“That’s a story better saved for when we have time to share a hardy drink or two,” Trevor said. “My visit is a short one meant to make you aware of my arrival. And to let you know that I bring a sizeable group with me to the Clan MacGlennen, warriors, craftsmen, and families. If I can be of any help to you in any way, please reach out to me. I hear you have an exceptional healer among you. Our healer fell ill and died on the journey here. I have sent for another but it will take time for her to reach us. I would be in your debt if your healer could help us if needed. My wife, Demelza, carries our first child, due in a month or more, and while she does well, I would rest easier knowing a healer is available to her if necessary.”
“I’m only too pleased to help in any way I can,” Wren said, coming up behind Parlan and slipping her hand in his.
“I am grateful for your generosity,” Trevor said.
“I will give you a few days to settle in, then pay a visit to your wife and see to anyone else in need of tending while I’m there, with my chieftain’s permission, of course,” Wren said with a nod to Royden.
Royden was pleased that Wren acknowledged it was his decision whether she would go or not, though he didn’t show it.
“We’ll see you in a few days, Trevor,” Royden said, not only letting him know Wren wouldn’t be coming alone, but also dismissing him.
Trevor turned a decent smile on him, but it was the flare of anger in the man’s dark eyes that alerted Royden to the truth behind the smile.
“A braw day to you,” Trevor said.
Royden couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. He wanted answers to the endless questions that haunted him. The words rushed in a demand from his lips as Trevor turned to leave. “When do I get to meet the man who leads you and the mercenaries, the man who attacked my clan and surrounding clans, and claimed land he had no right to, and who took so many men captive? I believe he’s called… the Beast.”
Trevor turned around slowly and Royden saw the fierce warrior in him then. The look in his dark eyes brought back memories of how men looked when going into battle, ruthless and determined.
“You’ll meet him—when he’s ready to meet you,” Trevor said. “And be warned, my friend, the name suits him well.”
Royden watched him ride off and a dread fell over him, and his da said what he thought.
“This isn’t finished yet, son.”
“Aye, Da, I agree,” Royden said and hearing the soft whispers rush around him, others agreed as well.
“It a good time to rest and have a spot of ale,” Oria suggested. “Take yourselves off to the table under the tree and I’ll see a jug brought there.” She gave her husband a quick kiss and hurried off.
“Oria has changed, but she is a good wife to you,” Parlan said.
Royden laughed. “That she is, but don’t think that she sends us to sit at the table and drink out of wifely duties. She intends to join us and discuss our meeting with Trevor.”
“I never thought Oria to be strong-willed—kind and gentle—but never strong-willed,” Parlan said.
“Then you never truly knew her, Parlan,” Wren said. “Oria hasn’t changed, she has simply found herself.”
A young lad approached them slowly, looking to Royden, though his eyes kept drifting to Wren.
“What is it, Tad?” Royden asked, knowing the lad, though not recognizing him when he had first returned home. Tad had been around three years when he had left. Now at eight years he was far from the little lad he’d remembered. “Are you in need of the healer?”
Tad stepped closer to Royden, dropping his head back to look up at him, his brown hair falling back off his face as he did. “Is she a witch?”
Royden dropped down on his haunches to speak with the lad. “No, Tad. I can assure you she’s not a witch. She heals people. Do you need her help?”
Tad nodded, his hair falling in his face again and held up his hand. His one finger was red and swollen.
“We need to take care of that right away,” Wren said with a gentle smile, though didn’t make a move toward the lad.
Tad moved closer to Royden and whispered, “You sure I can trust her?”
“My word on it,” Royden said as seriously as the lad.
“Follow me to the keep,” Wren said, “And when we’re done I’ll see if Bethany has a sweet cake for you.”
Tad’s smile covered his whole face. “Let’s go.” He took off ahead of her and she hurried along after him.
“She’ll win over the whole clan eventually,” Parlan said with a prideful smile.