Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“I will see my sister safe,” she shouted at him.
“Aye, you will, for I will see to her safe return.”
“Not without me.”
He grabbed her around the waist and lifted her off the floor. “Stubborn fool, I will not let you risk your life.”
Her blazing green eyes calmed in color and sadness drifted over her face. “I must; Aliss knows I will come for her. She knows nothing will stop me; not even you.”
Tarr lowered her gently to the floor, his hands remaining at the curve of her waist. He stared at her for several moments, the fire leaving his dark eyes.
“You will obey my commands?”
“Aye, I will follow your lead.”
“Your word on this?” he asked.
“My word.”
“Then go ready yourself to join me.”
She hurried to the door.
“Fiona.”
She turned around before opening the door.
“No one takes what belongs to me without consequences. I had all intentions of rescuing your sister.”
She nodded slowly. “It is good to know you are a man of honor.”
They left at first light just as Tarr promised, fifty men went, and Kirk remained behind ready to follow with another fifty if necessary. There was, however, the defense of the keep to consider, and with the unexpected attack of the barbarians, Tarr was taking no chances. Warriors would be dispatched as necessary. If they could catch them before they got to Raynor’s land it would be an easy capture with little fighting, and that is what Tarr hoped for.
Fiona rode beside him, rigid and alert, prepared to battle at any moment.
“You have sent men ahead to scout and see that we travel the right trail?”
“I have,” he answered, knowing she meant no insult by questioning his leadership. She was concerned for her sister. He had realized the full extent of that concern when she had told him her sister would expect her. He had understood at that moment the inseparable bond that existed between the twins. A bond of love and honor; he had no right to force her to break.
“The signs have been clear so far?”
“Aye, they have, and I expect they will continue to be so,” he assured her.
“Aliss will not be fearful; she is very brave.”
“A trait that you share.”
“Many think me stronger than Aliss.”
She shook her head and he could see her eyes glaze with tears, though she would not spill a one. She was too stubborn.
“They are wrong; she is the stronger, far stronger than I.”
He let her talk, her worry forcing her words.
“Our mother died in her arms,” she blurted out. “She comforted her, shed not a tear, but spoke gently to her, letting her know we would be fine and that she would find peace in God’s home. But it was peace our mother found in Aliss’s arms. I stood behind her crying, not being able to control my tears. Aliss eased her suffering with her gentle voice and loving embrace, that is why she is an exceptional healer for she heals with her heart and soul.”
“I have known no healer that heals as successfully as she does.”
“She is an angel,” Fiona said with a smile. “Our mother always called her, her little angel.”
“What did your mother call you?”
Fiona laughed. “Bullheaded, mulish, pigheaded, willful, and some I dare not repeat. My willful nature surfaced early, and my mother could not quite understand a daughter who preferred stringing a bow to sewing a stitch. My father, however, encouraged my interests. What of your mother and father?” she asked.
“My father taught me what it took to be a chieftain. My mother . . .” He paused in an attempt to find the right words. “I know she loved me; she hugged me often enough, but I always felt she was unhappy, though she saw to her duties and was respected by the clan.”
A rider approached, interrupting their conversation.
“The trail rears off around the next bend and it appears they picked up pace.”
“Follow and report to me what you find,” Tarr said.
“They pick up pace in an attempt to get to Raynor’s land and safety,” Fiona said.
“With his land bordering mine, there are a number of places where he can cross onto his land.”
“And be close to his keep?”
“No, it is a good day’s ride.”
“Then longer on foot,” she said. “You look troubled. What concerns you?”
He shook his head. “I have known no one who can sense my thoughts as you do.”
“I see it on your face and in your movements. Now tell me.”
He could see the same in her. It was odd how much alike they were and comforting to share that kindred spirit with her. He had never known that closeness with anyone and it puzzled him.
“Tell me,” she said again.
“Raynor rears off sooner than I had expected. His keep is farther north—”
“His men could be waiting for him,” Fiona said, her glance quickly darting to her surroundings.