Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
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.”