Raven turned to see that Iver was right, her husband wore a worried expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked, standing when he got near.
“I assume you have crossed paths with Brother Noble in your adventures,” Wolf said, stopping in front of the fire pit separating them and continuing when his wife nodded. “He took shelter here when the snow began to fall and now he’s gone. He didn’t sound well the last time I spoke with him and I’m not sure when he left here, and I’m concerned for his well-being. I’m going to take some men and search for him.”
Iver sprung up off the bench. “I’ll go. I’d probably find him faster than you could. I can also see that he gets back to Stitchill Monastery safely.” He gave Raven an anxious look. “I could see to that matter we discussed.”
Raven motioned for her husband to come closer and when he did, she kept her voice low. “I had plans to discuss this with you.” She went on to tell him what she and Iver had just talked about.
“I agree,” Wolf said when she finished. “Stitchill Monastery would be a good place to start. I always thought there was more to the monastery than prayers. And with Brother Noble being a messenger for the monastery, he might possess information he doesn’t even realize is valuable.”
“I’ll leave now,” Iver said.
Raven smiled at the gleam of excitement in Iver’s dark eyes. It had been lacking since their arrival here. But she would not see him sent off in haste. “First, you’ll make sure you are well prepared with food and warm garments and once I see that is done, I’ll give you permission to take your leave.”
Iver grinned. “I’m wise enough to adhere to the words of someone who has proven she knows better than me.”
“Wise choice of words,” Raven said with a chuckle. “Gather what you need while I have Ida prepare sufficient food for your journey.”
“I’ll have a moment with you, Iver,” Wolf commanded and wasn’t surprised to see the man look to Raven, seeking her approval.
She nodded and walked off.
“I take orders from Raven,” Iver said, as if needing to remind the man.
“For the moment you do,” Wolf said, letting the man know he allowed it for now but it wouldn’t be forever. “I’m sure Raven warned you about being cautious while searching for the truth in this matter.”
“I understand the delicacy of the situation.”
Wolf wanted to make certain the man fully understood. “It is imperative we find out who formulated this plan and even more imperative that the person responsible doesn’t know we’re searching for him.”
“For fear of what he might do,” Iver said, his eyes on Wolf but also making sure no one was close enough to hear their whispers. “And worry not about Brother Noble. I’m certain I can find him and see him safely to the monastery.”
“I rest easy knowing that, Iver. Safe journey.” Wolf turned away.
“She deserves to be treated well.”
Wolf didn’t look back as he said, “On that we agree, Iver.”
Raven thought to go to the keep and let Fyn and George know Iver had gone in search of Brother Noble but men were still working on clearing a path up the hill. She would wait until they were done. Brod also had to be told but when she looked for him, he was busy helping Ida disperse hot brews to the crews of men who worked diligently to create pathways through the snow. She decided to wait until later to speak with him.
Everyone was busy with their duties or chores and here she stood, after seeing Iver off, not knowing what to do with herself. Her days had always been full, few if any found her sitting around. And Iver’s words of feeling caged, had her thinking that at times she felt the same herself. The few duties Wolf mentioned that was a wife’s responsibility would bore her to death and were already being seen to by those more experienced and competent than her. The longhouse ran perfectly well without her dictate and would remain so without any interference from her. She’d much prefer to be involved with the security of the village and keeping everyone safe. And while the keep set high on a hill where the view stretched far and wide, there were some ground areas where the trees were so thick, a small group of warriors could slip through without being seen. Tree perches could be erected there, adding further protection to the village.
Raven decided to scout the outer edges of the village where tree perches might work well. She made her way along the cleared paths, planning to start at the spot where she felt her plan could work. Few if any people acknowledged her as she went along her way, an occasional smile being the only greeting she received. She had no one to blame but herself for that. She had made no true attempt to get to know any of her husband’s tribe and having been at odds with him hadn’t helped. With that changing, so should other things change, and she looked forward to the possibilities.