“No,” Cree said bluntly. “She has had a trying day and rests, perhaps tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow then,” Torr said as if confirming it and walked off before Cree could respond.
“He is similar to you in many ways,” Sloan said watching Torr walk off.
“I don’t need another thorn in my other side.” Cree continued walking.
Sloan laughed following alongside. “It’s thorn I am now? Well at least that’s better than some things you have called me.”
They turned up the path to Old Mary’s door and knocked before entering. The old woman was filling three tankards with ale as they walked in.
“I’ve been expecting you, sit, and join me,” she said, pointing to the fare on the table. “Dorrie brought me fresh bread and some fine cheese.”
Sloan didn’t hesitate knowing Turbett had made it.
Cree looked around.
“Bree claimed she needed a walk; she was upset after returning from the keep,” she said, as if knowing his thoughts.
Cree sat. “And what do you think of that?”
“I think that many who have arrived here in Dowell recently are not what they seem to be. And you would be wise not to trust any newcomers.”
“They can’t be all be bad,” Sloan said.
“But they all, in their own way, play a part in it,” Old Mary said with a nod.
“A part in what?” Sloan asked.
Old Mary pressed her lips together and laid a gnarled finger against them, looked around, and then moved her hand away and whispered, “In the secret.”
Sloan shivered and reached for his tankard.
Old Mary grinned. “You do know that the woman you will fall in love with, your future wife, is now here.”
Sloan choked, the ale spewing out of his mouth.
Cree laughed. “And do you know who she is?”
Old Mary’s smile disappeared in a flash and it was with a distinct voice neither man recognized that she said, “She is the one who will grant your wish.”
A chill ran through Cree, though he did not shiver. He remained stoic. Sloan, however, openly shivered again.
Cree knew enough of Old Mary that the woman would say only so much and no amount of prodding or threats would budge her, though Sloan certainly tried.
“At least tell me something about this future wife of mine.”
“She is sweet and loving.”
Sloan grinned at Cree. “That says it all.”
“She will give you sons and daughters.”
Sloan’s brow shot up.
“And one son will wed Cree’s only daughter.”
Cree looked to the old woman.
“You will be blessed with many sons.”
He had to ask. “What of Dawn?”
Old Mary shrugged. “She is not here so I cannot say.”
“If I command you?” Cree said irritated.
“I cannot tell what is not in front of me.” She yawned. “You must forgive me I grow tired and must rest.”
Cree was beginning to realize that when the old woman didn’t want to say anymore she used fatigue as an excuse to get rid of her visitors. But there was not much he could do, for he knew she would not utter another word.
He and Sloan bid her good day and left, both men remaining silent as they walked.
Sloan stopped abruptly. “It can’t be that simple; it never is. What are we missing?”
“I don’t know, but keep a vigilant eye on everyone that has recently arrived.”
~~~
Dawn had no appetite, though the food Flanna had left looked appealing, she had no desire to eat. She had hoped Flanna would have more news, but the only thing she had to tell her was that the keep was abuzz with how Dawn had marched in and took command of the devil.
That was not good. Add to that Cree wanting to know any secrets she kept and her stomach soured even more. She sighed silently, and then a thought struck her. If he found her asleep, he surely wouldn’t bother her, though he might tease her awake for them to make love, but at least he would not wake her to talk.
It was too early to seek sleep now. The Great Hall would be having the evening meal and with guests present, Cree would not leave until the meal was done. She would give herself a quick wash and then bury herself beneath the warm blankets and go to sleep.
She was pleased with her plan and the guard at her door gave her several buckets of snow that she filled in the pot that hung over the flames. She then quickly washed herself with the heated water, keeping close to the hearth to stay warm.
When she ran the cloth over her stomach, she stopped and gave thought to the babe nestled inside her. She would do anything to protect her child. Her mother had felt the same from what Old Mary had told her, and her mum had made the ultimate sacrifice to do just that… she gave her daughter away to protect her.
It was difficult for Dawn to think of anyone other than the woman who raised her, as her mum. Her mum had been so good, loving, and patient with her and had taught her so very much. And yet she was curious about the woman who had given her birth and loved her enough to have sent her away.