Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“I knew you would need nourishment,” Aliss whispered.
“Bless you,” Fiona murmured, and feasted with joy.
The morning brought a rush to break camp and be on the way. Aliss informed Fiona that she had heard the men talking and that they would reach Hellewyk land by midday, and that many of the men expected an attack before they reached the keep.
“This Raynor anticipated Tarr’s return, or forced it,” Fiona said as she and her sister mounted their horses. “Keep alert and your weapon close.”
“I am not as skilled with a weapon as you,” Aliss said nervously.
“You are skilled enough. Just find cover where you can. I will not let anything happen to you.”
Aliss nodded and soon they were once again on the trail.
The day was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. The smell of heather was heavy in the air, summer having appeared to refuse autumn’s total reign. They traveled along a path made worn by many travelers, the earth packed hard and solid. A smatter of trees lined one side and a vast meadow could be seen beyond, framed by low-rising hills. The other side was dense with foliage with a few croppings of large rocks here and there.
“I wish there was time to search the woods for herbs,” Aliss said eagerly.
“A good place for Raynor’s men to be hiding,” Fiona reminded. “And Tarr knows that. I have watched the way he directs his men and how he himself is aware to all that goes on around him. He is a wise warrior.”
“You admire him.”
“His warrior skills impress and he strikes an imposing figure on his horse. He sits straight, his shoulders wide, his eyes intent, and his weapons close. He is prepared for anything. He will not be caught off guard.”
Aliss jerked her head from side to side. “You think we are watched now?”
Fiona shook her head. “You think it wise to make it appear as if you nervously look about for lurking warriors?”
Aliss dropped her head, gave it a shake, then stuck her chin up. “I am devoid of warrior abilities.”
Fiona laughed. “I do not know about that. You wield a mean bone needle.”
Aliss smiled. “I surely do.”
“We have discussed this before, Aliss,” Fiona said seriously. “Seek cover as quickly as possible and keep safe. Your skills and strength will be needed after the battle ends.”
“I worry about you.”
“And I worry that if you do not keep safe, who then will tend me if necessary? We each have our talents and it is best we use them wisely.”
“I am so glad we remain together—”
“So am I,” Fiona chimed in. “And we will stay together. No one, absolutely no one will separate us.”
A screech like that of a wounded animal pierced the air a mere moment before a horde of warriors descended on the Hellewyk troop.
“The rocks,” Fiona said to her sister as she reached for her sword in its scabbard on the side of her mare.
Aliss grabbed the knife from her boot, slipped off her horse knowing her mare was trained to seek safety during battle, and ran for the cropping of small boulders a few feet away.
Fiona entered the battle first making certain she cleared a path for her sister to get to safety. Once Aliss was behind the rocks she charged full hilt into the thick of clashing swords.
Fiona swung her sword with skill and strength, toppling warriors from their horses as if she swatted them off like pesky insects. She delivered several severe kicks, blooding faces when attempts were made to tear her off her horse, and she felled one man with the butt of her sword handle to his hard head.
She had trained her mare well for battle, and the horse remained calmly aware of her master’s every move and command. Fiona saved one or two of Tarr’s men from the point of a sword. Her strength grew with each kick, thrust and swing, the heat of battle racing her blood.
The skirmish over, Tarr sat looking over the battlefield. A few of his men were hurt while three of Raynor’s men lay bloody and moaning on the ground. He was relieved no graves would be dug this day for his men, and more relieved that one would not be for his future wife.
At first he thought to protect the twin he saw in the thick of battle, but it was soon obvious that she was an accomplished swordswoman. When she assisted him in dispelling his opponents, he knew she possessed the courage he was searching for in a wife. She fought like a true warrior. The other twin however hid behind a rock. Had he found Fiona?
He thought he had the answer when he saw the other twin emerge from her hiding spot supporting one of his warriors whose injured leg was carefully bandaged. She sat him gently on the ground and then rushed to help the wounded.