Chapter 5

Sky stood staring.

It had taken an entire day and into the late afternoon of the following day to arrive at their destination. Slayer had ordered two stops yesterday so she could rest, which delayed their arrival as planned. But they were finally here, and she could not be more relieved or surprised.

She continued to stare, not believing what she saw as Slayer spoke to a few of his warriors. Amidst a lush forest, nestled among towering pine trees and surrounded by a carpet of moss and wild ferns, sat a charming cottage. Its thatched roof, weathered by years of rain and sun, sloped gently downward almost touching the ground. The walls were wattle and daub made with interwoven sticks covered with mud or clay. A green vine weaved its way through the wattle and daub along one side and over the top of the lone window.

A narrow footpath wound its way to a thick wood door that needed a lovely spring wreath to greet visitors, though a large, iron latch warned all to knock. Fairy flowers bloomed profusely. Their rich blue violet color was in stark contrast to the white anemone that also grew in abundance around the cottage. A bench worn by time and use but still sturdy sat beneath a large oak and another bench sat under the cottage window. The scent of woodsmoke had her glancing again at the roof to spot smoke curling lazily from the hole in the roof fashioned for that purpose.

It was the perfect place for refuge and peace, and she could live there happily for the rest of her days. Whoever it belonged to was blessed to have such a lovely home.

"You may go inside, Sky," Slayer said, having watched her smile grow as she stared at the cottage.

"I don't wish to intrude on anyone," she said.

"You won't. It is home for the next few days, possibly weeks," Slayer said.

The news overjoyed her. She would be quite comfortable here on her own. She would make friends with the forest animals and hunt for berries and silverweed, something she enjoyed doing and missed. It was so deep in the woods that no one would find her, though Slayer would no doubt leave warriors to watch over her. She finally felt free, and she was overjoyed.

Sky hurried inside eager to make herself at home and what a lovely home it was. It was a considerable size, larger than most cottages, yet cozy and inviting. The fire pit sat in the middle of the room and a bed that could fit two people, depending on size, was tucked in a corner and dressed in fresh bedding. A chest sat at the foot of the bed with an extra wool blanket folded on top of it. A sturdy wooden table sat to the side of the fire pit with two benches tucked beneath it. Shelves lined one wall that held jugs and covered crocks. Sitting on a bench beneath the shelving were buckets and baskets, most empty but one held bramble leaves and another cowslip. The bramble leaves would make a delicious fruit-flavored tea. Lastly, she was happy to see that fresh rushes covered the earth floor. This cottage was perfect, and she looked forward to her time spent here.

She stepped outside and walked around to the side of the cottage and spotted the remnants of a garden. She would start a new garden just as she was starting anew herself. There was a worn path behind the cottage and standing quietly, she was able to hear the gentle flow of a stream. It could not be more perfect. She would gather a couple of buckets of water and give herself a good scrubbing and wash her garments as soon as she got a chance.

With lazy steps, her focus more on the forest and the treasure it held for her, she circled around to the front of the cottage. That Slayer had not stopped her from wandering told her that he had warriors stationed close by and watching her every move.

She smiled when Slayer headed her way, the last warrior disappearing into the woods. "I am going to enjoy it here."

"Aye, I always do," he said.

"This is your cottage?" she asked surprised and sat on the bench under the window, the lovely day meant to be enjoyed outdoors.

Slayer joined her. "Aye, my grandfather built it for him and his bride. I spent a lot of time here with him. He preferred it to the castle. It is where I spend my time now when I can. I enjoy the solitude."

"You are blessed to have such a peaceful place. I look forward to my time here."

He reached out to take hold of her chin and instinct had her snapping her head back, fright widening her eyes.

"You need to trust me, Sky, when I tell you I mean you no harm," he said and gently took hold of her chin to turn her head slowly from side to side. "It is going to take a while for the bruising to fade."

"Then it is good I will be here alone where no one will see me."

He released her chin and stood. "I go to the stream to catch fish for our meal."

"I will go with you and fill a bucket with water for later use," she said and rushed into the cottage to retrieve a bucket, relieved he had not corrected her about being alone here.

It did not take long to reach the stream and while Slayer whittled the end of a branch into a point to spear the fish, he glanced at Sky. She had settled herself quietly upstream from him, taking in her surroundings. Her endless smile and happiness heightened her beauty and set things stirring in him, something he hadn't expected. Gone was the fear in her eyes, when not on him, replaced by a joy he envied. Even with her bruised eyes, she was attractive or perhaps it was her pleasant smile that appealed to him. Whatever it was he found himself favoring her and never had he ever favored a woman. Women served a purpose, no more than that, and yet he found he favored his time with her. But then time here would serve a purpose as would she.

He had just about finished the spear when he saw that she looked as if she was speaking with someone, yet she was alone. He stood transfixed, watching her smile and chuckle as if in conversation. Then suddenly a squirrel jumped into her lap. The bushy-tailed animal looked up at her and Slayer was stunned to hear a squeaky chatter spill from his mouth as if he was talking with her. He was even more shocked when she patted him on the head, and he curled himself in her lap ready to nap. Never had he seen a squirrel trust a human enough to befriend him.

He walked to the edge of the stream and stopped to glance at Sky once again. She sat with her head tilted back, her face to the sun that had maintained its dominance of the sky longer than usual, while the squirrel continued to nap in her lap. He thought he might have imagined what he saw, though that was doubtful since he was observant, but his second glance confirmed it.

If there was one thing he had learned about animals through the years, it was that they had a good instinct for who they could trust. He had seen horses who refused to let some men ride them, dogs who kept their distance from men and women alike, and cats, who bloody hell, let no one command them. If the squirrel trusted Sky upon meeting her enough to sleep content in her lap, then Sky had to possess the kindest of souls. Such a kind soul was rare and could be more harmful for a person than helpful, for they would trust far too easily. Yet she voiced her concern about trusting him. Perhaps it was only animals she found worthy enough to trust.

He shook his heavy thoughts away and got busy fishing. It was not long before he caught two nice-sized trout.

With them speared on the branch, he called out to Sky. "We return to the cottage."

The squirrel popped his head up and cast him a look, then stretched himself out of his curled position and chatted at Sky before hopping off her and scurrying away.

Sky stood, grabbed her filled bucket, and joined Slayer. He took the bucket from her when she reached him.

They walked in comfortable silence until Slayer asked, "How is it that the squirrel appeared to talk with you?"

She did not think he would understand, most people didn't. She sometimes did not understand it herself. The only thing left to her was to be truthful with him. "I listened and learned. Squirrels use different sounds to communicate. They chatter when they talk among themselves. When excited you will hear a shrilling chirp and when they are happy, they whistle. If you hear them bark, they feel threatened."

He scrunched his brow and got annoyed that he did. "That makes no sense. Animals do not speak."

She almost grinned at the confusion on his face and the annoyance in his voice. They battled each other. But she had learned through the years that what people did not understand often confused and annoyed them.

She kept a soft smile as she said, "Everything speaks if you listen."

"You talk nonsense."

"Do I?" she asked with an inquisitive tilt of her head. "The sun rises, telling us it is morning. Sets, letting us know it is night. The clouds warn of rain, the air of snow. When squirrels grow fat they warn us of a harsh winter?—"

"That is common knowledge," he argued.

"Only to those who listen and learn from what they see. I see animals as friends. You see some of them as food and others to command and serve you."

"And rightfully so."

"I think differently, and the animals understand that and do not fear me for they know I will not harm them."

Their conversation intrigued him, though others would think differently and condemn her for voicing such nonsense and even think her ability came from evil.

"Were you born with this strange skill and knowledge?" he asked, curious.

Sky's smile grew as she shook her head. "I was not born with it. I acquired it through my years of observation, and it is not strange knowledge. It is there for anyone to learn if they simply watch and listen."

"Some would consider it evil, the work of the devil."

"If it were the work of the devil, would he not want to see the poor animal suffer and die?"

"That is a reasonable observation to consider."

"Something else to consider… my affliction is the reason for my ability to understand animals more than most. My two sisters were my only friends. No one in the clan allowed their children to come near me. I realized soon enough that none of the other children would play with my sisters if I was around and I did not think that was fair. So, I would go into the woods and explore, and the animals began to make friends with me, not caring about my mismatched eye color. They showed me what others did not… kindness."

He felt the need to remind her. "I am not kind."

"I do not believe that. Kindness is a decision left to the person and the given situation."

"Like a warrior who cannot pause to think of being kind when someone is about to run a sword through him," Slayer reasoned.

Her smile faded and sadness surfaced in her eyes. "Aye, battle knows no kindness."

"But a lass with mismatched eyes, through no fault of hers, is no reason to treat her unkindly."

Her soft smile returned. "The young ones did not care. A young lad talked with me one day when I was alone drawing with a stick in the dirt. He asked what was wrong with my eyes. I told him I was born that way and he shrugged and began to draw in the dirt with me. It was not until his mum pulled him away and told him my eyes were evil and he was not to play with me that his opinion of me changed." She sighed. "I may look different than others but that does not mean I am. I hurt and feel pain just like anyone else, but no one sees that or even bothers to look. They judge me simply because I look different from them and, therefore, will have nothing to do with me."

He could only imagine the pain and ridicule she had suffered for her difference, and it caused him an unsettling pain in his heart. It was not fair. Either was the reason his father had chosen Sky for Warrand to wed. He had not spoken the truth when Sky had asked why a marriage was arranged between her and Warrand. His father had told him. He wanted to find a wife for Warrand who would not consume him with desire or one he could not possibly lose his heart to. He claimed that wives were more a hinderance than a benefit. He assumed Warrand would have no interest in a woman with two different colored eyes, nor would he find any passion with her. It was a cruel decision for both Sky and Warrand.

He now better understood why she possessed a gentle manner and why she kept to herself, and it hadn't been by choice. Just as he had had no choice but to train endlessly as a warrior and join the Gallowglass as his father had demanded. He'd been raised to protect his brother and the clan. His father had gotten what he wanted from him. It was his only thought, only mission. It raged in him with a fierceness that made some think him insane. Even his father had seemed fearful of him at times. But Slayer had done whatever was necessary to honor his father's word and see that Warrand would safely inherit the title and responsibility of Clan Ravinsher once their father was gone. No one ever expected it would be Slayer who claimed the title, least of all him.

"You are pensive. Lost in your thoughts?" she asked of his silence.

"Aye," was all he said.

"Sometimes a good place to be and other times not so much."

"Very true," Slayer said and realized he had never held an interesting conversation with a woman until now with Sky.

He had had no time for women. They served a need and that was all and there were plenty of women who sought out Gallowglass warriors. They were free with their offerings, so he never lacked a female when in need of one. He found, to his surprise, he very much enjoyed talking with Sky. He also realized that she was far kinder than any person he had ever met, and it did not sit well with him that he was keeping the truth from her as to why he rescued her. He needed to tell her.

"I will clean and cook the fish," he said, concerned she might lose her appetite once he revealed the truth.

"I can clean and cook the fish, if you'd like."

"You know how to do both?" he asked, thinking that her family had sheltered Sky far too much for her to know how to do simple tasks.

"Aye. I asked Cook to teach me, worried that one day I may need such knowledge." She chuckled. "And that day has come. I will be able to feed myself while you are gone."

"I will clean the fish. You can cook it," he said abruptly and walked away from her.

Sky wondered what she said that caused him to get annoyed. But she refused to allow herself to worry over it. The day, so far, had been the best in weeks, and with the squirrel making friends so easily with her today, and Slayer soon to take his leave, she knew she would enjoy her time here. She entered the cottage to prepare a few wild onions to cook with the trout as Dea, the clan cook, had taught her to do.

It was not long before they sat down to eat.

"You did well," Slayer said, not used to offering compliments but the trout had been tastier than he expected.

"Dea, our cook, was kind enough to teach me when no one was around or else no one would have eaten the food if they knew I helped prepare it." Sky could not keep the sadness from her eyes. "I caught her one day dropping the food I made into the scrap bin for the animals. She begged me not to tell my da that she would not do it again and she would continue to teach me as my da had ordered her to do."

Slayer would have punished the woman for what she had done to Sky, and he had to fight to keep the anger out of his voice. "Your da punished her for what she did, didn't he?"

Sky shook her head. "I did not tell him. I understood Dea's fear. If anyone learned that she was feeding them food I made, they would never speak to her again and my da would have had no choice but to remove her from the kitchen. That was not fair to her. I learned a bit more from her, then stopped the lessons. I cooked some when the kitchen was empty and shared my fare with the forest animals. They enjoyed it."

"You are far more understanding and kinder than most. How you can sustain such a kind nature when you have been treated so unkindly puzzles me," Slayer said, perplexed and annoyed at how much she had been made to suffer.

"It puzzles me at times myself, but it is who I am."

"Perhaps you inherited it from your parents or sisters?"

She chuckled. "Not from my sisters. They are far different from me. And I definitely did not inherit it from my da who loses his temper on occasion. As for my mum, she was kind in her own way and stubborn as well. Your brother Warrand, was he like you?"

Slayer crossed his arms over his chest. "Define like me."

"Fine looks, strong stature, commanding nature," she said without hesitation.

"Those are not words anyone would use to describe me."

She amended her description with a smile. "Unkind. Terrifying. Vengeful."

"So, you do know me."

Sky thought she caught a slight smile on his lips, but it was too brief to be sure. "I am learning more about you and judging you for myself. You cannot be completely unkind when you have treated me well."

"There is a reason I have treated you well," Slayer said, knowing he could not delay telling her any longer.

"I assumed it is out of duty. A pledge you made perhaps to your brother or father to protect me, to keep me safe."

He leaned forward, bracing his arms on the table. "Aye, it is out of duty. The duty of a husband to his wife. We are wed, Sky. You are my wife."

Her eyes sprung wide, and she stared at him, the news so shocking that it stole her voice and sent her heart beating wildly. It couldn't be. She could not be the infamous Gallowglass warrior's wife.

A knock sounded at the door before any explanation could be offered and Slayer went to the door.

"News, my lord, you will want to hear," a warrior said.

"I will be right there," Slayer said and shut the door, then turned to Sky. "I need to go, but I will explain when I return. Warriors surround the cottage, so do not even think of running away. You should also know that you will not be staying here alone. I will be staying here with you, and we will be sharing the bed."