Page 19 of Cree & Dawn and the Wolf

“I can help if needed,” Cree offered, his wife squeezing his hand and letting him know she was not pleased with his offer.

“That is generous of you, Lord Cree, but you are not familiar with wolves and that could prove dangerous for you,” Olwen said. “I thought you and Lady Dawn would be more comfortable at a table in front of the hearth since the Great Hall holds a chill this evening. But if you prefer, I can have your meal moved to the table at the dais.”

“It is good where it is, Olwen,” Cree said and escorted his wife over to the table to sit.

“If you should require anything else, please let me know,” Olwen said and left the room.

“How does she expect us to do that when no other servant lingers about to take a message to her?” Cree asked, looking around at an empty room.

Dawn shrugged, wrinkled her brow, and gestured slowly.

“Aye, I agree. It is odd that no one is about. It almost feels as though the keep is empty of all but you, me, and Olwen.”

Dawn shivered and moved closer to her husband so that their bodies touched. She preferred sitting close enough to feel their legs touch, their arms brush each other’s, and have the warmth of their bodies joined together. They were connected that way, always together as one.

She ate sparingly. Cree didn’t. He had often warned her that in certain situations one needed to eat when they could since they might not know when their next meal could be. That he ate robustly told her that he was concerned with their present situation.

Cree kept his voice low when he spoke with her. “With the keep so empty, it might be a good time to explore.”

Dawn nodded and patted her chest then his, letting her know that she would go with him.

“Aye, you will come with me. I will not leave you alone tonight. It is odd that the keep is so quiet. Lord Tiernan may be out with his men, but where are his servants? I have seen one or two besides Olwen since arriving here, not a sufficient number for the keep being so well-maintained.”

A howl sounded outside followed by another one, and Cree slipped his arm around his wife, catching the sound of faint footfalls.

“The wolves hunt tonight.”

Dawn was startled by Olwen’s sudden appearance, not having heard her enter the room. Her husband hadn’t budged, but even if he didn’t hear her, he was too well-trained to show that anyone could startle him, except her of course. Dawn was still capable of surprising him at times.

“But worry not,” Olwen said. “The men will spend the night protecting the village and the livestock.”

“My horse?—”

“Is safe,” Olwen assured him. “As are both of you, so rest well and do not worry.”

“Yawn the next time she returns, so she thinks we are ready for sleep,” Cree whispered to his wife after Olwen left the room. “And eat more while you can.”

His order confirmed his concern, but she could not abide the thought of taking another bite. She shook her head and patted her stomach.

“You’re not feeling well?” he asked.

She nodded and drew a never-endling circle on her stomach.

“Your stomach is upset.”

She nodded, sighed, and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Have no worry, Dawn. I will get us out of here safely and we will not be going anywhere for some time after this. I have traveled enough. I prefer my home and the company of family and friends.”

She tapped her chest and nodded, letting him know she felt the same.

When Olwen returned, Dawn had to force herself to yawn, the prospect of exploring with Cree boosting her strength and resolve.

“I left a nice brew in your chambers to enjoy just before bed,” Olwen said. “Have a good rest and I will see you in the morning.”

“Your generosity is appreciated,” Cree said, and stood, then helped his wife to stand and with a nod to Olwen they left the room.

As soon as they reached their bedchamber, Dawn warned him to stay away from the brew, pointing to the jug and shaking her head and finger.

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