Page 18 of Cree & Dawn and the Wolf

Cree stepped behind her and eased her back against him to share his heat and rub her arms to chase away her chill along with her fear.

A knock sounded at the door, causing Dawn to jump.

“I requested a hot brew,” Cree said, hugging her against him. “I will tell you about my fairly quick search of the keep once we are alone again,” and he called out in a commanding tone, “Enter!”

“Enough for you both,” Olwen said after entering and sat a jug and tankards on a small table. “I fear with the fog there is little for you to do while you are here. Feel free to sit in the Great Hall if you grow tired of this bedchamber. Though Lynall did advise rest for you, Lady Dawn, so you will be ready to take your leave when the fog lifts.”

Dawn smiled pleasantly and nodded.

“Ask and I will do my best to get you whatever you need,” Olwen said and with a bob of her head, left the room.

Dawn stepped out of her husband’s arms and pointed to the brew and shook her head. She then pressed her hands together as if in prayer and held them against her cheek and closed her eyes.

“You think the previous brew put you to sleep?”

Dawn nodded.

“The healer did say you needed rest,” Cree said, and her glare had him quickly revising his comment. “Though she should have told you the brew would put you to sleep.”

Her glare vanished when she nodded in agreement. She gestured, letting him know she was eager to hear about what he found while exploring the keep.

Cree detailed his brief venture. “I found little of interest or anything strange and I cannot be sure if what I heard overhead was animal footfalls. I could have missed the entrance to the kitchen in my hasty quest to find what exits I could.”

Dawn dismissed his claim with a wave of her hand, then gestured.

Cree smiled at his wife’s praise. “So, you think I am too wise of a warrior to question my own skills and confidence.”

She nodded and gestured again.

“I, not we, will continue to explore and learn about what goes on here,” he ordered firmly and when she did not acquiesce, he spoke even more firmly. “I mean it, Dawn. You will rest so you are well enough to leave when the fog lifts.”

She went to him, knowing his arms would greet her, and they did, circling her in a soft embrace. With slow, meaningful gestures, she made her worries known.

Cree listened closely almost as if he could hear her, and she made him realize the truth of her words and his own worry grew. “I had not thought of that. If while exploring, something should happen to me and I didn’t make it back to you, you would be left here with strangers and odd strangers at that and none that could understand your gestures.”

She gestured, pressing her two fingers tight together, tapped his chest then tapped hers.

“I wish I could promise you that we will remain together while here, but it may not always be possible. We cannot stay ignorant of our surroundings. I need to make sure I know ofexits if we must make a hasty escape or see where weapons may be if needed.”

Dawn understood the wisdom of his words, but they only managed to worry her more. If she felt her usual confident self, she probably wouldn’t be as concerned, but her head hurt, and she did not feel she had her full strength. How could she help her husband if he should need her when she lacked strength?

“We will stay together as much as we can and when that’s not possible, you will remain in this bedchamber.”

She shook her head and gestured that she would help. She would sit in the Great Hall and listen, watch, and discover.

“That may be helpful and with servants around I see no reason why you wouldn’t be safe. But there is one thing I intend to see done. Tomorrow morning I will take you to the stable where the horse is sheltered so you know where it is. If for any reason I don’t return to you while we’re here, you are to take the horse and leave.”

She shook her head.

Cree pushed away the few strands of auburn hair that had fallen loose around her face, then kissed her gently. “I will find you, Dawn. I will always find you whether now or through time, we will always be together.”

Her eyes grew misty with tears, and she was about to kiss him when the soulful howl of a wolf stopped her.

Cree pushed his wife behind him, the piercing howl sounding like it came from within the keep.

CHAPTER 6

“Lord Tiernan sends his apologies. He will not be able to join you for supper. The wolves are restless tonight and he and his warriors are making sure they present no problem to the village,” Olwen said when Cree and Dawn entered the Great Hall.

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