Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 114917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Lawler’s eyes went to Bliss, and she felt a rush of panic seize her. How did she let him know that Rannick was not aware that she was his wife?
Relief washed over her when Rannick spoke, seeing it done for her.
“I warn you, Lawler, if you say a word to my father that a woman is here with me, you will rue the day. Do I make myself clear?” Rannick asked, though it was more a threat.
“I do, my lord,” Lawler said with a nod.
“I will have your word on it,” Rannick demanded.
Lawler nodded again. “You have my word. I will say nothing of the woman here with you.”
He could easily keep his word since it would be Rannick’s wife Lawler discussed with her husband’s father. Bliss hoped to find a moment to speak with Lawler alone before he left and let him know things were going well, since no doubt that was what he was here to find out.
“Your mother was concerned that you might be in need of more supplies before winters sets in,” Lawler said, pointing to the two sacks hanging from either side of his saddle. “Cloth, blankets, and other items she thought you might need.”
“My mum does well?” Rannick asked.
Bliss heard the genuine concern in his voice for his mother. If he cared for his mom, he could not be all evil.
“She does and she told me to tell you she misses you and hopes you return home soon,” Lawler said and gave a nod to Bliss. “Is there anything the woman is in need of that I may bring the next time I visit?”
“Find her some garments without anyone knowing of it,” Rannick ordered. “And a fur-lined cloak for winter.”
“I will see to it, my lord,” Lawler said. “Would it be permissible for me to approach her and judge what garments might fit her?”
“See to it while I get the sacks you brought,” Rannick ordered. “And do not take long, since you will take your leave soon.”
Lawler bobbed his head and went to Bliss.
Bliss stood and kept her voice to a mere whisper. “He does not know.”
Lawler looked her up and down as if judging her frame. “Does all go well?”
“Aye,” she said.
“Any news?”
“Too soon,” she whispered.
Lawler nodded and smiled.
It would be good news he delivered to Rannick’s father and that pleased the man, and Bliss felt the guilt weigh more heavily upon her.
“There is news, my lord, your father believes you should know,” Lawler said when he walked toward Rannick.”
“Tell me,” Rannick said, wanting the man gone.
“Chieftain Gowan of the Clan MacFarden is giving Lord Fergus trouble. He believes battle is inevitable. Lord Fergus has already let other clans know he may need their help and your father believes he will reach out to his son, Odran, to return home and fight.”
The news worried Bliss. Her clan—Clan Loudon—was one of the clans beholding to Clan MacBridan. That meant Saber could be called to fight. What then would happen to her sister Elysia?
“Odran is as tired of battle as I am and wants nothing but solitude and peace,” Rannick said.
“Still, like you, he would not neglect his clan, if necessary,” Lawler said.
“Keep me apprised of the situation,” Rannick said.
“Aye, my lord,” Lawler said with a nod and went to his horse.
“Lawler.”
“My lord?” Lawler said, turning.
“Return with the garments for the woman as soon as you discreetly gather them,” Rannick ordered.
“As you say, my lord,” Lawler said and mounted his horse and rode off.
Bliss sat in silence as Rannick moved the two sacks inside the cottage, her thoughts on Elysia and Clan Loudon. She prayed her sister was safely wed to Saber, though she worried what might happen to him if he had to go fight. And what of the other men in the clan. She would not be there to tend them, to stitch their wounds, but Elysia would be. She had assisted Bliss many times and her skill with a needle would serve the wounded well.
She felt helpless, even more so for not knowing what truly was happening. She was glad Rannick had told Lawler to keep him apprised. She would be eager to hear more news on the possible battle and Clan Loudon’s participation, if necessary.
Bliss raised her head, having been staring at the torn garment in her lap and realized that Rannick stood in front of her.
He glared at her. “Tell me what you and Lawler were whispering about.”
CHAPTER 10
The question was not a surprise to Bliss, and she responded truthfully. “He asked if all was well, and I assured him it was.”
“He inquired no further?” Rannick asked.
“We exchanged few words in our brief encounter.”
“And you will exchange no more words when he returns,” Rannick ordered. “Lawler is loyal to my father and if word reaches him that you are here with me, my father will force a marriage and I will not wed you.”