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)
He began to walk around the room.
Aliss noticed how his steps faltered now and again, though not as badly as when he had first attempted to walk. He had had to lean on her, take short steps, day after day until he could finally stand on his own.
She had thought he would protest being dependent on her, but he seemed comfortable with her assistance.
He talked as he walked. “Tell me about yourself, Aliss.”
“There is not much to tell.”
“Tell me anyway,” he urged. “Your voice has a way of soothing the soul, which I have no doubt aids in healing.”
Aliss was never comfortable with compliments. Healing to her was a privilege and she respected her learned skill, and did all she could to learn more. She derived a sense of satisfaction and self-worth from her healing work and intended to continue with it for as long as she could.
“Where were you born?”
“Northwest of here, where the mountains rise so high you would think they reach to the heavens.”
“Your parents still live there?”
“My parents passed on ten years ago, and what of you?”
“We talk of you not me.”
She smiled. “Why do you and Tarr battle?”
Raynor broke into a huge grin. “Tarr is foolish to think that one twin is stronger than the other.”
“My sister is much stronger than I.”
“I see a balance of strength between the two of you,” he said. “And I do not understand how Tarr cannot see the obvious differences between you.”
“He does not look closely enough.”
“I heard the differences,” he said proudly.
“What did you hear?” she asked curiously.
Raynor paced slowly beside the table. “I heard a gentle caring in your voice.” He laughed. “I actually thought I had died and an angel spoke to me, then I heard your sister.” He laughed again. “For a moment I thought perhaps heaven and hell fought over me.”
Aliss could not prevent herself from laughing, though she was quick to defend her sister. “Fiona has a good heart.”
“I have learned that, but at the time the sharp tone of her voice warned me that she was not to be taken lightly. Where your hands healed, hers could do damage. You also have patience—”
“Fiona has—”
“Patience when it suits her,” Raynor finished. “Your strength comes in your tender, caring nature. Fiona’s strength comes in her quick mind and actions. She would defend you with her life.”
“As I would her.”
“A bond like yours is rare and I dare say cannot be broken.”
“We will not let it be,” Aliss said adamantly.
He walked over to her. “You and your sister can live in peace on my land. My people would welcome your healing skills, and they would welcome a warrior such as your sister.”
“You tempt me with your generous offer, but the choice must be Fiona’s. If she finds Tarr to her liking, then she will convince Tarr that we are not to be separated. Wherever we go, we go together.”
“There are no conditions to my offer.”
“I appreciate your generosity,” she said, comfortable that he spoke the truth to her. He was a warrior in strength, demeanor and word, which made him an honorable man and why she was curious as to his battle with Tarr.
“I have little time here.”
She held up her hand. “Tell me no more, for I will speak the truth when questioned.”
“When the time is right, I will tell you everything, and you must trust me.”
She was surprised by his adamancy. “I would trust that any decisions would be left to me.”
“You are wise beyond your years, and I believe you would make a wise choice.”
His answer disturbed her for it sounded more like a warning. She watched him make his way back to the bed, fighting to regain his strength in each step he took. Soon he would be fully recovered. She felt he probably was already planning his escape. Did he expect Fiona and her to go with him? And if they did not, what then?
She would speak with Fiona about this conversation and see what she thought. It seemed that they needed to be aware of everyone around them. But then they had faced such a situation once before together.
She remembered when they had first arrived at the clan MacElders. Uncle Tavish had told them it would be their home and they need never worry again. The clan was their family and would always be their family.
While they had been accepted and treated well by the clan, they themselves always felt different. They remained close, doing everything together. They were sisters and best friends, and they allowed nothing to come between.
Fiona had sensed there would be trouble when Uncle Tavish passed on. He was a man who gave thought to his actions and consideration to his clan. His son Leith did not think on things; his actions were not always wise or beneficial to all, and he often considered himself before anyone else.