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)
“How long did that go on?” Fiona asked.
“It never stopped. Different areas were searched.”
“I do not understand how the twins were not found,” Tarr said. “The area where they resided was only a week or two journey from your home. Odo must have covered that area.”
“He did but no twin babes were seen.”
“Did he consult with Giann on locating us?” Fiona asked.
“I am sure he did. He trusted her word.”
“I was thinking earlier,” Fiona said, “that no one would benefit from our disappearance, and that it cannot be determined it was a vengeful act. What if our abduction was planned to protect us until we could return prepared?”
Raynor shook his head. “But for what reason? Prepared for what?”
“We, Aliss and I would be the reason and prepared for what I am not sure.”
“Are you suggesting that this was planned before your birth?” Tarr asked.
“Yes, and it is because of you I thought of this.”
“How?” He shook his head, realization dawning. “Your father. He taught you to defend and survive.”
“And mother taught Aliss to heal should either of us need it.”
“You mean that you and Aliss were purposely placed with the couple who raised you?” Raynor asked.
“It makes sense when you add all the pieces together,” Fiona explained. “You tell us that Shona the slave who abducted us loved and cared for us. She would not want to see us harmed and she would want us to survive.”
“Or know the reason you both needed to survive,” Tarr said.
Raynor shook his head. “You are confusing me yet I see where this makes sense, and how it all points to Giann.”
“She would be the one who would have known the twins’ fate,” Tarr said.
“And the reason why it was necessary for us to survive and one day return.”
“Then you think she enlisted the aid of Shona?” Raynor asked.
“She would need someone she could trust with the twins,” Tarr said. “Someone who would protect them even at a risk to her own life.”
“Shona would have done that,” Raynor confirmed. “Then they would need someone to teach the twins.”
“Enter Peter and Eleanor, the couple who took us,” Fiona said. “Who I am sure must have known Giann.”
“Why this elaborate plan?” Raynor asked. “Why not just tell my parents and”—His abrupt silence had him looking from Fiona to Tarr. “She did not trust my parents.”
“Not necessarily,” Fiona said. “She may not have thought them capable of protecting us.”
“Mother and father would have died protecting you both.”
Fiona shook her head slowly. “I do not think that was to be their fate. Perhaps Giann protected more than Aliss and me.”
“Giann knows we will come for her, that is why she resides with the Wolf clan,” Raynor said.
“My thought as well,” Tarr admitted. “That is why you and I shall go alone to the Wolf clan to speak with Giann.”
“We tell no one of our plans.”
“Kirk knows,” Tarr admitted.
“He will say nothing; he is a friend,” Raynor said. “Which I hope now we are since you wed my sister.”
Tarr acknowledged by offering Raynor his hand. “Our clans join, though there is the matter of the Isle of Non to settle.”
“I am sure we can agree on something,” Raynor said, and shook his hand.
“I am glad you two have laid the past to rest,” Fiona said. “But there is one thing that has not been mentioned.”
The two men waited for her to explain.
“If Giann thought Aliss and me in harm’s way, enough to remove us from our home—”
Raynor finished for her. “Then the threat comes from within the clan Blackshaw.”
Chapter 33
Aliss was enjoying hot mulled cider with Kirk’s wife Erin when the cottage door burst open and Fiona marched in.
“What are you doing here?” Fiona went on questioning before Aliss could answer. “Are you not supposed to be resting? Have you miraculously recovered? Why is your wound no longer bandaged? And where is mother? I go to your room and you were not there, and mother was not there—”
“Fiona,” Aliss interrupted abruptly, though calmly, “join us, the cider is fresh and hot.”
Fiona slipped the green cloak off her shoulders, dropped it over the back of the chair she sat in, and quietly said, “I was worried when I could not find you.”
“My fault,” Erin said.
Aliss was quick to amend. “No one’s fault, the babe was not feeling well and Erin requested my help. I thought I would return before the keep stirred.”
“What of mother? And who brought you the message? It could have been a ruse. It could have been—”
“It was not. Kirk came for me and escorted me to his cottage. And as for mother, I sent her to her own bedchamber to sleep. She is exhausted from tending me and needs rest herself. I am well enough now and need no pampering or fussing, and my wound needs fresh air. And what brings you after me so early?”