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)
She set out for the east part of the village where the sun would rise.
With abundant cottages and buildings, it was not easy to find a spot to view the sunrise and time was running out. The predawn light was beginning to rise. She needed to find a spot now. The rising pale light gave her a better view of the village than the few flaming torches situated along the village pathways, and she spotted an area that looked perfect.
She hurried back toward the castle, keeping to the east side of it. There was an animal pen up ahead, toward the back of the keep, but she did not see any animals. A small enclosure also occupied the pen, so she assumed the animals were inside. Daybreak might bring them out since most animals rise early in the springtime, eager to enjoy the warmer days.
Sky came to a stop where the trees cleared, and she was able to see the sky in all its glory just as the sun dawned, painting it in beautiful yellow and orange colors. She breathed in deeply, grateful for a new day and all the beauty, promise, possibilities, and even problems it might hold.
She watched quietly, thinking how much the forest and the animals had taught her and how eager she was to learn more. The sun continued its ascent when she picked up the sound of a low growl that grew slowly and was joined by another growl. It didn’t frighten her since she had yet to find an animal who she could not befriend, but she erred on caution, for she was wise enough to know that not all in the animal kingdom wished to be friends.
She turned slowly so as not to alarm the animal and her eyes went wide upon seeing four wolfhounds sitting lined in a row staring at her from behind a wood rail fence. A fence they could no doubt easily jump, though they remained as they were, growling in warning.
The four were no doubt battle hounds. Wolfhounds were a preferrable dog to take into battle because of their size and fearlessness. While the look of them could easily intimidate, Sky was not deterred by it. She had befriended fierce dogs before now.
She approached the large dogs slowly, keeping her voice soft as she spoke to them. “Good morning to you all. I am Sky and I would love to make friends with all of you.”
The hounds continued to growl.
“I mean you no harm. I hate seeing animals harmed, even ones with teeth as sharp as yours and your penchant to battle though no fault of yours. I would much rather sit and talk with you. I love to watch the sunrise, so perhaps we can watch it rise together each day.”
She knew it would take time for the hounds to trust her and she would not mind at all visiting with them daily to talk, assuring them she meant them no harm.
Their growls turned softer.
“I could bring you a treat. A bone or two that the cook has no use for,” she suggested with a soft tilt of her head at the hounds.
Their growls stopped and they tilted their heads as well.
“Wonderful,” she said with a wider yet gentle smile. “I will see you all tomorrow and we will talk more. Enjoy the sun that I hope will last throughout the day.” She waved before walking off, the four wolfhounds staring after her without a growl from any of them.
That she would have animals to converse with lightened her worry some and she continued her trek through the village that was coming quickly to life. Fires were lit under cauldrons and broths and porridges would soon be cooking and people eating, fortifying themselves for the day ahead. Children were busy at play before they would be chased off to get to their chores and women congregated in small groups to share news.
It was a scene she was familiar with, it being similar to her own clan’s morning routine. Only her clan was much smaller, and many would at least acknowledge her with a nod. Everyone here who she passed turned away intentionally, fearful of meeting her eyes.
Her confidence began to dwindle from the endless whispers and unfavorable glances, and she found herself anxious to return to her husband. She hurried toward the keep, her head down, paying heed to no one. A sudden frightening screech from what was surely an animal stopped her. She ran toward the terrifying sound to help whatever poor creature was suffering.
It took only a few steps around a cottage to stare horrified at three lads, around ten years of age, throwing stones at a small, black kitten that attempted to shield itself between two barrels pressed tightly together, screeching in fright and pain.