Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
But how could she love one and not the other when they were one and the same man?
Sky watched Slayer talking with a large warrior from where she pretended to work in the garden, tending to the plants that were flourishing. She had heard him call the warrior Clyde as the two walked a distance away to talk. That her husband hadn’t wanted her to hear what they discussed was obvious, so she had gone to the garden to wait.
A lovely red crossbill suddenly landed on her shoulder and began chirping in her ear insistently.
Many believed that she could speak with animals and birds but that was not true. However, she had learned to understand their actions, thus forming a type of communication with them. Something in the forest had upset the crossbill, hence her insistent chirping, and seeing how Slayer fisted his one hand as he spoke with Clyde, something upset him as well.
“Thank you, my friend, for letting me know that trouble brews in the forest,” she whispered, and the bird flew off her shoulder.
She cast another glance at her husband, and she could almost see him transform in front of her eyes. His stance had turned commanding, his shoulders were drawn back tight, and his eyes narrowed. She watched, wishing she could hear what they were discussing.
“Lowlanders have crossed the border into the Highlands,” Clyde said. “We have yet to find out why they are here, but the substantial fee offered for the mission to see the Murdock sisters dead may have something to do with it. The large fee is drawing endless mercenary groups to the area, though some wisely retreat when they learn it is the Gallowglass they will face.” Clyde shook his head. “The foolish or desperate pay no heed to it.”
“The promise of wealth can turn the wisest man foolish,” Slayer said.
“There is something you need to know, my lord,” Clyde said with a quick glance at Sky. “I only learned it and I do not know if the news has reached Cavell yet, but he should be made aware of it as well since it means his wife is no longer in danger.”
“Explain,” Slayer ordered.
“It has been made known that the woman they search for has reddish blonde hair and only two of the Murdock sisters have that color hair. Cavell’s wife is safe.”
Not so Sky, Slayer thought with a glance at his wife, and he gripped his fist tighter.
He had been enjoying his time here with Sky, alone, with little to bother them. This news reminded him of his duties not only to his wife but to his clan as well. It was time to leave here and return home.
“You are sure about this news?” Slayer asked, though he trusted Clyde’s word.
“Not a doubt about it,” Clyde said, his glance falling on Sky.
“Has any word reached us from Melvin yet?” Slayer asked. “He has been gone long enough to let me know what he has learned and also what goes on at Clan Murdock with Cavell and his wife, Elsie.”
“Not a peep from him. I could go and see if anything prevents him from sending word to us and deliver the news to Cavell,” Clyde offered.
“Take a few warriors with you,” he ordered.
Clyde laughed. “This is a one-man mission. I need no help or protection.”
“Mercenaries roam the area—”
“And what interest would they have in a single warrior? There is nothing to fear and I fear nothing. But I am no fool and will be cautious. Besides, alone I can travel faster which means I return home faster.”
Clyde was one of his most skilled and seasoned warriors and had been with him since he took command of a Gallowglass troop and grew it into the most feared and victorious troop to fight against.
With no argument from Slayer, Clyde said, “I will leave in the morning and return before you can miss me.” He looked about to say more but held his tongue.
“Say what you will, Clyde.”
“You are a wise leader who makes wise decisions. It would be wise of you to leave here soon and take residence in the castle now that so many more mercenaries fill the area.”
“My thought as well, Clyde. We leave here in two days.”
Two days. Sky managed to catch the two words. Her heart turned heavy, and she glanced over the flourishing garden. “I wish I could be here for harvesttime, but I fear that will not be possible.”
Another warrior suddenly appeared to speak with her husband and Clyde stepped aside, walking toward the cottage to stand and wait.
She made her way toward him. He was a large man and older than most of Slayer’s warriors she had seen. “Can I offer you something? A brew perhaps?”
He stared at her, and she wondered if it was her eyes that seemed to leave him speechless.