Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
There was not one head that did not shake in response.
“Do you think I cannot protect this clan?” Varrick demanded.
The warriors were slow in shaking their heads.
Speak up. Tell them what you sense.
Fia turned to her husband as he was about to continue. “May I speak, my lord?”
Several warriors bobbed their heads, though they quickly stilled them when Varrick shot an evil look their way. This was for him to deal with not his wife and yet he reminded himself, yet again, that this was the very reason he had wed Fia and brought her here.
“You may speak, wife,” Varrick said.
Fia looked at each man as she spoke as if addressing each one individually. “The animals and birds have fled from this area and the trees and earth slumber more deeply than usual for winter. That tells me that fear has driven the animals and birds away and forces the trees and earth to sleep deeply to avoid it. Fear rules here and it rules you now, making you fear that Lord Varrick cannot protect you from it. But Lord Varrick shows no such fear. He is powerful and able to fight it. You must trust him as you always have, for he will protect you even against the God of Death himself.”
The warriors cheered, praising Lord Varrick, smiles spreading across every face there.
Varrick kept his expression stoic, though shocked by his wife’s unexpected praise. His men sang his praises more so out of relief, but her praise sounded more genuine. Why would she do that? Did she actually believe it?
Varrick raised his hand to hush his warriors. “Lady Fia and I will remain in the shelter for a few more days to see what more she can discover. All of you will remain on the outskirts of this area for one more day and then be replaced by another group of warriors so that no chance is taken that one group is exposed to the evil too long.”
Another round of cheers sang out.
“But if needed, as you were today, you will not hesitate to obey me as you did today. Though you must keep in mind what could happen to you when you enter here and just as we enter battle fearlessly that is how you must enter this area… without fear.”
A battle roar filled the air, announcing they were ready to do battle for Lord Varrick.
“Leave here now and do not return unless I order you to do so,” Varrick commanded, and the men bobbed their heads respectfully and rushed off.
Corwin remained, knowing Varrick would want to speak with him.
“Send word to Argus about this and make sure he prepares the warriors for a different type of battle,” Varrick ordered.
“You will keep me informed throughout the day?” Corwin asked.
“Aye, I will keep you apprised.”
Corwin nodded, then looked at Fia. “I am grateful, my lady. The warriors now at least know there is something to fight against… fear.”
“And they will do well against it,” she encouraged.
“You know that for sure?” Varrick asked after Corwin took his leave.
“How can they not do well when you lead them?”
Again, she praised him. Did she think that well of him? “My warriors do well because they are obedient to my word.”
Fia shook her head. “It is not obedience that have them adhere to your word… it is trust. They trust you, that is why they obey your commands.”
He leaned his face close to hers. “Do you trust me, Fia?”
“I want to trust you, but I am not too sure yet.”
“Well, trust me when I say that you will never, ever go anywhere in these woods again without me.” Varrick was surprised when she laughed softly.
“I did not need any special powers to know you would say that to me.”
Varrick took hold of her chin. “Then tell me what powers you used that had me hearing your shouts for help in my head.”
CHAPTER 20
“You heard me!” Fia said, smiling, pleased beyond measure that he had heard her silent message.
“As clear as if you were standing beside me,” Varrick said, concerned if anyone knew he had heard her in his head that they would surely think she had bewitched him. “How were you able to do that?”
Fia was far too pleased to realize the repercussions if such news was learned. “I don’t know. I didn’t know if it would work but it truly was my only recourse. My mum was able to do the same with my da and it had surprised them both just as it does us.” She gave it thought for a moment and her eyes suddenly sparked, though faded just as quickly.
“You thought of something?” he asked anxiously.
“I need to explore the woods more, but I worry you will not let me continue today,” she said, and though she omitted her full thought, at least what she had told him was the truth.