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)
“As am I,” Quint said.
CHAPTER 23
Shade looked pleadingly at her husband, and he understood. There was no way he would be able to speak with Dru. Her head bobbed as she ate, snapping up before she fell completely asleep. She was exhausted and she would be no good to him until she got some sleep.
“Let me help you to your quarters, Dru, and we’ll talk in the morning,” Quint said.
“I don’t need no help,” Dru protested, her eyes fighting to remain open. “I can take care of myself.”
“If anyone knows that about you, I do, but it doesn’t hurt to accept a helping hand from a friend every now and then.”
Dru’s eyes got teary. “I appreciate it, Quint, but I can get myself to my quarters. I’ll talk with you tomorrow.” She slid off the bench, yawning all the way out the door and a servant entering as she left.
“Excuse me, sir,” the servant lass said with a bob of her head, “but the healer is needed. Ena has collapsed in her cottage.”
Shade flew out of the room and Quint followed shaking his head. His wife would never learn to be cautious when dealing with any given situation. She ran straight into them as she had done with Dru. Witley’s fist was meaty enough to leave more than a mere bruise. Now that he thought about it, he should have done more than just punch him.
When he spotted Witley eating and drinking and appearing to be enjoying himself in the Great Hall as he passed through it, he called out, “We’re not finished.” He was glad to see the man pale.
He kept close behind his wife as he followed her to Ena’s cottage and hurried around her once they reached it to enter first and make certain no harm awaited her. Once he saw that only two women, he recognized as clan members, were there tending to Ena, he moved, unblocking the door so his wife could enter.
He grabbed her arm as she moved past him. “No more rushing into situations.”
Shade scrunched her face. “It’s a habit.”
“One that needs to be broken.” He nodded toward Ena. “Go. We’ll talk later.”
Shade hurried to Ena’s aid as Quint closed the door.
“Stop fussing, I’m tired, that’s all,” Ena said as Shade approached the bed.
“Begone with you now, Shade is here and will tend to me. You have supper and bairns to see to,” Ena said to the two women and after a quick word with Shade, the two women left.
“You have been their healer for a long time. They worry about you. They don’t want to lose you,” Shade said, running her hand down Ena’s arm in a comforting touch so she could see if there was anything inside her that needed attention. Thankfully all appeared well, and, like Dru, what she needed was rest.
“A good sleep will do me well,” Ena said.
“I agree. So, I will brew some chamomile for you, and you will enjoy a gentle sleep.”
“I would like that,” Ena said. “I heard Dru returned and a cleric along with her.”
Shade explained what happened while she set the leaves to brewing.
“We are all exhausted from this endless and unnecessary discord. Lord Torrance was once friends with Ryland and Nug.” Ena shook her head. “If only it had remained that way.”
“What happened to that friendship?”
“It died.”
“Why?” Shade asked and helped Ena to sit up, bracing a pillow behind her back.
“Most believe it to be jealousy. Ryland came by skills and wisdom naturally, not so Torrance. He had to work hard to achieve what Ryland achieved with ease. Ryland also had patience, something he inherited from his mum, Lady Delecia, a good woman, while Torrance inherited his father’s impatience and demanding manner. Then, of course, there continues to be the speculation that Torrance and Ryland are half-brothers.”
“Is there a possibility that it could be true?” Shade asked curiously.
“It was something one heard now and again until they reached about ten and two years. That was when their similar features became even more obvious. Anyone who looked at them standing side by side would believe them brothers.”
Shade handed the tankard to Ena. “There was no distinction between them at all?”
“None that anyone could see,” Ena said, then took a sip.
Shade moved a small bench over by the bed and sat. “Did you deliver Ryland?”
“Aye, I did. It was the easiest birth I ever attended. I wish they all were like that.”
“But Ryland’s mum never had another child after that?” Shade asked.
“Nay, which I fear is what sparked the gossip. Whispers circulated that Lady Delecia was with child when she wed Ryland’s father, Chieftain Orrick. Rumors also say that the chieftain was aware of Delecia’s condition and wed her anyway.” Ena sighed and shook her head. “Stories abound when people have nothing better to do than speculate. It’s all nonsense. Besides, seeing the pair together, I believe they loved each other and there was no doubt Lord Orrick loved his son.”