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)
“Then he could know more than he says, and other elders might know something.” Esme said. “We need to speak to elders in your mum’s clan who were around when you were born and see what they remember. Did Torrance ever mention his mum’s clan? If not, maybe one of the elders would—” She stopped abruptly and looked to the Old Woman. “You know.”
The Old Woman smiled but said nothing.
“Of course,” Esme said with a wide smile.
“What am I missing?” Ryland asked then shook his head. “Purdom. She was from Clan Purdom, which is why you wanted to meet here, where it all began.” He nodded this time. “Patrick is older, he might know something. He waits for me—”
“He returned home,” “the Old Woman said, “before the snow stranded him here.”
Ryland left Esme’s side and went to the door and opened it. The snow was falling heavily. It would be foolish to travel in it. He shut the door and turned ready to demand to know why she didn’t warn them.
The Old Woman didn’t give him a chance to speak. “You two need time to talk, time to be alone without worry. The snowstorm has provided that for you. There is a small cottage just beyond this one. It is there for those in need. You are in need. I have told you all I know. The rest is up to you. If I learn more, I will let you know. Now go and find the secret of the twins’ birth that will free you both.”
Ryland drew Esme to his side the moment they stepped outside the cottage. Snow whipped around them in wild gusts, biting at exposed skin and blurring the world to shades of white and gray. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her tight to him, shielding her as best he could from the storm’s fury.
“This way,” he said close to her ear, his voice a low rumble against the wind.
Esme tucked herself into him, her head beneath his chin, her arms wrapped around his waist, trusting him to lead the way.
Their boots left tracks in the deepening snow as they made their way, and a layer of snow soon covered their cloaks, the snow was falling so rapidly. The cold seeped through layers of wool and fur as they made their way along the barely visible path.
Ryland pressed on, determined to get Esme to the safety and warmth of the smaller cottage nestled just beyond a thicket of wind-blown trees. He was relieved when he finally spotted it and saw that smoke curled from the chimney in a slow, steady plume. Heat would be there to greet them.
He shouldered open the door and ushered her inside.
Warmth rushed over them, the fire crackling in the hearth, filling the space with much needed heat. The cottage was modest, a table and two chairs, a narrow bed against the wall, and shelves lined with crockery and baskets filled with root plants. It was a perfect sanctuary from the storm.
Esme stepped forward, snow trailing behind her, and held her hands out to the fire.
Ryland closed the door behind them, shutting out the wind and leaning back against it for a moment, watching her. Gone was the fear and worry of what might have happened to her when she left to meet the Old Woman with Breann as her only companion. Those meaning her harm could have found her, taken her, killed her. He chased the torturous thoughts away. She was here with him and safe, and though the Old Woman could be annoying, he was grateful she offered them sanctuary and grateful to the snowstorm that gave them this time alone.
Esme turned to him, her cheeks flushed from the cold, eyes bright. “Are you all right? I can only imagine how it feels to learn Torrance was your twin and separated from him.”
He went to her and slipped her damp cloak off her shoulders then slipped off his and went and hung them on pegs by the door to dry. He returned to her and circled her waist with his arms to draw her back against him.
“I believe I am too stunned by the unexpected news to fully comprehend it.”
Esme rested her arm over his at her waist, comforted by his strength. “What troubles me is how a mum could separate her twins, most likely, at birth. Unless she had no choice and if that is the case then my heart breaks for her.”
“Torrance never mentioned his mum. His sole thought was on one day ruling Clan Glencairn.”
“Did you ever think to ask either of your parents why you looked so much like Torrance?”
“I asked my da once since I didn’t want to hurt my mum with such a question. He told me that some things just don’t make sense, and one shouldn’t waste time worrying over it. I did hear him mumble something when I was leaving his solar. “‘From sacrifice miracles are born.’” Ryland gave her waist a gentle tug. “I didn’t understand what he meant though I do now. The sacrifice that I made brought me a miracle… you.”