Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

“ W erewolves. We are in a den of werewolves,” Cree said, running his fingers through his hair as he paced in front of the hearth in the bedchamber.

Dawn sat quietly, not disagreeing and shocked that it very well could be a possibility.

“I have battled vicious men, some I believed to be the devil themselves they were so cruel, but werewolves?” Cree shook his head, then went and sat next to his wife on the bed. “Between Tade thanking me for tending to his wound and what Lord Tiernan said to you, I don’t see how we can doubt the obvious. We are dealing with werewolves.”

Dawn gestured, pointing out the obvious.

“Aye, they haven’t harmed us… yet,” Cree said.” But Lord Tiernan’s tale of how the wolf scratches got into the floor and how a scent can be followed, which led the wolf to our bedchamber door last night, strikes me as a warning not to pry, which means he must know we have concerns.”

Dawn gestured slowly and Cree followed along nodding.

“I suppose you are right. If news got out that Clan MacMadadh was a pack of werewolves, they would be slaughtered. You do not believe the wolf clan attacks people?”

Dawn shook her head and continued explaining.

“That is true. They could have killed us, and no one would have ever known.”

Dawn scrunched her brow as she gestured.

“Aye, Lord Tiernan cautions us, but you wonder why. Brigid told Sim that the fog was not friendly. I thought that odd, but I now know how Sim could sense Brigid being so near and how he got us through the fog to the stable… scent.”

Dawn once again gestured slowly.

“You say Tiernan talked about the wolves calling their pack home so they would be well rested for the evening hunt?”

She nodded and continued.

“You question what they hunt since meat is plentiful and I did notice that they are partial to meat. So, what is it they hunt? Perhaps it is simply their nature.”

Dawn shook her head, her hands moving.

“You believe there is more to it?”

She nodded and gestured.

Cree stared at his wife surprised at what she suspected. “I never thought of that. Lord Tiernan leads Clan MacMadadh, which would mean he leads the pack of wolves. If that is so, then who was it that called their pack home.” He looked puzzled. “You think it might be a foe who hunts them?”

She nodded, having given the whole matter thought since speaking with Lord Tiernan and trying to make sense of it.

“You think another pack of wolves is seeking to claim Tiernan’s pack?”

She made a face he recognized that meant she wasn’t sure. “It could be humans who hunt them. But you heard a howl.”

She explained.

“I suppose it could be humans disguising themselves as wolves,” Cree said at his wife’s explanation. “But the wolves would certainly be able to tell the difference.”

Dawn nodded in agreement.

Cree stood, pacing in front of her. “This worsens our situation.”

Dawn scrunched her brow in question.

“If humans are hunting Clan MacMadadh and are successful, they will not rescue us… they will slaughter us, thinking we are part of the wolves.”

Dawn’s eyes turned wide, realizing her husband was right.

Cree continued to pace in silence and Dawn knew her husband’s thoughts, either way it was bad for them. They could be killed by wolves or humans and how could he possibly prevent either from happening?

Cree stopped pacing. “I need to talk with Lord Tiernan. You said Olwen told him there was someone there to speak with him. Maybe he received news.” He raised his hand to stop her from gesturing. “I know what you think, he won’t tell me anything. But if he knew that I would help defend the clan, he might think differently as well as securing our safety here. Presently, he has been generous to us and with Tade thanking me for helping him, it means his parents have taught him kindness. We know who we deal with here. We don’t know what might await us with others, wolves or humans.”

Dawn nodded, understanding the wisdom in her husband’s conclusion.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked when she stood, and her response had him agreeing. “I suppose you are right. You are safe in the Great Hall where others can see you instead of closed away here in the bedchamber.”

She gestured.

“That is a good idea to speak with the healer again and see if she believes if you have healed enough to take your leave.”

Dawn nodded, her hands continuing to speak for her.

“A healer does know much about what goes on in a clan. You may well learn something from her.” He went to her and took her in his arms. “It is good we have the start of a plan. We will leave here and make our way home. I will let nothing happen to you.”

Dawn smiled and patted her chest then his.

“You will take no foolish chances in defending me,” he ordered, but loved that his wife would do so as she had done in the past, which meant she would do it again. “No unnecessary chances, Dawn.”

She nodded to put him at ease, but, like him, there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do to protect him and keep him safe.

A kiss sealed their commitment to each other, and they went to the Great Hall.

As soon as Cree spotted Olwen, he called out to her. “Could you summon the healer for my wife, Olwen, she would like to speak with her.”

“Aye, my lord,” Olwen said with a bob of her head and hurried off.

“Perfect, now I can get to Tiernan’s solar without Olwen alerting him to my arrival.”

Dawn shooed him off to hurry before Olwen returned and as he rushed out, she sat at a table by the hearth to wait for Lynall.

Cree gave a quick rap on the closed door before opening it, startling Lord Tiernan and the man inside. “I wanted a word with you but being you are already occupied, I will wait outside your door until you are done.” He was letting Tiernan know he would not be ignored.

“That is not necessary, Lord Cree. We are finished,” Tiernan said and turned to the man. “Do as I’ve ordered, and we will speak later.”

The older man gave a respectful nod as he passed by Cree. If the clan truly were a pack of werewolves, they were polite ones. Though he had seen politeness used as a ruse to trap people. Somehow, he did not get that sense from Clan MacMadadh.

“How can I help you, Lord Cree?”

“It is I who wanted to offer my help, Lord Tiernan. You have been more than generous and kind to me and my wife, and seeing how thick the fog is I can only imagine how difficult it must be to keep your clan safe from predators. So, I am at your service if you require any help in defending your clan.” A slight smile touched his lips. “Or to help find that little devil of a lad, Tade, since he went missing again?—”

“He’s missing?” Lord Tiernan asked, stepping forward, ready to go search for him.

Cree raised his hand. “Only briefly, he is safe.”

“That lad tries my patience. He is brave but foolish as only the young can be.”

“True enough but do keep in mind that I will raise my sword for you, if necessary,” Cree said, wanting Tiernan to understand he could rely on him to help.

“I appreciate that, Lord Cree, and I am honored that you would offer and know that Clan MacMadadh is a loyal clan to those who are loyal to us.”

“That is good to know. Now tell me, is this heavy fog a challenge that some might think of as an advantage?”

“Only for those familiar with it,” Lord Tiernan said and pointed to the table for Cree to sit.

Cree did, and Tiernan joined him, filling two tankards with ale and handing one to Cree.

“I saw how familiar with the fog Sim was, walking me to the stable without any difficulty,” Cree said, so Tiernan would know that he noticed and had an inkling of what might be going on at Clan MacMadadh.

“A necessity we have all come to learn,” Lord Tiernan said with a slight nod.

“And do you have foe who are familiar with the fog?”

“One or possibly two and although they are a distance from here, the fog would provide a useful cover for them if they thought to attack us.”

“Do you know if either have recent thoughts to do so?” Cree asked.

“As you know, land is power and wealth in the Highlands. I recently acquired more land from a neighboring clan in exchange for supplying them with food during the winter. Clan MacMadadh possesses exceptional hunting skills, we never lack food, whereas the other clan is sparse of hunters. I hope to acquire more land through such negotiations and there are those opposed to my expanding my holdings.”

“You dislike battle.”

“I abhor battle and the senseless killing that goes with it. I prefer to live in peace when possible. Unfortunately, it is not always possible.”

“I understand and feel the same after years of fighting other peoples’ battles. I prefer to live out my days peacefully with my family, my clan, and while that might not always be possible, I will strive to make it so.”

Cree wanted to make sure that Tiernan understood that he had no desire for bloodshed but would shed it if it meant leaving here safely with his wife.

“I understand, Lord Cree. We do whatever we can to protect family and clan, and once again I appreciate your offer of help and will do all I can to make sure you and Lady Dawn leave here safely.”

Without admitting it, Cree felt that he and Tiernan had come to an understanding that he intended Tiernan and his clan no harm.

“Tell me of your home, Lord Cree,” Tiernan said.

Cree saw the tension leave Tiernan’s shoulders, worry having been lifted off them, and Cree began to detail his clan, adding incidents concerning his children, especially Lizbeth, that had Tiernan laughing. It was an enjoyable discussion and Cree ended by saying, “You must come visit one day. You are always welcome in my home.”

Tiernan couldn’t hide his surprise. “I rarely leave my clan, but I do appreciate the invitation.”

Someone frantically shouting his name prevented Cree from responding and he and Tiernan hurried to the door. The shouts brought them to the Great Hall, where Cree stared in shock at his wife lying on the floor appearing lifeless, the healer cushioning her head in her lap.

“DAWN!” He rushed to her. “What happened?” he demanded of Lynall when he reached them and crouched down to see his wife’s pale face.

“I believe she fainted after standing too quickly. I managed to cushion her head before she hit the floor,” Lynall said. “We need to get her to her bedchamber.”

Cree nodded, and gently lifted his wife into his arms, his worry growing as he carried her to their bedchamber. He had seen men receive head wounds who appeared fine and then a few days later they slipped into a deep sleep and never woke again. His heart pounded in his chest and his every step grew heavier with fear.

Relief rushed over him only moments later when he felt Dawn stir in his arms and he silently thanked the heavens. “You are all right. I’ve got you, Dawn. You are safe.”

Dawn’s eyes fluttered open just as they entered the room and when he placed her gently on the bed, she turned a confused look at him.

Cree understood she was asking what happened. “You fainted.”

Dawn’s arm went to press at her side.

Lynall, seeing her reaction, stepped around Cree. “You felt a pain before fainting?”

Dawn nodded.

“You may have suffered another wound we are now just learning about. Would you permit me to take a look at your side where you felt the pain?”

Dawn nodded.

“If you would step outside the door, my lord, I will let you know when I am done examining your wife,” Lynall said.

Dawn cringed not from pain, but from what she knew her husband would say, and she feared he would frighten the healer.

“Listen well, woman.” Cree scowled and jabbed his finger toward Lynall. “I’m staying right here by my wife, and I will see for myself what ails her and do whatever it takes to see her well.”

“Aye, my lord,” Lynall said, paling.

Dawn thought to chastise her husband for frightening the healer, but he would only elaborate on what he said to the healer and frighten the woman even more, so she kept her hands quiet.

“I will help you slip your garments up,” Cree said before Lynall could offer and she stepped aside.

Slipping one arm under his wife, he lifted her up enough to shift her garments and expose the area she had felt the pain and cringed when he did. The side beneath her right breast was bruised and he feared what that might mean. He covered her with a blanket up to her waist once he laid her back down.

“A bruise,” he said, turning to Lynall.

The healer hurried over to have a look, her fingers gently probing the area. “I can feel the slight lump there. You must have hit something when you fell since this bruise is not fresh. When you stood so fast, you must have disturbed it, and it made itself known. I will prepare a compress for it that will help with the bruising and pain and a brew for you to take. I advise you to rest for the remainder of the day.”

“She will,” Cree commanded. “Will this delay our departure even more?”

“The fog will do that. When it gets this heavy, it usually takes a few days before it dissipates enough for safe travel. By then, I believe Lady Dawn will be well enough to take her leave as long as she takes care not to think she is fully healed just because she feels a bit better.”

Once again Cree sounded as if he commanded. “Dawn will follow your advice.”

“I will go prepare what is needed and show you how to administer the compresses to your wife’s wound,” Lynall said and turned to leave.

“Lynall!”

She turned, a bit startled by his powerful command.

“I appreciate how you have tended to my wife so wisely.”

Lynall smiled. “Thank you, my lord. It is kind of you to say so.”

Dawn gestured when Cree turned to her, the door closing softly behind Lynall.

“So, you think it was good of me to be nice to her after I wasn’t nice to her,” Cree said.

Dawn nodded and smiled, stretching her hand out to him.

His hand closed around hers, squeezing it, and he sat next to her on the bed. “You frightened me.”

She kept smiling as she patted her chest.

It was easy to understand her gesture. “You frightened yourself as well. Then you need to stop frightening the both of us and rest, so you will be ready to leave here.”

She nodded and she crossed her chest with her finger to promise him.

“This is my fault. I should have stripped you bare once we were alone to make sure we didn’t miss any other wounds you might have had.”

She chuckled and gestured that that would not have been a good idea.

“Are you saying that I would have surrendered to passion once I saw you naked?”

Her responding gesture had him turning a playful scowl on her. “Are you telling me I can’t resist you?”

She chuckled again as she nodded.

“Well, you are right about that,” he said, chuckling himself, and tapped the tip of her nose. “But you were in no shape for pleasure. My only thought was to get you help.” She gestured quickly. “Aye, and I did.”

He pulled the blanket up over her to leave the wound exposed so it could be tended to when Lynall returned. “I should get you out of all your garments except for your shift. That way you will keep to this room.”

Dawn just tilted her head and stared at him.

She didn’t have to respond; he understood his mistake immediately. “Blood hell, you’re right. You need to be fully clothed if we need to make a hasty escape.”

She gestured again, curious to know what was said between him and Lord Tiernan.

“He knows of two possible foes who may present a problem, though he didn’t say if they were human or wolves. And nothing was said of the possibility of werewolves, but I never expected that acknowledgment. It would be too risky for him to admit such a dangerous thing, if it were true. The consequences could be devastating to his clan.” He shook his head slightly. “I question my own sanity in pledging my sword to protect a clan of werewolves, but taking shelter among them leaves me no choice.”

Dawn’s hands gestured slowly, and her eyes showed understanding.

“Aye, we cannot say for certain if they are werewolves, but so many things point that way.”

Dawn continued to voice her opinion through gestures.

“Aye, they have only shown us kindness when they simply could have killed us and disposed of any evidence that we had ever been here, and no one would have been the wiser.”

Cree disliked that thought, thinking of how his warriors would have searched in vain for them until they had no choice but to return home without them. Sloan, his longtime friend, would have continued the search, never giving up, and he and his wife Lucerne would have taken over the care of the children, looking after them as if they were their own.

The thought angered him, and he saw that his wife must be thinking the same for she looked upset.

He took hold of her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll make it home, Dawn. I promise you that we will make it home.”

She nodded, though the worry did not leave her eyes.

Trying to ease her concern, he said, “I was surprised to learn that Lord Tiernan abhors battle. He simply wants to live in peace. I believe we reached a good understanding. He told me that Clan MacMadadh is loyal to any clan that is loyal to his. He knows that I will help not harm him in anyway and that I expect the same from him.”

Dawn squeezed her husband’s hand as if that news pleased her.

Cree brushed a soft strand of hair off the side of her face. “I am no longer in any rush for us to leave here. I believe we are safer here for now since we don’t know what or who awaits us out there.”

She nodded agreeing and he kissed her brow.

“Rest and grow strong, Dawn, for what we face here may not be common to this world.”