Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 100029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
“Aye,” she said cheerfully as she snatched up her shift. “If we had not made love, we would have been fully dressed and our garments would be soaked.”
Brogan’s brow shot up. “You’re right. We were lucky.” He winked. “In more ways than one.”
She laughed and fell into his arms. “I love you, husband, and we will have a good life, together.”
He hugged her tight to make sure he wasn’t dreaming that this was real, that their love was real, and he prayed—prayed harder than he ever did—that she was right, and they would have a good life together.
18
Annis scoured the sky for the ravens as they left the croft the next morning, hoping the ebony birds would guide them to the woman with the limp. But the skies and trees remained empty, not a raven in sight.
Brogan had wanted to repair the roof for the elderly couple, but both had insisted it was not necessary. They had not made use of the dwelling in years. They had taken their leave with promises that Brogan would send word when all was ready for the couple to move to the village.
“I do hope the ravens return,” Annis said as their horses kept a steady gait.
“Perhaps they show themselves only when needed,” he said then quickly asked, “You are not too uncomfortable to ride?”
She tilted her head at him. “Why would I be uncomfortable to ride?” She shook her head. “Oh!” It dawned on her what he meant, and his concern touched her heart. “It is thoughtful of you to ask, but I suffer no discomfort from making love. Actually, I feel better than I have ever felt.”
Brogan grinned. “I will make certain that I keep you feeling better and better.”
“There you go thinking highly of yourself,” she said with a laugh. “Though, this time you have a right to, and I eagerly look forward to you making me feel better and better.”
“You have my word on that wife,” he assured her, intending to find an isolated and safe spot to spend the night so he could keep his word to her.
Her thoughts quickly shifted to their quest. “Have you been to this village we go to?”
“I have, but it is not truly a village. It has but two structures. One is a place to purchase food and drink and the other a place where you can learn where coins can be had.” He turned a stern eye on her. “I warn you now to stay close by my side. It sits on the border of two clans so neither clan cares much about it, leaving it on its own. With no one to control it, there are no rules to govern it. It is pretty much a lawless place and a place where people only stop for a short while.”
“What brought you there before this visit?”
“I was searching for Rannick.”
“Why would he go there?” she asked.
“He heard word there was a mercenary group forming to go across the sea to fight for coins. He wanted to join them.”
“I assume he left before you could stop him since it is known his father sent men to return him home.”
Brogan turned quiet.
“Your silence tells me there is something you do not wish me to know. I will have no secrets between us, husband,” she said sternly.
“I will keep none from you,” he said, glad he had someone to share things with after spending years of keeping things to himself because he trusted few people. “I went to find Rannick to join him.”
Annis gasped. “You intended to travel to a foreign land to fight?”
He nodded. “I would not see my friend go alone. I feared he would never return.”
She gasped again. “You think you cannot die so you wanted to go to let death touch you and not him.”
“Death cannot claim me,” he reminded.
Annis shook her head. “I do not believe that. No curse can cheat death.”
“Then how do you explain how death has avoided me?”
“Sheer good fortune,” she snapped.
“Good fortune?” He scowled. “With the many times I have come close to death, you believe it was good fortune that saved me?”
She nodded firmly, wanting to believe her own words, needing to. Her heart would break to think otherwise. “I do. I believe you are a most fortunate man.”
“How can you believe such nonsense when you, yourself, fight to break the curse?”
Tears troubled her eyes. “I have to believe it, for to think the opposite tears at my heart.”
Brogan positioned Belle to bring Annis’s horse to a stop, then he quickly snatched Annis off her horse to rest in front of him on his horse.
He wiped away the few tears that trickled from her eyes. “You are right, wife. I am a most fortunate man, and you are proof of that. I am most fortunate that you came into my life, that you love me, and that you agreed to be my wife.” He kissed her gently.