Rowan's Hammer — Ash Gray

While trapped at an inn during a winter storm, Rowan's hammer is lost to bandits during a game of cards gone wrong. Desperate to keep the matter a secret from Saoirse, Rowan sets out at once to retrieve the hammer with Ethne and Lysa along to aid her. While distracting Saoirse from the absence of her fiance, Ava learns more about Liadan's culture and customs, while Ethne learns who Lysa truly is. Don't miss the third installment of this lesbian romance series!  --Rowan's departure was so abrupt, Ava felt a jolt of shock to realize that she was now completely on her own – completely free to do as she pleased! What should she do first? Dance before the stage? Dance on a table? Perhaps get drunk? The first and last time she was drunk, her father had punished her, and she had never been allowed to drink so heavily again. It suddenly occurred to her that, for the first time in her life, she could do whatever she wished without being confined to a tower. Don't do anything rash, my princess, Lysa begged, as if she had read Ava's mind.  Ava made an irritated noise and ignored Lysa, instead grabbing the handmaiden's arm with a gleeful expression. Oh, Lysa! she squealed. Stop scolding and let us make merry! Haven't you ever wanted to make merry? No, Lysa said at once.  --What shall you do? Lysa wondered anxiously.  I shall take the hammer back, of course, said Rowan darkly.  Without a weapon? Ethne pointed out, as incredulous as if to say Rowan was mad. I shall kill her with my bare hands if I must, said Rowan. And I shall do it before Saoirse even realizes what has happened. I must leave quickly and immediately. Tell my old lion I am gone down the lane to lay with the baker's daughter. She'll believe that.  Ethne laughed flatly. That Saoirse would be less angry that you bedded another woman than your gambling away of your hammer . . . If you are to slay these ruffians, I shall come with you. It's senseless that you should go alone.  --Ah, said Ethne. I expected we would have this conversation sooner or later. Liadan is angry with you, and you don't understand why, featherhead that you are. I understand why! said Ava crossly. She warned me about the men in the tavern, and I did not heed, and because of that, I was nearly hurt -- Aye, said Ethne darkly, and it isn't the first time you haven't heeded us. Back on the road, you did stray into the wood, though I warned you not to, and were nearly accosted then as well --  Truly? By the gods, said Rowan in amusement. How many times hath you put herself in danger, Ava? Shall I have to beat the men off with my hammer? Most likely, said Ethne with a snort. Ava frowned irritably. I didn't come here to be scolded.  Though perhaps you should be, said Ethne, laying down a card.