Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“I need proof,” she challenged.
He held his hand out to her and she eagerly took it.
“You shall have fresh meat for supper this evening.”
They walked into the woods, Fiona wishing she had her bow. Unfortunately, she would be a spectator only for this hunting expedition.
She caught the sight of tracks early on but said nothing to Tarr. Her father had taught her to hunt well, and she had sharpened her skills through the years. She would not chance ever going hungry.
“I would teach you how to track,” Tarr whispered. “But silence is best when hunting.”
She nodded and paid careful attention to his steps and actions. It did not take long to realize his trap remained set and that he waited to snare her. Fiona drifted away from him to purposely cross the animal’s tracks that she had seen and had thought Tarr ignored.
He grabbed her arm and shook his head. “Follow in my footsteps. You trample tracks.”
Fiona looked with eager eyes at the ground around her. “Where?”
With an exasperated huff, he tugged her behind him.
She pursed her lips to keep her giggle silent. She could only imagine how confused he must feel, and a part of her sympathized with him—but only a tiny part. After all, he had brought this on himself and would suffer his own consequences just as he had proclaimed for Raynor.
They moved along, Fiona turning her footsteps light so they could barely be heard. When finally a rabbit was spotted, they both stilled. Tarr took aim and missed.
She could have told him his aim was off just by the way he held his bow, but she remained quiet and alert. She wanted to grab the bow from his hands when he missed the second animal, but wisely remained quiet.
She was glad she had, for when he missed the third she knew then that his haphazard aim was off on purpose. He truly was a skilled warrior, especially adept at subterfuge.
“I think you need some practice,” she whispered in his ear.
He turned. “Let us see if you are any better.”
She could not refuse his offer since he shoved the bow into her hands. The smooth wood was warm from his grasp, but without the sweat found on the bows of warrior’s lacking confidence.
Tarr had no such problem. He had a faith in himself that Fiona admired. At first, she had believed him arrogant and dictatorial, but lately, after getting to know him, she had revised her opinion. He was a man of honor and distinguished pride, and of course a proficient strategist, even at a moment’s notice.
He grew more appealing the more he intrigued her.
She fumbled with the bow and arrow, though it was unfair to Aliss. Fiona had taught her sister the fundamentals of bow hunting in case the need should ever arise, and she had hit her target often enough.
For now at least, Tarr expected a difference between the twins, and she did not intend to disappointment him.
Fiona laughed as she clumsily attempted to connect bow and arrow. Tarr stood watching her until, finally, shaking his head, he took the weapon from her. He moved close beside her, his body leaning into hers, and she let him.
She waited to see his intention, and in that moment of awkward silence, she thought she heard the steady beat of his heart. It was a strong, rhythmic thumping, not too fast or too slow but sturdy and dependable.
The solid strength of him had impressed her, but this self-assurance made her realize just how worthy an opponent he was.
“Why are you so opposed to this union?”
His question startled her. “You ask such a question while hunting?”
“We hunt not only for food but the truth, and you are well aware of that.”
“The truth is Fiona never wanted this marriage, and with many willing MacElder woman to choose from this all could have been settled by now. If you search for the truth, then I suggest you begin with yourself. Why did you pick Fiona?”
She shook her head before Tarr responded. “Do not bother with the same explanation. Tell me something different.”
He answered fast enough. “I wished a woman of multiple talents, not merely the basics.”
“Why?”
“So that we would have interests to share and I would not grow bored with her.”
“Are you sure it is not love you look for?” she asked.
“Why are you so insistent on loving?”
“Love bonds.”
“Commitment bonds. Love has nothing to do with it.”
Fiona scowled. “You are cynical when it comes to love.”
“And you are childish to believe such fairy tales of everlasting love.”
All but ready to lash out at him she kept a tight rein on her mouth. Instead, she asked, “Why are you afraid to love?”
He stared at her as if she had just pierced his heart with an arrow. “I fear nothing.”
She shrugged. “Deny it if you wish, but it is obvious.”