This time Quiver’s voice didn’t tremble as he said loud enough for them to hear, “Abbott Thomas never arrived back at the monastery.”
Chapter 26
“I found no sign nor sight of him on the way here,” Brother Noble said from where he stood half hidden by thick bushes. “The brothers at the monastery conducted a search of the surrounding area, worried he may have been injured or fallen sick just before arriving home, but we found nothing. They sent me here to see if you knew anything.”
“Do you think Brynjar abducted him?” Purity asked, standing beside her husband and keeping hold of his hand with no intention of letting go. He would definitely send warriors to search for the Abbott and she didn’t intend to let him join them.
“Brynjar is capable of anything. He knows I’ll send warriors to search for the Abbott, leaving the keep with less warriors to guard it,” Arran said, voicing his concern.
“He would attack?” Purity asked, though felt she knew the answer.
“One thing that is certain about Brynjar is that he is unpredictable. There is no sound reason to what he does, making it difficult to determine a defense plan,” Arran said.
“He mentioned something about who might be next,” Purity reminded. “He could have known who was next because he was the one who abducted the Abbott.” Purity looked to the woods, her eyes searching for the leper, his robe blending well with the woods. “You should be careful, Brother Noble,” she urged when she spotted him.
“You need not worry about me, mistress, no one will come near a leper,” Brother Noble said, his words punctuated with several coughs. “It could be that the Abbott fell ill and convalesces somewhere.”
Purity feared what fate the Abbott might have met. “Or there is no one there to help him.”
“I’ll send men out to search for him and hopefully we’ll find him alive and unharmed,” Arran said. “Will you stay to see what we find?”
“I need to return to the monastery and let them know that the Abbott is truly missing. They will want to extend their search as well. Please send a message if you find him.”
“At least rest a bit and have some food and drink before your return journey home,” Arran offered.
“I will gladly accept your generosity,” Brother Noble said, coughing.
“Keep well, my friend,” Arran said, “and if you need anything just ask.”
Brother Noble coughed again, though it sounded more like he choked back tears. “You are a good man, Arran.”
“I am glad someone else sees the good in him that I do,” Purity said with a generous smile.
Brother Noble’s voice sounded raspy and sore as he spoke. “It isn’t always easy to see the good in someone. Sometimes you simply feel it in your heart. I must stop talking now. Be well and safe.”
“And you as well, Brother Noble,” Purity called out as the leper disappeared behind the bushes. “He must be so lonely. I wish there was something we could do for him.”
“He’s not completely alone. Thankfully, he’s treated well at the monastery,” Arran said. “Why don’t you see about having food and drink brought to him while I go and see to putting men together for a search.” When he caught the doubtful look in her eyes, he hurried to reassure her. “I’ll be close by. I’m not going anywhere.”
“You promise me you won’t join the search?” she asked.
“While it is my duty as chieftain, it’s more important that I remain here and see you and the clan kept safe. I’m not going anywhere, at least for now,” he said, knowing there may come a time he would have no choice.
“You wouldn’t go anywhere without letting me know, would you?” she asked, understanding but praying it wouldn’t be necessary.
Arran took her chin in his hand, his thumb stroking her cheek. “I would never leave without telling you.”
She smiled. “You mean without seeking permission.”
He scowled, though laughter filled his words. “Do you order me, wife?”
“I do command and I like the feel of it,” she boasted playfully.
He leaned down, resting his cheek against hers to whisper in her ear, “Be careful, wife, or I might just show you what it’s actually like to command.”
She turned wide eyes on him and whispered eagerly, “In the barn?”
Arran shook his head. “Damn, Purity, there you go again putting lasting images in my head.”
She stepped away from him. “Good, then you’ll be sure to find me later.” She laughed. “Though I have a feeling you’ll know exactly where to find me.” She ran off, her laughter trailing after her.
God, he loved his wife so much that it twisted his gut. And as much as he’d love to go after her and hurry her to the barn, he needed to see to finding Abbott Thomas.
He wasn’t surprised to see his brother Royden dismounting his horse when he rounded the keep. He had sent word to him about what was going on with Brynjar, warning him to take extra precautions. Brynjar wouldn’t think twice about striking out at Royden in his attempt to get back at Arran.