Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 30228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Raven threw her arms around Purity and hugged her tight, the lass returning the hug.
They parted and Purity said, “I’m so glad we got to be friends.”
“So am I and tomorrow we’ll make the most of our time together,” Raven said a sudden ache in her stomach letting her know it wasn’t going to be easy saying good-bye to Purity.
They may have only become friends in the last few days, but it seemed like they’d been friends forever. She almost wished Arran would wed Purity, then she’d have two great sisters. But she understood and accepted Arran’s decision, since she was adamant about choosing her husband when the time came.
Raven stepped out of the woods a short time later, King scurrying out of her arms to run off. She would have preferred to remain outdoors, though the encroaching gray clouds didn’t look promising. But she had given her word to Oria to help with whatever was needed and she wouldn’t break her word to her soon-to-be sister-in-law.
Three hours later she swore to herself that she’d never get married with all the work it took to prepare for the special day. Though, she had to admit the Great Hall looked beautiful. The floors had been swept and the planks scrubbed as well as the tables. Fresh candles filled various candelabras throughout the room, all waiting to be lit for the big day tomorrow. The fireplace had been cleaned of ash and fresh logs burned brightly. But it was the delicious scents drifting in from the kitchen that had Raven’s mouth watering.
“Help me make a wreath for my head,” Oria said, pointing to a table where all they needed for the task waited. “Then you’re free to do what you please.”
Raven ran to the table and Oria followed, laughing.
They talked and laughed until the Great Hall’s door burst open and Jamie, her da’s best scout, entered alongside her da, their steps anxious.
“The are many warriors,” Jamie said.
“Hold your tongue,” her da ordered, his eyes darting to Raven and Oria.
Royden and Arran entered the hall only steps behind her da and Jamie, their quick pace set to follow the pair to the solar.
Raven turned to Oria and saw how badly she had paled. “I’m going to listen to see what goes on. You won’t tell on me will you?” She was shocked at Oria’s response.
“I’m coming with you.”
“We have to stay silent and keep to the shadows,” Raven advised as they approached the solar.
Oria did as Raven said and tucked herself into the dark shadows, the solar being off to the right at the end of a hallway where deep shadows lingered. They didn’t have to strain to hear the men talk, all having strong voices that were heard easily.
“It’s a large buildup of warriors,” Jamie said as if he hadn’t believed his own eyes. “They have taken over the Clan Learmonth. They are everywhere on his land.”
“Was there anyone there recognizable to you?” Parlan asked.
“Not a one. I crept close to make sure there was no one there known to me. I heard a group of men talking. They bragged about the abundance of coin they would receive for fighting.”
“Why would the King send so many men and make such promises?” Arran asked.
“He didn’t,” Jamie said.
Royden was quick to ask, “What do you mean?”
“These men don’t fight for the King. They fight for coins,” Jamie said.
“Are you saying the King has nothing to do with this army of warriors?” Arran asked.
“I am,” Jamie said. “From what I heard the King has no part in this. I even heard one say the fool King wouldn’t know what happened until it was too late.”
“Then who?” Royden asked.
“That I couldn’t find out. No name was mentioned and I wondered if the warriors even knew who they fought for,” Jamie explained.
“We need to alert the other clans and join forces to combat this troop,” Parlan said.
“I wish I could wed Oria today,” Royden said.
“The cleric won’t arrive until tomorrow,” Parlan reminded him. “I would suggest you handfast, but it’s not as binding as being joined by a cleric.”
“You might not want to wed her at all,” Jamie said.
Oria’s skin prickled at his words.
“Why do you say that?” Royden asked, ready to strangle Jamie for even suggesting it.
“The warriors talked about their instructions. It seems that when they attack a clan if the daughter of the clan leader is wed, they’re ordered to kill him, making her a widow and free to wed again,” Jamie explained.
“Nothing is going to stop me from marrying Oria tomorrow,” Royden said.
Oria rushed out of the shadows to fling the door open so hard, it banged against the wall as she looked as if she flew into the room. “I will not wed you tomorrow, Royden.”
Chapter 8
Royden got up from where he sat at the table, took Oria by the arm, and guided her a bit forcefully out of the room.