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)
She responded with a smile. “My da chose wisely for me, Pell, but if the decision had been left to me, it would have been an easy one to make. I would willing wed my husband for he is a good and honorable man.
His wife’s words pleased Cavell, but he was more pleased that she intentionally voiced how she felt about him to Pell. The farmer would be sure to share Elsie’s words with his wife and she with other women and the news would spread, as Elsie intended, so all knew that she cared about her husband. Would it make a difference to anyone? He did not know, but he knew it made a difference to him that she wanted it made known.
“What did you wish to tell me about the attack, Pell?” Cavell asked, a busy day ahead of him as well as the time he intended to spend alone with his wife.
“Not so much the attack as the men who attacked. I have seen all five men in the area on several occasions, though not together… separately. Though one time I did see two of the men together. Not that I spoke a word to any of them at any time, I just recall seeing them.”
“Where did you see the two together?” Cavell asked.
“At market day at Clan McCabe and I saw one of the other men alone at market day here at Clan Murdock. I think what made me notice them was the way they appeared to watch everyone and everything that was going on while other people were busy haggling with the merchants.”
“When was this?” Elsie asked, taking a step to stand beside her husband.
“I think around two moon cycles ago or more since it was a chilly day at market when I saw the two.”
“Did you not think of mentioning the oddity of the men’s action to someone?” Cavell asked.
“I did, sir,” Pell said with a nod. “When I spotted the one man alone here at Clan Murdock on market day, I went straight to Chieftain Norris and told him about it. He was concerned and asked if the man had focused his attention on anyone in particular in the clan. I hadn’t given it thought since it is common to see men unable to take their eyes off Mistress Leora. But the fellow had not taken his eyes off her. His glance followed her everywhere. That news truly upset Chieftain Norris and understandably so. He told me if I saw the man around here again to let him know.”
“This man did not approach Leora at any time?” Cavell asked.
“Nay, sir, his glance remained on her just as other men’s eyes often did, though unlike other men, he never smiled as he watched her. Could this have something to do with why they attacked my croft? I cannot make sense of the attack. If you had not shown up when you did—” Pell fought the tears rushing to cloud his eyes. “I fear the croft is no longer safe for my family and yet the animals and land must be tended to, and it takes the whole family to see it done. We have no choice but to return home today.”
“You and your family will remain here until I can secure your safety at the croft. Your animals will be brought here until then and the land can see to itself for now. Rest and grow strong,” Cavell ordered. “We will speak again.”
Melvin spoke once outside. “Someone was scouting the area, which means it was no rogue bunch of mercenaries who attacked the croft. But why attack a small croft?”
“And what interest do they have in Leora?” Elsie asked, her worry for her sisters growing.
Cavell took his wife’s hand, closing it firmly around hers and she quickly grabbed hold letting him know she welcomed his strength as he walked away from the cottage, Melvin following along.
“I know what you are thinking, Melvin,” Cavell said after they walked a bit in silence. “And I agree. We need warriors here who cannot only fight, but whose presence alone will warn against attacking. There is much more that goes on here than rogue mercenaries causing problems.”
“I knew you would see reason. We need Slayer’s help. Pledge allegiance to him and he will send more than enough warriors. I can leave today with a message from you.”
“Not today, Melvin. There is more I need to learn, more Slayer needs to know before you go. Until then, take a few men with you to Pell’s croft and bring the animals here.”
“Laurel should be asked if there is anything she needs from the croft,” Elsie said.
“I will get May to speak with her,” Melvin said.
“Go and see it done and we will talk more later,” Cavell said.
Silence walked with them after Melvin went to do as Cavell commanded, until Elsie finally spoke. “Like you knew what Melvin was thinking, I know your thoughts. You do not want to wait any longer to talk to my da. You want to know now why he fears for his daughters’ safety.”