Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“The men grow uneasy. They wonder why you wait to return Fia to the forest when she has proven her power with the hounds from hell.”
“The warriors are not to question. They are meant to obey as they have always done,” Varrick reminded.
“Aye, but that was before the God of Death showed up,” Argus argued. “When in battle they see the face of their opponent. With the God of Death, you do not see him coming for you. You cannot fight an enemy you cannot see. You have tried summoning Arawn, but he pays you no heed. So, you did what any wise leader would do, you hunted down a person better to battle him. Let her do what you brought her here to do before it is too late.”
“Was the tracker able to follow the tracks of the wild hounds that the hell hounds’ howls chased off?” Varrick asked, tired of Argus reminding him of what he needed to do, and what he expected himself to do.
“They split after a distance and disappeared into the section of the forest none will dare venture into.”
“Odd that we have not seen such a pack before now,” Varrick said.
“What has not been odd of late?”
“True enough,” Varrick said, having seen numerous people waiting to seek her care. “But who is truly to blame? The God of Death or someone unknown and unseen to us? I have made many enemies.”
“We have made enemies; you, me, Marsh, Corwin, Lloyd, and many more of our warriors,” Argus corrected.
“But I lead. I rule, and that makes a difference. I wonder if there is more to our problems than we allow ourselves to see.”
“Arawn has been seen. He makes himself known, and Brock and Lady Fia did not imagine the hell hounds,” Argus reminded.
“I do not argue that, but why would the God of Death poison the animals found at the castle wall when he could simply snuff out their lives as he did to those in our clan who died?”
“I never thought of that,” Argus admitted. “So, you believe we have two enemies who challenge us, Arawn and an unseen one?”
“I think his lordship is right,” Marsh said, joining the two men. “What he says makes sense.”
“The witch has you under her spell,” Argus accused. “She even argued that you should not be punished since she instructed Brother Luke to tell you where she was going and that it was not your fault, but hers for not informing you herself. She took half the blame for you, and you barely got punished for it.”
Marsh grinned. “You will come around and see for yourself that Lady Fia is a good woman.”
“I prefer she be what we need—a powerful witch!” Argus said.
The men turned quiet when the cottage door opened and Fia stepped out.
“Owen does well, Marsh?” Fia asked when she reached the men.
Marsh glowed like a proud da. “Wonderfully well, my lady. He grows stronger by the day.”
“That is good to hear.” Fia turned to her husband, stifling a yawn. “I would like to return to the keep and rest.”
“Do you not feel well?” Varrick asked, his wife never having mentioned a need to rest.
“I am a bit tired, so some rest is what I prescribe for myself.”
Argus and Marsh exchanged suspicious glances.
Varrick took hold of his wife’s hand. “We will speak later, Argus.”
Argus nodded and watched the couple walk away. When they were a good distance, he turned to Marsh. “Do you think she could be with child?”
“Quiet!” Marsh snapped, seeing women nearby glance their way. “If anyone hears you say that it will be assumed and spread like wildfire through the village and that isn’t something that is needed right now.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Argus said, his voice low. “How could he ever rid himself of the witch if she carried his bairn?” He shook his head. “She made sure to seduce him to get with child so he would not harm her when he was done with her.”
“There is no reason to harm Lady Fia, Argus. She means us no harm and she might just make Varrick a good wife since she is a caring soul.”
“She fools you all, but not me, never me,” Argus boasted and walked away.
“Are you feeling unwell?” Varrick asked again as they walked.
“Nay, just tired.”
“Are you not sleeping well?”
“Truthfully, nay. I find falling asleep difficult and remaining asleep even more difficult, a pattern that repeats itself throughout the night. But with so much on my mind—” She shrugged as if that explained her troublesome sleep.
“Tell me what is on your mind, and I may be able to lift some of the burden,” he offered.
Some of what troubled her she would not discuss with him, but there was something that had haunted her. “You told me my punishment would fit my disobedience. What would my punishment be if I escaped and you found me?”