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)
Her feet were ready to rush off and find her husband, but she refused to let them move. Brogan would tell her everything he knew, and she much preferred he tell her when they were alone, since she was already on the verge of tears with worry for Elysia.
She had to get her mind off such dire thoughts. She forced them to turn on thoughts that would easily engage her—building. She looked over the progress of the building again and a thought came to her that had her hoisting the hem of her garments and taking quick steps away from the village.
Brogan kept an eye on his wife as he talked with Rudd. He was sure Una shared the same news with Annis as Rudd had with him, though his news was more in-depth. He was glad for the victory for his friend, Odran, but that victory could also cost him a degree of happiness he had found. He would tell his wife the truth now. She deserved to know. He had given his word to Odran to keep his secret, but it was no longer necessary with his friend having saved Clan Loudon from attack.
His brow narrowed slightly when he saw his wife hike her garments and rush away from the village, only to stop when she was a short distance on the outskirts to view the village from there. He knew her well enough to know that the news about Clan Loudon had upset her and to not let it devastate her, she had turned her mind to the one thing that would help combat her worries—building.
“Your father demands your presence upon your return,” Rudd said.
That drew Brogan’s attention. “Did he say why?”
“He did not,” Rudd said. “When will you want to leave, my lord.”
Brogan grinned. “Come now, Rudd, you know me better than that and I dare say you have no desire to return there. You seem quite comfortable here.”
Rudd nodded again. “I will not deny it, my lord. But I serve you and I go where you go.”
Brogan laid a firm hand on his shoulder. “This is my home, Rudd, and presently I am not going anywhere. Though, the quest may take Annis and me away again. If so, I will take a group of warriors with me this time. But not you, Rudd. You will remain here and oversee the village.”
Rudd drew his shoulders back. “I would prefer to go with you.”
“You serve me better here. Now, I must speak with my wife.”
Rudd gave a respectful nod and Brogan went to join his wife as she continued to survey the village.
Brogan wanted to take her in his arms but did not want to disturb her intense concentration, so he kept his hands at his sides. He had to smile when she planted herself against his side and he gently circled her waist with his arm and gave it a tender squeeze.
“There is a building that must be constructed before winter,” she said.
That she avoided mentioning the news Una had surely told her made him realize she did not want to speak of it just yet and that was fine with him.
“What dwelling do you envision?” he asked.
“A longhouse where the village can come to eat, share talk and laughter, and can house those that have yet to have a dwelling of their own.”
“A wise idea,” he said amazed how his wife’s mind imagined things.
Annis went on to detail her thoughts. “A fire pit in one area and a fireplace of sturdy stone in another so that the dwelling is well-heated against the cold and also two places where food can be cooked. Tables and benches will need to be built as well and beds for those in need.”
“The men will need to start on that right away if it is to be finished before winter.”
“Aye, they will. Leave them to build only a portion of our home. The rest can be finished come spring and summer,” she said.
“I have no argument with that since the space will keep us close throughout the winter,” he said with a smile and a playful wink.
Annis looked up at him, her eyes still intense. “We have a reason to keep close—love.”
“Damn if your words do not steal my heart even more, wife.” He kissed her, a gentle though deep kiss, meant to express his love.
Annis rested her head on his chest once the kiss ended, needing time to catch her breath and calm the passion it had stirred. It also gave time for thoughts of her sisters to rush back at her.
“I should not be so happy with you, husband, when my sisters could be suffering terribly.”
He could not keep the news from her that would ease some of her worry. “I have no word on Bliss, but I can tell you that Elysia is safe.” His wife’s eyes lit with delight, causing his to do the same.