Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
The torches that lit the winding path through the village had nearly burned out, but it mattered not to Tavia, her interest only in a wander to ease her troubled thoughts. She had no specific destination in mind, it too early to trouble anyone with a visit. She simply needed to walk and think or better yet not think at all.
A sudden growl alerted Tavia that someone was nearby.
“The hound protects you well.”
“Easy, Fen, Greta means us no harm,” Tavia said as she turned and faced the elderly healer.
“You wake early,” Tavia said.
“As do you. A troublesome sleep?”
“Somewhat,” Tavia said.
“You do not trust me, do you, Tavia?” Greta asked.
She spoke honestly to the healer. “I do not know you well enough to make such a decision.”
Greta took hold of Tavia’s arm and continued to walk with her, Fen remaining close at Tavia’s side.
“It is time I was truthful with you.”
“That would be appreciated,” Tavia said.
“I did not think you good for Lord Bhric when I first settled eyes on you. Too small, I thought, too weak, no strength to her, and fearful. I feared you would not survive a birth let alone being wife to such a powerful man. Then I watched you stand for a clansman, plead for a chance to save his leg and his life. I watched with amazement as you stitched his leg with steady hands while you told a tale of courage and a strength few possess. I knew then I had been too hasty in my opinion of you and that Lord Bhric’s mother, Orianna, had wisdom in choosing you as his wife. You will serve him well and I will be honored to deliver your bairns.”
“Yet I hear hesitation in your voice,” Tavia said, pleased with the healer’s words yet cautious.
“The killing of the boar in the woods brings rumblings of ritualistic practice and what it might mean. Is evil involved or is there a simpler explanation? You have come from a clan that evil has touched and there are those who may assume evil has touched you.”
“Do you believe that?” Tavia asked alarmed by the healer’s remark.
“I would not be warning you if I did. I saw in you something I had not expected to see… a kindness that goes deep in the heart with a strength that encompasses it. You will make Lord Bhric a good wife, but I will not tell him that for he must see and learn it for himself.” When Tavia remained silent, Greta said, “You still do not know if you should trust me.”
“What do you expect when you have shown me no friendship since my arrival and yet suddenly claim you will be truthful with me and also believe I will make Lord Bhric a fine wife?” Tavia asked.
Greta smiled. “You are wise not to trust. Time will show differently.”
“I will bide my time until then,” Tavia said.
Greta nodded and smiled. “You are far wiser than I thought.” Her expression grew serious, and she halted her steps and gripped Tavia’s arm. “Know that if you are in need I am here, and you can trust me.” She released her arm and walked away.
Tavia continued through the village, relishing the quiet, though mindful of Greta’s words. She would very much like to trust, truly trust the healer, but she had yet to learn if she could. And now with rumblings of her bringing evil here to Clan MacShane she was not sure if she could trust anyone.
Fen growled again and Tavia turned to see Wilona, her eyes wide with fear. “All is well, Fen. Wilona is a friend.” The hound calmed but remained close to Tavia’s side.
“I saw you speak with the Northmen healer and waited to see if you would like a hot brew, the cold bitter today,” Wilona said.
“That would be most welcome, Wilona, but I would ask that Fen be allowed to rest by your fire.”
Wilona appeared a bit fearful of the prospect of allowing the large hound in her cottage, but she agreed to Tavia’s relief.
Fen settled quietly by the hearth, closing his eyes as soon as he curled in a ball.
Tavia closed her chilled hands around the tankard as soon as Wilona handed it to her and let the heat soak in.
“There is talk, my lady,” Wilona whispered.
“What talk?” Tavia asked anxiously, Greta’s warning already having disturbed her.
“Talk of a Northmen ritual and what it means.”
“Tell me,” Tavia urged.
“Whispers were heard that when a Northman kills a wild boar it is to give him fearlessness.” Wilona shuddered. “The clan fears that the Northmen seek that fearlessness to be rid of the Clan MacShane so the Thrubolt Tribe can reign.”
The thought sent a shiver through Tavia. She knew that was not Bhric’s intention and she sought to ease the woman’s worries. “The Northmen are fearless as it is, they need no ritual to make them more fearless. Lord Bhric is here to keep the Clan MacShane strong so it may survive unlike other clans who have been conquered and swallowed up by more powerful clans. Lord Bhric will not allow that to happen. He will defend Clan MacShane with his life.”