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)
Bhric turned. “It will not be talking we do when I enter this room next.”
She had no reply for him, too shocked by his words, and his rapid departure.
Marta stepped forward. “I will help you refresh yourself, then you will rest so you are ready for the festivities tonight.”
Tavia spied the bucket of water and stack of cloths by the hearth. She had what she needed to see to her leg.
“I appreciate your help, but I have no need of it. You are dismissed,” Tavia said, feeling uneasy with the woman’s obvious dislike of her.
“I have been ordered to tend you,” Marta said defiantly.
Tavia felt a fright as the woman approached and instinct had her pointing her finger at the woman and speaking with authority. “I have given you an order. Take your leave now.”
The woman hesitated, casting Tavia a strange look, and appeared as if to argue with her when a knock sounded at the door.
“It is Hertha, my lady, I have come to tend you.”
“Let her in,” Tavia ordered, and Marta went to the door.
Hertha did not wait for permission to enter, she pushed past the woman, and went straight to Tavia.
Marta appeared ready to protest.
“Take your leave,” Tavia ordered again.
The woman hesitated a moment, then without so much of a nod left the room.
“I got here as soon as I could. I knew your leg would need tending. Now let me help you get all but your shift off so you may rest comfortably,” Hertha said, taking things in hand.
Her familiar soothing voice and kind nature brought Tavia much-needed comfort and as the young woman worked, she talked which made Tavia relax even more.
“Hume and I were surprised when we were taken to a nice cottage with Doritt and Edward and told it was ours and we were expected to do our share. In all Doritt’s six years and Edward’s eight, neither had seen, let alone lived in such a fine place. They both began to cry, and Edward bravely stepped forward and said he was ready to see to his chore.” Hertha wiped at her own tears. “The warrior nodded to me and Hume and told Edward that that was his mum and da’s decision. I have never seen the two bairns so happy. I hope the other children who Lord Ivan mistreated have found as good a home as we have.”
The news brought great relief to Tavia, for it made what she had done worthwhile. And when Hertha settled the warm, wet cloth on her leg, she rested her head back on the pillow the young woman had braced behind her back and sighed with relief. She closed her eyes and listened to Hertha talk as she worked to brew a drink near the hearth that would help with the pain.
“I cannot believe after almost three days of travel there will be a celebration tonight. These Northmen have great stamina. I hear there will be much food and drink. Already they light more campfires throughout the village and food has been cooking on spits for hours. There is a joy in the air that I have never felt before and it is quite invigorating. Everyone talks of the lord’s new wife and how soon news will not only be heard of an heir to the Clan MacShane but also an heir to the mighty Thrubolt tribe. It is a special night for sure.”
Tavia opened her eyes. “A night I cannot miss.”
“Aye, my lady,” Hertha said and handed her a tankard. “This will help you rest and ease the pain. Sit as much as you can tonight. I will return in the morning and tend your leg again.”
“I am grateful, Hertha, and relieved you are with me,” Tavia said. “I ask that you let me know all you hear and see so I am not blind and ignorant as to what is said around me.”
“You unselfishly made sure the clan and those who helped the children remained safe. We all owe you much. So, have no fear, my lady, Hume and I will watch out for you. Finish the drink and rest. I will return later to help get you ready for the celebration.”
Exhausted from two days of travel, sleep came quickly to Tavia, but it was not Hertha who woke her later. It was Marta.
“Wake up!” Marta snapped.
The unfamiliar voice startled Tavia and she hurried to sit up, wincing as she did, having disturbed her leg with her sudden movement.
“You must prepare for the celebration,” Marta ordered. “I will help you dress in the garments of our people.”
Tavia followed the woman’s eyes to several garments draped over a chair.
“They will keep you warm unlike the light wool garments you wore here,” Marta said.
Tavia kept her garments light on purpose, having discovered heavier material weighed on her causing her leg discomfort. Besides, this was her homeland, and she would not wear foreign garments here.