Page 28 of Cree & Dawn and the Wolf

“He’s missing?” Lord Tiernan asked, stepping forward, ready to go search for him.

Cree raised his hand. “Only briefly, he is safe.”

“That lad tries my patience. He is brave but foolish as only the young can be.”

“True enough but do keep in mind that I will raise my sword for you, if necessary,” Cree said, wanting Tiernan to understand he could rely on him to help.

“I appreciate that, Lord Cree, and I am honored that you would offer and know that Clan MacMadadh is a loyal clan to those who are loyal to us.”

“That is good to know. Now tell me, is this heavy fog a challenge that some might think of as an advantage?”

“Only for those familiar with it,” Lord Tiernan said and pointed to the table for Cree to sit.

Cree did, and Tiernan joined him, filling two tankards with ale and handing one to Cree.

“I saw how familiar with the fog Sim was, walking me to the stable without any difficulty,” Cree said, so Tiernan would know that he noticed and had an inkling of what might be going on at Clan MacMadadh.

“A necessity we have all come to learn,” Lord Tiernan said with a slight nod.

“And do you have foe who are familiar with the fog?”

“One or possibly two and although they are a distance from here, the fog would provide a useful cover for them if they thought to attack us.”

“Do you know if either have recent thoughts to do so?” Cree asked.

“As you know, land is power and wealth in the Highlands. I recently acquired more land from a neighboring clan in exchange for supplying them with food during the winter. Clan MacMadadh possesses exceptional hunting skills, we never lack food, whereas the other clan is sparse of hunters. I hope to acquire more land through such negotiations and there are those opposed to my expanding my holdings.”

“You dislike battle.”

“I abhor battle and the senseless killing that goes with it. I prefer to live in peace when possible. Unfortunately, it is not always possible.”

“I understand and feel the same after years of fighting other peoples’ battles. I prefer to live out my days peacefully with my family, my clan, and while that might not always be possible, I will strive to make it so.”

Cree wanted to make sure that Tiernan understood that he had no desire for bloodshed but would shed it if it meant leaving here safely with his wife.

“I understand, Lord Cree. We do whatever we can to protect family and clan, and once again I appreciate your offer of helpand will do all I can to make sure you and Lady Dawn leave here safely.”

Without admitting it, Cree felt that he and Tiernan had come to an understanding that he intended Tiernan and his clan no harm.

“Tell me of your home, Lord Cree,” Tiernan said.

Cree saw the tension leave Tiernan’s shoulders, worry having been lifted off them, and Cree began to detail his clan, adding incidents concerning his children, especially Lizbeth, that had Tiernan laughing. It was an enjoyable discussion and Cree ended by saying, “You must come visit one day. You are always welcome in my home.”

Tiernan couldn’t hide his surprise. “I rarely leave my clan, but I do appreciate the invitation.”

Someone frantically shouting his name prevented Cree from responding and he and Tiernan hurried to the door. The shouts brought them to the Great Hall, where Cree stared in shock at his wife lying on the floor appearing lifeless, the healer cushioning her head in her lap.

“DAWN!” He rushed to her. “What happened?” he demanded of Lynall when he reached them and crouched down to see his wife’s pale face.

“I believe she fainted after standing too quickly. I managed to cushion her head before she hit the floor,” Lynall said. “We need to get her to her bedchamber.”

Cree nodded, and gently lifted his wife into his arms, his worry growing as he carried her to their bedchamber. He had seen men receive head wounds who appeared fine and then a few days later they slipped into a deep sleep and never woke again. His heart pounded in his chest and his every step grew heavier with fear.

Relief rushed over him only moments later when he felt Dawn stir in his arms and he silently thanked the heavens. “You are all right. I’ve got you, Dawn. You are safe.”

Dawn’s eyes fluttered open just as they entered the room and when he placed her gently on the bed, she turned a confused look at him.

Cree understood she was asking what happened. “You fainted.”

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