Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
“It’s broken. I know it is. He’s going to die just like John’s da did when he broke his leg,” Walter said, raising his arm to wipe his wet cheeks.
“Is a bone protruding from your da’s leg, Walter, like what happened to John’s da?” Shade asked calmly.
The lad shook his head. “Nay. Nay. But it swelled and bruised instantly after he fell, and he is in a lot of pain. Are you sure you have all you need with you?” He nodded to the pouch she carried.
“Worry not, Walter, I have everything I need to tend to your da.”
“It’s only me, Mum, and Da. Harvesting needs to be finished, fences repaired, a spot on the roof needs patching, wood chopped before winter sets in. If Da can’t—”
“Your clan should send help,” Quint said.
Walter cast a quick glance back at him. “We’re a small clan, sir, and our chieftain is old with no heir. Lord Torrance of Clan Glencairn has visited with him twice in the last week and all fear that our chieftain is going to surrender the clan to him. There are rumors that clansmen will be forced to join the fight against Clan MacLeish. Lord Torrance is a harsh ruler. If he rules over our clan and my da cannot work the farm, he will force us out of our home and put another family there. We will have nothing.”
Shade stopped walking. “You and your family are not alone. Once we reach your home and I know more about your da’s injury, I am going to send you to Rawlin, my step-da. You know him, don’t you?”
“Aye, I do. He is a good man. He and my da worked together to help bury the monks.”
“Rawlin will gather some men to help get things done for you and your mum until your da is healed enough to return to work,” she reassured him. “Now let’s get to your da.”
The lad calmed upon hearing there would be help for his family and he talked less and set a faster pace.
Quint cast a glance around as they approached the farm. It was small but appeared well cared for with only some minor repairs needed. Though if they were left solely to a lad of ten to accomplish, they could be seen as mountainous.
“I will wait out here,” Quint said when they reached the cottage.
Walter paid Quint no attention, he hurried inside the cottage and Shade followed, sending Quint a nod.
He waited until she entered the cottage, and the door closed, to peruse the farm. He had to be cautious here, the area more familiar to him than he would let anyone know. Then there were those who knew his face and he was not ready to make his presence known. It would not go over well.
He saw a portion of a fence that needed mending and decided to keep himself busy as he waited. It would also help clear his mind. Though he doubted it would help him make sense of what Shade had told him about her secret skill. He did not know how that could be possible, yet he believed her, and he wanted to talk with her more about it first chance they got. He rolled up his sleeves and got busy repairing the fence.
Hollin was a large man, his size taking up most of the bed. It was a good thing his wife, Galen, was petite or there would be no room for her. Fear filled her eyes and Shade could see why. Hollins leg was double its size with a dark bruise encompassing his shin.
“Thanks for coming, Shade,” Hollin said.
Shade took off her cloak, Galen was quick to take it from her and place it near the hearth. “What happened, Hollin?”
Hollin shook his head. “I did nothing more than step off some rocks, I’ve stepped off endless times before. Only this time my leg twisted, I felt a sharp pain, and I went down. Walter had to help me to the cottage. It’s painful when I try to walk on it.”
“Let me have a look and see what I can find out,” Shade said and gently ran her hand over his bruised leg while her eyes scanned inside the leg to see if she could see if anything was broken.
The crackling fire was the only sound heard as she took her time, wanting to see things clearly. Just when she didn’t think she could see anything it came into view. A slight break so minor she might have missed it, and, with rest, it would heal nicely.
“You’re lucky, Hollin. It is barely a break. If you stay off your leg and rest for two full moon cycles you will heal without a lasting problem.”
His eyes rounded with fear. “That is too long. Winter will set in by then. I need to tend to the farm.”