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)
“And I am grateful, though he also benefits from it since it secures him a clan that will serve him whenever necessary.”
“The ways of the Highlands,” Elsie said.
“Aye, so it is,” both men agreed.
“You did well, Melvin, I appreciate it.” He nodded toward Elsie. “My wife suggests that you would make me a fine, trustworthy counsel, but I know battle is a way of life for you… unless you now think differently. If so, I would be pleased to have you at my side offering guidance whether I agree with it or not.”
Melvin smiled. “There was a time I would not have given your offer thought, but I find I favor it here.” His smile grew. “There is enough battle to sustain me, intrigue that entices, and people who welcome me as family, though most importantly, a woman I have come to love to my great surprise. So, I humbly accept your offer and will serve you with honor and respect.”
“I am pleased to hear that. We will talk more tomorrow since I am sure you will want to spend time with May today.”
Melvin grinned widely. “That I do, sir, that I do!”
Melvin left the solar still grinning and Cavell turned to his wife. “I must talk with and see what, if any, orders Slayer may have given Henry. Also, the warriors will work with the clan to get shelters built throughout what is left of spring and into summer so they will have homes before the winter sets in. I will also have them hunt for more food since what food we have will be depleted soon with so many more mouths to feed.”
“We will extend the planting fields and more meat will need to be stored for the winter as well as root plants,” Elsie said. “I will see to getting it done.”
Cavell ran his hand gently down her arm. “I look forward to later tonight when we are finally alone and left undisturbed.”
Elsie eased toward him, her body falling gently against his. “As do I.”
Her lips reached for his when Melvin burst through the door. “Two of our warriors have arrived with injured Lowlanders.”
CHAPTER 25
“They came out of nowhere, roaring like banshees, swinging their axes and swords, severing limbs, leaving men screaming in agony as they lay dying. I have never seen such ferocious warriors. If it were not for the men you sent to follow us, we would have been massacred,” Frewen said, taking a needed breath and wiping away the blood dripping down the side of his head with his sleeve-covered arm. “I am most grateful to you for seeing to our safety.”
Cavell was once again impressed with the young Lowlander, one of the Gallowglass telling him that the Lowlander fought bravely and skillfully. Unfortunately, others with him did not. He lost half of his troop, and the other half were left wounded, a couple of them seriously.
“The Highlands are no place for Lowlanders,” Cavell warned.
“So I have discovered, though I must say while the Highlands are wild and unpredictable, I never imagined the beauty it possesses,” Frewen said.
“Far more than any realize,” Cavell said with pride in his homeland.
“Sit and let me tend to your wound,” Elsie offered, joining the men and pointing at one of the tables in the Great Hall where she had just placed a fresh bucket of water and clean cloths.
Frewen appeared hesitant.
“You cannot be of any help to your surviving men if you do not have your own wound tended,” Cavell advised. “Besides, my wife not only has a gentle touch, but she works quickly. She will be done with you in no time.”
Frewen bobbed his head and went and sat on the bench at the table.
Cavell talked with Melvin while his wife tended to the Lowlander, his glance going around the room at the many injured warriors being tended to by several women in the clan.
“You say May is tending a seriously wounded warrior in her cottage and the other badly wounded warrior has died?” Cavell asked.
“Aye, the poor fellow was beyond help and May says the other is barely clinging to life and will not live long,” Melvin confirmed and shook his head. “The attack makes no sense. The Lowlanders were no threat to the mercenaries.”
“But they could have been a benefit to them,” Cavell suggested.
“How so?”
“Someone could have paid them to attack the troop and make sure they never returned to the Lowlands, fearing they discovered information.”
“Are you saying that we are dealing with two different people, one who wants information and another who doesn’t want the information found?” Melvin asked, his brow narrowing. “We fight two foes?”
“I believe so. I have found out more in your absence that you need to know about. We will talk later in my solar,” Cavell said, intending to discuss what had gone on here in his absence.