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)
CHAPTER 8
“Werewolves. We are in a den of werewolves,” Cree said, running his fingers through his hair as he paced in front of the hearth in the bedchamber.
Dawn sat quietly, not disagreeing and shocked that it very well could be a possibility.
“I have battled vicious men, some I believed to be the devil themselves they were so cruel, but werewolves?” Cree shook his head, then went and sat next to his wife on the bed. “Between Tade thanking me for tending to his wound and what Lord Tiernan said to you, I don’t see how we can doubt the obvious. We are dealing with werewolves.”
Dawn gestured, pointing out the obvious.
“Aye, they haven’t harmed us… yet,” Cree said.” But Lord Tiernan’s tale of how the wolf scratches got into the floor and how a scent can be followed, which led the wolf to our bedchamber door last night, strikes me as a warning not to pry, which means he must know we have concerns.”
Dawn gestured slowly and Cree followed along nodding.
“I suppose you are right. If news got out that Clan MacMadadh was a pack of werewolves, they would be slaughtered. You do not believe the wolf clan attacks people?”
Dawn shook her head and continued explaining.
“That is true. They could have killed us, and no one would have ever known.”
Dawn scrunched her brow as she gestured.
“Aye, Lord Tiernan cautions us, but you wonder why. Brigid told Sim that the fog was not friendly. I thought that odd, but I now know how Sim could sense Brigid being so near and how he got us through the fog to the stable… scent.”
Dawn once again gestured slowly.
“You say Tiernan talked about the wolves calling their pack home so they would be well rested for the evening hunt?”
She nodded and continued.
“You question what they hunt since meat is plentiful and I did notice that they are partial to meat. So, what is it they hunt? Perhaps it is simply their nature.”
Dawn shook her head, her hands moving.
“You believe there is more to it?”
She nodded and gestured.
Cree stared at his wife surprised at what she suspected. “I never thought of that. Lord Tiernan leads Clan MacMadadh, which would mean he leads the pack of wolves. If that is so, then who was it that called their pack home.” He looked puzzled. “You think it might be a foe who hunts them?”
She nodded, having given the whole matter thought since speaking with Lord Tiernan and trying to make sense of it.
“You think another pack of wolves is seeking to claim Tiernan’s pack?”
She made a face he recognized that meant she wasn’t sure. “It could be humans who hunt them. But you heard a howl.”
She explained.
“I suppose it could be humans disguising themselves as wolves,” Cree said at his wife’s explanation. “But the wolves would certainly be able to tell the difference.”
Dawn nodded in agreement.
Cree stood, pacing in front of her. “This worsens our situation.”
Dawn scrunched her brow in question.
“If humans are hunting Clan MacMadadh and are successful, they will not rescue us… they will slaughter us, thinking we are part of the wolves.”
Dawn’s eyes turned wide, realizing her husband was right.
Cree continued to pace in silence and Dawn knew her husband’s thoughts, either way it was bad for them. They could be killed by wolves or humans and how could he possibly prevent either from happening?
Cree stopped pacing. “I need to talk with Lord Tiernan. You said Olwen told him there was someone there to speak with him. Maybe he received news.” He raised his hand to stop her from gesturing. “I know what you think, he won’t tell me anything. But if he knew that I would help defend the clan, he might think differently as well as securing our safety here. Presently, he has been generous to us and with Tade thanking me for helping him, it means his parents have taught him kindness. We know who we deal with here. We don’t know what might await us with others, wolves or humans.”
Dawn nodded, understanding the wisdom in her husband’s conclusion.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked when she stood, and her response had him agreeing. “I suppose you are right. You are safe in the Great Hall where others can see you instead of closed away here in the bedchamber.”
She gestured.
“That is a good idea to speak with the healer again and see if she believes if you have healed enough to take your leave.”
Dawn nodded, her hands continuing to speak for her.
“A healer does know much about what goes on in a clan. You may well learn something from her.” He went to her and took her in his arms. “It is good we have the start of a plan. We will leave here and make our way home. I will let nothing happen to you.”