“I do hope that can be proven, Willow,” James said, “or I fear Lord Tarass will take matters into his own hands, and there’ll be nothing we can do to stop him.”
James’s warning followed her like a gray cloud overhead as she left the room. She felt so helpless. If only her husband was free to go and come as he pleased. She stopped suddenly, a different thought intruding on the others.
Her husband had managed to sneak out of the keep the other night without anyone seeing him and without her knowing it. Had he done so other times? Could the gossip be right? Had her husband been sneaking out of the keep at night? She shook her head. She would have known. Or would she? Sometimes after making love, she would fall into a deep sleep and didn’t wake until morning. But she never woke alone. Slatter was always there wrapped around her. Or he’d wake her with gentle caresses and they’d make love. Could he have just returned to their bed on those occasions? She had to know and she hurried off in search of him.
She found him with his grandmother. She was doing well, getting out of bed to sit in a chair by the fire for a while each day. She ate good, slept well, and complained little. It was obvious she was content and Willow believed it had much to do with her grandson.
Slatter was helping his grandmother out of the chair, his strong yet tender arm wrapped around her, lifting her gently to her feet and supporting her as he walked with her to the bed and helped her in it. He tucked the blanket around her and pushed a stray strand of her hair off her face to tuck behind her ear.
It was a scene that would live long in Willow’s memory, her husband so strong and powerful lovingly assisting his petite, frail grandmother with such care and patience.
“You will rest now. I will visit with you later,” he said and kissed her brow.
“You must have important things you need to see to. Worry not about me,” she said, patting his arm.
“You are the most important to me, Seanmhair,” he said and kissed her brow again.
“I do so love you,” she said softly as her eyes drifted shut.
“And I you, Seanmhair,” Slatter whispered and turned to see his wife standing at the open door.
As usual, she was struck by how his smile could stir her senses or was it how lovingly he had been with his grandmother that had touched her heart.
His smile turned mischievous as his arms circled her waist. “I see a spark of desire in your eyes, mo ghaol.”
Willow didn’t deny it. “Aye, you spark an ember that forever burns within me for you with a smile or simple touch.”
He squeezed at the sides of her waist. “Never is my touch simple. Every time my hand touches you it is with purpose, whether to let you know that I am there for you, that I love you, that I ache for you, or that I simply want to feel the comfort of your hand in mine. Purpose, mo ghaol, I always touch you with purpose.” His hand moved off her waist to stroke along her back. “I think we should take this conversation to our bedchamber where I can demonstrate in great detail the purpose of my touch.”
She almost surrendered, forgetting what she was going to ask him, and turned as he directed her, with a slight urging of his hand to her lower back, to the stairs. She was reminded of it with how silently he climbed the stairs behind her, almost as though he wasn’t there.
“I have a question,” she said after entering their bedchamber.
“Let it wait,” he said, his lips already at her neck, teasing the sensitive spots he knew all too well would have her responding with soft moans.
Willow had to push him away and shake her head to gather her wits about her. “It can’t wait.”
“Be quick, I have an ache for you that won’t be satisfied quickly.”
For a moment she gave thought to wait to speak with him until after they made love, worried what she had to ask him might affect both their passion. But in the end she let her sensible nature prevail, especially since she wanted to put the worry to bed before he took her to bed.
“I spoke with James and he told me—”
“That many of the warriors believe me responsible for the attack on Walcott.”
Willow looked at him befuddled.
“I’m not deaf to the wagging tongues around me.”
“And do you know that many believe you sneak out at night and prowl the area?”
“I’ve heard that as well.”
“Do you?” she asked.
He didn’t answer and when he turned away from her, she felt a pang to her heart.
Slatter ran his hand through his hair and shook his head as he turned to face her again. “It is better you don’t know some things.”
“How can you say that?” she asked incredulously.
“Easily, since I don’t want you harmed in any way.”
She walked over to him, her hand shooting out to poke him in the chest. “You harm me by lying to me.”
“I didn’t lie to you. I just didn’t mention it to you.”
“So you keep secrets from me.” She turned away. “It’s time I do the same.”
Slatter grabbed her arm and swung her back around to face him. “You’ll keep no secrets from me, wife.”
“If you can keep secrets so can I,” she argued.
“I do it to protect you.”
“Or is it that you don’t trust me?” she challenged.
“What would you have said to me if I told you I was going to search the woods at night to see if I could find this culprit?”
“You searched the woods?” she asked.
“From the look in your eyes, it is more than a simple question you ask me, wife, and a good way to avoid answering my question.”
“I would have gone with you,” she said, “but then you knew that and tried to divert me from the real reason you snuck out of the keep at night.”
“And what would that be?” Slatter asked with caution, knowing his wife was not one who could be easily fooled.
“You were meeting someone. Someone you trusted. Someone who could do what you couldn’t, go wherever he pleased.” She gasped. “Walcott. He hadn’t just arrived. He’s been here for a while. He’s not someone anyone pays mind to. Doesn’t want to pay mind to because of his constant grumbling.” She paced, thinking, and stopped suddenly. “It’s why he warned me about the danger in the darkness. He found something in the darkness, didn’t he? That’s why he was attacked.”
Slatter went to her and gripped her wrists in his hands. “Listen well, wife. You’ll leave this be. I’ll not have you suffer Walcott’s fate.”
“You’re my husband and I love you. We’re in this together whether you like it or not,” Willow warned. “I’ll see you safe just as you do for me.”
His eyes smoldered with anger. “I’ll not lose you.”
“You think I feel any differently. The thought of never seeing you again, never feeling your touch, your kiss, frightens me something fearful. Your lies frighten me as well.”
“I lie to protect those around me,” he said.
“Why not simply speak the truth?”
“The truth is not simple to tell,” he said and released her and walked over to sit on the bed.
Willow went and sat beside him. “It is simple and I’m listening.” She could see the struggle in his dark eyes as to whether to tell her or not, and she waited. It was a struggle only he could settle.
Her stomach twisted nervously about what she might hear when he looked ready to speak.
“Willow! Willow are you in there,” Snow shouted frantically before a rap sounded at the door.
“I am and so is Slatter,” Willow said and they both hurried to the door.
Snow didn’t wait, she opened the door and spoke. “Lord Tarass arrives with more warriors and with an unknown chieftain or lord and his troop of men as well. James wants you to join him on the steps of the keep.”
Willow helped Snow down the stairs since they all were in a hurry, Slatter leading the way.
“I only spoke with James a short while ago and he said
nothing of Lord Tarass’s arrival,” Willow said as they descended the stairs.
“James wasn’t made aware of Lord Tarass’s arrival or told anything of the other man and his troop. He’s as shocked as everyone else.”
“You’ll stay close to me, Willow,” Slatter ordered sharply as if he worried she wouldn’t agree.
“That I will,” Willow said, fearful of what awaited them.
“And you, Snow, will stay to the side out of harm’s way,” Slatter said.
“As long as you protect my sister, that is all that matters to me. Besides, I have Thaw to protect me,” Snow said of the pup, who was showing some growth, by her side and following her every step.
The Great Hall was empty when they entered it and so eerily silent that Willow shivered.
“Everyone waits outside to see who Lord Tarass brings here and why,” Snow said as the three walked through the heavy silence.
People stood near their cottages watching the procession of warriors walk through the village. Lord Tarass led the way on his horse and a man atop another horse following behind him.
James stood on the top step, his eyes steady on the approaching men. Eleanor stood beside him, though she rushed over to Snow when she spotted her.
“James says I’m to stay with you and that we’re to keep ourselves out of the way of things,” Eleanor said, hooking her arm around Snow’s.
“I make no promises,” Snow said and went to stand to the side with Eleanor.
Willow was proud of her sister’s courage and that even though she was blind, Snow would come to her defense no matter what.
It wasn’t long before Lord Tarass drew close to the keep. It was difficult to see the man who brought his horse up alongside him, the hood of his cloak partially covering his face. He didn’t toss it back until they both came to a stop in front of the keep and everyone gasped in shock.
The man could have been Slatter’s twin brother.
At first Willow felt a sense of relief, thinking Lord Tarass had found the culprit. That soon faded when she realized the man was not treated as a prisoner, but with respect shown to either a chieftain or a lord. Her stomach knotted painfully fearful of what that meant.
“This is Lord Sterling of the Clan MacBlair from the Isle of Wakelin. He has some information you’ll wish to hear, James,” Lord Tarass said.
Lord Sterling dismounted and approached the steps, staring up at Slatter. “I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes. You are the exact image of me.”
Slatter grinned. “I wouldn’t say exact, I’m much handsomer.” His grin shifted to a glare. “Wakelin, you say, isn’t Wakelin that piss-ass isle no one gives a fig about?”
Willow squeezed her husband’s hand in warning. It would do no good to antagonize the man, at least not yet.
He returned her squeeze, though never took his eyes off Sterling.
“Your lack of manners and civility prove what a scoundrel you are without me saying a word. You’re also a sly one, giving me the slip at every turn,” Lord Sterling said.
“This is best discussed in private,” James said.
“Why? Your clan should know that an evil man resides among them,” Lord Sterling said, raising his voice and not taking his eyes off Slatter as if daring him to deny it. “This man has committed endless crimes, some unspeakable. He cares not who he harms or the damage he leaves in his wake. He is a common thief, a thug who does anything for a coin, a liar who charms his way out of things or charms his way into a woman’s bed, mostly married women, then threatens that he will tell her husband if she doesn’t pay him for his silence. And he murders anyone who threatens to reveal his true nature.”
“You claim much detail about my supposed exploits,” Slatter said. “How is that?”
James agreed. “Slatter is right. How is it you claim these accusations?”
Lord Sterling pointed to Slatter. “You cannot see why by just looking upon us? I have suffered greatly because of this miscreant. I have been accused of stealing, lying, bedding married women, and causing harm for a mere coin. I cannot travel far from home without someone accusing me of a crime and wanting me to suffer for it. I finally had enough and began my search for the man responsible for it all… Slatter.” He pointed again to Slatter. “Now it’s time for him to suffer.” He looked to James. “And when you learn what else he has done, you’ll agree with me.” He turned and shouted. “Bring her to me.”
Willow stood beside her husband more frightened for him than she had ever been. She wanted to shout out that Sterling was a liar. That it was he who had done all the things he accused Slatter of, but she held her tongue, though it wasn’t easy.
Her fear grew when she saw Maddie practically dragged and dumped in front of Lord Sterling. Her one eye was badly bruised and the corner of her mouth swollen and the way she held her one arm, it was obvious it pained her.
Her husband tensed beside her and Willow feared he would rush forward to help the woman, but he didn’t.
“Tell them. Go ahead. Tell them the truth,” Lord Sterling ordered.
Slatter spoke up. “Where’s your husband Kevin, Maddie?”
“You’ll not be asking her any questions,” Lord Sterling ordered. “She’s my prisoner.”
Slatter paid him no mind and said again, “Where’s Kevin, Maddie?”
Maddie rushed to speak. “He’s being held with the others. The ones who survived.”
Lord Sterling raised his hand ready to bring it down on Maddie.
“Hit her and I promise you you’ll lose that hand,” Slatter warned in such an evil threatening tone that it halted Lord Sterling’s swing and sent a heavy silence descending over everyone.
Maddie rushed to say more. “Beck is dead, so are most of his men. There’s only a few of us left.”
“You killed them?” Slatter asked with a nod to Lord Sterling.
“My warriors did. They were a motley crew of thieves and murderers and suffered a fitting punishment.” His lip turned up in a snarl. “But then you know their kind well since you’re one of them. Now tell them, woman,” Lord Sterling commanded.
Maddie looked to Slatter, her eyes pleading.
“It’s all right, Maddie. Say what you must, Slatter encouraged gently.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks. “Beck paid a man to act as a cleric. You and Willow aren’t truly wed.”
Chapter 23
“Lies! You force her to lie,” Willow accused with a shout. “Just like all your other words are lies.”
“Watch your tongue, woman,” Sterling cautioned.
“Don’t ever threaten my wife,” Slatter warned his look even more deadly than his tone had been.
“She is not your wife,” Sterling argued. “And I have tracked you here and I intend to see you punished for your crimes. You will be hanged at sunrise.”
Willow’s legs almost buckled and she grabbed hold of her husband’s arm, not to keep from collapsing, but to keep anyone from taking him from her.
James stepped forward. “That is not going to happen. You are not known to us and until this can be sorted out no action will be taken against Slatter.”
Willow wanted to hug her brother for defending Slatter.
Sterling looked to Tarass. “You will let the man live who killed your warrior and attempted to kill one of his own?” He turned back to James. “And you would defend an evil man who lies for the pleasure it brings him?”
“You don’t step foot on our lands and dictate to us what will be done,” Tarass ordered, his potent tone leaving no room for debate. “I brought you here to have your say. Slatter’s fate is not for you to decide.”
“Then I will remain here until I am sure Slatter gets what he deserves,” Sterling said.
“You will be my guest,” Lord Tarass corrected with a look that warned him not to challenge his command.
Sterling looked ready to argue, but held his tongue, and calmed before saying, “At least lock the scoundrel away so he can’t dis
appear and cause more havoc.”
Willow’s stomach churned as wickedly fast as her mind, her thoughts focused on various possibilities, the most important… how to help her husband escape if he was imprisoned.
James spoke up this time. “Slatter is confined enough here. He needs no further confinement.”
“Yet you have one dead and another near death,” Sterling challenged, “and you’re still foolish enough to allow him his freedom?” He raised his arm and pointed to Willow. “At least keep him away from your sister so he doesn’t fill her head with more lies or fill her belly with a bairn and leave her in disgrace.”
Willow felt her husband ready to pounce on Sterling and she hurried to step in front of him. “I don’t for one moment believe the lies you force others to spew for you. Slatter is my husband and my husband he will stay. You, nor anyone here, will keep him from me. You say that Slatter is an evil man and lies for the pleasure it brings him. Only an evil man who lies for the pleasure of it would know that, so tell me, Lord Sterling, how much pleasure have you gotten in using my husband’s identity to enjoy your wicked ways?”
Sterling’s face flushed red with rage and his lips curled in a snarl as he went to step toward Willow.
Willow felt the brush of her husband’s arm as he rushed past her, but he was too fast for her to stop him. By the time her hand reached out to try, Sterling was flat on the ground, blood pouring from his mouth, and his lips already swelling.
“Dare to come at my wife again and I’ll kill you,” Slatter threatened, clenching his fists at his sides, fighting the urge to plummet the man senseless.
Sterling glared up at Slatter, his hand shooting up to point at him. “I demand you lock him away for the safety of all.”
“Enough!” Tarass bellowed. “We finish this matter in the keep.”
Slatter turned to Willow and kept his voice to a whisper. “Tend Maddie and see what you can find out.”
Willow didn’t argue, aware she would be excluded from the matter once the men retired to James’s solar. And her husband was right. She needed to find out what Maddie knew.
She gave him barely a noticeable nod and as he went up the steps, she went down to Maddie.
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