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Ross filled two tankards from the jug of ale on the table and sat, pushing one of the tankards across the table opposite him, a signal that Noble should join him, and he did.

“Lord Slayer guards Sky closely, and she fares well but that is all I am at liberty to say, so we will discuss your wife’s sister no more,” Ross said as if he feared having said too much already.

“One question since my wife will nag me endlessly if I do not return with an answer,” Noble said.

Ross leaned forward, resting his arms on the table and looked at Noble bewildered. “How do you handle such a beautiful woman with a smile that just wants you to agree with anything she asks?”

Noble laughed. “I will let you know when I figure it out, until then I do my best to keep my wits about me.”

“You poor bloke. Give me an ugly woman anytime.” Ross took a generous swig of ale. “One more question about Sky, then no more.”

“Do you think Slayer will allow my wife to visit her sister soon?”

“I doubt it. Both women are safer remaining home, where they are, making it easier to protect them, and I assume you agree with me.”

“I do but it depends on where I call home as to how safe I can keep my wife,” Noble said.

“Slayer expected you would question that since it concerned your wife, but you would not question the task he set for you at Clan Skirling since he knows he can depend on you without question.”

“He can and I will see the task done.”

“And Lord Slayer will honor his word. Clan Skirling is yours to lead. You are the new chieftain of Clan Skirling. With Lord Slayer claiming you the new chieftain, there should be no problem with you taking command since none will want to go against the Gallowglass. The clan is yours to command. It is not a large clan, but I am sure you will see it grow and Lord Slayer is not adverse to sharing some of his land with you when needed. He also grants your warriors the choice of remaining with you or returning to Clan Ravinsher if they prefer not to settle at Clan Skirling. Though, he believes all your warriors will remain with you.”

“I tend to agree with him, though that will be their decision to make,” Noble said, joy and relief running through him. He had wanted this for some time, a clan to call his own, and it was thanks to this marriage that he was getting it sooner than he had expected. He owed Slayer for the opportunity, but he owed Leora much more since she, unlike him, had not been given a choice.

“Lord Slayer also wants you to know that if by any misfortune your wife falls victim to from whoever seeks her death, Clan Skirling still remains yours.”

His remark struck Noble like a hefty blow. He did not want to lose Leora. He favored her and surprisingly cared for her. He wanted a chance to establish a good marriage with her, a good future, a good life. A clan of his own, a wife, and bairns had been only dreams a few years ago—no more. They were in his grasp, and he would not lose them.

“Leora will not fall victim to anyone. I will keep her safe,” Noble said as if declaring it already so.

“Slayer knew that would be your response. But he warns of the two fractions that seek your wife and possibly Sky.”

“I am aware that one person wants her dead and another wants her returned to the Lowlands where it is believed an inheritance awaits her. It is natural to assume that the one who seeks her death is next in line for the inheritance.”

“Probably a sizeable inheritance with the amount of mercenaries being paid to find and kill her,” Ross suggested. “You might want to claim it for yourself since it truly belongs to you now that Leora is your wife. That is if your wife proves to be the woman they search for.”

Noble shook his head. “My home is here in the Highlands now and forever.”

“Aye, Highland born for life,” Ross agreed and refilled his tankard. “Slayer has sent more warriors to see what else can be found out about both persons hunting for your wife and possibly Sky, so this matter can be settled, and the threat resolved. He will keep you apprised of all he learns and if you should learn anything—”

“I will inform Slayer immediately,” Noble said.

“Something he does not question… your loyalty,” Ross said, raising his tankard and after taking a gulp continued. “Now tell me truthfully, since I believe it is no more than a rumor that you failed to track down your wife.” The scowl on Noble’s face had Ross laughing. “So, you did fail to track her down. How did she ever best you?”

Noble shook his head. “It is something I have yet to find out.”

* * *

Leora wassurprised when Mother Abbess tended to her wound rather than one of the nuns, a young novice standing nearby watching and learning from her every move and waiting patiently if the Abbess should need help.

The Abbess had a soothing touch that not only relaxed Leora but comforted her as well. It took no time to see the wound cleansed and a salve applied.

“Novice Angelica will pack this small crock of slave for you to take with you. Apply it for the next few days and the wound will heal nicely and not leave a glaring scar. I will visit with you soon at Clan Skirling to see how you fare.”

“I look forward to your visit, Mother Abbess,” Leora said, grateful for it since the woman’s presence brought her comfort.

“I thought we might take a walk so I can show you our planting fields, since your husband is still occupied,” Mother Abbess suggested, handing the small crock to the novice.