Chapter 16
"You cannot do that," Sky admonished Angel, her head peeking out of the pouch as she made her way to the wolfhounds' pen. "If Slayer woke and found you on his head, I fear you would be banned from the keep and we do not want that. So, you will be good and sleep in your bed by the hearth."
Sky sighed, knowing her brief lecture would do little good since cats did as they pleased. She did not want to think what Slayer would have done if he had woken to find Angel sleeping peacefully on top of his head. Thankfully, he slept deeply, exhausted from battle. She would have loved to linger beside him, but Angel needed to see to her needs and be fed and she wanted to visit the wolfhounds before the village woke for the day.
The day was just dawning when she finished tending to Angel and gathered bones for all the hounds. The two hounds she had given bones to the previous day were sitting at the fence waiting for her. The two hounds who had been with Slayer yesterday drifted closer to the fence in curiosity.
"Good morning to you all," she said as she approached slowly. "I wanted to thank you for keeping the little lass, Oona, who fell into your pen yesterday, safe and for allowing me to retrieve her. That was very kind of you." She nodded to the other two hounds who had ventured closer to their mates. "It is good to see you both again. You missed the bones I brought yesterday." Their heads shot up as they sniffed the air while the other two hounds continued to sit in anticipation of the treat. "Fear not, there is enough for all, and I was able to get bones with marrow still in them." She pulled out a bone from the sack she carried. "Be patient. There is one for each of you."
The hounds appeared to understand her and waited patiently as she handed a bone to each of them. The last hound sniffed it, turned, and walked away. His reaction puzzled Sky. She wondered if he was trained not to accept food from anyone but Slayer, or perhaps he simply wasn't feeling well today. She would keep an eye on him.
While the hounds lay enjoying their treat, she lifted Angel out of the shawl pouch and held her cupped snuggled in her hands for the hounds to see.
"This is Angel. She met two of your mates yesterday. She is my friend and helps me bring the bones to you. She means you no harm, so please cause her no harm." Angel meowed and one of the hounds growled. "Nay, you must be nice to her. She helps me gather the bones."
The mention of bones stopped the hound from growling.
"It is good you understand since Angel and I enjoy visiting with all of you."
The way the little kitten trembled she doubted that was true, but she hoped as their visits continued the hounds and the kitten would become friends. This way they could protect Angel if ever necessary.
"We will leave you to enjoy your treat and see you tomorrow," Sky said and tucked Angel into the safety of the makeshift pouch to nestle there once again.
She smiled, seeing the brilliant hues that painted the sky. Sun would warm the land today, hopefully longer than only a couple of hours. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the fresh morning air, scents of burning wood from the early morning cooking fires beginning to mingle with nature's own scents. She wished she was in the undisturbed woods where nature's vibrant scents welcomed, and where her mind could be free of troubling thoughts.
"I gave you no permission to leave the keep?"
Sky jumped, turning quickly to find Slayer standing directly behind her. A fresh scent from his recent bath drifted off him and she thought, for just a moment, that she caught a faint scent of their coupling from last night. Or perhaps it was only that it had lingered in her nostrils to remind and tempt her. And it did. It almost had her throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly. But she refrained with great difficulty.
"I expect to see you first thing in the morning," he said, letting her know he was not happy to wake and find himself alone in bed.
"Aye, my lord, I will make certain I make myself available to you then."
"Make sure of it," he ordered with a gleam in his eyes that quickly turned to a scowl. "Were you by the wolfhounds' pen?"
"I wanted to make sure they were all right after yesterday's incident."
"They are dangerous animals, not cuddly kittens. Stay away from them and I will not warn you about that again," he said.
"But—"
"Not another word, Sky. You will obey me on this. Find other friends. The wolfhounds will never be your friends. They are not even mine. They obey me because of my strength, my leadership."
"Not fear?" she asked, knowing how easy it was to fear him.
He stepped closer to her. "Not fear, wisdom. They, like my warriors, know I am the stronger one, the alpha male of the tribe, and none will dare challenge me."
His brow scrunched and Sky thought for a moment he was going to reach out and touch her and was disappointed when he didn't.
He kept his voice low when he asked, "Do you fear me, Sky?"
She tilted her head, not sure how to answer at first.
"How many times must I tell you I would never harm you?" he asked annoyed.
"I am sure of that, my lord," she rushed to say and watched his annoyance flare and knew it was because she addressed him properly. "But that does not stop me from fearing you at times, though I should clarify that."
"Aye, do clarify it."
"It is the Gallowglass warrior in you that I fear sometimes—" She hesitated briefly. "He can be vicious, snarling and biting, like the wolfhounds—" She hesitated again. "Unpredictable."
He leaned closer to her and whispered, "The very thing that makes a powerful leader powerful. Your foe never knows what to expect of you. Whereas my wife will never need to worry about that."
"It might take her time to get used to," she suggested, careful with her words in case anyone heard, the village having come to life for the day.
"Unfortunately, I am not a patient man."
"Something that she would surely learn upon meeting you and do her best to handle."
"That would be wise of her."
Sky smiled. "I am sure you will find yourself a very wise woman to wed, sir."
Slayer had to keep himself from smiling, seeing that people were watching them. "I will settle for nothing less." He took a step away from her and made his voice known. "You are safe here, Sky. No one will harm you. I will speak with you later."
She bobbed her head. "Thank you, my lord."
She strolled through the village, as usual, hoping someone might talk with her or at least return a smile but instead she heard snippets of talk.
"Why did he bring her here?"
"Why does he protect her?"
"The hounds obey her."
"She must be evil."
"Stay away from her."
She made her way to the kitchen garden and was glad no workers were there. She plucked Angel out of the pouch and placed her on the ground to sniff and roll around, though she did not venture far from Sky.
Her mind wandered to her sisters as she watched Angel play with a small stick. She missed them and wished she could speak with them. There was so much for them to discuss, so much to learn, to make sense of and hopefully discover the truth about their births. But right now, she would just appreciate having them there with her, so she did not feel so alone.
Leroa would advise her not to dwell, to keep busy. But how did she do that? She spotted a small area that had yet to be prepared for planting and she thought about the small garden at the cottage. Maybe she could have her own garden to tend and keep her busy.
"Come, Angel, we go speak with Euniss," she urged the kitten who ignored her at first but seeing her about to disappear into the kitchen, Angel hurried after her.
* * *
"Finally, I hear from you, Melvin,"Slayer said when he entered the Great Hall after being told the man had just arrived.
"Aye, my lord, Cavell and I thought it was time I come speak with you," Melvin said.
"My solar," Slayer ordered, and Melvin followed him.
Tankards were filled with ale and Slayer pointed to a bench for Melvin to sit while he stood. "What news have you for me?"
"The Murdock sisters are in danger," Melvin said and took a quick swig of ale.
"That I know," Slayer said, anxious to learn something he didn't know.
"It has been discovered that the Murdock sisters are not blood sisters."
"I know that as well. I learned that from friends in the Lowlands, a reliable source of information." Slayer went on to explain it all to Melvin. "Why a prominent family searches for this lass, now woman, after all these years or why they or someone else would want her dead, I have yet to learn. The most obvious reason would be that she stands in someone's way. Tell Cavell to remain cautious, and I have sent word to Noble to do the same."
He did not share the news about the woman having reddish blonde hair in case it was meant to mislead, though he did trust the source. But if it was true, Cavell would find out soon enough.
"I will relay it all to Cavell. Elsie asked me to speak to her sister, Sky, and see how she fares. May I speak with her, my lord?"
"Nay, you may not, and is there a reason you do not think Sky would fare well with me?"
"Nay. Nay, not at all and I told Elsie that but that does not stop her from worrying about her sister."
"She has nothing to worry about. Sky is well."
"Just a brief word with her, my lord?"
"You know I do not repeat myself, Melvin," Slayer said annoyed.
"I know, but Elsie worries so much about her."
"Then she will be relieved to hear the news you return with that her sister is doing well and she has nothing to worry about. I will, however, relay the message that her sister asked about her and that is my final word on it."
"Aye, my lord," Melvin said, knowing it was done.
"Have you heard anything at all in regard to my father's and brother's deaths?"
"Nay, my lord. Have you learned anything new?"
Slayer shook his head. "Nothing, though with so many mercenaries descending on the area it could be that a rogue group attacked them, but why they would doesn't make sense. It was known my brother was protected by the Gallowglass. But I will find out who is responsible, and they will suffer greatly."
"Cavell and I are at your service when needed," Melvin said.
"I never doubted that," Slayer said. "I am aware that Clan Murdock requires help in many ways, warriors to help protect the clan and see it grow being one of them. You will take a message to the Gallowglass compound. Twenty-five warriors are to return with you to Clan Murdock to help with repairs and such. If any of those warriors wish to remain and start a new life with Clan Murdock, I will free them of their obligation to the Gallowglass. You will also tell them what supplies Cavell needs and take them with you as well."
"That is generous of you, my lord," Melvin said.
"More wise than generous, Melvin. Is that all the news you have for me?"
Melvin hurried to gulp down what remained of the ale in his tankard.
"What news needs ale to fortify the telling of it?" Slayer demanded.
"Clyde, sir. He is dead, brutally murdered, stabbed repeatedly and his throat cut." Melvin leaned his head back, fearful that Slayer might spew fire from his mouth such fury raged in his eyes and his hands fisted tightly at his sides ready to pummel anyone in his path. "We have no leads, no idea of who may have done this. It could be mercenaries, but why kill one lone man?"
"Blood is going to be spilled for my friend, my brother, and my father," Slayer warned. "I will cover the land with blood if necessary to revenge their deaths."
Melvin rarely feared anything being a Gallowglass warrior, but he was wise enough to fear Slayer, for he had repeatedly seen the carnage Slayer could leave in his path.
* * *
Anger surgedthrough Slayer over his loss of family and a friend and his failure to have found the culprits by now. He should have had them in hand already, so why didn't he? A question that haunted him and one he would have discussed with Ross if he was here. Yet his first thought was to talk with his wife about it.
His anger slowed with thoughts of her, and he realized he needed to talk with her about both her sisters, Elsie and Leora. He decided to tackle that task first, though it also might have been because he had not held her since last night and his arms ached to take hold of her and hug her tightly. That he had this aching need for her was still foreign to him and he continued to grapple with it and embrace it at the same time.
He was not sure where to find her, so when he entered the Great Hall, he called out to the servants there. "Does anyone know where Sky is?" Slayer got annoyed seeing how frightened they looked to speak, and he lost his patience, what little he had, snapping, "If someone knows they better tell me now."
One brave soul rushed to say, "I saw her go up the stairs a short time ago."
Slayer hurried up the stairs and to their bedchamber, glad he would have her to himself and grew concerned when he found their bedchamber empty. Where would she have gone? Could Euniss have told her about his mum's quarters? But why would she go there?
He shook his head and decided to see for himself before returning downstairs. He stopped to listen when he heard his wife's soft voice coming from his mum's solar, the door slightly ajar.
"I cannot understand how anyone would want to be confined in here for too long of a time, Angel, when the forest has so much more to offer. But what else is there for me to do when I am denied even the simplest thing?"
"What have you been denied?" Slayer demanded, his anger returning as he shoved the door open. His eyes narrowed when he caught her wiping her cheeks before she rushed out of the chair, placing Angel on the floor in front of the low burning hearth, and turned to face him.
"I was hoping you would find me. I miss you," she said, forcing a smile.
He rounded the chair and hooking his arm around her waist snatched her up against him. "You avoid answering me and your eyes shine from shed tears. Why?"
"It is nothing," she said, annoyed at herself for allowing tears to stain her eyes and wishing he had not caught her upset. She worried what he might do if he found out.
"I will decide if it is nothing," he said.
"Here we go. A nice brew and a honey cake to soothe you," Euniss called out before entering the room and stopped abruptly when she spotted Slayer.
"What brought my wife to tears, Euniss, since you say she needs soothing?" he demanded.
Euniss sat the wood tray down on the small table beside the chair. "It is not a good idea for her to plant her own garden. No one will eat anything that grows there, and it will only cause her pain. She can find solace here embroidering as your mum did."
"First, that is not your decision to make. Second, I will eat whatever my wife grows. Third, I will not see her confined to this room. She loves the woods and animals, and since she is presently deprived of that pleasure, she can at least enjoy herself in the garden."
Sky didn't need to force a smile. It came naturally hearing her husband not only defend her but hearing how well he had come to know her.
"Good, then I will assign servants to help her," Euniss said.
"I plan a small garden, so I require no help," Sky said, preferring solitary time in the garden and knowing that whoever was forced to help her would only resent her more.
"It will be there if you need it," Euniss said. "Now I will leave you two to have some time alone."
"Euniss," Slayer called out before the woman reached the door and turned. "Do not test me to see if I would side with my wife ever again."
"I don't know what you mean, my lord. I would never do that… though it is good to know you will defend her," Euniss said with a grin.
"Always," Slayer confirmed.
"I am sure Sky is pleased to hear that." Euniss's grin grew before she left the room.
"Bloody hell but that woman can be annoying," he said.
"I think she is delightful."
Slayer looked at his wife ready to reprimand her for not agreeing with him. But seeing her lovely smile and the joy in her eyes, he kissed her instead, lingering in it until he reluctantly ended it.
He took hold of her chin. "Listen well. I am the only one you need to seek permission from for anything. Do you understand?"
"Aye, I do. Now tell me what troubles you," she said, taking his hand and tugging him to the chair to sit and once he did, she made herself comfortable in his lap.
He tucked his arm around her waist to keep her nestled there. "What makes you think I am troubled."
She pressed her hand on his chest. "I can feel it in you."
"You seldom cry. I do not like it when you cry," he said, kissing her cheek lightly.
"I shed no more than a few tears, too few to matter."
"Your tears will always matter to me, mo ghaol."
Her heart felt like it stopped with him calling her, my love, and she wondered if he even realized he had done so. Not wanting to point it out or fuss over it, she smiled. "Do not think to distract me from finding out what disturbs you."
He did not know where those words, my love, had come from, but he found that they fit her perfectly.
"Melvin, one of my men returned today with news from Clan Murdock," he said.
She would have jumped off his lap if he hadn't held her firmly. "Can I speak to him?"
"Nay, he needed to take his leave again, but he said Elsie asked about you and how you were doing, and I told him you were well and doing good and that she had nothing to worry about."
"She is well then? And my da?"
"I forgot to ask about your da, but Elsie does well with her new husband. He is a good man and will treat her well and—" He paused.
"What do you hesitate to tell me?" she asked concerned.
"Something I should have told you earlier. My tracker, Noble, I sent to find Leora… he is her husband.
"Does Leora know that?"
"She will when Noble finds her. You are not surprised at this news?" he asked, expecting her to be shocked by it.
She shook her head. "If my da arranged marriages for Elsie and me, it is only reasonable to assume he would do the same for Leora. I assume you helped to arrange the marriage since Leora is wed to a Gallowglass warrior."
"I did and your da was only too glad to agree to it since Noble is my fiercest warrior and will keep Leora safe."
"Is he patient?" Sky asked.
He nodded. "Aye, he is since tracking requires much patience."
"Your fierce tracker will need plenty of patience to deal with my all too-stubborn sister. And I warn you, Elsie might accept hearing that I am well, but Leora will not rest until she is able to see and speak to me herself."
"In time, I will permit it," he assured her.
She understood the reason for the delay. It could prove dangerous for the three of them. She only hoped it would not be too long before she was reunited with her sisters.
"Noble is a good man?" she asked.
"The finest and most honorable."
She quieted and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Something troubles you now. Tell me," he said and squeezed the curve of her waist gently.
"I wonder if my sisters question who they are like I do. I don't know where I truly came from nor do I know anything about my true parents, or why my mother felt the need to give me away. Who truly am I?"
"You are my wife. You belong to me now and always, nothing else matters," he said, but knew it did to her and one day, when all was settled, he would help her find the truth.