Page 56

She bobbed her head. “Thank you, my lord.”

She strolled through the village, as usual, hoping someone might talk with her or at least return a smile but instead she heard snippets of talk.

“Why did he bring her here?”

“Why does he protect her?”

“The hounds obey her.”

“She must be evil.”

“Stay away from her.”

She made her way to the kitchen garden and was glad no workers were there. She plucked Angel out of the pouch and placed her on the ground to sniff and roll around, though she did not venture far from Sky.

Her mind wandered to her sisters as she watched Angel play with a small stick. She missed them and wished she could speak with them. There was so much for them to discuss, so much to learn, to make sense of and hopefully discover the truth about their births. But right now, she would just appreciate having them there with her, so she did not feel so alone.

Leroa would advise her not to dwell, to keep busy. But how did she do that? She spotted a small area that had yet to be prepared for planting and she thought about the small garden at the cottage. Maybe she could have her own garden to tend and keep her busy.

“Come, Angel, we go speak with Euniss,” she urged the kitten who ignored her at first but seeing her about to disappear into the kitchen, Angel hurried after her.

* * *

“Finally, I hear from you, Melvin,”Slayer said when he entered the Great Hall after being told the man had just arrived.

“Aye, my lord, Cavell and I thought it was time I come speak with you,” Melvin said.

“My solar,” Slayer ordered, and Melvin followed him.

Tankards were filled with ale and Slayer pointed to a bench for Melvin to sit while he stood. “What news have you for me?”

“The Murdock sisters are in danger,” Melvin said and took a quick swig of ale.

“That I know,” Slayer said, anxious to learn something he didn’t know.

“It has been discovered that the Murdock sisters are not blood sisters.”

“I know that as well. I learned that from friends in the Lowlands, a reliable source of information.” Slayer went on to explain it all to Melvin. “Why a prominent family searches for this lass, now woman, after all these years or why they or someone else would want her dead, I have yet to learn. The most obvious reason would be that she stands in someone’s way. Tell Cavell to remain cautious, and I have sent word to Noble to do the same.”

He did not share the news about the woman having reddish blonde hair in case it was meant to mislead, though he did trust the source. But if it was true, Cavell would find out soon enough.

“I will relay it all to Cavell. Elsie asked me to speak to her sister, Sky, and see how she fares. May I speak with her, my lord?”

“Nay, you may not, and is there a reason you do not think Sky would fare well with me?”

“Nay. Nay, not at all and I told Elsie that but that does not stop her from worrying about her sister.”

“She has nothing to worry about. Sky is well.”

“Just a brief word with her, my lord?”

“You know I do not repeat myself, Melvin,” Slayer said annoyed.

“I know, but Elsie worries so much about her.”

“Then she will be relieved to hear the news you return with that her sister is doing well and she has nothing to worry about. I will, however, relay the message that her sister asked about her and that is my final word on it.”

“Aye, my lord,” Melvin said, knowing it was done.