Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“How is it that his father and brother are dead?” Cavell asked, keeping his voice to a whisper so as not to wake his wife.
Melvin did the same when he spoke. “He was and remains beyond rage when the news reached him. His brother, Warrand, died from an attack on him and his troop as they returned home from a visit to,” —his eyes strayed past the flames to Elsie— “Clan Murdock, and his father, Lord Bannaty, was poisoned a week later. He died in Slayer’s arms.”
“I assume that Slayer believes my marriage into Clan Murdock could be beneficial for him and Noble warns me to remain in it until they can garner something fruitful from it. And the problem that brews is battle with whoever is responsible for Slayer’s father and brother’s deaths.”
Melvin nodded. “Lord Slayer will hunt down who did the killing, but he will go to war with the person who ordered their deaths and decimate him and his clan. Lord Slayer is well aware that he freed you of the Gallowglass, but as a once Gallowglass warrior, he requests your support and in return when all is done, he will see you freed from your marriage if that is what you wish, and he will also pay the debt you owe Lord Cree, freeing you of any obligations so you may live your life as you choose. It is a generous offer, Cavell.”
“And one that I might not live to enjoy if someone sees me as being in the way.”
“There is that possibility, but Lord Slayer thought that once you took control of Clan Murdock you might find it to your liking and—”
“And become chieftain of the clan and claim fealty to him.”
“There is that.”
“I do not want to lead. I want to live in peace.”
“Something most people want. Me, I prefer battle,” Melvin said and once again glanced at Elsie. “You might want to consider your wife. Whatever trouble is brewing involves Clan Murdock, which means her life could be in danger.”
Clouds filled the sky the next morning and along with them came a chill. Elsie stayed huddled against her husband as they continued their journey, his body heat keeping her warm as it had done last night.
“You talked with Melvin last night,” she said, having waited until they were alone, Melvin having left just before they did at dawn this morning.
“What makes you think that?” Cavell asked, wondering if she had heard them.
“Men like to talk alone with other men just as women like speaking privately with other women,” she said, letting him know that men and women both kept secrets.
“We talked some,” he said and thought it the perfect time to see what she might know, if anything, of Slayer’s brother Warrand’s visit to Clan Murdock. “He mentioned Slayer’s brother Warrand paying a visit to your clan.” He saw that she was surprised by the news, her brow arching slightly.
“Not when I was there, though I do recall my da being upset after a visit from Lord Bannaty and grumbling that there was no pleasing nobility. But he never told me what they discussed.”
“Was that before or after my father arranged our marriage?” Cavell asked, trying to see what events might tie people together and give clues to the culprit behind it all.
“It was after our marriage documents were signed, so perhaps Lord Bannaty was not pleased that my father would pledge his allegiance to your clan,” she suggested, and her brow wrinkled in question. “Is there something you are not telling me?”
He saw no reason to keep the news of the two deaths from her since she would learn of it soon enough. “Warrand was killed in an attack on his return ride home after visiting with your da and Lord Bannaty was poisoned and died a week later.”
“Good Lord!” Elsie said and fear suddenly filled her eyes. “Lord Slayer isn’t blaming my da, is he?”
“Is there any reason he should?” Cavell asked.
“None!” she snapped, defending her da. “My da is a chieftain who cares well for his clan and his daughters and asks nor expects anything of such powerful men.” Her worry grew. “If you think of asking such a question of my da, then Slayer will as well. I need to return home now and see that no harm befalls him.”
“And what if your da does plot and he is using you and your sisters as pawns in that plot? Any one of you could be in danger.”
Elsie shook her head, angry that he could suggest such an outrageous thing. “Never! Never would my da do that. Whoever plots this scheme also plots against my da and since he is too weak to defend himself, it falls to you, next Chieftain of Clan Murdock, to protect him.”
“Not until I make sure he poses no danger to you,” he said and shook his head when she went to protest. “You waste your time objecting. It is my decision to make, and I have made it.”