Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
“A ragtag bunch of mercenaries whose garments alone make them appear much in need of coin which was my intention,” Cavell said.
“Now comes the moment of truth, Cavell,” Cree said, partially raising his tankard in victory. “You purposely led me to believe you were in a mess and needed my help to survive and yet you formed the plan that got you here and you lead the Gallowglass troop that was sent here to gather information on me and my home and to see who I would defend in a battle of two powerful rulers. So, what truly brought you here to me? What is it? A mess you’ve gotten yourself into or need of survival? Or is it neither? Is it possible you just want coin to buy yourself out of the Gallowglass?”
“You are not going to believe this,” Cavell said, anger marring his scarred face even more. “I had no intentions of you learning the truth. I convinced myself that my plan would work, that you would never find out and I would get what the Gallowglass wanted and get what I desperately needed.”
“And what do you desperately need?”
“I would say my soul but that is beyond redemption,” Cavell said and grew quiet.
Cree recalled Old Mary’s words about feeling a soullessness. He would have never imagined it to be Cavell. The man had been confident, overly so, and he had good reason for it. He was an exceptional warrior and he once had fine features and a tongue that could cajole and convince easily.
Cavell shook his head as if clearing it. “I want my freedom and I need coin to do it.”
Cree’s brow creased in question. “Why not simply come ask me for coin to free yourself from the Gallowglass instead of creating this elaborate scheme?”
“This mission was for the Gallowglass and how to achieve was left to me. If I was successful, I would finally be granted permission to leave the Gallowglass.”
“I don’t understand,” Cree said. “This mission was a success. You got what you came for… freedom is yours now. The Gallowglass got what they wanted.”
Cavell laughed. “Like you, Cree, I am no fool. Those drawings you so generously shared are no doubt worthless as are the words you sent to both kings, though both will think otherwise, and the problem thereby solved… for now. My problem should be so easy.
“If it is not freedom from the Gallowglass you seek, then who?”
Cavell hesitated, wanting to respond yet reluctant to do so. Finally, he spoke. “My wife.”
Cree stared at Cavell a moment then burst out laughing and Kirk joined in.
“I assure you it is not funny,” Cavell snapped, attempting to keep his flaring anger in check.
Cree could not keep the chuckle from his voice. “Why not have the Gallowglass help you?”
“Because they are the ones responsible for the marriage. Do not ask me anymore,” he demanded. “I feel fool enough having to tell you. Will you help me or not?”
“Or perhaps you simply want coin for yourself,” Kirk said, then shook his head. “Nay, no honorable man would wound his pride with such a ridiculous tale simply for coin.” Kirk looked to Cree, a twinkle of laughter in his eyes.
“Find it funny all you want just give me the coin,” Cavell said annoyed with himself for sounding as if he begged. “I will find a way to repay you.”
“If I give you the coin you will return and work here until it is paid,” Cree said, all laughter gone.
Cavell nodded. “I can do that. I will return here right after I find and rid myself of my wife and work for you as long as it takes.”
“You lost your wife?” Cree asked, feigning shock, then burst out laughing once again, and once again Kirk joined in.
Cree sat on the side of the bed, Dawn sitting up braced comfortably against a stack of pillows looking much better than she did a few hours ago and gesturing without pain after he detailed what Cavell had said to him.
“Aye, I believe him. It is too tall of a tale even for him and I recall him always being averse to marriage. So, he would do anything to find his way out of it. I do not envy him the task of hunting for a wife he never met, returning her home, and paying for the task to do so. But that is what her father ordered him to do if he wished to void the marriage.
Dawn scrunched her face, shrugged, then gestured.
“If anything, Cavell is loyal to the one he serves. He proved that when he was with me and proved it again by being loyal to the Gallowglass. I have no doubt he will keep his word to me and serve the clan well.”
Dawn gestured again.
“It is good that my wife trusts my decision.”