Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
“I did not mean to upset you, but I was curious to know what, if anything, Philip knew about the tower room. He is the oldest clan member that I am aware of, and I thought he might have some knowledge of the incident that caused the room to be closed off.” Before Torin could say anything, she went right on talking. “Did you know the tower room was the torture room?”
“The tower of torture is what some called it according to my da, who laughed when I learned of it and confronted him with the disturbing news. He told me it was nothing but gossip and all I needed to know was that the room was to be kept sealed.”
“Aren’t you curious as to what is behind that sealed door?” Flora asked.
“I admit there are times I am tempted to unseal it. After all, it has been a long time since my great-grandda had it sealed, and I wonder… would it matter now after all this time and with my great-grandda gone these many years now?”
Flora nodded. “But you wonder if you dishonor your great-grandda by not adhering to his word even after all these years.”
“Aye, which is why the room remains sealed… at least for now,” Torin said, leaving room for the possibility that he may decide otherwise.
“I understand, though my curiosity yearns to know what it contains, but this decision belongs solely to you. However,” —Flora smiled— “if you do not mind, I will continue to ask questions in regard to the tower room.”
Torin laughed lightly. “You will ask questions regardless of whether I give permission or not. It is simply your way, wife, though I do not mind if you do. Your inquires may actually help solve the mystery of the tower room without opening the room.”
“We think alike, husband,” Flora said, pleased that they did. “If I can gather enough information, I may be able to determine why the room was sealed.”
“I honestly would not mind knowing, so ask your questions of whoever you wish, though you are right about Philip. He is the oldest person in the clan and would know the most. But for now, you will go to the keep and stay there since I do not want to worry about you while I leave the isle for a few hours.”
“What adventure do you go on? Perhaps I should go with you,” she said eagerly.
“You have enough to keep you busy here and it is no adventure. Another campsite has been spotted in the woods off the isle. I go to see what it may tell me.”
“You go to investigate. I could help,” she said, her eyes shifting past him, spotting two clerics entering the village.
Torin saw that his wife’s attention had been diverted and gave a quick glance and explanation. “They were sent from the monastery to see to a proper burial for the cleric and I intend to ask them to bless the keep while here. Now, please take pity on your husband and go into the keep and stay there until I return.”
“That is wise of you to have them bless the keep. The scroll did advise that when dealing with ghosts,” she said. “And worry not, I do not wish to cause you undo concern. I will remain in the keep until your return.”
She did not know why she got the overpowering urge to kiss him, but she did, and she gave in to it. Her lips touched his gently and lingered just enough to let him know she wished for more.
As she eased her lips off his, she whispered, “I look forward to tonight with you, husband.”
Torin’s arm tightened around her waist. “It is not good to tempt me in front of others since you have me rising to the occasion.”
Flora looked at him oddly for a moment, not sure what he meant, then she smiled. “Oh, I understand what you mean.” She gave him a quick hug. “You help me gain knowledge. You truly are a good husband.” She stepped away from him. “I am off to the keep to see that more work gets done and you must be careful and return to me safely.” She hurried off with a wave and a smile.
Torin caught several villagers smiling and nodding at him and women whispering to each other, smiling as they did. His clan was pleased with his choice of a wife and so was he. He went to turn and saw that his wife suddenly stopped and turned, her eyes not on him. She looked past him at the two cleric’s walking with their heads down and their hoods pulled down over their heads, hiding most of their face.
One turned his head her way and she started walking toward the pair.
Torin headed toward his wife, thinking something was amiss with the way she stared so oddly at the pair. That was when he saw the one cleric slowly slip his hand out from the large sleeve of his robe.