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)
“I will tell you anything you want, if you will just spare my life,” Neville pleaded. “I have a wife and small bairn—”
“He lies. He has no wife and bairn,” another said. “He is one of Lord William’s cherished spies he has among his men.”
The man in the middle turned so quickly to look at Neville that he almost tumbled over. “You spy on your fellow archers?” He turned quickly to look at the other man. “And you did not warn me or others about this?”
“And get falsely accused of something and get punished for it like others did?” The man shook his head. “I am no fool, though I was for not making my escape as soon as we entered the Highlands, something I have been desperate to do.” He looked to Noble. “Lord William is determined to claim Clan MacMurray for his own and will do anything to make sure of it. Lady Elizabeth is right about Lord William marrying his only daughter to Hedley. The marriage celebration is already being planned. Lady Elizabeth, the woman who is believed to be her granddaughter, and MacMurray warriors will not make it back to the Lowlands alive. And with word spreading among the mercenaries that it is the Gallowglass they will face leaves few willing to sign on to the mission.”
“How do you know this?” Noble asked.
“I followed Neville when he met secretly with a man that was not known to me once we arrived in the Highlands and heard them talking. I hoped to gather information that would provide me with some leverage when I made my escape.”
“He lies! He is the spy!” Neville shouted.
The two other men joined in and shouted amongst themselves, each accusing the other.
“SILENCE!” Noble shouted and Chief stuck his head out between Noble’s legs and let loose with a puppy bark as if doubling the command.
Complete silence followed.
“The three of you will tell me all you know and detail your arrival here in the Highlands and who you met and talked with, as well as what you know about Hedley,” Noble demanded.
“What will we get in exchange for our help?” Neville asked.
“A quick death,” Noble said.
“Then why should we tell you anything?” one of the three asked.
“To avoid torture,” Noble said and turned to his wife. “Leave this to me and go make sure all in the clan do well. I will share with you later.” He leaned his head down to whisper, “If you are in any discomfort make certain to rest.” She smiled and looked about to speak, and he warned, “Do not tempt me when I have my duties to see to.”
“Do not forget all your duties,” she reminded and turned away.
Noble watched her walk off with Lady Elizabeth, Chief following behind them and wondered how he was going to avoid making love with his wife tonight so that her wound would have time to heal. She was not easy to resist and not one to be denied, and though her wound was minor, it still required healing. He would retire well after she did this evening and deal with her annoyance in the morning, making sure to leave their bed before she woke.
Annoyed he would deprive her and himself, he turned his frustration on the three men. “You will tell me everything without delay or suffer the pain of torture.”
CHAPTER 23
Leora paced the floor in the Great Hall frustrated and impatient and if something did not change soon her temper was going to burst, something that rarely happened.
Chief watched her anxiously, his eyes following her every move, ready to leap into action.
Seeing she had the pup anxious, she dropped down and gave him a hug and a kiss. “Go rest. Everything is good.”
The pup did as she said, plopping his small frame down not far from her and keeping his attention focused on her.
Her thoughts went to her sister. That she had yet to see her since arriving here still disturbed her. She could reason all she wanted to that Sky was safe but until she saw or at least heard from her sister, she could not be sure how Sky fared. Then there was Mother Abbess, who had yet to arrive or even send a missive as to when she might arrive. That alone warned that something was amiss. And then the least thing that should concern her but was the most frustrating was that her husband had avoided intimacy with her the past four days, claiming she had yet to heal. Annoyed by his claim, she had sought the advice of Novice Angelica, not about intimacy, something that would be unknown to the novice, but about how her wound was healing.
It hadn’t surprised her to learn that the wound was doing well, since the area was not as tender as it once had been, and the novice had assured her that with how well the wound was healing it would be only a few days until it was completely healed. Her husband was being overly cautious and though it was thoughtful of him, it frustrated her that they hadn’t made love. The closeness and pleasure they shared when coupling and the contentment that followed was something she cherished, and she missed it terribly.