Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“The land is his. Tarr gave it to him freely.”
“It was a wedding gift to you both and for a good reason. Tarr knew neither you nor your sister would be happy living too far apart.”
“He was right about that, but I’m curious. Did this land hold any special meaning for Tarr?”
“It was an inheritance from his mother’s people, as far as I know. I think Tarr mentioned that his mother’s father designated it to someone specific, though I don’t recall who.”
“It does not disturb him to see the land leave his family?”
“The land does not leave his family,” Raynor said. “You became part of the Hellewyk clan when your sister wed Tarr. As far as he is concerned the isle remains part of his clan.”
“The Wolf clan now being an extension of the Hellewyk clan,” Aliss concluded.
“It is the way to become an unequaled force: smaller clans expanding larger ones and the chieftain’s power growing when each unite. I am sure Rogan is pleased that his insignificant clan has joined with a powerful clan. After all, a chieftain’s duty is to make choices that will benefit his people.”
“A good reason to wed me, but then aren’t many marriages arranged just for that reason?”
“The differences being that most betrothed women know that before they wed. You made a choice to wed based on lies,” Raynor said. “Can you live with that?”
“The very question that haunts me.”
“You have time. Do not rush it, make sure it is what you want,” he said.
“What would you want, Raynor? An arranged marriage or one conceived in love?”
“I have a duty to my clan.”
“Then you would wed a stranger if it was beneficial to your clan?”
“Not through lies or subterfuge.”
“If it were the only way?” Her question had him pausing as well as herself. Had Rogan approached his dilemma in the only way possible?
“I see your point, though I grieve to admit it. You are my sister and I want what is best—” He shook his head. “I want you happy.”
“And if Rogan should prove to make me happy?”
He threw his hands up in surrender. “What choice would I have?”
“You did learn to get along with Tarr because of Fiona and me,” she reminded him.
“It was either that or lose the sisters I had just found.”
“So you compromised.”
“No, I think I just looked at the situation and saw what I would be losing if I chose to be stubborn instead of sensible.”
“Are you finally admitting that stubbornness is a family trait?”
“Shhh,” he said with a finger to his grinning lips and a quick scan of the area. “It’s a secret.”
Aliss laughed and took hold of his hand. “I am glad you came to visit.”
Raynor squeezed her hand. “I am here for you, Aliss, no matter what your choice is.”
Chapter 29
Rogan sniffed the handful of dark soil spilling through his fingers. Crops would grow plentiful in this ground and would provide more than enough sustenance for his clan. The woods teemed with game and the sea provided an abundance of fish. The clan would flourish here.
He let the rich soil drain through his fingers as he caught sight of Aliss strolling through the village.
Time was fast running away from him. Raynor had been here a week already, and the clan had been on the isle over a month. Rogan had remained true to his plan, but his efforts weren’t enough. Aliss looked for solid proof that his love was real and he wasn’t certain how else he could prove it to her.
She was a stubborn one, but he was just as obstinate.
Theirs was a perfect match, if only she would admit it.
She waved to him, the other hand shading her eyes from the bright sun.
He waved for her to join him, suddenly feeling the need to have her by his side, to hold her hand, to kiss her softly and slowly until he was drunk with the taste of her.
She hesitated at first, so he marched through the field demonstrating his willingness to meet her. She responded in kind and made her way toward him.
Her beauty never failed to capture his breath and play havoc with his senses. Her red hair sparkled like a brilliant flame and highlighted her gentle features. And he liked the way her garments fit her curves so nicely, now that Fiona had brought clothes for her.
She also seemed to be forever in motion, going here, going there, tending this one, aiding that one, forever on the move until, exhausted, she dropped into his arms and slept. He liked when she did that, then he could hold her close and know she was safe.
He smiled as she scooped up a handful of dark soil and brought it to him.
“Fertile soil.”
He took a small amount and rubbed it between his fingers. “It will produce an abundant crop next year.”