The Lions Revenge: The Scarlet Lioness Trilogy

By Kefira Bar-Golani

Life for Scarlet as a noble woman couldn't be more peaceful. five springs after her first union with Henry and having a clever child made her life complete and they couldn't be happier.

But a new danger is coming.

Not yet formally the Duchess of Agammar and considering forfeiting the title all together, Scarlet learns that the decision will be much harder to make when there is a reward o her head, bringing strangers into her life. Mercenaries are looking to claim the reward while a mysterious girl appears as if of no where and two relatives who will do almost anything to have the title all to themselves.

In the midst of it all, Scarlet learns of another family member arriving who puts her in a whole new kind of danger...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503579293

Kefira Bar-Golani

I've been writing stories ever since I was 13. It was my escape into a fantasy world from an otherwise unpleasant reality. It was my unique way of expressing my self and with an active imagination I came to realize I was really good at it. when I was 18, a young women who later became an inspiration told me I have to become an author, I have to publish my books! I didn't though. When I was 27 I had the biggest inspiration of my life - My son. As soon as I brought him home I knew I had to write again and publish my work. My son and I currently reside in silicon valley. My life can be quite exciting, I meet new people everyday, I balance a full time job and my family time but unlike my heroine - I have yet to find my Henry...

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Copyright © 2015 by Kefira Bar-Golani.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 07/27/2015

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Contents

Part I

Chapter 1 Ire, 1106

Chapter 2 Ire 1115

Chapter 3 Ire 1117

Chapter 4

Part II

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Part III

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Part IV

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

PART I

The Forgotten Heart.

Ire 1106-1117

In Gaelic Ire, wars over religion and land

Spread like fire and before the church reached all areas,

Slavery was still a known custom.

Prisoners of war, should they be allowed to live,

Were sold for slavery in southern Ire,

Along with other lonely drifters…

CHAPTER 1

Ire, 1106

A drop of rain fell. Then another and another until it became a shower of rain that made his bright hair dark and stick to his face and neck. But it didn’t distract him from his oncoming opponent, he slashed his sword though his guts and turned to slay the chest of another with his mighty sword. Bodies seem to drop to the ground like flies when they approached the great warrior. He was tall and his shoulders wide, he waived his sword once more and an older man fell down to the ground, blood splashed on the warriors face and painted it dark rain. Even the pouring rain didn’t clean it up entirely so when the battle was over and he walked to the small village he was hired to fight for, a big man stood there to greet him with a loud cheer and a brotherly hug. Between the cheers and the crowed of warriors who survived the battles he saw the golden haired girl standing by the shed her father gave them after their wedding ceremony, she smiled and walked into the shed. He followed soon after and closed the sheds wicker door after him…

Three days later he woke up to a chilly morning, she lay next to him, her golden hair spread under her head like a golden lake, the sun flickering between the wood shed made it glow. He reached out to touch it, it was so soft at his rough hands, he quickly pulled it away before she noticed this sign of fondness. He sighed before he got out of the bed, throwing the fur blanket off him and on to her; she didn’t wake up even when he put his cloths on and placed the weapons on his body. The clinging metal finally woke her up and she looked up at him, still half asleep.

Where are you going? she asked.

I must leave, he said and made his way to exit the shed.

When will you come back? she sat on the bad and covered herself with the fur blanket.

I don’t know, he said and looked at her big brown eyes as she gazed at him, still passionate for him.

I will miss you, husband, she said with a hint of a smile. He pulled his golden hair away from his deep blue eyes as he smiled back.

Farewell, Helena, he said and walked out of the shed into a small village, many of the men were out and about, practicing their fighting skills while the women were preparing food. He walked towards a well loaded wagon attached to a big stead.

Leaving so soon? a voice came behind him. The man turned around to face the tribes’ leader. I thought your new wife would keep you in bed for days if not weeks, he laughed loudly.

It’s been three days since I last left the shed until today, the warrior said. It’s time I see my brethren, he checked the wagon to make sure everything that was promised to him was there.

This is your brethren now, son, the man said and placed a stern hand on his shoulder.

You say that as if I might never come back, the young man said.

You are clever, Garik, the man said with a smile. I know your type, you are a great warrior and you have helped us win many battles. But, you will never come back once you leave.

Why do you say that?

Because you have no loyalty.

If you truly believed that you would have tried to kill me by now.

The thought had crossed my mind, the tribes leader looked at Garik with burning eyes and added; But Helena convinced me to spare you.

How kind of her…

She is quite fond of you, son.

I know, Garik jump on the wagon and grabbed the reins.

So if you care for her - Garik was about to lead the wagon on his way when the man grabbed his wrist with a tightening grip. - And if you care for your own life you will come back.

Are you threatening me?

Heavens no, he laughed and stepped back. But there is nothing worse than a forgotten woman, he smiled. And you should know that Helena will never forget you, Garik sat still for a minute, laughed and led the wagon on the road. As soon as he was out of sight, Helena came behind her father.

He left, she said quietly as she clutched the fur blanket around her, the wind playing with her hair.

Yes.

He will come back, she said with her chin up.

You are naïve, my child, he said and faced her. He will never come back, her eyes suddenly looked sad.

Yes, he will.

Helena, he doesn’t love you, Helena looked to the ground trying to control her tears.

I thought he would eventually.

Men like that have no loyalty, even in marriage, he held her close and wrapped his arms around her.

I’ll wait for him, she whispered.

Very well, but if he doesn’t return by next season you will marry another at my choosing, he kissed her forehead and walked away.

A season has passed since Garik left; Helena sat outside every day and watched the valley for any comers. Garik never showed up, but a small bump on her belly did. It kept growing through the moon cycles until she couldn’t hide it. It wasn’t long until her father noticed it, it was a brisk evening and Helena was stirring the fire and adding more wood to make it grow.

Helena, she heard her father’s voice, it was low but firm. I see Garik left you something to remember him by, he sat on the ground next to her. I’m surprised I didn’t notice it before, you have hidden your morning sickness quite well.

I guess this changes any wedding plans, she said quietly.

You are still a beautiful young woman; once the baby comes out I’m sure we will find you a good husband.

I have one.

You still think he’s coming back?

He will come back.

We shall see, he wrapped her arm around her. We shall see.

Garik rode between the big oaks in the green woods, his dark stallion galloping steadily. It was a sunny spring day, his blond hair covering his eyes slightly over his broad shoulders. The big sword clunking on his back as he rode, a horse came close to him with a familiar warrior on it. It was Hugh; he slowed down and stopped next to Garik.

Hugh, said Garik coldly. You leaving?

Indeed, said Hugh. How was – he never finished asking Garik about the journey and the battle he just got back from.

Are they all home? Garik interrupted him.

Yes. But –

Then I shall go see them, as he said that he strode away quickly. He was greeted by Morgan and Jane as he arrived; Jane took him to the kitchen so he can eat after his long journey. After a few moments he realized what was different, a little red headed girl was in the kitchen. As she looked at him he noticed it was the first time a little girl didn’t run away from him, he was used to seeing them scared but Scarlet was not.

Go help the twins, Scarlet, Jane said as she watched Garik eat after his feet were washed. As soon as the little girl ran out Garik let out a short laugh. What’s on your mind, Garik? she asked as she poured him a mug of ale.

Nothing, he said and drank the entire mug of ale. I guess it was the best gift he could give you, he looked at Jane. I’m assuming you’re happy with your gift?

I am, she said smiling. I have a feeling that you are not…

Never cared much for children.

They will come when you marry… she said and looked at him, he avoided her look.

They never came for you.

I’m cursed, not many women are, she said and waited for him to talk but he didn’t, he just kept eating his food until it was nearly done. Have you seen her?

Who?

Helena. You were gone for nearly an entire season.

Indeed I was.

Did you go back to see her?

No.

She must be worried about you.

She knew I wouldn’t come back, the only reason I married her was to please her father after I took her – he stopped and looked at Jane. I’m sorry; I sometimes forget my manners when I talk to you, dear mother.

That’s quite alright, she stood up and took his empty bowl. I remember the first time you sat at this table and finished a bowl of food.

That was but a moment ago, he said in a mocking but still respectful voice.

I am talking about when I found you wandering in the forest and brought you in. You were a wee little thing, all bones, eating whatever came to you, she wiped the bowl clean with a piece of cloth. Always a survivor…

I was the only one chosen by you, he said in a low voice. All the rest were chosen by that husband of yours… including the new witch.

Careful with you words, Garik, Jane said and placed her hand on her right shoulder as if to remind him something.

I forgot about that, my apologies… guess if Hugh hadn’t saved you I would still be lost in the woods, ey?

Indeed. Now, no more of this witch talk.

I promise not to bring it up around you again, he said and finished a mug of mead with two swallows.

Are you sure she knows you’re not coming back? Jane finally asked.

She’s a smart girl, she will figure it out, he got up and was about to leave the small kitchen.

Just be careful, Garik. Women never forget their first love.

I guess that’s why you and Hugh are still together, she smiled at his remark and kept smiling even after he left.

CHAPTER 2

Ire 1115

T he rain came down lightly and made his blond hair look dark. He tossed his hair away from his face as he walked through the woods, sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. He paused as he heard footsteps nearby; he looked to his side and saw a shadow running and then a scream. Silence fell again, only the rain made a sound as it crashed into the wet ground. He heard the steps get closer as he walked into a clearing, the rain made a different sound now as it fell on countless bodies lying on the wet ground that turned red with blood, he turned around quickly and waived his sword, it slashed into a thin man right in his chest and set him falling aside on the ground. He heard a short scream behind him and turned to see a body falling to the ground as a sword was pulled from his guts; the rain washed the blood off quickly as the red headed woman looked at him, her heart pounding so fast he could see it pump under her torn tunic.

Looks like we’ve got them all, he said placing the dagger in his belt and the sword in the sheath on his back. He saw her looking down at the bodies as the rain trickled down her hair. What is it? he stood next to her and looked down. Oh…

How old do you think he was?

Don’t think about it too much, Scars, he started to walk away. If we start thinking about it we will be off our guard, she eventually followed him through the woods back to the village.

He was just a boy, she said as she walked after him.

Just to show you what people would do for more land, Morgan said as she caught up with him. Besides, only the strong survive… like us, he looked at him and didn’t say a word. We were both alone and in danger, but we lived.

We had Hugh.

Not always, she shook her head and wiped the rain from her face. Look, we are masters of our fate and ours alone. You cannot control other peoples fates, he walked forward as she stood there under the rain. Are you coming? he asked from what seemed like far away to her. I didn’t kill that little boy, why do I feel guilty that he’s dead? She finally walked towards Morgan who waited for her a few feet away.

After they collected their reward they made their way back home, Morgan was silent through most of their way which gave Scarlet some quiet time with her thoughts. She didn’t even notice him staring at her between the fire flames as they rested for the night.

You think too much, he said.

You sound like Garik, she replied. Hugh is not going to be happy when he learns Garik left us alone in the battle field.

We’re alive, right? I think that was the whole idea behind leaving us alone.

And if we died?

Garik has a death wish anyway, why not die in the hands of the man who raised him as a son? Morgan laughed and stopped when he saw Scarlets serious face. Fine, we will kill Garik then, she raised an eyebrow in a way he learned was not her amused look. Fine then, you will kill Garik, she smiled. If you can…

I can.

I admire your bravery but he’s a mighty warrior and you are just a woman.

Did you just say ‘just a woman’?

A warrior woman, still no equal to a seasoned warrior like Garik.

I will beat him.

One day I’m sure, he lay on the ground and looked at the stars, she lay down on the other side of the fire and looked up at the starts as well. He looked at her when he turned his head lightly, observing her womanly figure under her tunic. He then looked back up to the star filled sky, the clouds have scattered and revealed the shiny dots in the sky. Do you ever think about your parents?

I never knew them, she said. You know that, Morgan.

Yes. But do you ever think about them?

I wouldn’t know what to think…

I know… Me neither, there was a long silence then a slight snore. Morgan looked at her as she lay curled on her side, her curves showing more. He turned on his side to look at her and quietly crawled up to her to touch her face but as he did a blade touch him, pricking his hand, he looked up to see Garik standing there, s crooked smile on his face.

She’s finally quiet and you want to wake her up? Garik said as he sat by the fire, Morgan sat next to him.

I thought you left us for dead…

The thought had crossed my mind, Garik said as he stuck his sword in the ground. But I couldn’t find a good story to tell Hugh… besides, how else can we test your fighting skills?

I’ve been in battles before.

Who said I was talking about you?

She’s been in battle before too.

Only in the sidelines because she was small enough to hide in the wagon with her two stupid brothers…

So where did you go when you left us at the village?

None of your business boy… now, I thought I talked to you about getting close to her, he said the last part in a form of hissing whisper as he gestured towards the sleeping girl.

But she –

She is your sister.

Not by blood.

Blood or not she only sees you as a brother.

She might change her mind one day…

She won’t, Garik snorted. She doesn’t even see you as a man.

How do you know?

Because you don’t treat her as if you were a man. A man wouldn’t care what a woman thinks.

Of course I care what she thinks! I –

If you say you love her I will kill you here and now! Garik hissed and Morgan fell silent.

I do, you know? Morgan said quietly and lay on his back, looking up in the stars again.

You poor bastard, Garik muttered and set his sleeping area near the fire as well. Morgan soon heard snoring and turned to look at the sleeping Scarlet, his heart pumping so loud he placed a hand over it for fear he will wake them up…

They made their way home and were there within a week of traveling through the rain. With Garik escorting them, Morgan became a bit quieter with Scarlet and avoided looking at her. Whenever he did Garik would snort and Morgan would focus back on the road until he heard Garik snort again. Scarlet began to think Garik was getting sick with all the snorting and didn’t even notice Morgans look.

Hugh was waiting for them at home, but then again, he hardly left home as his precious Jane was buried there and he had a hard time leaving her side. His traveling got less frequent and he left most of his offers to his remaining sons. He was cleaning his sword when the three came striding on their horses, he stood up as Scarlet jumped off her horse and ran towards him as he greeted her with open arms. Morgan and Garik came off their horses and Hugh hugged Morgan next, Garik just nodded his head at him before disappearing into the castle.

How was your journey? Hugh asked.

We were nearly killed, Scarlet said.

Speak for yourself, Morgan said and looked at Hughs side where the sword hanged.

Just cleaning it, Hugh said and Morgan nodded.

I’m starving, Scarlet said.

You are in luck, Charles brought some meat yesterday and I believe he left some.

Not if Garik got to it first, Scarlet said and Morgan quickly ran inside.

Why were you cleaning it? Scarlet asked after Morgan was gone.

Clever, Hugh smiled.

Just in case, he said and sat down on a stone step at the entrance.

In case you decide to go back to battle?

No, I’m afraid those days are over for the most part.

Then why prepare a sword?

You are a clever one, he said smiling as she sat next to him. I thought you were hungry.

I doubt the boys left me anything, she said.

I believe you are right, he said. And as for your question – You never know when one of my children might find themselves in trouble…

My bet is on Garik being the one who will need help, she said and Hugh laughed.

Indeed. Two or three wives… he will be in trouble sooner or later. But he is not the one I’m talking about, he held her hand. You remember when I first found you? Back in that wretched village where a priest taught everyone to treat you differently because of this? he reached out and patted her head and the red curls on them. I swore I would never let anyone treat you like that again. When I brought you here Jane felt the same as I did about you – you are our daughter! Of all my children, you are the one I promised Jane I would help you if I ever felt that you were in grave danger and I would be ready, she felt his grip, it was strong and comforting.

But you won’t always be there, will you? You will… you will Join Jane one day, her eyes looked down the memory of Janes passing went through her mind.

I always keep my word, he added. I will be there if you need me, she smiled. You should go see if there is any food left, you might have to fight Garik a bit for some, Scarlet drew her sword from the sheath on her back and smiled wide.

I think that’s something I can do, she said and walked inside…

After fighting off a full stomached Garik, which proved an easier task for the red headed warrior, she made her way outside with a piece of day old meat and ate it as she walked around the castle, the twins ran nearby laughing and she heard Garik chasing them around, she quickly hid in the shadow of the castle until they were out of sight. She was about to step out when she heard someone coming close and drew a knife from her belt just to find Morgan coming around the corner.

You are going to need more than that to protect your food here, he said laughing.

You can’t have it! she hissed.

I wouldn’t dare take food away from you.

Good, she took another bite and walked alongside the castle wall. Morgan walked after her.

Did you see Garik?

He was chasing the twins, she said with a mouth full of meat. Why is he doing that again?

After you made Garik fall on the floor they stole a big piece of meat and he’s out for meat… or blood, he laughed but she didn’t. He won’t really kill them, he said as she looked at them.

I wouldn’t be too sure, Scarlet said.

He would never hurt one of us. We are his clan! His brethren!

And yet I never know who he’s loyal to, she said. Just like he abandoned us in the woods to fight alone, he smiled.

We made it though, admit it Scars, we are better than him, she smiled too.

No, we are not. But we will be one day…

CHAPTER 3

Ire 1117

S carlet placed an arrow on her long bow, stretched it against the string and after a few seconds released it. It hit a painted target on one of the trees nearby. Your aim is getting better, she heard Garik behind her as he walked by. But that’s as good as it’s going to get. Girls always miss, you know, he said as she pulled another arrow from the quiver on her back.

Girl or not, I bet you can’t hit my mark.

You think I will miss your mark? he said dropping a sack of weapons to the ground.

I’m saying you are no better than me, she taunted him and looked down at the bag curiously. We set sail not for a whole cycle. Where are you going?

None of your business, he took the long bow from her hand and grabbed an arrow from the quiver as he shoved her aside. If I hit your arrow you won’t tell anyone that I left.

And if you don’t I will go with you, he lowered the bow and arrow quickly and looked at her, she placed both hands on her waist and looked into his eyes, she was only a foot shorter than the tall warrior and the only woman who could stare him straight in the eyes without even a hint of fear.

Very well, I can use a target when I’m on the road.

A what? she asked but he didn’t answer, he just pulled the arrow tight on the bow and released it, it hit very close to her own.

Looks like I will have someone to fight with on the road, we travel light, he gave her the bow back. And don’t bring that, bring the crossbow, he picked up the weapon bag and walked towards the horses. She stood there for a bit, a little confused as to why Garik missed. He never misses, she told herself. I don’t have all day, Scars! she heard him shout and ran back to the castle to get her crossbow.

They traveled for two days, Scarlet sat on the back of the small wooden wagon while Garik sat in the front, silently. She made sure to stay low as instructed, she noticed Garik had a pile of fur blankets, she also found a shell necklace hiding under them that bounced out when the wagon went over a rock. She picked it up, it was beautiful and it reminded her of the one Jane wore when she first came to the castle, in fact it was the one Jane wore! Scarlet looked at Garik who was still sitting silently, she sunk back against the blankets and hid the necklace in a pouch on her belt.

Where are we going? she asked on the third day of silence and sat next to Garik in the front of the wagon.

I told you. It’s none of your business.

If we’re going to battle I should know, she insisted and he looked at her amused.

You’re not ready for battles! If I wanted you dead I would have done it myself…

Maybe you’re afraid of Hugh.

Me?! Afraid?! I can take that old man any day and any night! she knew he didn’t mean it and even if he could he would never harm Hugh.

Why are you taking so many blankets?

We will be going up the mountains pretty soon, it will get cold.

So we are not going to battle, he didn’t answer. It must be a very special reason you travel for no reward.

Who said I’m not going to get a reward? he said in his usual mocking tone.

But you said – she started to say in a very confusing voice.

You talk too much, girl! All you need to do is sit and be quiet! he glanced at her as she sat quietly, her eyes lowered and her back hunched. Since you are already here… I need to see someone before we leave… they are kind of my family.

One of your wives? she asked but he didn’t answer her question.

One day you will know what men want, Scarlet. When that day comes you will either abandon the sword to be with the man you love or run it through him, I will just tell you this: if you want to become the legend Jane predicted you will be you can never fall in love! It will make you weak and may even kill you…

You never fell in love?

Never! Men don’t fall in love, Scars.

But Hugh –

Fine, they sometimes do. Hugh was lucky, she felt a chill wind on her face. We’re almost there, by tomorrow at noon we will reach our destination.

Sure enough, by the following day at noon they crossed a valley and found a village on a tall hill overlooking the green valley and the wet road that led them through it. It was a small village with some wood sheds and some wool tents. As the wagon stopped by them, Scarlet noticed they were a bit different then the people she saw in her home village years ago, although the memories were faded, she could still tell the difference, the men of this village were significantly taller and broader, both men and women had light colored hair and they all wore weapons.

Who are these people? she asked quietly.

They used to be a great nation, many in numbers until a war emerged between them over the valley. These are the only survivors of their kind, Garik climbed off the wagon and came to her side. Why did you take it?

It’s not yours, she said holding her small pouch close and tight. It belonged to Jane. What were you doing with it?

Jane asked me to give it to someone before she died, Garik looked at the red headed girl and her big green eyes as he stretched his open palm out to her. She took a deep breath and handed him the pouch. Stay here until I return, he commended and walked to a nearby tent and walked in. she heard men yelling and laughing and then she noticed someone was nearby, her hand quickly moved to her sword as she turned to her other side quickly. A little girl was standing there, she wasn’t much younger then Scarlet but she was indeed shorter. Scarlet let go of her sword handle as she looked at the girl who stood near the wagon, mesmerized by the female warrior.

I’ve never seen a woman dressed like a man before, the girl said as she felt her own grey dress under her fur cape. Your hair looks like it’s on fire, she mentioned and walked closer to the wagon.

People always say that, Scarlet said and studied the girl who stared at her as if she was hypnotic. There was something familiar about her and as she looked at her eyes she noticed one was blue and one was brown. What’s your name?

Mara, the girl said.

I’m Scarlet.

Can you really fight?

I can.

My mother knows how to use a dagger but I’ve never seen her fight before in a battle.

Do you get many battles here?

Not since I was born. My grandfather said that after the last battle no one dared challenge us, she caught sight of Scarlets crossbow. Can you teach me how to use that?

If we stay here, Scarlet said.

Who did you come with?

My brother, Scarlet saw Garik walking out of the tent with an older man. The two were laughing as they walked to the wagon. Scarlet turned to look at Mara but she was gone.

I see you haven’t taken off, Garik told Scarlet who remained in the same spot he left her. Didn’t get into any trouble, ey?

I will leave the trouble to you, Garik, she replied and the older man laughed out loud.

Still causing trouble, ha Garik? he said and patted Gariks back. I will find a bed for you for tonight.

I was actually hoping to speak to Helena, Garik said and the older man fell silent.

You haven’t been here for many years, he said. Helena waited for you but when you didn’t come she – he didn’t continue. Why did you come back?

We are leaving for another land where battles are more rewarding, Garik said and looked at Scarlet. And where witches are a myth, Scarlet couldn’t tell if he meant to insult her or compliment her but knowing Garik she leaned more to the first option.

You must tell me all about it, old friend, the man insisted. You two will be my guests for tonight! And who knows, maybe we will find a place for this young woman in our tribe.

Hugh will kill me if I don’t return with her, Garik said with a laugh.

Well, death must come to us all, his friend said and they laughed.

They stayed the night and joined the head of the tribe for dinner in his wool tent, it was quite big on the inside and the smells of meat and bread filled the air. Scarlet looked around, most of the people dining were men; she searched for the girl – Mara, but couldn’t find her. She could hear Gariks voice carry in the tent as he talked to his old friend, it seemed that many here knew Garik and respected him. Or feared them, she noted which was more likely.

So tell me of this new land you’re going to, Leon, the head of the tribe inquired as he drank his mead.

It is rumored to be the birth place of the mighty Vikings,