Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
She went to him, knowing his arms would greet her, and they did, circling her in a soft embrace. With slow, meaningful gestures, she made her worries known.
Cree listened closely almost as if he could hear her, and she made him realize the truth of her words and his own worry grew. “I had not thought of that. If while exploring, something should happen to me and I didn’t make it back to you, you would be left here with strangers and odd strangers at that and none that could understand your gestures.”
She gestured, pressing her two fingers tight together, tapped his chest then tapped hers.
“I wish I could promise you that we will remain together while here, but it may not always be possible. We cannot stay ignorant of our surroundings. I need to make sure I know of exits if we must make a hasty escape or see where weapons may be if needed.”
Dawn understood the wisdom of his words, but they only managed to worry her more. If she felt her usual confident self, she probably wouldn’t be as concerned, but her head hurt, and she did not feel she had her full strength. How could she help her husband if he should need her when she lacked strength?
“We will stay together as much as we can and when that’s not possible, you will remain in this bedchamber.”
She shook her head and gestured that she would help. She would sit in the Great Hall and listen, watch, and discover.
“That may be helpful and with servants around I see no reason why you wouldn’t be safe. But there is one thing I intend to see done. Tomorrow morning I will take you to the stable where the horse is sheltered so you know where it is. If for any reason I don’t return to you while we’re here, you are to take the horse and leave.”
She shook her head.
Cree pushed away the few strands of auburn hair that had fallen loose around her face, then kissed her gently. “I will find you, Dawn. I will always find you whether now or through time, we will always be together.”
Her eyes grew misty with tears, and she was about to kiss him when the soulful howl of a wolf stopped her.
Cree pushed his wife behind him, the piercing howl sounding like it came from within the keep.
CHAPTER 6
“Lord Tiernan sends his apologies. He will not be able to join you for supper. The wolves are restless tonight and he and his warriors are making sure they present no problem to the village,” Olwen said when Cree and Dawn entered the Great Hall.
“I can help if needed,” Cree offered, his wife squeezing his hand and letting him know she was not pleased with his offer.
“That is generous of you, Lord Cree, but you are not familiar with wolves and that could prove dangerous for you,” Olwen said. “I thought you and Lady Dawn would be more comfortable at a table in front of the hearth since the Great Hall holds a chill this evening. But if you prefer, I can have your meal moved to the table at the dais.”
“It is good where it is, Olwen,” Cree said and escorted his wife over to the table to sit.
“If you should require anything else, please let me know,” Olwen said and left the room.
“How does she expect us to do that when no other servant lingers about to take a message to her?” Cree asked, looking around at an empty room.
Dawn shrugged, wrinkled her brow, and gestured slowly.
“Aye, I agree. It is odd that no one is about. It almost feels as though the keep is empty of all but you, me, and Olwen.”
Dawn shivered and moved closer to her husband so that their bodies touched. She preferred sitting close enough to feel their legs touch, their arms brush each other’s, and have the warmth of their bodies joined together. They were connected that way, always together as one.
She ate sparingly. Cree didn’t. He had often warned her that in certain situations one needed to eat when they could since they might not know when their next meal could be. That he ate robustly told her that he was concerned with their present situation.
Cree kept his voice low when he spoke with her. “With the keep so empty, it might be a good time to explore.”
Dawn nodded and patted her chest then his, letting her know that she would go with him.
“Aye, you will come with me. I will not leave you alone tonight. It is odd that the keep is so quiet. Lord Tiernan may be out with his men, but where are his servants? I have seen one or two besides Olwen since arriving here, not a sufficient number for the keep being so well-maintained.”