Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
“Tonight, one of our own, Marta, a beloved member of our tribe and my family, was brutally attacked. Greta presently sees to her care and when Marta wakes she will be able to tell us who did this heinous thing to her. In the meantime, a search will be conducted for the person. Whoever did this will be punished… severely.” Bhric’s voice grew stronger and more powerful. “Listen well for I am aware what many say, and I refuse to hear such lies! MY WIFE is not the culprit! She did not attack Marta.”
“How do you know for sure!” someone yelled out.
Bhric’s voice grew more powerful. “IT IS OBVIOUS. A woman my wife’s size does not have the height to bash Marta’s head with a rock nor does she possess the strength to throw a rock and cause such damage. This evil deed took strength and height to accomplish.”
“A witch has such strength,” another person called out.
“MY WIFE IS NO WITCH!” Bhric’s voice carried with such strength over the crowd that some actually drew back. “She has done nothing but good since arriving here even when I treated her poorly because I judged her wrongly.”
“She mystifies you!” another called out.
“What woman does not do that to a man?” one of Bhric’s warriors yelled and the men in the crowd laughed. Not so the women.
“She cast a spell on you,” a woman shouted.
“THAT IS UTTER NONSENSE!”
A hush settled over the crowd and a path was cleared for Greta to step forward and be heard.
“Lord Bhric is no fool. He would not let himself be snagged by a spell. But like all men he cannot ignore if lucky enough to be struck by love. He can fight it as he tried to do, but love has its own strength and try as you might, it will eventually claim victory over you.” Greta spun slowly in a circle. “What man here will deny it or a woman as well?”
Not a voice spoke up.
Bhric realized then what was happening and spoke with authority. “Someone tries to divide us, tries to weaken us, tries to conquer us.”
Angry shouts filled the air.
“We stand together, or we fall apart. What shall it be?” Bhric commanded with authority.
“TOGETHER,” the crowd shouted without hesitation and cheers rang through the crowd.
“WE FIGHT!” Bhric yelled like a courageous leader, leading his warriors into battle, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
The crowd drifted apart, a sense of unity filling the air and Bhric turned to Tavia. “Stay here while I go speak with Greta.”
“The day has worn me out. I will seek the comfort of our bedchamber,” Tavia said.
“The stairs will be too much for you to climb. Wait in the Great Hall for me,” he ordered.
She smiled and turned and entered the keep.
Bhric shook his head. His wife would not heed his command but if he hurried he would catch her on her way up the stairs to their bedchamber.
He took the steps two at a time down to hurry to Greta. “Tell me the truth about Marta.”
“Time will tell the truth about Marta,” Greta said. “Though I will tell you what Hertha surmises and I tend to agree with the young woman. She has an intuitive sense about her that will make her a fine healer and a good one for your clan when I am gone.”
“Many years away,” Bhric said, not ready to lose Greta.
“Hertha believes that with the blow to the back of Marta’s head that she did not see her attacker.”
“The culprit came up behind her so she could not see who it was which could possibly mean she would have known the person. Someone is purposely trying to turn the tribe against my wife but for what reason?” The troubling thought deeply disturbed Bhric and made him even more anxious to return to his wife.
“Dig deeply,” Greta advised. “I believe more goes on here than you suspect.”
Bhric nodded and could not help but ask, “You have seen much in your many years as a healer. What is your opinion on how Marta will fare?”
“She will wake, or she will die. It is up to fate,” Greta said. “Now go to your wife. She is in need of you.”
Bhric rushed back to the keep glad for the late hour, glad that he and Tavia could be alone together, glad they had each other.
He found her halfway up the stairs, leaning against the wall, giving her leg time to rest. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her the remainder of the way.
Tavia’s arms instinctively went around his neck, and he was not surprised by what she asked, “What did Greta say?”
“That you are not responsible for Marta’s attack, and she doubted Marta herself would know since she was struck from behind.”
“I wondered over that when you mentioned that Marta would be able to identify her attacker. With having been struck in the back of the head that would be unlikely.”