Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“You do not—”
“I must,” Anna said. “If I am to be a healer, I must.”
“Godspeed,” Tara said and hurried to the sanctuary of the woods.
“We gather what we need and wait on the edge of the battlefield,” Aliss explained.
Anna nodded and they quickly gathered the necessary items before heading for the shore.
“Do you think the ship has landed by now?” Aliss asked.
“I hear no signs of battle.”
“Perhaps they come in peace.”
“We can only pray they do,” Anna said.
They both grew quiet as they approached the end of the woods, not wanting to alert anyone to their presence. They were careful where they walked, treading as soundlessly as possible.
An unimpressive but sturdy ship had been pulled ashore, and from the sound of it the passengers were now disembarking. No swords looked to be drawn, but then no words of welcome rang out either.
Aliss edged closer, the distance too far for her to see anything clearly. The closer she got the more she strained to see since she was certain her eyes played tricks on her. She thought she recognized a few of the men, but it couldn’t be.
Could it?
Anna grabbed her arm. “Do not go any closer.”
“I must,” Aliss said, and inched her way out of the woods to hide behind a large boulder.
“Fiona?” Aliss whispered. “Tarr?”
She smiled and dashed from behind the boulder to sprint across the uneven terrain straight for her sister.
“Fiona!” Aliss yelled, and everyone turned at her approach.
Aliss beamed with joy as her sister ran to meet her. They hugged, laughed, shed a tear or two then hugged again.
“Look at you,” Aliss said, her hand patting her sister’s rounded stomach. “You and the babe are well?”
“Fine now that we have found you,” Fiona said, and took firm hold of her sister’s hand.
Aliss felt the same. Her sister’s sturdy grip let her know she did not intend to let her go, but things were different now. Adjustments would need to be made, lives would change as Fiona’s had when she wed Tarr.
“Fiona, Aliss, come here.”
The command echoed in the air and the two women turned to see Tarr, his hand extended to them.
Aliss was eager to say hello and eager to ease the tension that divided the two clans. Once they knew the circumstances of her abduction, her choice to wed Rogan and her love for him, she was certain the unease would dissipate, though slowly, like the early morning mist rising off the shore.
Aliss had no choice but to walk with Fiona, her sister refusing to release her hand. When they neared Rogan, Aliss broke free of her sister’s hold and hurried to her husband’s side.
She smiled when he wrapped his arm around her waist and tugged her close against him, his fingers digging into her as an added protective measure.
Aliss wanted this done immediately so that the repercussions could be dealt with swiftly and the healing between the clans could begin.
“Tarr, Fiona,” Aliss said, her smile growing generous. “I would like you to meet my husband, Rogan of the clan Wolf.”
There was such a heavy collective gasp that Rogan’s men laid hands on the hilts of their swords.
“We wed by my choice,” Aliss added quickly. “I was not forced or coerced into it. I actually proposed to Rogan. And remember, Tarr, you had told me the choice would be mine to make, besides—” She beamed with joy. “I love him and he loves me.”
Tarr looked to Fiona and she stepped forward.
“Are the vows sealed?” Fiona asked her sister.
“This was my choice,” Aliss repeated.
“Are they sealed?” Fiona asked again, more firmly.
Aliss took hold of Rogan’s hand to confirm her commitment. “Yes, we are husband and wife and there is nothing anyone can do about it. I had hoped you would be happy for us. I know you consider him an enemy but he is not.”
“He is an enemy,” Fiona said, her green eyes blazing.
“Rogan has treated me well and he loves me,” Aliss insisted, attempting to make them see reason.
Fiona stared at Rogan. “Of course he treated you well and claims to love you. You are his bargaining chip.”
“What do you mean?” Aliss asked and felt Rogan tighten his grip on her.
“He did not think to see us until winter’s freeze, our clan not equipped with ships. However, he failed to consider our parents’ capabilities. As soon as their ships returned from voyage, we came for you, ready to meet his demand.”
“Demand?” Aliss asked, and stared up at her husband.
He remained silent while Fiona answered.
“The Wolf captured you with intention of ransom—”
Aliss shook her head. “No, his people were sick, he needed my help—”
“A ruse,” Fiona said.
“That is not possible—”
“Then why does he demand the Isle of Non in exchange for you?” Fiona spat.
Stunned silent for a moment, Aliss found her voice and declared adamantly, “No, it is not true.”