Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
“That’s up to Quint, but I will suggest it,” she assured him, relieved he was improving greatly day by day. “And tell your wife,” —she looked at Ula— “that she needs to get out of this room some.”
“Shade is right, Ula,” Caleb said. “You spend endless hours here.”
“When I am sure you are well enough, only then will I leave your side briefly,” Ula argued.
“The bairn needs some brisk autumn air and a good wander now and again,” Shade said.
“What bairn?” Caleb and Ula asked.
“The one inside you that has been growing for three months now,” Shade said with a smile, having discovered it when she had hooked arms with Ula when they had taken a rare walk one day. She had been curious if something else was keeping Ula from eating besides her worry for her husband. “With your thoughts only for your husband, I assumed you didn’t realize it, but it shouldn’t wait any longer. You need to know so you know when to rest and eat and get out of this room now and again for the bairn’s sake.”
Caleb was smiling from ear to ear. “I’m going to be a da. Thank you, Shade, thank you for saving me so I can be here for my son or daughter.”
Ula’s hand had gone to rest on her stomach. “You’re right. I never even gave it thought.”
“It isn’t necessary to bring Rufus here, Shade. I would rather time with my wife right now.”
Tears began to roll down Ula’s cheeks as Caleb patted the spot beside him in bed. “Come. I need to hold you.”
Ula looked anxiously at Shade.
“Just be careful of his wounds. They continue to heal,” Shade advised, and Ula gently got into bed with her husband.
Shade left the room closing the door behind her and sending a silent prayer of thanks for Caleb continuing to heal so well. She stopped abruptly when she rounded a curve on the stairs, startled by her husband’s sudden appearance.
He hurried his arm around her waist. “I was coming to get you. Rufus has returned and I thought you would like to be there when Nug and I talk with him.”
“I heard. I was coming to find you, after hearing some good news.”
“Good news is always welcomed.”
“Ula is with child,” she said, her smile wide with happiness for her friend.
“Caleb must be thrilled to hear it, and I have no doubt it will make him heal faster. Such news always thrills since it means his bloodline will live on. Now come and let’s hear what Rufus has to say.” His arm left her waist, and his hand took hold of hers as he walked in front of her to lead them down the stairs.
Shade hadn’t thought of that. Without a child, Quint’s bloodline would end with him. She wondered if that thought ever disturbed him.
Rufus was in the solar along with Nug and Dru when Quint returned with Shade. Rufus was finishing his tankard of ale and Nug filled it again once he placed it on the table.
Rufus took another gulp before speaking. “I haven’t drunk or eaten anything since yesterday. I wanted to return as fast as I could.”
“Eat, and talk between your bites,” Quint said.
Rufus eagerly snatched up a quail egg and shoved it into his mouth, gulping down more ale after swallowing it. “Lord Torrance accepts your offer but warns that no harm is to befall Clan MacLeish, or you will pay with your life. He also made it clear that Ryland was to be kept alive and that he had special plans for him. He ordered you to announce to the clan that you will rule in his stead, and they are to obey you or suffer the consequences. Also, anyone you deem a threat against him is to be kept imprisoned until his arrival. He also tasked me to relay a message to two mercenaries, Witley and Monty.” He paused to take a drink.
“The message for the two?” Nug asked impatiently.
Rufus hurried down another gulp before responding. “They are to do as The Monk commands. He also demanded that you provide any help to a mercenary called Knox, if he should show up here. He is on a special mission for Lord Torrance.” He reached for a piece of bread, hurrying it into his mouth.
“Did you hear any word about the mercenary, Asher?” Quint asked.
Rufus nodded and swallowed more ale before speaking. “Aye, I was just going to tell you about him. The two, Asher and Lord Torrance, are at odds. Many heard them arguing and someone said they saw Lord Torrance strike Asher. Something bad is brewing between them. Some believe it started with a mission meant for Asher and given to Knox and there were whispers of something to do with Coggshall Abbey.”
“What about the abbey?” Quint demanded anxiously. Before he met Shade, he didn’t care what people thought of him. His only care was for revenge for Amara and the monks. Now, however, he wanted to prove his innocence, so that his wife was not made to suffer for something he never did.