Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
He sat next to her and before he could tuck her tight against him, she settled against him, tucking herself as close as she could, and his arm wrapped tightly around her.
“You had no answer for me when I asked why someone would want me dead,” she said, content in the safety of his arms and the warmth of his body.
“I suppose it is because I do not want to think of why that might be,” he admitted.
“That it is someone who wishes to hurt you?” she asked. “It would be the most logical conclusion since I have not been here long enough in the Highlands to make enemies or for anyone to know me. It would then seem reasonable to believe that it had more to do with you than me.”
“On that we agree, wife.”
Flora wished to ask more but Walsh entered the room, and she held her tongue.
“You wish to see me, my lord?” Walsh asked, stopping in front of their table.
“Aye, Walsh. I am appreciative of your quick action in helping me a short time ago. Tell me about it,” Torin said. “I am searching for clues as to who these men might be.”
“That’s easy. They are mercenaries,” Walsh said and sat on the bench opposite them at the table before given permission to do so.
“You know that for sure?” Torin asked more concerned by what he knew than by his lack of manners.
“I have seen them around some mercenary camps. They worked for whoever provided the most coin. They are some of the worst of the lot which means more will follow when it is learned they failed at the mission.”
“The coin must be substantial for this mission if three have attempted it so far, though how the two men posing as clerics thought to get away with it holds no logic,” Torin said.
“Their plan went awry when Lady Flora approached them,” Walsh explained with a nod to Flora. “No doubt they planned to befriend her, kill her, and be off the isle before they were discovered,” Walsh said.
Anger fired in Torin thinking how easily he could have lost his wife.
“How is it you did not hear of this mission?” Flora asked.
His wife had asked what he had intended to ask.
“I was busy with the woman I told you about and when I finally left there, the others were far ahead of me.”
“Would you have taken on the mission?” Torin asked, knowing his wife would ask it if he didn’t.
“That would have depended on the price, though with two attempts so close together I assume the payment is substantial and would have tempted me,” Walsh said. “And before you pass judgment, know that it is the only way I know to survive this unforgiving land and those who rule here.”
“That is a poor excuse,” Torin accused.
“Look at the side from which I live it, then tell that to me,” Walsh said, a glow of anger in his eyes.
“My da often argued that you cannot judge another if you have not experienced what they have, while some of his friends thought those who lacked common sense could never be elevated, while others assumed it was the lack of reason that prevented any gain. They would debate it endlessly,” Flora said.
“And what do you believe, my lady?” Walsh asked.
“I believe the answer is elusive, for there are far too many variables to provide a distinct answer, including what life itself throws at a person, thus proving it senseless to constantly chase after an answer that does not exist.”
“Is that all you can tell us of these men?” Torin asked, turning talk back to the matter at hand, not wanting his wife conversing so easily with the man since he did not know if he could be trusted. Though, he had to admit her response to Walsh held wisdom.
“That is all I know,” Walsh said.
Torin doubted that but he would continue to have him watched.
“You should go inspect those campsites,” Flora said after Walsh was gone. “No doubt they belonged to the clerics.” She rested her hand over his on the table. “My duties will keep me in the keep. I am eager to work on the room you allowed me to have for myself.”
He slipped his hand from beneath hers and locked fingers with her. “Until this matter is settled you must be wise in who you trust. There is no telling who is involved with this plot to take you from me.”
Flora shook her head. “Is there anyone who would not want you to wed?”
“Just the opposite, the clan was growing tired of waiting for me to wed and produce an heir. Unless there is an outside source who plots to steal the Isle of Outerson from me.” The possibility had Torin saying, “I will send some men to make inquires.” And hoping the two men he had already sent on a seeking mission would return with news.