Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Varrick spotted him talking with two of his finest warriors, Marsh and Corwin, though all his warriors were exceptional. He would have it no other way.
When he approached the three men, Varrick sent a nod toward the door to Argus. He immediately broke away from the two warriors and hurried to join Varrick.
Once outside, Varrick cast a quick glance at the gray sky. “More snow will fall soon, and I want to be home before too much covers the ground.”
“Aye, all is ready. I await your word, my lord.”
“Newlin has placed an ultimatum of sorts on my claim to the witch, fully knowing he cannot enforce it. He says if I want her, I must wed her,” Varrick said, casting a glance over the small village.
Argus laughed. “Foolish of him demanding something so ridiculous. You need not make the witch your wife and the clan would not be pleased if you did. Besides, how could any man benefit from having a witch for a wife? A wife is enough to deal with without her being a witch.”
Varrick turned to look at his friend, folding his arms across his chest as he did. “How would you know? You have yet to wed.”
“And I intend to keep it that way. I will have no woman harping at me daily, and it makes no sense to tether yourself to a witch for life—” Argus looked at Varrick with admiration. “You would never release her to inflict pain on others, and you would not have Newlin and his clan worry needlessly. Wedding her would be a sacrifice for the greater good.”
“It is no sacrifice when the marriage will not be consummated nor long lived.”
“Aye, my lord,” Argus said with a nod. “Then you will wed her?”
“I admire Newlin for protecting his clan and for his courage to present it to me. I see no reason to deny him peace of mind and heart. Besides, it may prove valuable.”
“Then I congratulate you on your impending yet brief marriage.”
“Make certain the warriors understand that this is temporary and that they are to spread the word throughout the clan, though no such news will reach my wife’s ears. The witch has limited time. There is no reason for worry.”
“Aye, my lord,” Argus said and glanced up at the sky. “Where is Sinead?”
“I let her loose to feed just before arriving here. She will return before we leave,” Varrick said, casting a glance at the sky as well. “I do not like the look of the clouds or the sting of the air. Snow will fall soon, and it feels like a generous one. I want us well on our way before it starts. Snow has fallen early. It will be a harsh winter and I want us home tucked safely away.”
“I will see it done,” Argus said and returned to the Great Hall to speak quietly with the warriors.
Varrick remained outside, taking a few moments for himself before returning to tell Newlin that he would wed the witch. He cared not about her, only what her powers could do for him. If she proved useless, then her fate was sealed, but then it was sealed no matter the outcome.
It was a ruthless thought, but he had not become known as the legendary Highlander by being kind. He earned the renowned name by doing what was necessary, by doing things most turned away from, what most could not stomach.
It was the reason many warriors laid down their weapons when they learned their opponent was the legendary Highlander and his troop. The horror of what they might face was enough for them to surrender without a fight.
Presently, however, a battle waged he feared he might lose and defeat was foreign to him. But how did one defeat an enemy one could not see?
He took a fortifying breath. Now was not the time to think on it. It was time to gather what he came for and be on his way with a weapon that would hopefully bring him victory.
He entered the keep and returned to Newlin’s solar when he did not see him in the Great Hall. The man had remained there looking already defeated.
That changed as soon as Varrick announced, “I will wed the witch. Bring her here now and let us be done with this.”
Newlin hurried to issue orders to bring the witch to his solar as well as the visiting cleric. Newlin had made sure to keep a cleric nearby in hopes all would go as he planned. That it did, left him in shock. He did not think Lord Varrick would agree to wed the witch and he cared not for his reason in doing so. He only knew that Fia would no longer be his problem.
Fia was on her feet pacing the cell when she heard the door at the top of the stairs open. By the sounds of the footfalls there was more than one person descending the stairs.