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“She is getting there,” Slayer said and joined Ross on the bench under the cottage window and gladly took the tankard of ale he handed him.

“With the way she looks at you, I would argue that she is already there.” Ross shook his head. “Though I wonder how you accomplished that since you were never one to court a woman.”

“She is my wife. Why would I need to court her?”

Ross chuckled. “It is a good thing you didn’t need to since she probably wouldn’t have agreed to marry you. Though with her affliction she no doubt worries you will change your mind and does what is necessary not to lose you.”

Instinct to defend her had him snapping at Ross. “Her affliction has no bearing on our marriage.”

“You defend her readily.” Ross pointed out.

“Why wouldn’t I? It is my duty as her husband,” Slayer argued.

“Or do her strange eye colors hold you captive?”

Slayer scowled at him. “Have you lost your mind?”

Ross shook his head again. “Nay, I wanted to make sure that you haven’t lost yours.”

“My mind is as sound as it has always been.”

“What about your heart?” Ross asked.

“What about my heart?”

“Uh oh.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Slayer demanded.

“Whenever I would mention your heart, you would always respond with… what heart? Now you acknowledge that you have one. I think your wife may have awakened it.”

“Enough with the nonsense,” Slayer cautioned, annoyed at his friend’s suggestion. “What news do you have for me?”

“Melvin has taken residence at Clan Murdock. He should have news for us soon.”

Melvin was one of Slayer’s best and most reliable warriors. There was not a battle or mission he feared and that was the reason he had sent him to spy on Cavell.

“Good, he can keep me abreast of what Cavell finds out about this mission to see the Murdock sisters dead. And see that some warriors and supplies are sent to Clan Murdock. Cavell could use the help with the dwindling clan.”

Ross turned quiet, focusing on drinking his ale.

“Spit it out, Ross,” Slayer finally said, knowing Ross grew quiet when he was reluctant to tell him something that might anger him.

Ross hurried to preface it with, “I tell you what I hear and what I see for myself.”

“Understood. Now tell me,” Slayer urged.

“Sky’s affliction has been made known to the clan and whispering tongues are busy spreading fear. Many claim she is a cohort of the devil. She will not receive a warm welcome when you arrive home with her.”

“Then they will face my wrath, so make sure that news spreads just as fast.”

“I will try, but there is a good chance the clan will never accept her,” Ross cautioned. “Your own warriors avoided looking at her when her strange eye color was spotted. By now the truth of that incident has been embellished into a tale told before a hearth in whispers. You must know having her as your wife will not be easy.”

“Battle is never easy, and this is just another battle to win.”

“Be careful, my friend. Your men have been at your side in every battle that has seen victory. In this battle, I fear you may only have me to stand with you.”

Screams brought both men to their feet and tossing their tankards aside before running into the woods.