Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 102424 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102424 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“There was a woman who could fit that description who passed this way with a group, but that was some time ago,” she said.
“Not recently though?”
If he was disappointed, he didn’t show it, nor did she hear it in his voice.
“Aye, not recently,” Purity confirmed and said no more on it, though was quick to offer her gratitude for his help. “I am grateful you appeared when you did. You saved me from a terrible fate and I much appreciate your kindness.” She wanted him to take his leave as quickly as possible, but it would be unkind of her not to offer food or drink for what he had done for her. “Please let me offer you some sustenance before you continue on your journey.”
He looked about to decline, a relief to Purity, when he seemed to change his mind.
“My thanks, that would be of great help,” he said.
“Come” She smiled and motioned with her right hand. “My cottage is not far.” She turned to the cat and dog. “King, Princess, home.”
He gave a whistle and a horse ambled out of the woods and came to stand beside him.
The cat jumped up on the large dog’s back and settled in the mix of brown and black hair, his face peeking between one brown ear and one black ear, then the dog ambled off.
“King seems a suitable name for your cat,” Arran said, with a glance at the black cat with a white-tipped tail and two white, front paws resting regally on the dog’s back.
Purity laughed lightly. “It’s a perfect name for him since he thinks himself royalty.”
“I’ve never seen a cat attack a man so viciously and without fear. He is extremely protective of you,” he said as they walked.
“I’ve raised him since he was a kitten,” she said as if that explained it, hoping he wouldn’t recall seeing King in the barn where she had often gone to play with the kittens when visiting the Clan MacKinnon. Or worse, recall the time he had caught her there after he and a woman had enjoyed a good poke. She had averted her eyes, somewhat, having had been caught there unaware until it had been too late for her to make her presence known. She’d been so embarrassed when discovered, not so Arran.
After a few minutes of walking silently, Arran spoke up. “I see now why King rides on the dogs back. I noticed the dog—”
“Princess,” Purity said, wanting the dog to know they discussed her so that she would be on alert.
“Princess,” Arran repeated, “is missing one eye. King helps her to maneuver the forest more easily and safely with the tap of his paw to the sides of her head giving her direction.”
Purity was amazed by his observation. Only those closely familiar with King and Princess knew that. No one else had ever realized that about the pair. That he did in such a short time warned her to be careful. Though what difference would it make if he did realize who she was? Probably no difference at all, and that was what hurt.
“Princess was born without an eye and her mum abandoned her as most dog mums do with the weak ones of the litter. Instinct tells them they won’t survive and to them it’s the kindest thing to do.”
“But you thought differently.”
“Aye, I did, and she’s grown into a fine dog and is family now.”
Silence followed and Purity didn’t mind, her thoughts straying to how different Arran appeared. He’d never been one to remain quiet too long and rarely had he been seen without a smile. Raven had told her how Arran never had failed to make her smile or cheer her when she needed it. He wore a smile no more and looked as if he could use some cheering. Once he reached home and he was among family again, surely that would change.
Purity stopped by a clump of overgrown bushes and pushed them aside. “My home.”
Arran followed, pushing the bushes farther apart to fit through and stopped when he saw the stone home built into the side of the sizeable hill, the roof solid turf, and smoke drifting out of the hole in it. A good-sized garden sat to the side of the cottage, wild onion and cabbage prevalent while other plants he didn’t recognize.
A stack of cut wood sat next to the front door and Arran’s hand went to the hilt of his sword. “You live alone?”
“I have the animals,” Purity said.
He cast a hasty glance around. “No man to protect you?”
“No, visitors are rare to these parts of the woods.”
“Yet three men were here today and one ran off,” he reminded and let his hand ease off his sword.
“That was strange, though I have no concern of Quiver returning. He was far too full of fear. It’s a lovely autumn day. Why don’t you sit under the tree?” She gave a nod to a large oak, its trunk so thick it had to be ancient and its branches spread out creating a fine canopy. “I’ll bring you food and drink.”