Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
She almost laughed at that since silent was all she ever was.
Concerned with her troubling thoughts and how they could affect her family, she decided to forego some things that needed her attention here and join her family at the new keep.
Dawn planned to walk and enjoy the sunny day that would probably disappear by noon. You could always count on the weather in the Highlands to be unpredictable.
“Dawn!”
She turned and smiled seeing Lucerne hurrying toward her. It was hard to believe that at one time the woman had been Cree’s intended and was now wed to Sloan, Cree’s best friend. Their story was part of the history of this place, memories she enjoyed recalling. Lucerne had given birth to her and Sloan’s first bairn, a son, Ross, in the cottage near the keep where Dawn, herself, had resided when she had become involved with Cree. Lucerne and Sloan also had a daughter, Fern, two years now and a pretty little lass.
Dawn was quick to ask about the bairns and Lucerne was happy to boast.
“All are excited about the move. Ross has his things packed and Fern clings to the doll Lila made for her, fearful she will be left behind. I never thought our family would grow so rapidly, but I cannot tell you how much joy Trent and Hana have brought us. Sloan and I feel as if they are our own. Can you believe it is almost three years since you returned from Clan Strathearn with the pair?”
Dawn nodded, recalling the memories. The pair were not brother and sister but felt as if they were having survived a difficult time together. Cree had offered them a home here at Clan Carrick where they would be safe from the man who had treated them badly.
“Trent is almost five and ten years now and on his way to becoming a skilled warrior, and Hana, almost nine years now, has been more accepting of her unique skill since Old Mary is helping her understand it, though mostly helping her not feel alone and frightened by it. Both could not believe the home we offered them and are shocked they now will live in the keep. I cannot believe it myself.”
Dawn gestured and Lucerne understood.
“Aye, Sloan does deserve the honor having fought bravely beside Cree, still though, I feel as if I am taking your home away from you,” Lucerne said and shook her head. “Though I know you go to a bigger and better home, it must hurt some to leave this one. I, myself, get teary-eyed thinking of our last days in the cottage, though with the growth of our family we could use the room.”
Dawn patted her chest and nodded relieved to hear that she was not the only one who felt nostalgic and unsettled with the move.
“The one good thing,” Lucerne said, and Dawn eagerly listened, for she wanted to hear what good this move would bring, “is that the move does not separate us at a great distance. That would have been heartbreaking.”
She was right and Dawn nodded, thinking how horrible it would be to move far from family and friends.
“I wanted to thank you for being so helpful and generous in letting me run the keep the last few weeks so that I could learn and grow accustomed to it. Though, I must say, I fear no one will be able to replace Flanna and I envy you that and her friendship.”
Dawn gestured, again her brow scrunched in question.
“Aye, Flanna has trained someone to take her place, but with us both new at running a keep, I fear there may be many missteps.”
Dawn smiled, patted her chest, and pointed to Lucerne.
“I am glad you have confidence in me, though Sloan does as well, and as much as I worry at times, I do look forward to the challenge.”
“Mistress Lucerne,” a woman called out from the steps of the keep.
“That is Jannel, my Flanna, and she looks upset. Thank you again, Dawn, you have been beyond good to me.” Lucerne hurried off, her eyes teary.
Dawn sniffed back tears that threatened her. It pleased her that Lucerne did not address her formally but called her by her name. It felt far more personal, far more like family.
She continued on her way, looking forward to seeing her husband and children, when she spotted a covered cart making its way through the village toward the keep. No doubt a merchant and she decided to wait and see if he had a trinket or two for the children and maybe something for the new keep, to try to make it feel like home to her.
She was surprised by the man who pulled to a stop near her and jumped enthusiastically off the cart. He was extremely handsome, lean, and muscled, with light brown hair that brushed his shoulders and that he quickly tucked behind each ear.