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)
“You will take Fen with you,” he said, and his wife beamed with a smile of happiness that poked at his heart. Bloody hell, but he loved his wife.
“You are the best husband,” Tavia said and went up on her toes to kiss him.
Bhric grabbed her around her waist and lifted her so that she could reach his lips easily.
“Later,” she whispered in his ear when the kiss finished.
“Sooner,” he whispered back and was pleased when he felt her shudder against him. He placed her on her feet. “Sven, my wife and Fen go with you, be watchful of her.”
Sven laughed. “That war hound will not let anyone near her.”
“And either will you,” Bhric ordered.
“Aye, my lord,” Sven said and grabbed a cloak from the ones that hung on pegs near the door to drape over Tavia before they left the Great Hall.
“My solar, Bernard,” Bhric ordered, taking advantage of time alone with the man.
Bernard followed apprehensively behind him.
Bhric filled a goblet with wine and handed it to Bernard once in his solar. “What haven’t you told me, Bernard?”
Bernard gulped down a good portion of wine before he spoke. “Many in the clan and even among our own people believe the witch cursed the clan to suffer before Lord Varrick took her away.”
“Did anyone hear her curse the clan?” Bhric asked.
Bernard shook his head. “None can say they did.”
“What else do you keep from me?” Bhric asked, easy to see the man was reluctant to say more.
Bernard fortified himself with more wine before responding. “I have been warned to hold my tongue.”
“Who warned you?” Bhric demanded, angry that someone had had the audacity to warn one of his warriors to keep something from him.
“Auda, the clan healer. She warned me not to speak of it or—”
“Or what?” Bhric demanded again when Bernard suddenly stopped speaking.
“Forgive me, my lord, but I do not know if I should say.”
“I will make it easy for you, Bernard. You will tell me or suffer for it,” Bhric ordered.
“I will not be the one who suffers, my lord.”
Bhric was ready to threaten the man when he gave it thought. “Auda attempts to protect someone.”
“Aye, my lord,” Bernard said relieved.
Bhric did not have to guess who. He knew. “My wife.”
Bernard nodded, holding his tongue as if fearful something might slip out.
“It is just you and me, Bernard. You will tell me,” Bhric said in a commanding tone that brooked no opposition.
Bernard did not hesitate to obey. “There is talk that the witch allowed herself to be caught to carry out her evil plan. She cast a spell on your wife so that you and others will fall to her command. She will then cast a spell on Lord Varrick, and he will fall to her command. Once done, she will rule both clans and more if given the chance.”
“This is dangerous talk,” Bhric said, fear rising up within him for his wife.
“It is, my lord,” Bernard hastily agreed and lifted his goblet to his lips as if to stop himself from saying any more.
“You downed the last of your wine only moments ago, what do you fear saying?”
Bernard kept his voice low though there was only himself and Bhric in the room. “How is it that your wife has the skill or power to command a war hound, my lord? I only ask because it is what others will ask and believe when those in Clan Strathearn learn of it. Not that I would say a word, but eventually it will be heard. And news will also be heard of how well you and your wife get along, from what I can see, when you were not at all pleased with her when you left Clan Strathearn.”
Bhric could see how it could be misconstrued, especially with an illness having hit the clan and he was quick to order, “You will repeat none of this to anyone.”
“Aye, my lord, but—”
“But what?” Bhric urged when Bernard hesitated.
“But what by chance if it is true?”
CHAPTER 23
Bhric kept his eyes on his wife as she talked with Hertha, Greta, and Bernard in the Great hall. They were deep in discussion asking Bernard endless questions while Greta and Hertha exchanged opinions. Had the witch placed a spell on his wife or as Sven had once suggested… had Tavia asked the witch for… what? Had she requested a spell to have him fall in love with her? He did not want to believe that, but would he be a fool not to consider it? But what were the consequences of him doubting their love for each other?
“You do not look pleased,” Sven said when he stopped next to Bhric. “More troubling news?”
“Something I will need to keep watch on.”
“Should I be aware of it?” Sven asked.
“Not yet. I want to see what comes of it without anyone knowing,” Bhric said. “Though you will keep me aware of any rumors concerning my wife.”