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)
“You’ve been of much help, Albert. I am grateful,” Dru said, giving his arm a squeeze.
He leaned forward slightly, placing his hand over Dru’s. “I don’t know what this is about, lass, but you need to be careful. The north holds its grudges like winter holds the mountain. Long and bitter.”
They barely turned away from Albert’s cottage when Dru said, “It is bad enough that Autumn has become a stranger to me, now I don’t even know my own mother.”
“Her past is not known to you, but your mum you know well. She was a brave woman and did what was necessary to keep her daughter safe.”
“But not her clan. What did she do that was so terrible that she dishonored her clan?” Her eyes went wide. “Do you think my father had something to do with it? Could she have unwisely fallen in love with him and left her clan to be with him? And why didn’t she tell me? And why did her clan wait so long to seek their revenge?” She shook her head. “With her no longer here, how do I ever learn her side of it?”
“By knowing your mum well,” Knox encouraged.
“That’s just it—how well did I really know her?”
It took until the next morning to reach Clan MacFadin where Lord Torrance was presently staying. It was a small clan who had no choice but to pledge allegiance to Lord Randall years ago and was now under Lord Torrance’s rule.
Dru had passed through the clan on occasion and saw for herself what happened when a noble did not treat their supporting clans well. People went hungry, hatred festered, and hope was lost. So, when they entered the small village, she was surprised to see so many improvements.
Children bundled in newly woolen cloaks hurried along pathways, their laughter muted but still lively. The blacksmith’s forge, once almost silent, emitted rhythmic clangs, signaling steady work being done. Smoke rose from chimneys, carrying comforting aromas of hearty stews and freshly baked bread into the crisp, chill air where once before there was barely any food to spare.
Dru observed the tidy cottages, their roofs recently repaired and walls patched, showing clear signs of recent improvement. Neatly stacked firewood and well-maintained tools hinted at preparations for the coming winter. Signs of modest prosperity were evident in the carefully stored harvest and neatly arranged stacks of hay and straw.
Villagers moved purposefully, bundled against the chill, faces bearing a quiet determination rather than the despair Dru had previously witnessed here. Women and men alike paused in their tasks to exchange brief but warm greetings, and elders sat near fires, their expressions calm, if somewhat guarded.
As Dru and Knox passed slowly through the village, Knox remained alert to Torrance’s warriors who patrolled methodically.
“Something strange goes on here under Lord Torrance’s rule,” Dru said. “Clan MacFadin appears to be healing, improving. How is that when Lord Torrance is not known for his generosity?”
Knox found it odd as well. The man he met would not be so generous. “Perhaps he has learned that few would be willing fight for him if left to starve.”
Two of Lord Torrance’s warriors stepped out in front of Star, one calling out, “Halt and state your reason for being here.”
“I was summoned by Lord Torrance,” Knox said.
“Knox!” a voice shouted out.
He turned to see a familiar face. “Brack.”
Dru knew the name though never met the man. He was Lord Torrance’s righthand man and the one who carried out the punishments Lord Torrance demanded. He was of fair height with minor facial scars that didn’t mar his fair features. He had a thick body, mostly muscles from what she could see, and a strong gait. His dark eyes exuded confidence, overly so, and his dark long hair appeared unkempt as if he just got out of bed and had paid it no mind.
“You arrive with a woman, which means you found Autumn. Lord Torrance will be pleased when he returns in a few days,” Brack said.
That he didn’t inquire about the warriors sent to escort them home, made Knox wonder if he even knew about them.
Knox quickly corrected Brack. “I haven’t found Autumn. This is Dru, my wife.”
Brack burst out laughing, “So, the tales that spread are true. You were forced to wed a waif, caught naked with her, were you?”
“Forced but not unwanted and with no regrets,” Knox clarified.
“Come, we will share food and drink, and you can tell me about it and any news you bring,” Brack said, summoning a young lad with a quick wave of his hand. “Bryce will see to your mare and the keep servants will see to your wife.”
Dru gave her husband a quick jab with her elbow while keeping a pleasant smile on her face and jumped in to respond. “Aye, I wouldn’t want to disturb your discussion.”