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“Caleb must be thrilled to hear it, and I have no doubt it will make him heal faster. Such news always thrills since it means his bloodline will live on. Now come and let’s hear what Rufus has to say.” His arm left her waist, and his hand took hold of hers as he walked in front of her to lead them down the stairs.

Shade hadn’t thought of that. Without a child, Quint’s bloodline would end with him. She wondered if that thought ever disturbed him.

Rufus was in the solar along with Nug and Dru when Quint returned with Shade. Rufus was finishing his tankard of ale and Nug filled it again once he placed it on the table.

Rufus took another gulp before speaking. “I haven’t drunk or eaten anything since yesterday. I wanted to return as fast as I could.”

“Eat, and talk between your bites,” Quint said.

Rufus eagerly snatched up a quail egg and shoved it into his mouth, gulping down more ale after swallowing it. “Lord Torrance accepts your offer but warns that no harm is to befall Clan MacLeish, or you will pay with your life. He also made it clear that Ryland was to be kept alive and that he had special plans for him. He ordered you to announce to the clan that you will rule in his stead, and they are to obey you or suffer the consequences. Also, anyone you deem a threat against him is to be kept imprisoned until his arrival. He also tasked me to relay a message to two mercenaries, Witley and Monty.” He paused to take a drink.

“The message for the two?” Nug asked impatiently.

Rufus hurried down another gulp before responding. “They are to do as The Monk commands. He also demanded that you provide any help to a mercenary called Knox, if he should show up here. He is on a special mission for Lord Torrance.” He reached for a piece of bread, hurrying it into his mouth.

“Did you hear any word about the mercenary, Asher?” Quint asked.

Rufus nodded and swallowed more ale before speaking. “Aye, I was just going to tell you about him. The two, Asher and Lord Torrance, are at odds. Many heard them arguing and someone said they saw Lord Torrance strike Asher. Somethingbad is brewing between them. Some believe it started with a mission meant for Asher and given to Knox and there were whispers of something to do with Coggshall Abbey.”

“What about the abbey?” Quint demanded anxiously. Before he met Shade, he didn’t care what people thought of him. His only care was for revenge for Amara and the monks. Now, however, he wanted to prove his innocence, so that his wife was not made to suffer for something he never did.

“Something about another group of monks who are soon to make their home there and it wasn’t received well by one of them but which one, Lord Torrance or Asher, I don’t know.”

That worried Shade. The monks could cause trouble for her if they decided to speak out against her. Their presence could also prove dangerous for Quint, believing he killed their fellow monks.

“Did Lord Torrance say when we should expect him?” Nug asked.

“Lord Torrance hopes to get here before winter sets in, if not, he will not be here until winter fades,” Rufus said.

Nug smiled, pleased hoping for the latter.

Quint thought otherwise. He intended to spend the winter with his wife in her cottage where they could be alone. Though with another group of monks taking residence there that might prove troublesome especially if he couldn’t prove he didn’t murder the monks.

“You did well,” Quint said. “I am sure Corrine and your daughters are eager to see you. If you think of anything else, let me know.”

Rufus nodded and stood, eager to take his leave.

“One more thing, Rufus,” Shade said. “Was that the first time you met Lord Torrance, or had you met him while serving with the mercenaries?”

“I saw him from afar a few times, but this is the first time I spoke with him. Though, I can tell you from experience that he is a feared man and rightfully so. I saw what he ordered his warriors to do to his foe and even to his own people who disappointed him when I served him. And I heard that his wife trembles before him, she fears him so much, though I didn’t see that for myself.”

“You have given us much, Rufus, and I thank you for your help,” Quint said.

“It is I who owe you thanks. You saved my family from starvation and reunited us and for that I am grateful, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do to help you.”

“You have already done more than enough. Go be with your family,” Quint said.

A teary-eyed Rufus hurried and took his leave.

The door barely closed behind the man when Nug spoke. “I pray Torrance doesn’t arrive until after winter. It will give Ryland time to form a plan then contact us. We can be ready for Torrance when he arrives and bring this to an end with his death.”

“Be careful saying such things, Nug, with Witley and Monty around,” Quint warned.

“I will watch my tongue,” Nug assured him. “I believe it would be wise to send some men to the North and see if Ryland has gone there in search of help.”

“See to it but tell the men to be careful what they say and how they ask things,” Quint said. “We don’t want any word getting back to Lord Torrance.”

“I will see it done,” Nug said and hurried from the room.