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)
“There are more important things for us to discuss.”
He stopped abruptly. “There is nothing more important than your safety and you being unwise when it comes to it.” He resumed walking, once again tugging her along with him.
Elsie held her tongue since she had no defense. She had made an unwise decision, but she learned from it and would not be so foolish to repeat it… unless necessary.
They rounded the bend and her eyes fell on a chilling sight. She had seen dead bodies before, helped prepare several for burial, but never had she seen a man with so many stab wounds or his throat sliced.
Melvin stood looking down at the dead man while the few clansmen who had accompanied her husband stood aside, whispering to each other, all clearly worried.
Melvin’s head shot up. “Slayer will be furious when he learns what was done to Clyde. He will demand revenge for the brutal killing. I will go and inform him.”
“And risk the same happening to you?” Cavell asked, shaking his head.
“Slayer needs to know, and I am not afraid,” Melvin said with a defiant lift of his chin.
“We both know that Slayer will send someone when Clyde does not return in a timely manner,” Cavell said.
“But what do we risk by waiting?” Melvin asked. “What if forces gather that we do not know about? Slayer needs to be prepared.”
“Don’t you think he doesn’t already know that?” Cavell asked. “Have you ever known Slayer not to be prepared or that he never fails to be one step ahead of his foe?”
“He was not prepared for his brother and father’s deaths,” Melvin reminded.
“That says something in itself,” Cavell said.
“I don’t understand,” Melvin said.
“With all the tentacles Slayer has spread over the Highlands and beyond, he would have at least heard stirrings about his brother and father being in possible danger, but he hadn’t. So, were both men the targets, or were they simply in the way of the true targets?”
Elsie understood what her husband meant, and it sent a chill racing through her as well as complete confusion. She returned to the question that haunted her. What reason could anyone have for wanting her and her sisters dead?
“I would not be surprised if Slayer has more men on the way to us,” Cavell said. “We will give it a few days and if we hear nothing from him, then you can go and inform him of what happened here.”
“Aye, Slayer does have a vast network of friends and foes,” Melvin said. “No doubt he is aware of some things already. But I will be ready to go if we do not hear from him in a few days’ time.”
Cavell let his hand slip off his wife’s arm so his arm could circle her waist and once he did, her body sunk against his. She tried not to show it, but the sight of the dead man disturbed her. It would disturb anyone not used to seeing a sight common on a battlefield.
He turned just enough so his body blocked the view of the dead man.
Keeping his voice low, Melvin said, “The clan is vulnerable without experienced warriors.”
“Something I intend to make sure Slayer knows,” Cavell said. “In the meantime, we start preparing the men here to be better trained to fight when necessary. We form a plan to follow if attacked, so everyone knows what to do and panic does not ensue.”
“Slayer was right about you knowing how to weigh options to any given situation. Something he lacks at times,” Melvin said.
“Which is why he will send men when Clyde fails to return,” Cavell said. “Now let’s get Clyde to the village and prepared for burial.”
It was a relieved and silent procession that entered the village, not a word having been spoken on the return trek. Cavell had ordered silence when they traveled, so any unfamiliar sound to the woods could be detected.
Elsie had been relieved to hear only the usual sounds of animals scurrying in play or birds calling out, not a single footfall had been heard. However, chatter started as soon as it was learned that the dead man was a Gallowglass warrior. All worried what it might mean for the clan.
“You need to be more cautious, wife,” Cavell said as he continued to keep his hand wrapped around hers as they walked to the keep. He had not let go of her hand since they had begun their trek back. He worried if he did let go, she might somehow be snatched away from him.
“Aye, you are right,” she agreed. “I was so eager to join you and see what you might have found that I did not consider the possible consequences.”
That she realized her error lightened his concern and with a playful smile he boasted, “I am always right, and you would do well to remember that.”