Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 111362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
“No, I’ll not give you my word.”
Willow backed away from the couple.
Ruddock stepped closer to Sorrel. “Do not defy me on this.”
“Then do not demand something of me you know I will not obey. I told you Blodwen was no threat to me.”
“And as I’ve said, you could be right, but again, I will not take the chance with your life. Blodwen stays confined until I decide otherwise. Now give me your word, you will leave this be.”
“No, and it is Sage you should be concerned with. She lied about Wilda’s brew being poison.”
“I recalled that myself, that’s why I’ve dispatched warriors to bring her to the keep. She should arrive soon.” Ruddock reached out and took his wife’s hand, then gave a nod to Willow. “Follow us.”
Ruddock took the two women to his solar and wasted no time in explaining. “Tongues have begun to wag rapidly with Lander and Coyle’s death, and as more is revealed they will wag even faster. Whoever is responsible for this madness will realize it’s only a matter of time before he is discovered. Desperate, he may strike out and I don’t want him striking out at you, wife.”
Sorrell hurried to hug her husband.
Ruddock’s powerful arms went around her, returning the hug, and wishing he could keep her attached to him until this madness was settled.
A knock on the door had Ruddock shaking his head and reluctantly bidding the person to enter. He longed for the solitude he once had as long as he could share it with Sorrell.
“Forgive the intrusion, my lord,” Erskine said. “Erland wants you to know that your father is awake and knows you wish to speak with him.”
“Go and have a good talk,” Sorrell said, keeping her thoughts about the possibility that this could all center around his mum to herself. He had enough to discuss with his da without throwing more at him.
Ruddock left after giving his wife a kiss, eager to speak with his father.
“My lady, Erland also requested that you meet with him in the keep’s chapel. He says it’s important,” Erskine said.
Sorrell turned to her sister.
“Don’t even think of going without me,” Willow said.
“I thought you might need to rest. After all, you arrived only hours ago and I know how tiring that journey can be.”
Willow laughed softly. “To be honest, I miss all the things you used to get into. You made life interesting. The day was never dull with you around. I enjoy being part of that again.”
“I miss having you to talk with and to tend my wounds. So we must make the most of our time together.” Sorrell took hold of her sister’s arm and grinned. “Let’s go have an adventure.”
Sorrell wasn’t surprised to see Hollis trailing behind them. Her husband loved her and intended to keep her safe and with all that was going on, she had to admit she didn’t mind having Hollis follow her.
The two women were busy chatting when they entered the small chapel. It came to an abrupt end when they spotted Erland on the floor near the altar. They ran to him, shocked to see his chest covered in blood.
Willow dropped to her knees beside him.
Sorrell turned to Hollis who had taken a guarded stance by the door and saw him sprawled out on the floor, blood spilling from his head and Erskine standing over him with a dagger in his hand.
Sorrell glared at him, stunned. “You?”
“No one pays attention to servants. They’re invisible to most. I knew you’d be a problem before you got here since the attempt on your life failed. How does a woman your size defeat a man the size of Otis, the barbarian at the abbey? Then I met you and realized you would be a far bigger problem than I imagined.”
“Lies and secrets.”
Sorrell and Willow both turned, shocked to see Wilda, a dagger in her hand as well.
Sorrell shook her head, confused. “I don’t understand.”
On the other hand, it was clear to Willow. “How ingenious. You played the part well, the unpleasant healer, keeping people at bay so they couldn’t figure out what you were doing. Yet also the caring healer who did all she could to protect Lord Finn and remain in his good graces.”
“But what of that horrendous brew?” Sorrell asked, trying to comprehend it all.
“That was quite clever,” Willow said. “You made sure Sage got the brew that contained the poison and I got the brew that combated the poison, which you alternated giving Lord Finn so that you could keep him alive and suffering.”
Wilda smiled. “I realized the extent of your skill as soon as you told me you could make it smell and taste better. I knew we couldn’t wait any longer, especially when I saw the small troop head out of the castle to fetch Sage.”