Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“All will be well. Chieftain Cavell will see to it,” Elsie said, speaking confidently about her husband’s ability to protect them.
“Our clan does not have a strong fighting force,” Alda reminded.
“Worry not, Alda, Chieftain Cavell will know what to do to keep our clan safe,” Elsie assured her. “Now, can you tell me where in the woods the dead man was found?”
The question terrified Alda, her eyes rounding wide. “You cannot think of going there, mistress. It is not safe. Chieftain Cavell would not want you to venture there on your own.”
“Did he leave word that I was not to join him there?”
“Nay, but—”
Elsie quickly interrupted her. “He left no word, so I am free to see for myself what is going on. So, Alda, where was this dead man found?”
CHAPTER 16
Elsie ventured into the woods, knowing exactly where to go once Alda described it. The crisp spring air was filled with the invigorating scent of blooming flowers and the subtle rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze reminded her of the many enjoyable times she had spent in the woods with her sisters. She smiled at the sunlight that filtered through the budding canopy above, casting a warm glow on the forest floor, hoping the sun would linger for the day. She and her sisters loved it when the forest awakened from its winter slumber, bursting with vibrant green hues, and bluebells could be found growing almost everywhere.
The memories were pleasant, but they also reminded her of her sisters’ plight and her smile faded as she walked deeper into the woods, drawing closer to her destination. She wasn’t sure what she suddenly felt, something out of the ordinary, a sudden shift in the atmosphere—an unsettling feeling that rushed gooseflesh over her. She stopped and a shudder ran through her as she listened. A strange hush had settled over the area as if the very forest held its breath.
Her footfalls were the only sound she heard in the forest. She should have given more thought to coming here alone. What if the killer still lingered about?
She was relieved, after taking a few more steps, to hear voices. She was close. She would reach her husband soon.
The voices suddenly stopped, and Elsie halted her steps. Was it her husband ahead or was it someone who heard her footsteps and stopped speaking to listen to her approach?
Fear flared in her, causing her to hesitate, but she could not linger in hesitancy, it would do her no good. She took a cautious step forward, keeping as close to the large tree trunks as possible so she could slip behind one if necessary.
The voices hadn’t resumed but she was pretty sure they had come from just up ahead around the small bend, close to where the body was found. She proceeded slowly, cautiously, fearfully.
Elsie took barely a few steps when a powerful arm hooked around her, locking her arms to her sides, and lifting her clear off the ground, and she let out a scream as she squirmed and kicked her legs and tried to break free. It was impossible. She was completely shackled to the man.
“Be still and tell me what you are doing here, wife,” Cavell ordered.
Elsie breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “You frightened me.”
“As you did me when I spotted you creeping around here,” he said and planted her on her feet.
She hurried to turn and face him. “You found a dead man. I wanted to see him.”
“Why?” he demanded.
“I heard he was not familiar to the men who found him, and I thought I might know who he is.”
“You don’t and what were you thinking of coming here alone?” he asked, annoyed, though fearful as well, something he was not used to feeling.
“How do you know that I would not know the man? And you are right I should have given more thought to my decision to come here alone,” she admitted, her fear just beginning to fade.
“Bloody hell, you should have,” he admonished, his heart thumping wildly thinking of the danger that could have befallen her when he discovered the footfalls he had heard and thought were the culprit’s, belonged to his wife.
“I did not mean to upset you,” she said. “I will be more cautious next time.”
He shook his head and snatched hold of her arm. “There won’t be a next time, wife. Unless I give you permission to follow me, you are to stay put until I return.”
“I cannot do that,” she said firmly.
He could not keep the shock from his face, his eyes turning wide. “You refuse to obey me?”
“At times I might, though not intentionally, more out of necessity,” she said as if it made perfect sense. “You never answered me. How do you know I wouldn’t recognize the dead man.”
“Because I know him. He is Gallowglass,” Cavell said and tugged her along as he walked. “We will discuss your disobedience later.”