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)
“I do, two dozen skilled warriors, but the fog separated us, though not for lack of trying to remain together. I am sure once the fog recedes enough, they will search and find us and no doubt their efforts will lead them here,” Cree said, purposely letting the man know he had warriors who would search for them in case the man had any ill intent toward him.
“They would be wise to remain sheltered until the fog clears completely. The wolves love to hunt in the fog.”
“My men are superior warriors—”
“No warrior is superior to a wolf when he hunts. He stalks like no other and attacks when least expected.”
Cree did not budge when Lord Tiernan suddenly emerged from the darkness, though for a moment, he thought the man’s eyes glowed a bright green then realized it had been the fire’s flames playing tricks. However, he was surprised by the man’s stunning features. He had a bold handsomeness to him that could not easily be ignored. It caught the eye and kept you focused on him, almost mesmerized by his exceptional good looks. His black hair fell just past his broad shoulders, and he was tall, though not as tall as Cree, and his body was lean with muscle.
“Since you know of my reputation, than you are aware that my warriors are exceptional and can hold their own against any foe,” Cree said.
A knock sounded at the door and Lord Tiernan called out, “Enter.”
A young woman with pretty features and soft red hair entered and Cree could see she was clearly upset.
“We cannot find him,” she said, looking close to tears.
“Worry not, Brigid, we will find Tade,” Lord Tiernan assured her.
“A bairn is lost? I can help search for him,” Cree offered.
“My clan will see to it,” Lord Tiernan said, “but I thank you for the offer.”
“How old is the bairn?” Cree asked.
“Four years,” Brigid said, a tear slipping down her cheek.
“That is young to be alone out in the foggy night,” Cree said and almost thought against telling them about his encounter with the wolf cub, but if the wolves hunted for one of their own that was lost it could very well bring the pack to the village. “Olwen mentioned that the wolves hunt for a lost wolf. You should know that I came across a young wolf cub in your village when I got lost returning to the keep after sheltering my horse. He was injured and I managed to get some honey on the wound then he buried himself beneath the bed where he was hiding. His pack may come for him.”
“Where was this?” Brigid asked anxiously, her eyes wide with worry.
“A dwelling I found myself in when I seemed to get turned around after leaving the stable,” Cree said. “The place had wolf hides covering most of the walls. He must be a fine hunter to have gathered so many pelts.”
“Dolan’s dwelling,” Brigid said, “I will go alert him, my lord.” She turned to Cree, her eyes stirring with more worry. “Did the wolf cub bite you?”
“Nay. I threw a wolf pelt over his head while I tended to his wound, though that did not stop him from trying to bite me. He is a brave one.” Cree thought he caught the woman smile, but it was too brief to be sure.
The door swung open.
“We still cannot find him,” a man who looked similar to Lord Tiernan, though lacked his bold handsomeness, rushed in and stopped when he spotted Cree.
Brigid hurried to his side. “There is a wounded cub in the village. This man,” —she nodded at Cree— “came across him in Dolan’s dwelling and tended his wound. We should go make sure the cub is removed and placed where his pack can find him.”
“Go now,” Lord Tiernan ordered.
Cree caught the questioning look the man sent Lord Tiernan and the brief and almost undetectable response. Something was going on here and unless it could harm him and Dawn, he wanted no part of it.
The man and woman left, and Cree was anxious to return to Dawn, so he was glad for what Lord Tiernan said next.
“It is late, and I must join the hunt for the little lad. I will speak with you tomorrow.”
It was something Cree would have said himself, though more forcefully, leaving no doubt at all that the person should take his leave.
“Again, I am grateful to you for allowing us to remain here, and I wish you luck in finding the bairn,” Cree said and walked to the door.
“I have no doubt we will find him,” Lord Tiernan said confidently.
Cree thought the same but said nothing, he simply nodded and left the room. It didn’t surprise him to see Olwen standing outside the door.
“I will take you to your bedchamber,” she said and hurried off, leaving him to follow.