Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Knox wanted to ease the worry he saw in his wife’s beautiful green eyes but lying to her would do no good. But he didn’t have to, the sudden fear that shadowed her eyes told him she realized the truth herself.
“The mercenaries will kill her as soon as she is captured, securing the bounty for themselves never giving Torrance a chance to offer more coins for her safe return. That was the reason for this attack on Phelan, to show what would happen if anyone decided to bargain for a larger bounty.” She shook her head. “Innocent women will die.”
“That is not on you, Dru,” Knox said, having feared she would feel that way once she put the pieces together.
“I thought I was living a nightmare before this.” Her head drooped. “But this is far worse. Before it was only losing my life that I feared. Now I fear others dying because of me.”
He cupped her jaw, lifting her head. “You will not do anything foolish, understood?” His heart beat madly in his chest, knowing full well she would pay no heed to his words. “I mean it, wife. We will find a way.”
Dru wanted to believe that, ached to believe it, but she feared fate had other plans for her. Then she recalled Mave’s prediction about her and Knox sharing a life together and hope surged, and she prayed Mave was right.
Ahead, the four MacTavish brothers rode in a loose formation—Quim in the lead, Olin and Fyfe flanking Atley, who kept a watchful eye on Reena. The woman rode with Atley, now pale but upright in his arms, and silent. The wounded followed on horses behind Knox and Dru and a few were in a cart unable to walk or ride.
The path curved around a narrow outcrop and opened onto the abbey’s outer grounds. Moonlight picked out the cracked stones and stacks of timber, the ground littered with tools left behind for the night. The shelters stood quiet, shadows flickering from within.
“Do nothing foolish, wife,” Knox whispered. “We’ll speak with this man and see what he knows. Only then do we decide what to do.”
She nodded but feared only one choice was left to her… Autumn had to make herself known.
Monks hurried forward to assist the wounded and Reena clung to Atley, refusing to go anywhere without him. Surprisingly, he obliged her and didn’t leave her side. While his brothers went directly for the ale.
As soon as Knox lifted Dru off his mare, he took hold of her hand, feeling a squeeze to his heart when her hand clutched tightly to his as if she needed his strength. He went straight to the monk issuing orders, Star following behind him.
“There is a man here that knows something about the woman—Autumn—being hunted. I must speak with him.”
“I am Brother Edmund, and you are?” the monk asked.
“I am Knox and this is my wife, Dru. It is imperative I speak with him,” Knox said.
“I understand,” Brother Edmund said with a nod. “He arrived here badly beaten and finally sleeps peacefully. You may speak with him in the morning. You and your wife look like you could use some rest. We have shelters for travelers who stop here. I will have a fellow monk show you to one of them and food and drink will be provided as well. Now I must see to those in need.”
Knox went to argue with him.
Brother Edmund rested his hand on Knox’s shoulder. “Trust me, my son, the man is in no shape to move. You may speak with him in the morning.” He summoned a monk with the wave of his hand. “Take this couple to the freshly cleansed shelter and see that food and drink is brought to them.” He turned back to Knox. “You may leave your mare in the pen. The monks will see to her care. Rest well and I will see you on the morrow.”
Knox went to follow the man, demand more from him, but Dru tugged at his hand.
“Let it be. We can use a night of rest and much needed sustenance before confronting the fellow.”
The monk left to tend to the task stepped forward. “Follow me.”
Knox cast a glance around and saw how the wounded were being helped, and the MacTavish brothers were already enjoying ale and food, and how Atley remained close with Reena as the monks tended to her wounds. It was time he tended to his wife before anything else.
The monk went to take Star’s reins, and she protested. He spoke softly to her, letting her know he meant no harm.
“Show me where she will be settled,” Knox said, taking her reins.
And the monk did. Only then did he and Dru follow the monk to the shelter.
It was a small place with a firepit in the center of the room, the smoke escaping through a hole in the thatched roof. A bed and a table with two benches were the only furnishings. It was adequate for a night of shelter.