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)
“Like you, I am immensely satisfied,” he said, and he felt her sigh against him, pleased for them both.
Silence followed but Cree knew her thoughts and what she wished to say, and he felt it only fair that they discuss it.
“I must go, Dawn. Cavell must know that I will not bow to his demands and what the consequences will be if he harms any of my warriors or William. Besides, he knows full well I will come to discuss his demands.” To his surprise, she nodded. “You agree?”
She nodded then shook her head.
Cree understood. “You know I must do it, but you wish I did not have to.”
She nodded again, worry in her eyes as she patted her chest.
“I know you will worry but your love will go with me, and I will return home safely to you.”
She traced an X over her chest with her finger.
“Aye, wife, you have my word on it,” he said and sealed it with a kiss to her brow. “I will leave early tomorrow, speak with Cavell, and return home soon enough. I would like to win everyone’s release, but I doubt that will happen and I will not remain there and have him think I stay to negotiate. I will, however, leave a troop of warriors there to make certain no harm comes to our people.” He gave a slight shake of his head. “This abduction continues to puzzle me.”
Dawn nodded, agreeing with him, for she felt the same.
“Mercenaries are notoriously untrustworthy—”
Dawn interrupted with several taps to his chest and shook her head.
“I could be untrustworthy in my day when necessary and believe me, many times it was necessary for survival. I got disgusted quickly with seeing the lies, deceit, the secrets, the backstabbing so many purportedly good men and women were capable of, and as for love?” Cree shook his head. “I lost all belief in it,” —he gave his wife a tight hug— “until I met you.”
Dawn patted her chest and shook her head, then rested her hand on her chest then his and smiled.
“You did not think you would ever find love,” —he smiled and gave her bottom a gentle squeeze— “then you found me, and love claimed us both.”
Dawn nodded and cuddled comfortably against her husband, her eyes drifting closed.
Cree watched his wife drift off in slumber only then did he allow himself to do the same, knowing she was content and safe there in his arms.
“Watch him,” Cree ordered Sloan, his eyes on Tate and how he maintained a constant smile and talked with just about everyone he came across.
“Aye, I will make certain he is watched,” Sloan said.
“And make sure my daughter does not get into any trouble while I am gone.”
“That is not something I can promise you.” Sloan laughed and walked away as Dawn approached.
“I will miss you, wife,” Cree said, drawing his wife against him in a hug.
Dawn tugged at the braid on the one side of his head that she had plaited for him only a couple of hours ago and mouthed stay safe.
“For you always,” he said and planted a kiss on her lips that was meant to linger there.
Dawn was familiar with the kiss. He always gave her a powerful kiss when he was riding off into an uncertain situation. It was his way for her to always remember him if something should happen to him.
She hugged him tight and gestured when they parted.
“Aye, wife, I will be home soon enough,” he assured her.
She smiled and sent him a playful wink.
He laughed, “I definitely will be home before nightfall.”
Cree led his troop of warriors through the village, but instinct had him turning to take another glance at his wife, and a scowl marred his handsome features when he saw the artist Tate scurry toward her and start talking. There was something about the man he did not trust, but he did trust his wife. And he was glad to see Beast by her side. The faithful dog would let nothing happen to her.
Nothing would stop him from returning as soon as he could and as soon as he did, he would find out what the man had said to Dawn.
CHAPTER 4
“A few moments of your time, Lady Dawn,” Tate said with a slight bow of his head as he approached her.
Dawn responded, holding up two fingers close together.
“I understand what you say. You are emphasizing only a few moments,” Tate said proudly.
Dawn nodded with a smile, remaining where she stood, waiting for him to continue.
“I was warned against coming to the Highlands. I was told it was a savage place and while I have seen that for myself in my travels here, I must admit I have found things that have also surprised and fascinated me. The symbols carved into stones I have seen are remarkable. Some are crude while others are done with a skilled hand, an artistry that is surprising as are the stone crosses. They are beautifully sculpted. In its own way, artistry does reside in the Highlands and now I wonder of your talent. Could you possibly sketch something quickly for me? I have a patron who blessed me with parchment. He would be overjoyed seeing drawings of the Highlands. A quick sketch of a favorite spot of yours perhaps?”