Raven hadn’t spoken much with the man since her arrival, though she had planned to. He was always busy, directing workers, giving orders, keeping everything running smoothly. He also took the time to talk with people, share a smile or a laugh. He was well respected by all.
“A hunting party goes out today,” Gorm said.
Why?” Wolf asked. “The storage sheds are full.”
Gorm smiled. “A wolf has been spotted.”
“A new fur for our leader,” Lars boasted proudly. “Wolf and I will join them.”
“Leave the wolf alone,” Raven commanded like one in charge.
Lars’ brow knitted. “Why?”
“We don’t bother the wolves here and they don’t bother us. Harm one and you’ll bring the wrath of their leader and pack down on us,” she warned.
“Much like our own Wolf,” Lars said with a laugh that shook his thick belly.
Raven looked to each of the men as she spoke. “The last time a wolf was killed in these parts its leader and pack almost decimated the whole clan responsible for it. The wolves hunted them over time until only a few were left. The clan almost died off, while the wolves grew strong.”
Lars readily dismissed the claim. “That’s probably nothing more than a tall tale, told on cold winter nights.”
“Lady Raven speaks the truth.”
Raven looked to see Detta wrapped in a fur-lined cloak, standing just inside the door.
The old woman approached them slowly. “Ask those here in Clan Learmonth. They will tell you the tale in much more detail since Learmonth is the clan that killed the wolf.”
Several eyes widened in surprise.
“There’ll be no killing of wolves here,” Wolf ordered and Gorm acknowledged his command with a nod.
Detta did the same as if approving and appreciative of Wolf’s decision.
“What brings you here, Detta?” Wolf asked.
“I thought Lady Raven might enjoy a tour of the keep today.” Detta turned to Raven in wait of a response.
Raven shrugged. “Does it matter, since we won’t be residing there?”
“See for yourself,” Wolf offered. “If you feel you would be more comfortable there, I’ll consider it.”
Though she wore a smile, sarcasm dripped with Raven’s every word. “Oh joy, how generous of you.”
Wolf ignored her intentional jab but he didn’t ignore her when she stood. He grabbed her arm. “You will stay and have your meal, then you can tour the keep.”
She tugged her arm free. “I’m not hungry and I will do as I please.” She heard it then, the complete silence, not even the fire crackled. She had blatantly defied her husband in front of his people. She looked to see everyone staring at her and also to see the slight tic at the corner of her husband’s right eye. She shook her head and kept her voice strong. “Good Lord, you all better get used to me… I’m not an obedient wife and I never will be.” With a quick slide off the bench, Raven was on her feet and walked over to Detta. “Let’s go.”
Detta didn’t move.
Raven wasn’t surprised that the woman remained as she was and that her eyes were focused on Wolf, waiting for his command. She, however, had no intentions of waiting. “I’ll take the tour myself,” she called out as she headed to the door. “Enjoy your meal, husband.”
Annoyance sparked in her when she stepped outside and spotted the two warriors that had followed her earlier lingering nearby. She’d had enough. It wouldn’t take much to lose them, though with the snow on the ground it would make it easier for them to track her. She’d have to think differently.
She ducked behind a cottage, then another and another, until she found the one she needed. She climbed the sturdy pine tree with ease and haste and watched below as the two warriors who’d been following her almost collided as they rushed around opposite sides of the cottage. She kept herself from laughing and giving away her hiding spot. From what she could hear of them talking, they both feared telling Wolf that they had lost her. In the end, they bravely went together to let the Mighty Beast know they had lost his wife.
It always paid to be cautious, so Raven waited several minutes after they left and was glad she did. They returned to scout the area one more time, then hurried off. She knew they were gone for good this time and got herself down out of the tree and made sure to keep herself from being spotted before reaching the keep.
She entered straight into the Great Hall, smaller than the few she had been in, but carefully maintained. A fire raged in the large hearth and a pine scent was heavy in the air, and she saw why. Branches of pine had been placed along the top of the mantel. The tables and benches appeared freshly scrubbed and newly made candles flickered with flames. What caught her attention the most were the tapestries hanging on the walls. They depicted defeated and victorious battles and in the middle of one battle scene, if one looked close enough, a wolf could be spotted, his head held proud.