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)
“Something about another group of monks who are soon to make their home there and it wasn’t received well by one of them but which one, Lord Torrance or Asher, I don’t know.”
That worried Shade. The monks could cause trouble for her if they decided to speak out against her. Their presence could also prove dangerous for Quint, believing he killed their fellow monks.
“Did Lord Torrance say when we should expect him?” Nug asked.
“Lord Torrance hopes to get here before winter sets in, if not, he will not be here until winter fades,” Rufus said.
Nug smiled, pleased hoping for the latter.
Quint thought otherwise. He intended to spend the winter with his wife in her cottage where they could be alone. Though with another group of monks taking residence there that might prove troublesome especially if he couldn’t prove he didn’t murder the monks.
“You did well,” Quint said. “I am sure Corrine and your daughters are eager to see you. If you think of anything else, let me know.”
Rufus nodded and stood, eager to take his leave.
“One more thing, Rufus,” Shade said. “Was that the first time you met Lord Torrance, or had you met him while serving with the mercenaries?”
“I saw him from afar a few times, but this is the first time I spoke with him. Though, I can tell you from experience that he is a feared man and rightfully so. I saw what he ordered his warriors to do to his foe and even to his own people who disappointed him when I served him. And I heard that his wife trembles before him, she fears him so much, though I didn’t see that for myself.”
“You have given us much, Rufus, and I thank you for your help,” Quint said.
“It is I who owe you thanks. You saved my family from starvation and reunited us and for that I am grateful, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do to help you.”
“You have already done more than enough. Go be with your family,” Quint said.
A teary-eyed Rufus hurried and took his leave.
The door barely closed behind the man when Nug spoke. “I pray Torrance doesn’t arrive until after winter. It will give Ryland time to form a plan then contact us. We can be ready for Torrance when he arrives and bring this to an end with his death.”
“Be careful saying such things, Nug, with Witley and Monty around,” Quint warned.
“I will watch my tongue,” Nug assured him. “I believe it would be wise to send some men to the North and see if Ryland has gone there in search of help.”
“See to it but tell the men to be careful what they say and how they ask things,” Quint said. “We don’t want any word getting back to Lord Torrance.”
“I will see it done,” Nug said and hurried from the room.
“You should go rest, Dru,” Shade said, seeing her rest her arm gently against her side.
“My thoughts as well,” Dru said and eased herself off the bench and shuffled slowly out the door.
Quint’s arms barely got around his wife’s waist when someone rapped at the door. He scowled. “I cannot wait until we are home in your cottage, alone.”
“Our cottage. Our home,” Shade said, “and I feel the same.”
Our home. It was something he never thought he would have again after losing Amara. But he’d been given a second chance with Shade, and he was eager to start their life together in their home.
“Enter,” Quint called out, hoping to keep it brief with whoever was there. As soon as Brother Peter entered, he knew the visit would not be brief.
“I found who I was looking for… Shade,” Brother Peter said with a chuckle. “I asked about seeing Chieftain Ryland so I can pray over him. I was told by all I asked that I needed to get permission to see him from you.”
“Aye, he is in my care, and no one sees him unless I allow it since he needs rest to recover from his many wounds. I am afraid I cannot grant your request, but your prayers are appreciated no matter where they are offered.”
“I bow to your expertise, Shade, and I will pray for Chieftain Ryland and pray I will be able to visit him soon,” Brother Peter said.
“A moment of your time, Brother Peter,” Quint said. “I have a few questions for you.”
“Of course, my son, I am pleased to be of any help you may need.”
“I must be off,” Shade said. “I have recovering warriors to tend to.”
Brother Peter smiled pleasantly. “You are a true angel, my dear. Everyone I meet remarks on how you have not only helped the injured but how you have saved lives that most thought beyond help.”
“I do what I can,” Shade said and turned to kiss her husband’s cheek, though more so to whisper, “I miss you already.”