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)
“Finally, you respond to my summons,” the sharp voice said.
Esme’s breath caught as her eyes took in the familiar face of the old woman who spoke to her at Clan Rennoch emerged from the shadows of the doorway, the same sharp eyes gleaming and her long silver hair plaited neatly.
“You,” Esme whispered. “You were there…”
“I am always where I’m meant to be,” the Old Woman said, turning and leaving the door open behind her. “Come, lass, and shut away the cold behind you. We’ve words to speak.”
Esme stepped inside and closed the door. The warmth of a small fire greeted her, flickering beneath a blackened pot. Shelves lined the walls, cluttered with herbs, bones, stones, and things that whispered of old magic.
Esme didn’t wait… she got right to the heart of the matter. “You summoned me. Why?”
“You have questions, and I have things to tell you,” the Old Woman said, settling on a bench at the table barely big enough for two. “Sit and pour yourself some chamomile tea to warm you.”
Esme kept her cloak on, too chilled, from the walk and snow to remove it. She gratefully filled a small tankard with tea, cupping it to warm her hands.
Esme spoke truthfully. “I have more questions than I can count, but I have been warned to listen and say little.”
“Bah,” the Old Woman said, dismissing her claim with a wave of her hand. “Spoken by the fearful and weak. You are neither. You have grown in courage and strength.”
“I have my share of fear and weakness,” Esme admitted.
“Most do, but few learn and grow from it like you have.”
Her words sunk deep, Esme realizing there was truth to her words.
“I will speak my piece and then you may ask questions,” the Old Woman said and took a swallow from her tankard before speaking. “Secrets run deep in Clan Purdom and deeper still in Clan Glencairn. They’ve tangled themselves in lies so long, even the liars no longer know what’s true.”
Esme tightened her grip on her tankard, her heart pounding, waiting to hear more, to learn the secrets.
“Beware. Vengeance will bring you nothing,” the Old Woman warned, her gaze sharp. “What you need is truth. And truth lies with the one who was there. The one who saw it all.”
Questions rushed out of Esme. “Saw what? Tell me who it is and how I find this person?”
Before the old woman could answer, the door slammed open behind her, cold wind rushing in.
“Esme!”
She turned to see Ryland filling the doorway, fury and worry etched deep across his handsome face. His eyes snapped to the Old Woman.
Her lips curled in disdain. “I made it clear that I did not wish to speak with you.”
“I don’t care what you wish,” Ryland snapped. “I am here, and you will answer my questions.” He shoved the door shut behind him as if it sealed his intentions.
“You think to command me?” the Old Woman asked with a chuckle.
“Must I?” he asked and turned his head briefly to Esme. “You should not have come here alone.”
“I could not pass up the opportunity,” Esme said softly. “I left a message. I knew you would follow.”
“You are lucky to have such a faithful and kind woman love you from the depths of her heart,” the Old Woman said and grinned at the surprised look on his face. She chuckled. “You didn’t know that she loves you?”
Esme spoke. “I have felt it in my heart, but—”
“You don’t need to speak of this here, Esme,” Ryland said, though his heart soared that it could be true that she did love him more than he expected she would.
“Aye, I do,” she said, nodding. “I do love you from deep in my heart. I have since you told me that you love me. I was too fearful to accept it for reasons I am sure you understand. But you have proven to me you are the man I can love without question, the man who will always see me kept from harm, a man who will keep an honest tongue with me, a man who will forever love me. A man I will forever love.”
Ryland snatched her up off the chair and into his arms and kissed her with a strength that was meant to seal their love forever.
Their kiss ending, Ryland rested his brow to hers and said, “I will see that we have a good life together, Esme.”
“Not unless you solve this mess that has been left to you,” the Old Woman said, drawing both their attention.
Ryland kept his arm around Esme while his eyes focused on the Old Woman. “Explain what you mean.”
“I do not take orders from you,” the Old Woman warned.
Ryland’s eyes turned stormy. “I will have answers.”
Esme squeezed Ryland’s arm gently. “My husband can be impatient. You were telling me—”