Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Leora was grateful for the novice and nuns’ help with the women and children. Some women even took the opportunity to speak to them about wellbeing concerns.
“I wonder what is keeping Lady Elizabeth. She should have been here by now,” Leora said while she continued to glance around the room, hoping she had missed spotting her, though that was unlikely.
“I can go see what is keeping her and escort her here,” Novice Angelica said.
Leora was relieved to hear that. “I would be most grateful and no matter how difficult please do not let her refuse to take shelter here.”
“Worry not, mistress, I will return with her.”
“She is a formidable and fearless young woman,” Calla said as the novice hurried through the room and out the door. “And from what many say, an exceptional healer. All are amazed at how well Adele has recovered.”
“Mother Abbess has taught her well,” Leora said and silently recited a prayer for the woman’s safe return.
A horn suddenly sounded, echoing through the Great Hall, announcing that the attack had begun.
Leora worried over the novice and Lady Elizabeth. They could very well not make it back to the keep or they could be harmed trying to get here. She grew even more concerned when Novice Angelica returned not alone, but with an injured clan member.
“Forgive me, mistress, but I could not find her,” the novice said, “and the fighting worsens and the injured need help.”
Leora had no time to worry about Lady Elizabeth. She quickly began clearing an area in the Great Hall for the injured to be treated. She could not stop Novice Angelica and Sister Benedetta from repeatedly going out into the fighting to help the injured back to the keep. She actually envied them, wishing she could do the same but knowing it would upset her husband if he saw her. So, she kept her word, difficult as it was, and remained in the keep doing her part, confident in her husband’s skills as a Gallowglass warrior.
The nuns kept returning with injured clansmen, all remarking on the bravery, skills, and fierceness of their chieftain and the Gallowglass warriors. Though there were some who feared there were not enough warriors to stand against another wave of mercenaries and that frightened Leora knowing more than one troop of mercenaries was out there.
Leora did her best not to worry, keeping herself busy so she did not know how much time had passed when she spotted Simmons, his glance hurrying over the room and his eyes going wide when he saw her.
They both hurried toward each other, Chief following along with her.
“You must come quick, Mistress Leora. Lady Elizabeth has been injured,” Simmons said, clearly upset.
“I will go and help you bring Lady Elizabeth here,” Novice Angelica said, having heard and offered her help.
“Nay, it may already be too late, and Lady Elizabeth begs to see Mistress Leora. Please, there is not much time,” Simmons pleaded.
“I will not let you go alone. I will go with you,” Novice Angelica said, stepping closer to Leora.
“Then come, we must go now,” Simmons insisted anxiously.
The foolishness of rushing off with Simmons was not lost on Leora, so to be cautious she asked, “How do I know this is not a trap?”
Simmons’s eyes widened. “She said you might say that and that I should remind you that the only thing important to her is your safety and she would never put you in harm’s way. I can assure you, Mistress Leora, that she waits in a safe spot.”
Leora remained skeptical, something not seeming right to her, and then there was her word to her husband that she would not leave the keep until he came for her—him—no one else.
Simmons glanced down at Chief. “You should leave the pup. It is safer here for him.
His remark added to her unease and made it less difficult for her to decide. “Tell Lady Elizabeth I am sorry, but I gave my husband my word not to leave the keep until he comes for me, and I intend to keep my promise.”
“She thought you would say that as well,” Simmons said.
The next thing Leora knew, the tip of a blade poked at her side.
“I fear you have no choice,” Simmons warned. “You are coming with me and you as well.” He nodded at Novice Angelica. “Say a word and it is not a light poke she will feel.”
“Stay, Chief,” Leora ordered, fearing for the pup’s safety.
He protested with a bark and a growl, sensing something wasn’t right.
“Wait for Noble, Chief,” she ordered, the pup barked, not at all pleased with her command and prayed the pup would not follow but instead go find Noble.
Leora did not know if anyone paid any mind to their departure or even noticed, but what would it matter with the fighting going on? She would not waste time and worry over what awaited her. She needed to think of ways to survive whatever awaited her until her husband came for her. Was this a plan of Lady Elizabeth’s to whisk her away to the Lowlands? The woman would have to know that Noble would follow along with the Gallowglass. She could not be that foolish, and if that was so then it would mean Simmons betrayed her. Was he the spy in her clan and she never knew it? And who had he joined forces with?