Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
“Not long,” he said. “We met at market one day and she went home with me to a small croft on the outskirts of the clan I fought for at that time, and she stayed. She was a pretty, petite woman who made me smile often and I enjoyed her company. One day, after a moon cycle spent together, she told me it was time for her to leave. I didn’t hesitate. I asked her to wed me. She refused me, telling me she had to go. I didn’t want to lose her. She filled a part of me I didn’t even know was empty. I wore her down with words of love until she accepted, and we were wed, and I grew to love her more each day.”
“What clan did she belong to? Did she have friends or family in the area?”
“She never said, and I never asked. We were enough for each other and nothing else mattered.” He shook his head. “I cannot see her death having anything to do with her. It had to be someone wanting revenge against me.”
Shade did not agree but said nothing and intended to make inquiries about Amara when she got the chance, to settle her own curiosity.
“You will be vigilant and trust no one when we arrive at Clan MacLeish,” he ordered.
“Except Ula and Caleb. I trust them.”
He would not deny her that, though he would see for himself if either could be trusted.
“And you will let me know your whereabouts at all times.”
“That might be difficult if there are many wounded to tend to,” she said and when he went to argue with her, she stopped him with a kiss. “I am not a foolish woman, Quint. I will be cautious and vigilant and do my best to make you aware of my whereabouts. I don’t want to lose you or what I have with you when we have just found each other. But you must promise me the same or I will worry endlessly about you.”
He grinned. “I am The Monk. You don’t need to worry about me.”
She chuckled. “That is the very reason I worry about you.” She kissed him softly. “Promise me.”
He didn’t hesitate. “You have my word, wife.” He kissed her and this time it was filled with passion.
A sharp crack of thunder tore them apart and heavy rain followed, pouring through several holes in the roof. With a spot overhead dripping rainwater on them, they quickly gathered the food and blanket and found a spot closer to the fire where they could stay dry and warm.
Quint had the urge to share a quick coupling with his wife, but it was not the time or place. They were vulnerable until they reached Clan MacLeish and even then, he had to remain watchful. He sat with his back braced against the wall and his wife huddled against him, ready to do whatever he had to do to keep her safe.
CHAPTER 14
Shade saw defeat on every face that glanced her way when she and Quint arrived at Clan MacLeish. Tears threatened most eyes while others shed them openly. Most every man there wore bloody bandages and some women as well. Children clung to their mum’s garments, afraid to leave their side and all eyes stared at Quint and her suspiciously as they proceeded to the keep.
A man whispered something to the lad at his side and he took off running.
“He sends him to alert the keep,” Quint whispered.
“There is so much suffering here,” Shade said, eager to do what she could to help.
“You need to be watchful and suspicious,” Quint warned. “You don’t know who lurks among these people.”
A man waited on the steps of an unimpressive keep and with the small size of the village itself, Shade wondered what the significance was for Lord Torrance to lay claim to Clan MacLeish.
“Stay beside you.” Shade spoke his demand before her husband could after he lifted her off the horse.
“You learn fast to obey without a word spoken,” he whispered.
Shade spoke with a whisper as well and a soft smile. “It’s not that I obey. It is that I know my husband well.”
“I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing,” Quint said teasingly, pleased to share a moment of humor with his wife.
“Shade!” a tall, lean man called out and hurried down the stairs.
“Nug,” Shade shouted and stepped forward, Quint stopping her. “I know Nug. I met him and a few others from the clan when Ula wed Caleb at her parents’ croft.”
Quint let her go but followed alongside her.
“You received Ula’s message,” Nug said anxiously when he reached her. “We prayed that you would and that you would find a way to get here. I wish I could have sent warriors to escort you here, but it would have been too dangerous for you with Lord Torrance still hunting MacLeish warriors.”