“I must admit that I did not give it as much thought as I should have. What was more important to me was my daughter’s happiness. If she loved this man and wanted to wed him, then I wanted to give her that. I did not want her to be deprived of the man she loved as I was deprived of her mother.”
“You need to talk with Wintra,” Cree said, “and make certain she tells you what Owen did to her in the cottage when he found her.”
“Will it anger me?”
“You can count on it,” Cree assured him.
“Then I will go take care of the bastard now and be done with it.”
“I take it you are talking about Owen?” Torr asked approaching the table.
“How did you know that?” Kellmara demanded, having yet to warm up to Torr.
“I have had two of my men keeping an eye on Owen. It seems that when word reached him that most of the Kellmara troop was being sent home, he grew angry. His departure, along with the few men he had left, came shortly after that.”
“Where is he headed?” Cree asked.
“Home, at least it appears that he is,” Torr said. “My men are going to follow him.”
“Keep me posted,” Cree said.
“My wife?” Torr asked.
“Went to talk with Dawn. She should return soon,” Cree assured him.
Torr sat to wait.
“A good rest and a good meal is a good start to the day,” the gentle voice said.
All eyes turned to the man who had spoken. He was a portly man, bald on top of his head, and what remaining hair he had was shaved short. He stood barely an inch over five feet and he had a round, full face with wrinkles that crinkled at the corners of his eyes when he smiled. And since the wrinkles ran so deep it would seem the man smiled often.
Kellmara straightened to an impressive stance. “Your Emissary, you are well rested?”
“I have rested more than enough so that I may begin my inquiry.”
Torr stood and respectfully bobbed his head.
“Will you not greet me, Cree?” the emissary asked.
Cree got slowly to his feet and turned. “You are looking good, old man.”
Kellmara and Torr both turned shocked eyes on Cree.
“And you are still as brazen as ever, and I am still grateful to you for saving my life.”
Kellmara glared at Cree. “You saved Henry’s life?”
“Many years ago,” Cree confirmed.
“And my cousin the King was most grateful,” Henry said.
“A word, Cree,” Kellmara said and stepped a distance away.
Cree joined him.
“You knew when I first arrived here that things would not go my way, didn’t you?”
“Let’s say that when I learned who the emissary was I knew the King had left matters up to me to deal with.”
“Is there any point in Torr or Wintra speaking to Henry?”
“It would appease not only Henry, but the King, and would also alleviate any fears my sister might have that the man she loves will be taken from her.”
“I want only what is best for Wintra.”
“Then I suggest you ask Wintra what is best for her.” Cree turned and rejoined the men at the table.
Henry smiled as Cree approached. “I have suggested to Torr that we take a stroll through the village while we talk since the morning meal was so delicious that I ate way too much. I must meet this remarkable cook of yours Cree.”
“Do not think of stealing him away,” Cree said. “Turbett belongs to me and he will confirm that.”
“A man can dream,” Henry said with a chuckle.
Cree placed a firm hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Better pleasant dreams than nightmares of what might happen if one should try to take Turbett from me.”
Henry laughed and turned to Torr. “Let us go. There is much for us to discuss.”
“That there is,” Torr agreed and walked off with the man.
Wintra entered as Torr was leaving, and he stopped to introduce her to the emissary.
“I look forward to speaking with you, Wintra,” Henry said, cordially.
“I would reserve your opinion on that since your decision means little to me. I intend to remain wed to my husband no matter what conclusion you reach,” she said sweetly. “Do enjoy your walk.” Wintra gave her husband a kiss on the cheek and walked off.
“She definitely is Cree’s sister,” Henry said.
Torr nodded with a smile. “And I believe she has much of the Earl of Kellmara in her as well.”
“God bless you, my son,” Henry said with a laugh and a shake of his head.
Wintra stopped in front of the man who claimed to be her father and said, “It is time for us to talk.”
Chapter Thirty
Cree sat enjoying the quiet of the Great Hall and a tankard of ale, his legs once again stretched out in front of the hearth and his back resting against the edge of the table. It had been a busy morning and soon warriors and those in need of food would come here to eat. That he could provide for so many made him feel good. His warriors and their families had suffered enough. And he would do his best to see that they suffered no more hardships. He had had more than his share of battles and he wanted no more. Not that he was foolish enough to believe it would not be necessary to never to go to battle again. Monarchs had a way of making enemies and starting wars. But he intended to do his best to keep him and his warriors from joining the fray.