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)
“Where is James?” the big man demanded. “We’re here to help him keep rein on this place for Lord Torrance.”
“PUT THE LASS DOWN!”
Shade had hurried to follow her husband and hearing his warning, she knew it was The Monk the unsuspecting men were about to meet.
The man shook the little lass. “I’ll do what I please with her. Now one of you fools go get me James, and where are his men?”
The lass stretched her arms out to her mum, tears now streaming down her cheeks that should be round and full but weren’t from lack of food. Rufus had told him the truth.
The Monk hurried toward the man.
The two other men rushed at him.
“Which one of you wants to die first?” The Monk shouted, reaching for one of the daggers at his waist.
That’s when tongues started wagging, none too quietly, and the two men heard the chatter clearly.
“The Monk.”
“The Monk.”
“The Monk will end it.”
The two men instantly retreated, hurrying behind the big man, one of them saying, “He’s The Monk.”
“I’m not afraid of The Monk,” the large man said, watching his men retreat behind him and when he turned, he was met with a powerful fist to his jaw.
“You should be,” The Monk said as the man went stumbling back.
He yanked the little lass out of the man’s meaty hand and swung another forceful punch that knocked the man out, his big body landing flat on his back so hard that it sent dirt flying up and cascading down around him.
“Grab those two!” The Monk ordered and several men descended on them, stripping them of their weapons and using them to hold them at bay.
Shade hurried forward and took the little lass from her husband and rushed her to her mum. The woman’s arms circled her daughter in a tight hug. The other little lass clung to her mum’s side and the mum was quick to shift the lass to one arm and wrap her other arm around the daughter that clung to her.
“This has been a terrible ordeal for you all, but you are safe now,” Shade assured them.
“I pray that is so,” the woman said. “I am Corrine, and these are my two daughters, Bethy and Anne. My husband sent word that we were to come here and meet him, that this is our new home.”
“Aye, it is,” The Monk said. “You are safe here and my wife, Shade, will see to you and your daughters care, and your husband will join you shortly.”
The little lass’s tears had barely stopped, and her breathing was labored but she looked at The Monk and shouted, “THANK YOU.”
“Please forgive her shouting. Bethy has trouble hearing and to her she is speaking softly,” Corrine said, worry in her yes.
“YOU ARE MOST WELCOME,” The Monk shouted, and Bethy smiled.
Shade smiled as well. The little lass had touched the notorious Monk’s heart which proved he had one and was not a madman after all. Some others must have agreed since smiles and chuckles could be seen and heard as well.
“Come with me,” Shade said. “You must be hungry and thirsty after your journey.”
The two lasses’ eyes turned wide at the mention of food and tears filled their mum’s eyes. “Aye, we could use some food and drink.”
“This way,” Shade said, pointing to the keep and Corrine and her daughters hurried their steps. Before Shade followed, she looked at her husband. “Have someone help Heath to the keep and I will see to his wounds. You will release Rufus from the cell?”
“Aye. He spoke the truth, and it is no wonder why he wanted to return home with the coins he earned. They will not go hungry here.”
“You are a good man,” Shade whispered.
“Shush, woman,” he ordered with a playful wink. “You will ruin my infamous reputation.”
She hurried and kissed his cheek. “You have managed to do that on your own, husband.”
He watched her hurry to catch up to Corrine and her daughters. He didn’t think he could love her any more than he already did, but his love for her was growing daily as was his desire to see his task done and this matter with Chieftain Ryland settled so they could return to her cottage and make a home as husband and wife.
“Quint.”
He shook his head, clearing it, and turned to Nug. “We have much to find out from these men… to the dungeon with them.”
The joy on the two lasses’ faces when food and drink were brought to the table almost brought Shade to tears. It brought Corrine to tears, seeing that her daughters finally had food to eat.
It took Shade’s urging when at first Corrine would not touch the food or drink as if she wanted to make sure her daughters would have enough to eat. “There is plenty there for you as well and more if needed. None of you will go hungry here.”