Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“It would seem that way,” Raynor admitted.
“That is good since we are family now,” Tarr said. “Though I am curious, why did you insist on ownership of the Isle of Non?”
Rogan shrugged. “It is a good place. My clan can thrive here.”
“There are other areas where your clan could have thrived; why this particular isle?”
“My father brought me here when I was young and I took a liking to it.”
“It must have made quite an impression on you to remember it after all those years,” Fiona said in between bites.
Rogan stood. “It did. Please enjoy the meal, I have things I must attend to.”
“I offended him?” Fiona asked once he was gone.
Aliss slipped off the bench. “No, he has much to look after. Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”
The sun was bright, the air cool, as Aliss hurried after her husband. She had to keep a quick pace to catch up with him, as his steps were determined.
“Do you run away?” she called out when nearly on top of him.
He spun around. “Go back to your family.”
“What upset you?”
“Nothing. Go to your sister, she needs you.”
“You need me right now,” she said, refusing to be ignored.
“I need no one.”
His words pierced her heart like a sharp blade, but she maintained her courage. He had worked hard to win her and she would work hard to keep their love strong. “I think that you do.”
“You care?”
“Yes, I care or I wouldn’t have come after you.”
He grabbed hold of her, to her surprise, and buried his face in her hair. “I’m glad you care. I’m glad you came after me.”
She hugged him tightly to her. “Tell me what troubles you.”
“Aliss,” Anna yelled from the cottage door, and waved. “You’re needed.”
“Go,” he said, and pushed her away.
“No!” She turned and shouted to Anna, “Take care of it!” Then she turned her attention back to her husband, who stood with a look of shock on his face. “Are you all right?”
“I cannot believe you just did that.” He reached out, grabbed her around the waist, and swung her up against him. “God, but I love you so much.”
“Then tell me what is wrong. You worry me.”
He smiled. “Nothing is wrong. Everything is fine now. We’re all at peace.”
He lowered her and they hugged.
“’Peace.’ I have heard that word often of late, starting with Giann and her prediction. Tarr recently mentioned that his mother had told him this land, which he inherited from her, would bring peace to many. He generously gave of his inheritance so that—”
Aliss gasped and turned wide eyes on her husband. “Oh, my God. Your mother bequeathed this isle to you, as your birthright. Tarr’s mother bequeathed this land to him, as his birthright. Your mother left you in order to protect you and your father. She returned to wed a man of her father’s choosing. That man was Tarr’s father, wasn’t he? Tarr is your half brother.”
He took her hand and tugged her along after him, and she realized that he wanted privacy. They walked to the side of the keep, out of earshot and away from prying eyes.
“Tarr is my half brother.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I asked if there was anything else—”
“What purpose would it serve? It would only hurt others if they knew and what right did I have to ask you to keep my secret? It is better left buried.”
“Doesn’t Tarr have a right to know?” she asked. “That his mother had a first husband and son she loved dearly, was forced to desert them, and was then forced to wed another man and bear him a child?”
“I would want to know that.”
They both turned to see Tarr standing there.
“Fiona isn’t feeling well. I came out to get you, Aliss, and saw you both hurry off. I followed just in time to hear the news—brother.”
“I saw no reason to tell you,” Rogan said defensively.
“I have a right to know.”
“Let’s take this inside so that I may tend to Fiona,” Aliss said.
“You go in, Rogan and I have things to discuss,” Tarr said.
She did not like the way the two men regarded each other. “No, either we all go in, or I remain out here with you both.”
That persuaded Tarr to leave. As they entered the hall Tarr called out.
“Meet my half brother.” He stretched his arm out to Rogan.
“What?” Fiona asked, rubbing her stomach.
Raynor shook his head. “What are you talking about?”
Aliss went over to Fiona.
“Tarr need not have summoned you. It is just an upset stomach, which I seem to suffer often of late. I am more concerned with this news.” Fiona looked to her husband.
Aliss returned to Rogan’s side and took his hand.
“Explain,” Tarr said, bracing himself against the edge of the table near his wife.
“It’s simple. My mother is also your mother,” Rogan said.