Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 104340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Cree slammed his fist on the table causing Sloan to jump. “She did not seek help because she assumed no one would care what had happened to her. This land and these people belong to me and I want them all, every one of them, to know that they are now under my protection and that I will let no harm come to them. Dawn has been harmed and I want them to see with their own eyes what I do to those who attempt to harm what is mine.”
“I believe that you have made yourself clear by putting Dorrie in the stocks. Tongues have been wagging incessantly about it, though no one has dared speak against it.”
“They will learn to follow my decrees or suffer the consequences. Speak with Dorrie tomorrow and see what she can tell you about this Seth that she claims is the one who delivered Old Mary’s message. And have you spoken to Old Mary?”
“I have and she was quite upset that someone had used her to hurt Dawn.”
“Move Old Mary to Dawn’s cottage,” Cree ordered. “She is too old to be living removed from the village, besides her eyes and ears will better serve me here.”
“She is old and set in her ways, she may protest—”
“Did I say it was a request? And are you implying that the old woman intimidates you?”
Sloan leaned closer and lowered his voice. “The men believe that she is a witch, sometimes knowing things before they happen.”
“She is an old woman, no doubt wise for her years and she watches and listens. That is how she is able to predict what will happen. And she is friend to Dawn unlike the villagers who ignore her. Dawn treats her well and sees that she has food when no one else cares.”
“How is Dawn?” Sloan asked.
“You care?” Cree asked with a quirk of his brow.
“She intrigues me for one who has no voice.”
“Do not let her intrigue you too much,” Cree warned.
“Jealous?” Sloan grinned.
“I keep warning you about your tongue.”
“And yet it is still whole in my mouth.”
A commotion at the entrance to the Great Hall kept Cree from responding and when both men saw who had entered they jumped out of their seats.
“Elwin, are you not supposed to be guarding Dawn?” Sloan demanded hurrying around the table to stand in front of the warrior who stood dripping rainwater on the wood floor.
“Tannin is standing guard—”
“What has happened?” Cree snapped with anger.
Elwin took a step back and bowed his head. “The silent one got out of the cottage and went and freed Dorrie, then brought her back to the cottage. They are both there now.”
Cree looked ready to choke the man. “How does a woman escape a man of your size and girth and why didn’t you return Dorrie to the stocks?”
“I stopped her when she opened the door. I told her that she could not leave, your orders.” He hesitated reluctant to continue, though knew he had no choice. “I can only assume that she got out through the window in the other room. And as for Dorrie,” —he took a breath— “I tried but the silent one tricked me and got into the cottage and latched the door before I could stop her.”
“I’m admiring this woman more and more,” Sloan said though refrained from grinning.
Cree turned on him and Sloan was quick to raise his hands. “You must admit that it takes mettle and a generous heart to help someone who has wronged you.”
“Or foolishness,” Cree said. “Of which I intend to put an end to. Sloan, go get Lila I have no doubt I’ll have need of her. Elwin, you follow me. Dorrie will be returned to the stocks and Dawn... shall learn the consequences of disobeying me.”
Chapter Twenty-two
Dorrie sat at the table, in fresh garments, her hands wrapped around a tankard of hot cider while Dawn hung the wet towels by the fire to dry. Dorrie’s garments were another matter. They would need washing and so Dawn placed them in basket for her to take home.
“I should be doing that,” Dorrie said. “You have done more than enough for me already. And I cannot thank you enough.”
Dawn shook her head and pointed to Dorrie’s tankard, then her mouth and then she smiled and rubbed her stomach and hugged herself.
Dorrie nodded and Dawn was glad to see her smile. “The cider does warm me, though I thought nothing would take the dreaded chill from my bones. It is amazing how when I watch you speak with your hands that I can truly understand what you’re saying.”
Dawn rolled her finger over and over in front of her mouth.
Dorrie giggled. “You talk a lot. That’s funny.”
Dawn lifted the bucket of water now dark from the mud she had washed off Dorrie and went to the door to empty it.