Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
“I am glad for I want your arm there as well,” she admitted shaken from the incident.
He glanced around as if he was more interested in what was going on around him than the woman he held tucked against him.
“How did you get in front of us?” she asked, his arm snug around her, chasing her fear away.
“I know these woods far better than anyone and besides, I told you I would always find you and I will,” he reminded.
“I am glad I can count on that,” she said and with the last of her fear dissipating, her body went limp against him.
His arm tightened around her waist. “You will ride with me.”
“I believe that would be wise,” she said and remained resting against him as she turned a glance at the dead man. “Who is he?”
“I don’t know, but I do believe there are two different fractions searching for the reddish blonde-haired woman. One who wants her alive and one who wants her dead. We need to get to the safety of the castle, and I need to find out if my warriors suffered any casualties and if any mercenaries were taken alive who could provide some answers.”
“How was it that more of your warriors arrived?” she asked, casting a glance at the unfamiliar men around them.
“Word was sent ahead for a troop to meet us since signs were spotted of mercenaries being in the area,” Slayer said, then called out orders to his warriors.
It was not long after that that they were once again on the path to Clan Ravinsher. Ominous gray clouds began to gather swiftly in the darkening sky, casting an air of anticipation and it was not too long before Sky spotted a village in the distance. As they got closer, she saw that the village sat outside a high stone wall and beyond it loomed a castle.
Slayer gave her waist a squeeze and whispered, “All will go well. But remember no one can know we are husband and wife.”
At that moment, though he held her snugly, she felt him slip away from her and the loneliness that had vanished while at the cottage slowly poked at her.
She took a soft breath and focused on what lay ahead. What she saw impressed and frightened her. Two imposing watchtowers were stationed on the outskirts of the bustling village. Beyond the high stone wall, the upper reaches of the castle peeked through the encroaching darkness. The village, alive with activity, buzzed with the sounds of people engaged in talk and the last chores of the day. Yet, the vibrant scene did not deter them from pausing in their tasks to acknowledge Slayer and praise his victory over the mercenaries.
Hands waved in greeting, smiles were abundant, and enthusiastic shouts of “Welcome home” and “Victory to you, my lord!” echoed through the air. All paid their respect to Lord Slayer and the returning warriors as the group continued their approach to the two large wood doors in the stone wall spread wide open in greeting.
However, smiles soon faded and whispers began when those close enough caught sight of Sky. She was sure word had reached the clan about her affliction and the incident with the stag. News never took long to spread and for trouble to begin. Instinct had her wanting to move closer to Slayer until she recalled that would not be proper with her not being his wife.
“You are safe. Do not worry,” Slayer said without glancing at her, though he once again gave her side a squeeze to reassure her.
They passed through the open doors into another thriving village and in the distance the castle. Villagers once again called out greetings to Slayer and once again smiles faded when glances fell on Sky. She thought to lower her head and avoid looking at anyone, but her husband’s whispered, harsh command stopped her.
“Do not dare hang your head in shame.”
She did as he ordered, though her stomach churned anxiously.
It seemed like it took forever to reach the castle, a large, formidable structure, but once they did, Slayer helped her off his horse and one of his warriors took the reins and led Skell away.
Slayer went to take hold of her hand and stopped himself, muttering, “Bloody hell.”
It was not going to be easy to keep his hands off her. Habits had been formed over the last few weeks and one of those habits he enjoyed was holding her hand. He wanted to declare there and then that they were husband and wife, but he had her safety to consider, and the recent attack had reminded him of that.
He followed alongside her up the stairs, muttering his annoyance and ready to rush her off to his bedchamber where he could do more than hold her hand.
He didn’t mutter this time. He let his annoyance be known. “Bloody hell.”