“Can I get you something, Dawn?” Turbett asked as he approached her.
Turbett’s girth could intimidate, especially when one realized that his thickness was mostly muscle. His direct manner could also be disconcerting, but she had to remember that she was allowed to be here and allowed to have what she wanted from the kitchen.
Dawn pointed to Flanna.
“Cree ordered that you can have whatever food you want from the kitchen, but I will not allow you to disrupt my staff at your leisure.”
His words were clipped and stern and for a moment she thought of turning away and getting Sloan. But she dismissed the idea and stood her ground, though on trembling legs.
She waved Flanna over.
“I have not given her permission—”
Dawn’s hands started moving before he could finish and Flanna was by her side then and interpreted. “Dawn asks that I explain what she says.”
Turbett gave a reluctant nod.
Dawn kept her expression concise, Flanna not understanding her as well as Lila but then few understood her so well. Cree was beginning to. The thought startled her, though she didn’t allow it to show.
“My presence is requested in the Great Hall,” Flanna said, her eyes turning wide with fright.
“Go and return here as soon as you are done,” Turbett ordered and shooed them away as if they were annoying flies.
The two women didn’t hesitate, they hurried off, though Flanna grabbed Dawn’s arm once they were a few feet through the stone passageway and stopped.
“Am I in trouble?”
Dawn realized that every single villager had feared being summoned to the Great hall when Colum had ruled and for good reason. The person always suffered harsh punishment, leaving everyone fearful of receiving such a summons.
Dawn shook her head and smiled wide.
“Something good?” Flanna asked hopefully.
Dawn nodded.
Flanna ran her fingers through her hair and took her apron off turning it to the other side that was less stained and retied it around her waist. Then she grabbed Dawn’s hand. “I’m ready.”
Dawn patted her hand and nodded vigorously.
Flanna smiled and hurried to the Great Hall.
Flanna answered every question Sloan asked her and then stood speechless when he told her that she would be in charge of the keep’s servants. And that she would be answerable to him and of course Cree.
Sloan cleared his throat and added, “You would need to deal with Turbett as well, making certain all flows well between the servants and the kitchen.”
Flanna grinned. “I can do that.”
“You can?” Sloan asked shocked and then caught himself. “Good, that’s good.”
Dawn bit back a smile. It was obvious that Sloan feared Turbett and was relieved that Flanna would be dealing with the daunting man. And she had no doubt that Flanna was looking forward to every minute of it.
“You will begin your duties right away,” Sloan instructed. “Inform Turbett and then gather the servants so that I may instruct them that they will now be answerable to you. And as I mentioned before Cree will not tolerate dirt or foul odors”
“No worry, sir,” Flanna said with a sharp nod. “The keep will sparkle and smell heavenly.”
“A good choice, Dawn,” Sloan said turning her way. “Flanna seems more than up to the task. Thank you for suggesting her.”
Flanna beamed a wide appreciative smile at Dawn and then bobbed to Sloan. “I will go collect the servants.”
Dawn returned to the bench where she had been sitting and watched Sloan talk with a few warriors. Servants began entering the hall, mulling around whispering, wondering and worried over the summons. When they had finally all gathered Sloan stood in front of them to speak. Relief flooded their faces as he introduced Flanna.
With everyone occupied, Dawn decided it was time for her to be off on her own for a while and so she left the keep. She didn’t bother to see if a guard followed her, she assumed one would and though she had planned on going to visit Lila, she changed her mind.
She meandered through the village taking note of how busy everyone was, though they smiled as they went about their chores. It had been almost a week since Cree had attacked the village and yet it looked as if it had been prospering for weeks. Apprehension still filled some faces but fear was not as prevalent.
Children’s laughter filled the air and Dawn stopped to watch a group of young ones at play. It had been many years since anyone had seen the village children play with such careless abandonment and it was good to see.
Two women, baskets on their arms nodded pleasantly at Dawn as they passed her and she quickly returned the greeting, though she almost stumbled over her own feet, she was so surprised by their acknowledgement.
What had caused their change of heart toward her? Was it what she had done for Dorrie or did they fear repercussion from Cree if they treated his mistress badly? The thought troubled her but she refused to linger on it. It was a beautiful day and she intended to enjoy it.