Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102573 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
“Friendship is all I have to offer people and hounds,” Tavia said, her hand slipping off his arm.
He grew more annoyed that she moved her hand off him. He favored her touch, simple as it was. Though, he wondered far too often how more of an intimate touch of hers would feel.
“We will see how Fen does with us today,” he said, thinking Fen would prove himself one way or another and seal his fate.
The Great Hall was empty. It would be an hour or more before anyone would stir.
“Fen needs to go out and I would like to see how Lath does before breakfast,” Tavia said.
Bhric grabbed a fur-lined cloak from the few kept by the door and draped it over her shoulders, then grabbed his that hung there. They stepped outside to see a ray of light peek on the horizon, dawn ready to break. Cold air stung their cheeks and before Bhric could take his wife’s hand to help her down the steps, fearful they could be icy and her limp would cause her to slip, Fen took a stance on the step below the one she was on so that she had no choice but to maneuver the steps slowly.
Perhaps the hound would prove useful to his wife, a thought he had not considered but he intended to consider now.
Bhric took her arm, to assist her and Fen moved away to drift off and see to his duties. He noticed the hound’s eyes never left Tavia. He kept a good watch over her.
“You can feel the snow that will fall,” Tavia said, keeping hold of her husband’s arm not that she needed his help to walk. She liked his warmth and the strength of his arm and wished more from their marriage. She would even take friendship, since at the moment she did not feel they shared even that.
“Aye, we will have snow sometime today,” he said and thought how pleasant it would be to pass the snowy day in bed with his wife.
The unexpected thought startled him. What was the matter with him thinking that way? It would get him into trouble and yet the thought lingered.
Fen suddenly stepped in front of them, preventing them from taking another step. Bhric immediately stepped in front of Tavia, shielding her with his big body as he shouted out, “WHO GOES THERE?”
“It is Glenna, my lord,” the old woman said as she drifted out of the receding darkness.
“What has you about so early?” Bhric demanded.
Glenna lowered her head when she stopped not far from them. “My husband is feverish, and I sought Hertha’s help.” She held up a pouch. “She gave me this. My apologies that we linger here, but William is far too ill to travel.”
“Stay as long as necessary,” Tavia said.
“See that your husband rests, we will discuss your stay here later,” Bhric said before his wife could say more.
“Why not invite them to stay with the clan? Do you fear they are too old and are not fit enough to contribute their fair share?” she asked after Glenna took hasty steps away from them.
“Until I know more about them, I will not offer them anything other than a temporary place to rest,” he said and took hold of her arm once again.
“You do not trust easily.” She welcomed the return of his arm, curling hers around his snugly.
“A necessary and beneficial skill for a wise leader,” he said without apology. “Besides, trust is better off earned.”
Her question came without restraint. “Will I earn your trust, husband?”
His response did the same. “That remains to be seen.”
His remark did not give her hope.
Dawn had the sky partially lit when they reached the cottage where Lath lay. Hume was standing outside stretching his arms to the sky and kept them that way when he spotted Fen beside Tavia.
“Fen will not harm you,” she said, thinking she would no doubt repeat those words often today.
Hume appeared to be skeptical of her claim and lowered his arms slowly and was surprised when Fen obeyed Tavia’s command to sit and stay.
“He is a war hound, Lady Tavia, and will attack with the least provocation. He may seem docile, but trust me, he is far from it,” Hume warned.
“Your friend speaks wisely,” Bhric said, glad someone else cautioned her and thinking he himself should heed the reminder. The glare his wife set on him was not meant to make him smile but he could not help it, her scowl was more adorable than threatening. Though, his smile did not last long.
“You are a warrior who has fought many battles and has worn the blood of your enemies… will you attack me without provocation?” she asked.
“Humans and animals are far different creatures,” Bhric said.
“Are they? It seems that both have an animalistic nature to them,” Tavia debated. “Isn’t it that distinct nature you take into battle?”