me before moving to obey his order.

“I have appointed ClanFintan as Chieftain of Warriors. Why are you hesitating? Obey him as you would me.” I made sure my voice carried.

The guard saluted me, and then turned to ClanFintan. “Yes, my Lord,” he acknowledged before hurrying away.

I gave Epi one last pat and kissed her muzzle softly. Take good care of her,” I said needlessly to the guard who was waiting to lead her away.

“Of course, my Lady.”

Alanna moved to my side. “Rhea, you must wash.” She made a weak gesture at my bloodstained clothing and skin.

I looked down at myself, surprised to see blood smeared on my hands, breasts and the silky clothing that hid so little of my body. There was so much blood…My stomach suddenly felt queasy and my mind foggy, like I had taken too much Benadryl. I staggered as an overwhelming wave of dizziness washed over me.

“Rhiannon?” ClanFintan’s voice was filled with concern.

I tried to blink the haze from my brain as I answered him. “It was horrible. That poor centaur…”

“Evil is only a shadow of good.” He put his arms around me and cradled my shaking body against his. I felt his strength rush into me as the heat of his body enfolded me. “We walk in the light with good, while evil crouches, hiding in the darkness.” His arms tightened around me as he continued. “But we will not allow it to continue to hide. We will burn it from its dark lair.”

The wonderful mixture of the warmth and strength of his body, and the surety of his faith, combined to penetrate the fog of my shocked mind. I turned in his arms and spoke to Alanna.

“Before we meet with the Clan and Herd leaders, we need to talk to the teacher and find out exactly what is known about these creatures.” I could feel ClanFintan’s silent support. “Send for her to meet us in the library room that’s attached to my chamber. What’s her name, anyway?”

“His name is Carolan,” she said.

Her cheeks had flushed pink again, and I gave her a questioning look, so she took a deep breath and continued.

“And he is not really a teacher, he is a historian.” She paused, looking very uncomfortable. “And a Healer.”

Suddenly it all made sense.

“He’s the man Connor brought to Ian.”

“Yes, Rhea.” She looked decidedly sheepish.

“He seems a caring Healer.” ClanFintan was oblivious to what was passing unspoken between Alanna and me. But he was a guy, so I didn’t find that surprising.