“As long as her life is ended what difference does it make?” the man said and Dawn shivered at the indifference in his voice.
“How many are there to help?”
“There are enough. Of course, it would have been an easier task if she hadn’t taken up with the devil.” He laughed. “He thinks he’s invincible, but wait there are plans for him and his time will come.”
That was all Dawn needed to hear. Her life being in danger was one thing, but the thought that Cree was in danger as well spurred her into action. She hurried into her boots and out the door not bothering to collect her cloak. The guard was quick on her heels as she rounded her cottage.
No one was there, so she hurried further around the cottage and was disappointed when she didn’t find anyone. She returned to the spot by the window to see if perhaps there were distinguishable footprints but a large swatch of area had been wiped clean and there were no tracks to follow.
Had they heard her scurrying inside to get her boots on and hurried off? She grew annoyed with herself for wasting precious time in discovering the culprits’ identities. She did not, however, intend to waste another minute in letting Cree know about this.
With determined strides and a guard on her heels, she headed to the keep.
Chapter Fifteen
Cree and Sloan sat in the solar talking.
“Do you believe Bree?” Cree asked.
“Evidently, you’re not sure or you wouldn’t have asked me that.”
“Women can be a deceiving lot.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Sloan said and raised his tankard and took a swig. “Bree seemed terrified when she spoke about Lucerne and how she manipulates, threatens, and hurts people to get what she wants. She threatened to have Bree drawn and quartered on a fake charge of theft if she didn’t put the poison in Dawn’s meal that night. The poor lass was in tears, fearing not only Lucerne, but you.”
“Or she could be putting on a good act.”
“And what? Be in cahoots with Lucerne? Whatever for? What would it get her?”
“I don’t know,” Cree admitted, “but I’d prefer not to trust either woman until we can determine who is telling the truth.”
“You heard Bree yourself. Lucerne knows about potions and poisons and has seen with her very own eyes that she has used them on people before. The lass has a right to worry. The damn woman could poison her at any time.”
“It’s obvious that Lucerne has been spoiled and pampered her entire life. She is accustomed to having her way, accustomed to servants jumping at her every command. And she has enough power to do away with anyone who displeases her. Why resort to poison?”
Sloan shrugged. “No one can make sense of what these nobles do. And you have always defended the downtrodden.”
“I’ve defended the truth, whether downtrodden or noble.”
“True enough, for I have seen you do it many times. Bree did say that Lucerne rages with anger over your mistress. That she cannot understand how you can rut with a voiceless woman.”
Creel scowled and his eyes narrowed.
Sloan held up his hands. “Lucerne’s words not mine. I say the woman is crazy. You heard tell yourself what Bree had to say about Lucerne’s odd behavior. And we’ve seen for ourselves the way she carries on, loses her temper badly, and demands things. Then there are the bruises on Bree. She certainly didn’t put them there herself.”
“No, some of those bruises would be impossible for her to have inflicted on herself,” Cree agreed.
“But still you doubt even when it seems logical?”
“I have learned that logic doesn’t always equate with truth.”
Sloan smiled and raised his tankard. “That is why you lead and I follow. You are much wiser.”
Cree laughed. “You, my friend, are allowing a young lass to turn your head. Something I have never seen you do.”
“I have to admit that I fancy her and I feel she needs protecting.”
“That needs to be determined and until it does, you need to be careful not to lose your heart.”
Sloan grabbed his chest, feeling around as if he’d lost something. “Wait, how can I lose what I don’t have? I’ll not be finding love; it’s not for me.”
Cree shook his head and stood. “I need to talk with Old Mary and see that the old woman holds her tongue around Bree.” He stopped. “Though perhaps she can tell me what she thinks of Bree since the old woman has a knowing about her.”
Sloan stood after downing the remainder of his ale. “That’s a good idea. I’d like to hear what she has to say myself.”
They entered the great hall to see Lucerne slipping off her cloak and Dawn rushing in without a cloak.
“How dare you enter this keep, you harlot,” Lucerne screeched and advanced on Dawn.
Cree was between the two women in a flash, his hand catching Lucerne by the wrist as she swung at Dawn. He yanked her hard against him and whispered harshly for her ears alone. “Harm her and you will die.”