The snow wasn’t falling heavily when Wolf headed to the longhouse, hoping to find his wife there. He had to admit that he enjoyed talking with her, even though she challenged him at times—most times. He discussed things with her that he had never thought he would discuss with a wife, nor did he ever think her opinion would be of value to him. But it was impossible not to pay heed to her words, since she spoke with a wisdom unusual for a young woman. Though the last five years had probably aged her beyond her young years.
Wolf spotted one of the guards he had assigned to follow his wife headed to the longhouse. Leif was one of his most trustworthy warriors, the reason he had assigned him to watch over Raven.
“My wife is in the longhouse, Leif?” he asked as he got near.
Leif halted and turned. “No, my lord. She is with Brod and Iver in Brod’s cottage. Hagen stands guard outside while I fetch food for her men and Greta, at your wife’s suggestion, since Greta is busy seeing to Tait, fright still having a hold on him.”
Hagen was another trustworthy and exceptional warrior, easing Wolf’s concern. “She intends to share the meal with them?” He didn’t care for the thought. Their meals together could be contentious at times, but he enjoyed them.
“No, my lord. I heard her tell her men she would be eating with you later.”
Wolf was pleased to hear that.
They were both about to enter the longhouse when Ida stepped out wrapped in a cloak and a covered basket hooked on her arm.
“I was about to look for you, my lord,” Ida said. “Brother Noble is here and I was about to take food to him.”
“Take the food to the small cottage no one uses and set a fire in the pit so Brother Noble may have a warm place to eat and wait out the storm.” Wolf turned and hurried off after a nod from Ida, eager to talk with the leper. He’d been a voice of reason at times and Wolf could use some reasonable advice right now.
“Brother Noble,” Wolf called out when he arrived at their usual meeting place. “Food and heated shelter waits for you.”
The leper stepped from behind the tree. “Your people will not want me near.”
“My people know I won’t put them at risk,” Wolf said, seeing a dark cloak draped over the brown cleric robe that usually covered the leper. He appeared more stooped than usual and his steps slow.
“You are well?” Wolf asked.
“My illness takes its toll.”
His voice was raspier than usual and Wolf was concerned for him. “These missions are too much for you, especially in the cold.”
“Abbott Thomas says the same.”
Wolf was relieved to hear that. “I am glad the Abbott looks after you.”
“Enough of me, tell me you’ve found, if not love, at least peace in your marriage.”
Wolf laughed. “I hope peace is possible between Raven and me since we are stuck with each other. She is more of a challenge than I realized.”
“Is there anything you find you like about her?” Brother Noble asked, a cough disrupting his words.
“She is brave for a woman, too brave at times, placing her life in danger when she shouldn’t. She’s also quick in mind and word, her barbs stinging.” Wolf laughed again. “I do enjoy talking with her, though our conversations can be prickly at times. And—”
“Something you’re not sure of or you don’t want to admit, my son?” Brother Noble asked when Wolf suddenly paused.
“I like that she seeks my embrace at night when we’re in bed. She feels good—somehow right—in my arms. It may be only the heat she seeks from me, but I favor her there nonetheless.”
“Perhaps there is room for love to grow between you and Raven,” Brother Noble suggested.
“Love isn’t something I’ve given much thought to. I’ve had no time for such foolish notions. I would wed to benefit my tribe which in a way I’ve done—”
“Again you pause,” Brother Noble said and when Wolf hesitated, he encouraged. “Tell me what troubles you, my son.”
The need to confess hastened Wolf’s response. “I’ve never told anyone that love has lingered on my mind, due mostly to the way my grandmother talked and continues to about the love she still has for my grandfather even though he is gone. She sacrificed much to be with him and never once regretted it. I never saw two people so much in love, so caring, so understanding of each other, then my grandparents. My mother and father have a good, loving marriage, but it isn’t anything like my grandmother and grandfather’s was. They shared something rare. I suppose if I were honest with myself, the true reason I’ve paid no heed to love is because if I can’t have what my grandparents shared, I don’t want to love at all.” Wolf paused but not for long. “I think my wife already found that rare kind of love. You can hear the love in her voice when she speaks about this man who taught her and helped her survive these last five years. I don’t think she will ever love another man that way and oddly enough I find myself envious, and also annoyed that she won’t at least confide his name to me.”