Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
“Oh yeah, you want to prove that?” Una challenged.
“Bloody hell, I do,” Hakon said and scooped Una up over his shoulder and carried her out of the keep.
Ryland turned to Esme at the same time she turned to him, and both smiled and went to hurry off the bench and to their bedchamber when the door opened and in walked… a cleric.
He shook the snow from his cloak that covered his robe as he approached their table.
“It’s snowing?” Esme asked.
“Aye, it just started, a light lovely snow, I hope that doesn’t turn wicked and make my return journey difficult. I have been summoned to wed a couple, but I learned upon entering your village that you suffered a battle. Many have stopped me, requesting blessings for the dead and prayers for the wounded.”
“I would appreciate it if you could spare us extra time. The clan will provide you with shelter and plenty of food while you’re here and you can partake in a large celebration since it is three couples you will wed.”
The slim cleric smiled. “I wouldn’t mind a warm shelter and plenty of food, the abbey can be cold and the food sparse during the winter. I will stay as long as you need me.”
Ryland ordered more food and drink to be brought to the table for the cleric.
Brack soon joined them, explaining, “I wanted to give Brenna some time alone with her da.”
The cleric was soon in a deep conversation with Brack about healing plants, to Ryland’s surprise.
Ryland leaned his head down to whisper to Esme about Brack knowing an awful lot about plants when he sensed her unease.
He went to ask her when, she whispered, “Could we take a walk outside?”
Ryland stood, drawing the two men’s attention. “We will return shortly.”
“Not too shortly,” Esme said to Ryland, as he draped her cloak over her shoulders when they neared the door.
They barely were out the door when Ryland asked, “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well? I could get Brenna.”
“Nay,” she said, hooking her arm around his. “I had enough of people, of the chaos, of the problems that have plagued us. I wanted to be alone with you. I look forward to people being gone, leaving you and me to finally start our lives together as true husband and wife.”
“Lord Ryland and Lady Esme of Clan Glencairn,” he said proudly.
“What will you do about Clan MacLeish?” she asked as they walked down the stairs.
“I wanted to make Quint, The Monk, chieftain of Clan MacLeish, being he has done a fine job so far, but he refused. He told me that he was tired of battle, of disputes, of complaints, of always tending to others. He and Shade want nothing more than to return to her healing cottage in the woods and raise their daughter, which Shade is sure she is having a lass, there in peace.”
“If not Quint than who will lead Clan MacLeish?” Esme asked as the snow fell softly around them.
“I thought of Nug, my good friend since I’ve been young, but losing Brack to Clan Purdom, I will need Nug, and I believe he would be pleased to join me here. Quint mentioned someone he thought deserved to be chieftain and I agree with him… Caleb. It was because of Caleb that I came across Torrance.”
“The badly wounded warrior of yours who you carried off the battlefield?” Esme asked, recalling Ryland mentioning him.
“Aye, that’s him. He is a fine warrior, and his wife Ula is a fine healer. She learned the skill from Shade. I believe they both will serve Clan MacLeish well. And if any clan members wish to follow me here they are welcome to do so.”
“It is finally done and over, isn’t it?” She stopped abruptly. “But what of Chieftains Stuart and Eagan. What will their fate be?”
“You needn’t worry about them. They are gone.”
“Gone? Do you mean dead?”