Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 104340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Chapter Sixteen
Dawn did not know what to do with herself. It had been three days since Cree had sent her from the keep and he had yet to assign her a chore. She spent some time with Lila, Paul and the babe but she had not wanted to intrude on this rare time that they had to spend with each other.
Paul had been told that he was not to return to the fields until his leg had healed and that it was up to Elsa to decide when that would be. Lila had been up and about the day after giving birth. She was now busy fussing over both Paul and the babe and working her magic with the wool on her spindle and distaff.
They were happier than Dawn had ever seen them and she was happy for them, though she did miss spending time alone with Lila. That was why she was so very glad to hear the knock at her door the same time it swung open.
Dawn watched as Lila carried a chair into the cottage and then shut the door.
“A gift,” she said and placed the chair at the table opposite of where Dawn sat. She slipped her cloak off and draped it over the chair and then sat. “Time to share one of your tasty brews and time for us to talk and as for the chair,” —she grinned broadly— “Paul is making us a sturdier set from the wood that has been left for the villagers to use. Taggart, the miller, stopped to tell Paul about the wood, knowing what a skilled hand he has in building things. Taggart saw to having his son cart some pieces to Paul. I tell you, Dawn, it has been but a few days since the attack and the village is already prospering.”
Dawn listened as she prepared a hot brew for them both.
“It is remarkable that few villagers were seriously hurt in the attack. It was Colum’s men who suffered the most, many losing their lives or sustaining serious wounds that no doubt will take their lives. Those left behind have willingly pledged their fealty to Cree and now work alongside his warriors and seem happier for it.”
Lila voiced what Dawn was thinking.
“Cree is far different than the tales told about him, though wagging tongues insist that Dowell has been spared Cree’s usual rampage because the land is now his. And most are pleased that Dowell now has a fierce leader to protect them, though he is still feared.”
Dawn caught the way Lila shivered as she handed the tankard to her.
“He walks the village with a scowl and none approach him and if he should approach any—” Lila shook her head— “they tremble with fear.”
Dawn made a punching motion that Lila quickly understood.
“No, Cree has not hurt anyone, though,” —she grinned— “I hear that Dorrie offered herself to Cree and he turned her down.”
The thought of Cree coupling with Dorrie upset her, though she did not let it show. She tugged at her ear. It was her way of asking how Lila had heard this.
“Several villagers had not only seen it, but heard the exchange. Gossip was quick to spread after that. Some are saying—” Lila stopped talking and her smile faded. “We need to talk.”
Dawn nodded. Lately, the villagers had been avoiding her more than usual and she noticed how they would turn away and whisper when they saw her. She had wondered what they were saying about her.
“Dorrie could not let anyone believe that Cree did not find her desirable and so she has been telling everyone that he has taken you as his mistress since you cannot speak, therefore you cannot reveal any of his plans or secrets.” Lila reached over and laid a gentle hand on her arm.
Dawn shook her head before Lila could ask her if it was true, though Lila did not smile at the news.
“You have not been assigned a chore like everyone else?”
Dawn shook her head, concern knotting her stomach.
Lila squeezed her hand. “I fear he intends to lay claim to you, to make you his mistress, for you to serve only him.”
Dawn pulled her hand away and shook her head while patting her chest letting Lila know that Cree did not want her.
“Then why has he not assigned you a chore? Everyone in the village has been assigned a chore, even Old Mary. You are the only one who has no chore. Haven’t you asked yourself why?”
Dawn raised her chin, shook her head, and tapped her chest with both hands.
Tears came to Lila’s eyes. “It is not true that no one wants you.”
Dawn nodded vigorously. It was true and Lila knew it. There were those who acknowledged her with a nod, but no one ever attempted to talk with her and mothers mostly kept their children away from her out of ignorance more than fear. And then there were those like Dorrie who belittled her every chance she got.