Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“Leora will not fall victim to anyone. I will keep her safe,” Noble said as if declaring it already so.
“Slayer knew that would be your response. But he warns of the two fractions that seek your wife and possibly Sky.”
“I am aware that one person wants her dead and another wants her returned to the Lowlands where it is believed an inheritance awaits her. It is natural to assume that the one who seeks her death is next in line for the inheritance.”
“Probably a sizeable inheritance with the amount of mercenaries being paid to find and kill her,” Ross suggested. “You might want to claim it for yourself since it truly belongs to you now that Leora is your wife. That is if your wife proves to be the woman they search for.”
Noble shook his head. “My home is here in the Highlands now and forever.”
“Aye, Highland born for life,” Ross agreed and refilled his tankard. “Slayer has sent more warriors to see what else can be found out about both persons hunting for your wife and possibly Sky, so this matter can be settled, and the threat resolved. He will keep you apprised of all he learns and if you should learn anything—”
“I will inform Slayer immediately,” Noble said.
“Something he does not question… your loyalty,” Ross said, raising his tankard and after taking a gulp continued. “Now tell me truthfully, since I believe it is no more than a rumor that you failed to track down your wife.” The scowl on Noble’s face had Ross laughing. “So, you did fail to track her down. How did she ever best you?”
Noble shook his head. “It is something I have yet to find out.”
Leora was surprised when Mother Abbess tended to her wound rather than one of the nuns, a young novice standing nearby watching and learning from her every move and waiting patiently if the Abbess should need help.
The Abbess had a soothing touch that not only relaxed Leora but comforted her as well. It took no time to see the wound cleansed and a salve applied.
“Novice Angelica will pack this small crock of slave for you to take with you. Apply it for the next few days and the wound will heal nicely and not leave a glaring scar. I will visit with you soon at Clan Skirling to see how you fare.”
“I look forward to your visit, Mother Abbess,” Leora said, grateful for it since the woman’s presence brought her comfort.
“I thought we might take a walk so I can show you our planting fields, since your husband is still occupied,” Mother Abbess suggested, handing the small crock to the novice.
“I would enjoy that,” Leora said, and watched the young novice while Mother Abbess washed her hands in a bucket filled with clean water.
Novice Angelica was attractive or could be if she did not wear such an intense expression as she placed the small crock in a pouch. Leora wondered about her, about why any woman would commit her life to an abbey. Had she done so of her own free will? Or had she no choice, her family having sent her here? Or did she have no other place to go and sought the sanctuary of the abbey? Whatever reason the young woman appeared truly interested in learning from Mother Abbess.
Leora was surprised when the sun greeted them once outside the abbey, clouds having followed them there earlier and worried that another rainstorm might hit.
“This is our medicinal garden,” Mother Abbess said, walking to a large garden divided in two sections that was enclosed with a wooden fence. “Novice Angelica tends the garden well. She is a quick learner and will make an exceptional healer. And we are grateful that the good Lord has blessed us with a variety of plants, some local, while some merchants and travelers have shared their finds from foreign places with us, which is the reason for the divided garden. Even though the new plants’ healing properties were explained to us, we work with them first to make sure they work as explained.”
“What is that small garden over there so far removed from all planting fields?” Leora asked curiously, pointing to a fenced-in patch of land.
“Those plants are deadly,” Mother Abbess said.
“Then why have them?”
“Because they can help in certain situations but must be handled with care and knowledge,” Mother Abbess explained. “Now come and see the other fields.”
“Nettles,” Leora said, seeing a huge patch of them. “You can find them in abundance in the Highlands.”
“True, but we use a fair amount of nettles, the sisters favoring nettle broth, and it is easier for us to keep a patch of it close by.”
After viewing several more fields with a variety of plants, Leora stopped walking and turned to Mother Abbess. “Tell me if I am wrong but you show me these fields for a reason. Does it have anything to do with Clan Skirling?”