She turned in the chair to face him, the blankets Nettle had piled around her falling away.
“That’s a good fire burning in the hearth,” he said as he reached her and took hold of her hand she stretched out in his direction. “And Thaw sleeps soundly there close to the hearth.”
“Aye, it kept me warm while I’ve waited impatiently for you, though Thaw didn’t last long at keeping my feet warm since I moved them too much, disturbing his sleep. I apologize for not remaining in the Great Hall as you instructed, but I longed for some quiet.”
“You stayed in the keep that’s what matters,” he said.
“Do not keep me waiting any longer. Tell me about the pool of blood,” she said eagerly.
“It was just that, a pool of blood. No tracks around it. Nothing that led anywhere.”
“And no body?” Snow asked.
“No body,” he confirmed. “I have all in the clan being accounted for and the animals as well. And anything that has been slaughtered for kitchen use in the last two days. I’ve also sent some warriors to see that Cleric Norman made it safely to the abbey. Other than that there is not much to tell. It still remains a mystery.”
“And brings fears to the clan,” Snow said.
Tarass scooped her out of the chair to sit and place her in his lap. She curled to rest against him comfortably. He kept his one arm around her waist and draped the other over her backside, his hand giving her cheek a gentle squeeze.
Of course, it was enough to stir her passion, but she had questions for him first.
“A mystery that needs solving just like the mystery of what I overheard earlier. Why Fasta could satisfy you in ways I never could.”
“I don’t know, shall we find out,” he teased and nibbled at her ear.
Gooseflesh rushed over her. It always did when he teased her that way. But she would not be deterred. “So you admit you poked Fasta.”
“You know I didn’t,” he said and kissed her lips softly.
“How would I know that?” she asked, trying to ignore his kisses she enjoyed far too much.
“Because I wouldn’t be teasing you about it if I had. If guilty, I’d be lashing out at you, demanding to know why you would ask me such a thing.”
“You’re right,” Snow said with a smug smile. “You lashed out at me when I accused you of lying about Sorrell beating you at climbing that tree.” She tapped his chest. “This is a good thing to know about your husband.”
He kissed her again and she got lost in its lingering tenderness, then rested her head—content—on his shoulder after his lips left hers.
“I will see that Fasta is removed from the keep,” Tarass said.
“I appreciate that, but I am the lady of the keep and this is for me to handle.”
“Are you telling me you can fight your own battles?” he asked with a chuckle.
“And why wouldn’t I be able to fight my own battles?” she challenged with a smile. “I’ve battled you the mighty Lord of Fire and won.”
He laughed so hard, he shook both of them. “You believe you’ve won battles with me when I’ve had you removed from my presence, had you apologize when you felt you’d done nothing wrong, though you did, and had to rescue you numerous times?”
Snow kissed his cheek. “The only battle that counts is the one where I was victorious, and that was the battle for your heart.”
“That wasn’t a battle, wife, that was complete surrender,” he said and kept her tight in his arms as he stood. “And now I’m going to be victorious and have you surrender completely to me.”
Snow chuckled. “We’ll see who surrenders first.”
Chapter 24
The snow returned, hard and heavy, stranding everyone for days, not that Snow minded. She spent time with her husband, time talking, time laughing, time making love, lots and lots of love and she smiled at the memories. What was even more wonderful was that shapes were beginning to take form and while they had first vanished as fast as she had seen them, they were beginning to last longer and longer.
Snow found herself able to maneuver around the keep more easily, and she let everyone believe it was because she had grown familiar with the area. She had to be sure that what she was seeing wasn’t something temporary. That her vision was improving, if only a little, and would remain so, or dare she hope continue to improve.
“I don’t think Lord Tarass is going to be pleased with you venturing out of the keep,” Nettle said, handing Snow gloves. “It still snows, though not as heavily and while some paths have been cleared, it is still not easy to walk through the village.”
Thaw barked and Snow smiled able to make out a shape, part of it wagging like crazy, near the door.
“He’s eager to play in the snow and I’m eager to visit with Twilla,” Snow said. “And isn’t Rannock seeing to the repair of a roof that got damaged. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind seeing you, since you two have been talking quite a lot lately.”
Nettle laughed. “We went from arguing to talking, which I must admit is nice. I don’t know what happened to change it in the last few days, maybe a week now, but it’s been enjoyable.”
“Then take Thaw and let him enjoy himself in the snow while you talk with Rannock,” Snow said. “I’ll be fine with Twilla until you return for me and if you see Lord Tarass before that, let him know where I am.”
“As you wish, m’lady,” Nettle said and took Snow’s arm, Thaw leading the way out of the keep.
It was a bit more of a trek along the snow-covered ground than Snow had expected and she was relieved to park herself in a chair at Twilla’s table, a hot brew in hand.
“My old bones ache with the winter cold,” Twilla said, hugging her tankard. “This is the time I miss my husband the most. We kept each other warm in the winter. I won’t be surprised if late summer or early fall brings a harvest of bairns.”
Snow’s hand went to her stomach, hoping she’d be one of them. “That would be nice.”
“Tarass’s da was beside himself when Haldana carried Tarass. She had miscarried two previous bairns and he feared they’d lose another, though he feared more that he’d lose her. It was a joyous occasion when Tarass was born and with more ease than expected. She miscarried twice after Tarass, then no more. They both had hoped for many bairns but fate thought differently.”
Snow couldn’t imagine the pain of losing a bairn before it even had a chance to be born. How difficult it must have been for Tarass’s mum.
“How did Tarass’s da meet Haldana?”
“At the market on a trading trip far north,” Twilla said. “Her people had come to trade as well and from what I’ve heard they fell in love at first sight. When you saw them together, you could see how much they loved each other. His da had been furious when he brought her home and announced he’d wed her, but she won the old lord over and even more so when she had Tarass. It meant the Clan MacFiere would live on, as it will in you and Tarass.”
“I pray for many bairns. I want our life filled with lots of love, laughter, and wonderful memories,” Snow said, keeping the thought strong in her heart.
“I have no doubt your prayers will be answered. You and Tarass will have what his parents had so hoped for and they will live in both of you and your children,” Twilla assured her as if she knew it was so.
Thaw’s bark outside the door brought a smile to Snow. “He’s come to fetch me home.”
“Aye, and home is where you are,” Twilla said and reached out to give Snow’s hand a squeeze.
Twilla opened the door as Snow stood and Thaw ran in, shook the snow off himself, and ran to plop down in front of the hearth.
“He looks to be alone,” Twilla said, taking a quick glance outside before shutting the door against the wind and light snow.
“I guess he wandered away from Nettle,” Snow said, knowing Thaw would be urging her to follow him if anything had happened to the young woman. “Nettle probably got lost in conversation with Rannock and doesn’t even know Thaw h
as deserted her.”
“The two are warming to each other. It won’t be long before they realize they were made for each other,” Twilla said.
Snow stood. “I have heard the yawns you’ve tried to hide. It is time for me to take my leave.”
“I’m old. I yawn all the time, and you can’t think to leave without Nettle,” Twilla said.
“Thaw will guide me home,” Snow said confidently and Thaw barked as if agreeing.
“You should wait,” Twilla urged.
“Thaw and I will do well. Worry not,” Snow said and after slipping on her cloak and gloves, gave Twilla a hug and stepped outside. “Take us to the keep, Thaw.”
The wind had grown stronger, whippingwiping at her face as she tried to make out shapes, but the wind and swirling snow made it difficult.
Snow kept her hood pulled low and her face averted from the wind as best she could and followed slowly as Thaw tugged her along. She stopped suddenly when she thought she heard someone cry out and when Thaw pressed against her leg and barked, she knew he had heard it as well.
The cry came again and it sounded like someone in distress. What if someone was hurt?
Snow looked around trying to make out any moving shape, but all was still, the snowstorm keeping most indoors.
The cries of distress continued and Thaw whined. He was impatient to hurry off and see what was wrong, but he would not leave her side without permission.
Snow made a hasty and she hoped not unwise decision. “Someone needs help, Thaw, take me to the person.”
Thaw barked, grabbed the hem of her garment in his mouth and took off at a pace that had Snow slipping and sliding through the snow.
She listened as the moans grew closer and called out, “Who’s there? Are you hurt?”
“Help,” could be heard in the lingering moan.
When Thaw suddenly stopped and growled, fear nipped at Snow. Someone was there. Someone Thaw didn’t like.
“It’s Fasta, I need help.”
Snow hesitated. A sudden thought that this could be a trap grew her fear. “Are you injured?”
“I’m in terrible pain. It’s what made me collapse.”
Snow heard her fear and her trembling voice betrayed her tears.
“I’m going to die,” Fasta cried.
“No, I’ll get help,” Snow said.
“I prayed for help and what was sent me? A blind, useless woman,” Fasta said bitterly.
Snow ignored her disparaging remark. “Thaw, we need help. Go get Tarass.”
Thaw barked and didn’t move.
“He’s as useless as you,” Fasta said.
Snow patted her upper thigh and Thaw jumped up, resting his front paws there. “I know you don’t like Fasta, but you must do as I say. Go and hurry. Get Tarass.”
He barked at the strong command in her voice and took off running.
“We need to get you out of the snow and someplace warm,” Snow said, leaning down, her hand stretched out searching for the woman, though worried she might refuse her offer of help. She was surprised when Fasta grabbed onto her hand, squeezing it tight as though she feared letting go.
Snow realized she was laying prone in the snow, which meant she was growing colder by the minute.
“Can you sit up?” Snow asked and with her other hand followed along Fasta’s arm to her shoulder to slip beneath it. “You can’t stay here in the cold.”
“You are too small and fragile to be of any help to me,” she complained through more tears.
Snow heard the disappointment and the tremble of fear that worsened in Fasta’s voice. “I am stronger than you think.” She lifted her back to help her sit up.
An anguished moan fell from Fasta’s lips as her head dropped forward. “Oh my God! Oh my God! I’m bleeding. The dwarfs, they’ve come for me.”
Snow was about to soothe her worries when she caught a blur rushing toward them and heard a cackle of laughter.
“We’ve come for you. We’ve come for you,” a high-pitched, cackling voice called out.
A blur circled them so fast or it was the swirling snow that made it seem that way and made it impossible for Snow to tell if one or more were present.
“Don’t let him get me, m’lady, please don’t let him get me,” Fasta begged, gripping Snow’s arm. “He’s ugly so ugly.” Fasta cried and pressed her face against Snow’s arm.
Snow responded out of instinct, yelling in a commanding tone, “Be gone with you. Your tricks will not work here.”
A face popped in front of hers and Snow startled more from the fact that she could make out a long, hooked nose and that her own nose wrinkled at the horrid scent when the creature spoke in a whispery cackle.
“We’re coming for you.”
Thaw’s distant bark could be heard and the creature vanished from in front of Snow’s face and she watched, scrunching her eyes, to see a blur scurry off in the snow.
Thaw was suddenly at her side and she heard him sniffing the air, catching the awful scent. Fearing he would give chase, she gave a sharp command, “Stay, Thaw!”
“What goes on here?” Tarass demanded, coming upon Fasta buried tight in his wife’s arms.
“Fasta is hurt. She needs help,” Snow said.
Tarass stopped abruptly when he saw the blood.
Nettle and Rannock followed close behind him and one look had Nettle crying out, “Good Lord, you’re soaked in blood.”
Fasta let loose with a howling weep, still clinging to Snow. “It was one of the dwarfs. He came for my blood.”
“Bless you, Lady Snow, bless you for defending one of us.”
“You are a brave soul, m’lady. Proud we are to have you.”
“You are a blessing to the clan.”
Tarass sat in complete silence as clan member after clan member approached his wife after supper in the Great Hall to heap praises on her valiant act of courage for chasing off the dwarfs and saving Fasta. Not that Fasta had heaped praises on Snow, but the telling of the tell had been enough for others to see the truth.
He had hastily gotten Fasta to Runa’s cottage. The healer was able to stop the bleeding and Fasta now rested comfortably. Tarass had warriors posted throughout the night outside Runa’s cottage since she had insisted Fasta remain the night there.
He’d been annoyed at his wife for refusing to obey him and return to the keep. She had insisted on going with him and he had little to argue against since Nettle had taken Snow’s arm to help guide her.
“You are a good soul, m’lady, for protecting one who was unkind to you.”
“Fasta owes you much, Lady Snow. You are a blessing to us all.”
Tarass watched his wife handle each compliment with grace and appreciation and saw how the clan admired her even more for it. He, however, had not had a chance to speak alone with her since the incident and he was eager to do so since he had much to say.
It took only two yawns for him to bring the evening to an end.
He stood. “Time to retire.” He took his wife’s hand for her to stand.
“Thank you all,” Snow called out and more blessings were shouted out to her.
Thaw led her up the stairs by her hem, Tarass following behind them. The pup waited for his usual hug and kiss from Snow before going to the hearth and curling up to sleep.
Tarass had gotten into the habit of helping his wife undress at night. Nettle had first seen to it, but he found he preferred to help her out of her garments. It was purely selfish on his part since he loved seeing his wife naked and loved the feel of her soft skin. He had admitted it to Snow and she had admitted that she much preferred him helping her than Nettle.
It was a nightly ritual he intended to never see end, but then there was another reason for that. It always ended in them making love, slow and easy or fast and quick. It didn’t matter as long as he could slip inside her, he was content.
Tonight, however, undressing his wife would have to wait. He needed to talk with her and if he helped her undre
ss, there would be no talking.
“You frightened me,” he said, going to her and taking her hand.
“I didn’t mean to,” she said.
“You should have never left Twilla’s alone and don’t tell me that you had Thaw. Did you forget how easily it is to get lost in a snowstorm even with Thaw at your side?”
Snow rested her head on her husband’s chest. “I believe I had more confidence in making it to the keep since I was here at home.”
Her words pleased him, which annoyed him since she had been wrong to go off on her own and yet to hear her acknowledge that this was her home warmed his heart.
She raised her head. “I probably should have been a bit wiser in seeking out the cry for help myself, but I am glad Fasta is doing well and that I got a chance to come face to face with the creature.”
“You came face to face with it?” Tarass asked, thinking how close his wife had come to being harmed.
“I did. The creature placed its face almost on top of mine.” She scrunched her nose. “It had a horrible odor, but then what better way to hide your identity than to smell so badly one would turn her head away and not look closely.”
“You don’t believe in the dwarfs?”
“My mum taught me to respect the myths of our people and your people do the same. What is true and what are tales I cannot say, though I have my doubts.”
“I’ve thought the same. Someone wants to stir fear in the clan, but for what reason?” Tarass asked more of himself than Snow.
“There is one other thing I should tell you,” Snow said somewhat reluctantly.
Tarass got the feeling he wasn’t going to like what she was about to tell him. “What is it?”
Her reluctance remained as she drew out her words. “The creature said ‘we’re coming for you’.”
Anger and a bit of fear gripped Tarass as he rested his brow to hers. “I’d never let that happen, ást.”
“I know that. I know you’d always rescue me. You and Thaw.”
“Thaw and I work well together and we both will always keep you safe.”
Snow smiled. “And I will keep the both of you safe.”
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