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)
“You conjure tears to make it appear that I will be gone, wife?” he asked, seeing her eyes glisten with tears. “You know the plan well. I will be waiting close by to quell the attack before it can even take place while Ross and his men, appearing as if they left for home last night, are no doubt, close to finding Mother Abbess. Therefore, there is no reason for worry. All will go well if you attend to your part and remain in the keep along with Lady Elizabeth.” He smiled. “Now I understand why you are teary-eyed. You are stuck with Lady Elizabeth.”
Leora poked him in the chest, pleased he wore a leather chest shield to give him some protection. “She fights as tenaciously for her clan as you do for ours.”
“Unfortunately, she will not be the victor in this battle.” Noble kissed her, leaving no chance for a response. “Go in the keep now, so I know you are tucked safely away.” He glanced at the pup. “In the keep with Leora, Chief, and keep her safe.”
The pup barked and started up the stairs, stopped, turned back, and barked at Leora as if commanding her to follow him.
“He is a brilliant dog,” Leora said with pride, then kissed her husband, lingering a bit in it before reluctantly easing her lips off his. “That is so you keep in mind what awaits you and take no foolish chances.”
He grinned. “It is the very reason I will take foolish chances, so I make certain I return home to you.”
She poked him again. “I forbid you to take any foolish chances.”
He glared at her, though kept grinning. “You dare command a Gallowglass warrior?”
“I command my husband,” she shot back. “And you will obey me on this or else!”
“Or else what?” he challenged and laughed. “Do not think to say you will deny me the pleasure of intimacy with you since we both know that will never happen. You favor your wifely duties far too much to threaten that.” He continued, a chuckle in his voice, “And do not bother to say there is always a first time or that miracles do happen, for those words are worthless in this situation.” A tear trickled down her cheek and Noble’s grin and laughter faded. He brushed the lone tear away. “Leora—”
“I cannot lose you,” she said and grabbed his hand to kiss his palm. “The strength of my love goes with you so that you have the power to conquer all foes today.”
He cupped her chin. “You will not lose me today. You have my word on it.”
Chief barked impatiently.
Leora turned to the pup. “I’m coming, Chief.” She turned back to her husband. “Go and be done with it.” She was about to turn and race up the steps when Finley came running toward them.
“Signals were received from two tree perches,” Finley said, when he got near. “Two sizeable troops of mercenaries approach from two different directions. And Ross’s troop was spotted returning.”
“Ross must have found Mother Abbess. He and his men will be caught unaware,” Noble said.
Finley nodded. “And far too outnumbered and though Ross sent word to Lord Slayer, his warriors have not yet been spotted. They will attack from two sides as we leave the village.”
“While a smaller troop attacks the village to fight less-skilled men,” Noble said and thought a moment. “We remain here. Send a man to warn Ross and another to Lord Slayer, letting him know we need more warriors, though hopefully they are already on their way.”
Finley ran off to see it done.
Noble turned to his wife. “You need to go into the keep and prepare for the women and children to shelter there, and you are not to leave until I come for you—me—no one else. Now go.”
She nodded and turned, racing up the steps, Chief running right alongside her yapping all the way. She had no time to linger on thoughts of her husband, though he flitted through her mind, worry for his safety never leaving her. She called out to Calla, and they were soon busy settling the women and children as they entered the Great Hall. It wasn’t until nearly all were settled that Leora realized that Lady Elizabeth was not in the room. She knew she was to come there, it had been part of the plan she agreed to, so where was she?
“Calla,” she called out and the young woman hurried to her. “Have you seen Lady Elizabeth?”
“Nay, mistress. I have not seen her,” Calla said and gave a hasty look around.
Leora did the same though she had checked twice already and had not spotted her. She would go look for her herself, but she had given her husband her word about not leaving the keep.
“Is something amiss, mistress?” Novice Angelica asked.