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)
“Please, my lord, you must help us. The Clan Macavoy will soon be under attack and Chieftain Thumford begs your help. It cannot wait or it may be too late.”
Marsh and Corwin approached with rushed steps.
“Clan Macavoy is in need of immediate help,” Varrick said. “Marsh, you will remain here and in command. Corwin you will take some men and retrieve the body found in the woods and bring it here. Argus, you will come with me. Gather a large troop of warriors. We leave immediately.” The three men dispersed to ready themselves.
“Thank you, Lord Varrick. Thank you,” the young man said with relief.
“Go quench your thirst and rest a moment before we leave,” Varrick ordered, and with a respectful bob of his head to Varrick, he followed a warrior into the keep.
Fia knew what her husband would say when he turned to her, and she gripped his arm as she spoke before he did. “I will follow Marsh’s command, keep myself busy tending the ill, and remain within the walls of the castle when done while you are gone.”
“You know my thoughts,” he accused.
“Nay. I have come to know you.” She clung a bit tighter to his arm. “You will be careful, Varrick, and return home safely with your warriors.”
Her soft voice drifted over and through him like a gentle melody or was it a spell she cast?
Annoyed, he snapped, “Your magic does not work on me, wife.”
She leaned in closer to him, her whispered breath caressing his face. “Nay, but that I care for you does work magic.”
Varrick stared at her, his heart suddenly beating wildly, and an unfamiliar churning in his stomach, and he was close to losing the battle to take her in his arms and kiss her.
“The men wait for you, my lord,” Argus called out.
He had made sure his men trained to be ready at a moment’s notice and this was one time he wished they had been a bit slower, and it was the first-time battle did not appeal to him.
Fia’s hand fell reluctantly off him, and she stepped back, fearful she would kiss him. “I will be here waiting for you.”
“Aye, you will be here. I will have it no other way,” he warned and turned to hurry and mount his horse before he lost control, grabbed his wife, and kissed her for all to see.
Marsh stepped beside her while Varrick rode off.
“How long do you think it will be before he returns home?” Fia asked.
“That is difficult to say, my lady. It depends if a battle is already in play when Lord Varrick arrives or if he can stop it before it begins. Many times, his appearance alone prevents a battle. It’s strange though,” Marsh said, scratching his head. “I do not understand why anyone would be foolish enough to attack Clan Macavoy. Everyone knows the clan is under Lord Varrick’s protection. Worry not, though, I am sure all will go well.”
Fia nodded, feeling apprehensive and not knowing why.
He will return safely to you.
She blessed the voice in her head, grateful for it this time.
“I know my husband expects you to keep watch over me, but you no doubt have things that need your attention… like a newborn son. So, if you leave me at the healing cottage, I will wait there for your return.”
“I saw people gathering at the healing cottage once the news spread that you would not go into the forest today. You will be kept busy,” Marsh said.
“Something I do not mind,” Fia said and walked with Marsh.
“Lady Fia.”
Fia turned with a smile to see Dysa and Seth. “You are looking so much better, Seth.”
“I am feeling much better, my lady,” Seth said with a smile and a bob of his head.
Dysa smiled and hugged her husband’s arm. “Your brews and rest have done him well. You are an excellent healer.”
“Marsh, Corwin needs to speak with you before he takes his leave,” a warrior called out.
Marsh cast an anxious glance at Fia.
“We can escort Lady Fia to wherever she is going?” Seth offered.
“That would be lovely,” Fia said and nodded at Marsh. “I will wait at the cottage until you return for me.”
“My thanks,” Marsh said and rushed off.
“News spread that Lord Varrick rides into battle,” Dysa said. “I believe all will go well for him.”
“As do I,” Fia agreed.
“Is it true a man was found dead in the woods?” Seth asked.
“I’m afraid so,” Fia said. “Though we can be thankful he was not part of the clan.”
“That is good to hear. Whispers say the God of Death is at least satisfied,” Dysa said with a shiver.
“My grandmother believed Arawn was never satisfied since she battled him endlessly,” Fia said, with a smile, recalling her grandmother yelling at Death, though he could not be seen, that he would not get those she was helping to heal. “I sometimes think she enjoyed the battle, and she very much enjoyed the victories.”