"Well," Angus said, straightening his leather vest, "now that that's over. I'm in the mood for a party. Anyone care to join me?"
Deirdre narrowed her gaze at him, "Are you saying that you are willing to help with the preparation of the victory celebration?"
"Well, if that involves overseeing the catering of said event, then, yes." he smiled.
She smiled pointing her finger at him. "I knew it. I knew you couldn't think about anything but your stomach!"
"Do they always argue like this?" Garrett whispered to Ivar.
"Always, except, Rohan usually is laughing along with them. He has been unusually quiet today. I would have thought that today of all days he would be laughing and smiling. He seems...distracted, I think."
"Either that, or it's indigestion." Garrett snickered.
"With the way Angus eats, I wouldn't doubt it." Deirdre taunted.
"Alright, the lot of you up to the castle. I expect the best decorations, food, and entertainment to be organized for tonight's celebration." said Conchobar. "And Deirdre, there is something I left for you in your chambers. A pre-celebration gift. Why don't you go up and take a look?"
"You heard him boys, let's go!" she commanded.
"Boys?!?!" outraged Angus. "How does she get away with these slanderous comments all the time? Hey, Rohan. Rohan! You coming? You look like you were zoning out there for a second."
Startled from his thoughts, Rohan pasted on a fake smile. He really didn't feel like celebrating.
"You go ahead. The King said there was something he wished to speak to me about. I'll meet you there."
Deirdre looked thoughtfully at Rohan. Something wasn't right. He should be happy that his destiny was fulfilled. Peace has come to Kells. Was there something on his mind? "Are you alright, Rohan? Is something wrong?"
Looking down at Deirdre, he felt terrible for lying to her. He never ever wanted to hurt her with his past. He had to do something about it. He was planning to tell her how he felt about her when this war was over. But now that he knew the truth about his mother, he just couldn't. She would hate him. And deep down, he knew that his heart wouldn't be able to bear it.
"There are just a couple of loose ends to tie up. I can take care of it. You go on ahead. Everything will be fine, Deirdre, I promise."
"Go on, daughter, we will be there shortly." Conchobar reasoned.
Once Deirdre and the others were a safe distance away from overhearing them, Conchobar turned to Rohan. "Now then. What was it you wanted to talk about. Maeve is gone. Although I still feel on my guard against invasion, I feel your quest has come to an end. What is on your mind?"
Rohan turned to look at the sea. "The war is over, my King, but there is still work to be done. Maeve is hiding something. I suggest I take a look around her castle. If anything will gives us any useful information, that will. She... She knew. She knew about my birthmark and the prophesy. I believe the other half of the ancient scroll was in her possession. Also, we need to get Ivar's chalice back to his kingdom. I thought it would make a nice surprise to hand it over to him tonight at the feast. Let him toast to peace with it. It would bring him great joy to see it put to use in a good way for once, knowing that Mider has been using it all this time. And speaking of Mider, I need to bargain with him. And talk to Nemain, as well as sweep the castle for any remaining magic objects that need to be destroyed. And then there's..."
"Now hold on, hold on..." interrupted the king, "that is a lot to handle for one person. Don't you think you should do all this tomorrow with the help of the other Mystic Knights? You should enjoy this day of peace. Although, talking with Mider and Nemain is of the upmost importance. Perhaps you should just go talk to them and call it a day. No use overworking yourself. You wouldn't be able to enjoy the celebrations tonight if you did. They are in your honor, after all."
"With all due respect, your highness, I wouldn't be able to enjoy any party knowing that there are things that have not been taken care of. And these celebrations are not to be in my honor but for all of Kells. I couldn't have fought alone. The Mystic Knights couldn't fight alone. The honor goes to all, not some orphaned boy left to rot in the street..."
"Now I command you to stop this talk at once, Rohan!" Conchobar yelled. He then put his hands on his shoulders, forcing him to look at him.
"You are never, ever, to come down on yourself this way ever again. Do you hear me? By Dagda, you have worked hard to defend this country. You are a brave and courageous person. Just because of the unfortunate situation of your birth..." Rohan snorted, "Look Rohan, I'd have you as my son if it were in my power. Just because of someone's misguided actions to leave you to your fate does not make you less of a person. Now I forbid you to ever think so lowly of yourself. You are a better man than I at times. And I am blessed to have you watch over my kingdom and my family. You know Deirdre is all I have left. If something had ever happened to her... Thank you. Thank you for watching over her."
"As you wish, my King. I will not speak of it again."
Both men walked toward the main road in silence. Rohan thinking of what King Conchobar just said, and the King thinking of the young man beside him. When they reached the top of the hill and mounted their horses, Conchobar turned to him.
"If you wish to search her castle today, then do so. You are right to want to settle these things before doing anything else. Make sure you report to Cathbad's chambers before the celebration tonight. I had the tailors make a new tunic for you tonight. No more armor, Rohan. Not tonight. Tonight we toast peace."
With that, the King of Kells rode off to his personal guards up the road to escort him back to the castle, leaving Rohan to his thoughts. Oh, how he would hate to disappoint this King who thought so much of him. Digging his heels into his horse he galloped off to Temra at full speed. He had to make sure his secret would die with him.
Author's Note: Once again, I ask that you please review. The upcoming chapters may be hard to understand, so any feedback on fixing them is quite welcome!