Chapter 27

Slayer entered his bedchamber with Noble not far behind him. "You have had enough time together. I want time alone with my wife."

"I have not seen her in?—"

Slayer did not let Leora finish. "I do not care. I allowed you?—"

"Allowed me?" Leora glared at him.

Fane sat up from where he was resting by the hearth, his lips going up ready to snarl. Angel joined, hissing from where she sat between his front legs. Both stopped and laid back down when Sky shook her head at him, Angel returning to snuggle against Fane.

"Aye. I allowed you to tend to your sister's care when we arrived home to give you time to talk as I knew my wife would want to do. Now you will leave us be for the night."

Leora went to argue.

"We will talk all day tomorrow, Leora," Sky said, grateful to her husband for giving her and her sister time alone. She had been amazed at learning about Leora's true parents and Elsie's as well. She looked forward to the three of then reuniting soon so they could share their stories. "Now, I would like time with my husband."

Leora looked at her sister while she pointed to Slayer. "I do not know how you ever managed to fall in love with that heathen."

Slayer turned to Noble. "I regret condemning you to marriage with this woman."

Sky placed her hand in front of her mouth, attempting to hide her laughter.

Noble stifled his laughter as he approached his wife so he could say, "Would you not want time with me if it was you in that bed?"

Leora looked ready to argue and stopped, and rested herself against her husband when he slipped his arm around her waist to pull her close.

"I look forward to talking with you tomorrow," Sky said, seeing that her sister had reluctantly capitulated.

"We have plenty of time to talk since Noble and I will be staying here for a while. I sent word to Elsie for her and Cavell to travel here. I have missed my sisters, and it is time we got together again."

Slayer appeared ready to command otherwise and Sky sent him a silent plea, her two different colored eyes saying it all for her.

"You and Noble and Elsie and Cavell are welcome to visit, but don't forget, I command here," Slayer reminded.

"How could I possibly forget that when you endlessly remind me?" Leora said, her glare returning.

Slayer returned her glare. "And yet somehow you keep forgetting."

Noble looked at Sky and smiled as he shook his head, and Sky chuckled.

"Let's go, wife," Noble said and with his arm firm around her waist and with a firm nudge he got her moving toward the door.

"Sky needs rest, not a demanding husband tonight," Leora called out.

Noble's hand rushed to cover his wife's mouth as he forced her out the door, and he called out, "Sleep well."

"Please don't," Sky said and stretched her hand out to her husband when he looked ready to go after them.

Slayer blew out a frustrated breath before he walked around to the side of the bed, took her hand, and sat. "Your sister is exasperating."

Sky's smile bloomed softly. "You two have quite a bit in common."

"Bite your tongue, woman."

Sky grinned. "You both protect me." She chuckled. "And you both can be overbearing." Her laughter faded and she squeezed his hand. "And you both love me."

"I suppose she has some good points," he said. "So, I will learn to tolerate her. Please tell me Elsie is different."

"You will get along with Elsie. She is reasonable."

"Thank the heavens for that," he said, knitting his fingers with hers. "Before you grow too tired, tell me about what Halfdan had to say to you."

This time Sky's smile consumed her face. "I was shocked to learn that your mum helped deliver me."

Slayer could not hide his surprise. "My mum?"

"I believe there was more to your mum than anyone knew. Euniss once told me how your mum would retreat to Whitehall Abbey now and again. I imagine it was not a retreat for herself but to help other women since Leora told me that women in need often sought help at the abbey."

"My mum was adamant about a yearly stipend to Whitehall Abbey and my father never fought her on it, probably because she retreated there leaving him unbothered."

"Your mum bravely lied to Halfdan about me dying along with my mum in childbirth. Another newly born bairn must have died that day since your mum showed him my mum laying in repose with a deceased bairn cradled in her arm."

"So that is another reason for Halfdan's revenge against my family."

"Aye, but he also feared of you learning that it was him who was responsible. He did not want the Gallowglass brought down on him. You were right in keeping our marriage a secret. There is no telling what Halfdan would have done if he knew that." Tears gathered in her eyes. "I wish I knew Clyde was my da. I would have spent time with him and got to know him."

"I can tell you what I know about Clyde."

Sky attempted to sniffle her tears away. "I would like that. However, there is no one to tell me about my mum, da, or my grandmother. They are gone."

"Lester fights to live. He may be able to tell you about them."

A rap at the door had Slayer ready to order the person away, but the door opened before he could say a word.

"Did I bid you to enter, Euniss?" he snapped, annoyed.

"Nay, my lord, but Lady Sky could use a nice, relaxing brew and some oat cakes," Euniss said, placing the overfilled tray on the chest beside the bed. "There is ale and cheese and bread for you as well since you have yet to eat."

"Euniss, you knew my mum well. Did you know her retreats to Whitehall Abbey were made to help other women and not taken to escape my father?"

"Found out about that, did you?" she asked and did not wait for him to respond. "Your mum was a wise and brave woman. Her time spent in her solar was time she plotted to help the many desperate women who sought help at the abbey. Your father would have been furious if he ever found out what his yearly stipend was supporting. She kept the secret well as did I, just as I promised your mum I would." She sniffled. "I miss your mum, but I am glad to have Lady Sky here and I'm looking forward to the keep being filled with a gaggle of happy bairns."

"I will make sure of it," Slayer said, smiling at his wife.

Euniss went to leave, calling out when she reached the door, "Your wife needs rest for the next few days."

The door shut before Slayer could say a word. "Have I lost complete authority in my own home that two women dictate what I can and cannot do with my wife? Do they believe me that much of a heathen that I would demand you submit to me before you have healed?"

"In time they will come to understand how much we love each other, and they will question it no more."

Slayer rested his hand lightly on her stomach. "Truthfully, you are feeling well?"

"Surprisingly so," she said laying her hand on top of his. "How I and the bairn survived that fall I will never know. Fate. Luck. Who is to say or question? I have a few aches here and there and my ankle is doing well now that I am resting it, and Leora has applied a salve that should help as well." She patted his hand that remained on her stomach. "And our bairn remains tucked safely away. If I had been further along, it may have turned out differently. We have much to be grateful for."

"I am grateful to my father for insisting I wed you and I am grateful to my mum for bringing you safely into this world and I am grateful to Clyde who made sure you remained protected, but mostly I am grateful that you chose to love me."

"Forever and always, husband," Sky said just before his lips met hers.

* * *

Sky snuck outof the keep, needing time alone. It had been nearly a whole moon cycle since her abduction and she was feeling wonderful, better than ever, happier than ever, but she missed her time alone in the woods. Slayer still would not allow her to go into the woods alone. Leora and Elsie had gone with her a few times, and she had enjoyed it, but she longed for the time she could go alone so the animals would visit with her.

Her sisters would leave soon and while she would miss them, she looked forward to beginning her life openly as Slayer's wife. The clan had accepted the news of her marriage to Slayer better than she had expected, though she wondered if it had helped that her two sisters were there when it was announced. Their presence gave more credence to Sky being no different from any other sister or woman, and people soon began to speak to her. Though it could have been that tongues wagged about her being from the Wolf clan, and it was her two different colored eyes that enabled her to understand animals, which finally laid to rest the belief that she was evil.

She had hoped to learn more about her family and the Wolf clan from Lester, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his wounds. Slayer had his body returned to the Wolf clan for burial. She had mourned his loss and her only chance of learning about her family. Slayer had promised that he would take her to visit the Wolf clan one day but not until he had Clan Scyling under control. Though that did not seem to be presenting a problem from the messages Slayer was receiving from the large troop of Gallowglass warriors he had sent to claim the clan. The clan members had displayed no sorrow over Halfdan's demise but rather relief that they had a new chieftain.

It was early, the village just stirring as she made her way through it. She did not hurry, being lost in her thoughts. She also did not want to catch anyone's attention since they would be sure to alert Slayer, wondering if something was wrong because she rushed.

The gate was open, men making their way to the fields and warriors busy in practice. With few people about and with none paying her any mind, she made it into the woods without being stopped.

She did not walk too far in, knowing her husband would be upset enough with her for being here alone. She found a comfortable spot to sit under a large oak. As soon as she sat, a squirrel presented himself, sitting in front of her and chatting away. She smiled and told him she was pleased to speak with him. He suddenly sprang up on his hind legs and barked, then rushed up the tree. He warned of a threat and before Sky could get to her feet, she saw what had threatened the squirrel.

A wolf approached. He was large and gray, and he held his head high. He showed no sign of attack, and she felt no threat from him, so she remained sitting under the tree. When he got close enough, she recognized the wolf as one of the two who had helped her after her fall.

"Thank you for helping me and I am pleased you visit to see how I am doing," she said softly. "I am quite well and feeling good thanks to you and your mate. I am also pleased to learn that I am from the Wolf clan and have a special bond with wolves. I hope to learn much about you and from you."

He turned his head as if hearing something, then he turned his head back to Sky, gave her a nod, and hurried off.

"Do come back and visit with me," she called out.

"He will."

Sky turned with a smile, recognizing the voice. "Ruth."

"I am sorry to disturb you, but I have been trying to find time to speak with you alone."

"Not an easy task with my sisters here and with everyone now knowing Slayer and I are wed and that I am with child," Sky said and patted the spot beside her. "Please join me."

"The clan is more pleased with the news than you know." Ruth braced her hand on the tree trunk to help lower herself to sit beside Sky. "Lord Slayer remains a formidable man and fierce warrior but there is also a calm about him when he is with you and people are pleased to see it."

"I am glad to hear that. Now what is it you wanted to speak with me about?"

"Do you recall me telling you about meeting a young woman with eyes like yours?"

"I could never forget it. I wonder if perhaps I was related to her."

"You are. She was your mother and my niece."

Sky stared stunned at the woman.

"I was shocked when I first saw you. You look just like her. I wanted to tell you when I first met you, but I had made a promise to my sister, your mum's mother, that I would never reveal the truth about your birth. That tale I told you was far from the truth. It troubled me to see the clan think so poorly of you and I thought if you knew of another woman who had eyes like yours it might help, and I purposely included the wolf cub as a nod to your origin."

"Tell me more, Ruth, please," Sky said, her heart a flutter that the woman was her aunt and she had not lost her whole family.

"I used the story of a young lass we met on our journey here. Her father was not at all pleased that she spoke with us. I accompanied Willa, my sister and your grandmother, and Fawn, your mum, here for her to hide, Halfdan intent on finding her. Once the bairn was born, your da and mum had plans to flee and never return here. No one expected your mum to die shortly after you were born. Slayer's mum arranged for you to be placed with a family who she trusted would keep you safe. Terena, the woman you knew as your mum, was good friends with Lady Candra." Ruth wiped tears from her eyes. "It was so difficult for your da to let you go and so amazing to see such a large man cradle you so lovingly in his arms. He is the one who named you Sky, he and your mum spending time in the fields lying in each other's arms and staring at the beauty of the sky. Those times together brought them much happiness and he wanted you to be part of that happiness."

Tears rolled down Sky's cheeks, happy tears mixed with sad ones, thrilled to know the importance of her name yet sorry her da was not able to tell her himself.

"When it was done, Willa and your da insisted that I remain here fearful of what Halfdan would do to your mum's family in his search for your da and mum. Lady Candra arranged for me to live with a nearby clan so I could send word if Halfdan was spotted anywhere near your clan, though Lady Candra's idea to place a bairn that had died that day with your mum was what kept him away all these years. I met my husband while at the clan and we had a good life together raising two sons. One son left to seek his future, and another fell in love with a lass at Clan Ravinsher. After my husband died, my son insisted I come live with them. On a visit with him, I asked Lady Candra if that would be all right with her and she was thrilled that she would have someone she trusted to talk to. So, I accepted my son's offer, and it is a good thing I did since both my son and his wife perished shortly after each other when a sickness struck the clan. I was left to raise Wade alone and I was here for your arrival." She wiped away her tears again, the past stirring painful memories. "My sister was brave returning home, though Clyde warned her not to, but she insisted she could not abandon her clan. I am so grateful to Lord Slayer for avenging her and Clyde's brutal deaths. Your father did not want to leave you, but he knew he would put you in grave danger if he did not leave. He said he would return one day and make sure you continued to stay safe."

"You both must have been surprised to see each other here at Clan Ravinsher," Sky said.

Ruth smiled. "We were, though we, along with Lady Candra, were careful not to let anyone know we knew each other. I so wish you had gotten a chance to meet your da."

Sky's tears kept falling. "We did meet briefly at the cottage where I stayed for a time. I wish I had known he was my da. I wish I had time to know him." She brushed at her tears. "Now I know why he called me by my name."

"Aye, he thought often of such a time he could do so. I am glad he got the chance. Your da had spent his life making sure you were kept safe, and he would not have done anything to jeopardize your safety. He no doubt intended to wait until he was certain the news could not harm you before letting you know he was your father." Ruth placed her hand over Sky's. "Sadly, your mum and da had no part in Rainor's death. Unfortunately, it was your mum and da who came upon his body. What was left of it after the forest animals feasted on him. Halfdan's warriors spotted them and assumed your da killed him and that your mum called the animals to feed on him. Your grandmother believed it was one of Rainor's own warriors who killed him, since it was common knowledge that Rainor treated people worse than his father."

"Sky! Sky! Where are you? Answer me, woman!" Slayer yelled, his powerful voice sending birds to take flight.

"I should go," Ruth said, and Sky hurried to stand and help her as she struggled to get to her feet.

"We will talk again," Sky said, wanting to learn all she could about her family.

"Aye, we will talk again for there is much for me to tell you," Ruth said, "though you should know that Lady Candra would be thrilled that you and Slayer are wed. She worried what would become of you."

Sky was pleased to hear that and reached out and hugged the woman. "Thank you so much… Aunt Ruth."

Ruth smiled, her cheeks wet with tears. "It is good to be reunited with family." She walked a few steps before turning and saying. "Your da cannot tell you so I will tell you. Your da loved you with his whole heart and then some."

"SKY!"

Slayer's shout had Ruth rushing off and Sky calling out to her husband, "I am here."

She quickly wiped away her tears, though to no avail, he would know she had been crying.

"What is wrong? Why are you crying? he demanded more than asked, taking her into his arms and holding her tightly. "And why are you here in the woods alone?"

"Walk with me," Sky said, easing out of his embrace to take his hand. "I have things to tell you."

"And one of them better be why you are in the woods alone."

She kissed his cheek and smiled, his gruff, demanding manner a familiar and oddly enough soothing melody to her ears. "Aye, that and so much more."