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)
“He sleeps peacefully right now, my lady, and he is doing well, walking a bit each day. He truly is improving,” Lath’s mum said, having stepped outside her cottage to talk with Tavia. “I will wake him if you wish.”
“Nay. Nay, sleep helps heal him. I will visit tomorrow,” Tavia said.
Lath’s mum got teary-eyed. “I am forever grateful to you for saving my son’s life, my lady, and seeing him well-tended. You are a blessing to this clan.”
“Thank you, that means much to me,” Tavia said, the woman’s kind words touching her heart.
With a promise to her husband that she would return to the keep once done with Lath, she turned to go there now.
After walking only a short distance, Marta stepped in Tavia’s path so abruptly that she stumbled and Fen rushed in front of her growling, sending Marta hurrying several steps back from the hound and Tavia.
“The witch brought evil on your clan, and she also sent it here with you,” Marta accused. “You claim to love Lord Bhric. If you truly did, you would leave here so he and all others would be safe.”
“I brought no evil with me, Marta, and you know more well than I do that Lord Bhric is a powerful and fearless warrior who would never run from evil. He would destroy it.” Tavia saw heads bob in agreement of those who stopped to watch her and Marta, the warrior who followed Tavia being one of them.
“You will get what you deserve,” Marta spat.
“Do not threaten me, Marta,” Tavia warned, knowing she had to show strength not only to Marta but to those watching.
“Or what?” Marta challenged.
“Or you will answer to Lord Bhric,” Tavia said.
“He is not blind. He will see you for what you truly are… evil,” Marta accused again.
“Enough, Marta, begone with you,” Tavia said with a dismissive wave of her hand, having seen more people gathering to listen and not wanting the confrontation to get out of hand.
“You cannot get rid of me that easily. I will be proven right,” Marta said.
“You will not be here to see whether you are or not,” Tavia said and hearing several gasps realized many thought her remark a threat and hurried to correct it. “You will be leaving for your homeland soon.”
“We will see who will be leaving here,” Marta said.
“Have you not gotten yourself into enough trouble, Marta?”
Tavia was relieved to hear Ingrid’s warning.
“I have cared and tended you, your sisters, and all your brothers since you were all young. I know what is best for each of you. I knew you loved Sven before your mother and father did and I spoke in favor of him for you, for I knew he was good for you. This one,” Marta said with a dismissive wave at Tavia, “is no good for your brother.”
“I appreciate the care and love you gave me, my sisters, and my brothers, and I thank you for speaking up in favor of Sven. But my mother chose Tavia as wife to my brother and I believe it is time we all respected her choice whether we agree with it or not,” Ingrid said. “And while some refuse to see it, it is obvious my brother loves his wife.”
Marta went to argue.
“Enough, Marta,” Ingrid said, “or you chance falling out of favor with my whole family.”
That threat had Marta gasping and it actually brought tears to her eyes. With a lift of her chin, she turned and rushed off.
Ingrid took hold of Tavia’s arm to walk along with her. “Marta has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember, and it truly hurts me to speak that way to her. I cannot understand why she has taken such a dislike to you or why she lied as she did about what went on between you and me. She has always been protective of me and my sisters and brothers, but I have never known her to be as unfair as she has been with you.”
It made Tavia wonder as well. Why was Marta so vehemently opposed to her?
Ingrid stopped a moment, her hand going to rest on her large-rounded stomach.
“You are feeling well?” Tavia asked, concerned something might be wrong.
“I am and I will be glad when the little devil is born, he is forever kicking me,” Ingrid said with a soft laugh and began walking again. “No doubt we will hear good news from you and Bhric soon.”
“It is possible,” Tavia said glad she could speak the truth and glad it might be possible that she could be with child.
Let’s sit and have a hot brew and talk,” Ingrid said and Tavia was only too happy to agree.
Bhric and Sven found their wives in the Great Hall a couple of hours later.
“Is all well?” Ingrid asked anxiously as both men approached the table.