The Rise of the Omarlo Clan. Rosylan McCallum

he needed to replace her with a girl of his choosing. Lord Omir would have nothing to say as Erin would have to return home in disgrace.”

      Ursula just stood before Lady Tess, listening as she raved. Finally, when Lady Tess seemed to have run out of steam, she said, “Excuse me, Lady Tess, but Erin is not alone with Rarg. Gordon rode out too. Gordon always rides out when Erin rides, and this is common knowledge to all at the Keep.”

      This immediately calmed Lady Tess. Yes, she thought, I had forgotten about Gordon. “He does guard her always. Well, whatever plans my son had if they are not honorable, will be interrupted. Who knows what ways he picked up under my father’s care? As I remember when I lived among them, they were a rather rowdy and raunchy bunch. And there is that Rolag Baines, the fellow who follows Rarg around like a shadow. Surely he went with them.”

      Before Ursula could tell her different, fully reassured, Lady Tess gathered her skirts and left. As Lady Tess was crossing the main floor of the Keep, she ran into Rolag. Annoyed, she asked him to follow her—that she needed to speak to him in private. Rolag was thinking, what does this hag want with me? He was still hurting from the fall.

      Rarg looked at Erin and saw that she rode with confidence and had a glowing expression on her face. It was obvious that she enjoyed riding. He also remembered how the stable staff responded to her quiet authority. She really was a beautiful woman and intelligent too. She had quickly caught his meaning after very underhandedly arranging for a very spirited horse to be given to Rolag. As far as he was concerned from all that he had been told and observed, she was very acceptable as a wife.

      He had thought to get her alone only for the purpose of finding out if there was a brain behind the eyes, which would be an added bonus and make her even more tolerable. She was his mother’s pick and had been under Lady Tess’ tutelage for the last six years. This left a question as to whether she could ever be trusted. Unfortunately for him, there was little time to select someone else. Erin pulled her horse to a stop and dismounted, as did Rarg.

      “This is a good place to stop, and we need to clear the air. I am glad that you do not object to the treatment of your man Rolag. I assumed that you wanted to be able to talk freely, and his presence would have prevented it.”

      Erin continued, “You do not seem a standoffish bore now. I am glad, as it would have been tedious for me to be around you for any length of time. I know you are still trying to find your way, having returned somewhat of a stranger to your own home after so many years. I was in the same position six years ago. But in time, you will find, given half a chance, Racine is a fine planet to live on.”

      Before Rarg could say a word, Erin continued, “And I want you to get one thing straight, you will not, now or when you become Lord Omarlo, take advantage of Racine or its people. I will fight you on this. And if you think that your mother has me under control, then you are more the fool. I am Erin Omir, the daughter of the House of Omir and soon to be Lady Omarlo—that is, if it is still your wish. And if not, so be it.” She stood with a challenging look on her face in front of him with both fists balled at her sides in a very obvious fighting stance.

      Rarg was left with his mouth open. This slip of a girl had just taken over the situation that they both found themselves in and, according to her, was setting the record straight. She was obviously not the stuttering, timid mouse that his mother had warned him about. There was much more here. For the first time since Rarg had arrived on Racine, he let his guard entirely down and expressed the utter delight that he found with this girl named Erin. With a shout, Rarg grabbed Erin and swung her around and then set her back on the ground. Now it was her turn to be astonished. The man’s smile was devastating, and his exuberance could not be denied.

      “wow! What a pair we shall make,” said Rarg.

      Off in the distance, Gordon relaxed and smiled. It seems to have worked, my lord, he thought. It seems that this part of your plan made so long ago worked out perfectly.