Saber shrugged again and walked his fingers across his palm and pointed to the door.
“You wonder why then did Annis go see if she can find the witch in the hills?”
Saber nodded.
Elysia kept her voice low as if sharing a secret. “Annis doesn’t believe that the woman who had been tasked with keeping the lass safe, with threat to her own life, would surrender the lass so easily. She believes the men lied and that the lass, now a woman, lives. That is what she plans to ask the witch in the hills. If that is true and the lass did survive, then she hopes to find the now grown woman and end the curse for good.”
Saber raised his tankard and patted his chest.
“You wish my sister luck?” Elysia asked to be sure she understood him.
He nodded.
“Annis would be pleased to know that as am I,” she said, glad someone understood the dire need of Bliss’s situation and how she nor Annis could sit by and do nothing. “I do not like that she went alone. I would have preferred to go with her, but as Annis reminded me, I should be here in case Bliss needs help.”
Saber nodded firmly, agreeing. He did not like the thought of Elysia doing such a dangerous thing. Annis, however, was far different from her sister. From what he had seen of Annis, she was stubborn, had a sharp tongue, and did not frighten easily. If anyone could succeed at such a task, it was Annis.
“I pray all goes well and quickly so that I am reunited with my sisters once again,” Elysia said, and seeing Saber’s head suddenly turn toward the door, she stood knowing someone was about to knock.
Saber stood as well and followed behind her to the door.
Elysia was not surprised to see Rory standing there. She had expected the three men to make their presence known to her.
“Who is he and what is he doing here?” Rory demanded, looking past her to Saber.
“He is someone who needs tending, not that I need to explain that to you,” Elysia said, annoyed at his commanding tone. That was one reason she did not want to wed a warrior, especially those in command. They expected to be obeyed by all.
“You certainly will explain it, if you are to be my wife,” Rory shot back.
“I do not intend to marry you, especially if you think to demand as you do,” she warned.
“A good husband commands and a good wife obeys,” Rory said.
“I will keep that in mind while considering who would make me the best husband. Good day to you,” she said and went to shut the door.
“Wait,” he said and rushed to speak. “I have come to talk with you.”
“I have no time to talk now,” she said, wanting him gone.
“I will wait until you are done with him.” Rory nodded at Saber.
“No,” Elysia said, offering no explanation. “We will speak another time.” It was difficult not to notice when Saber stepped closer behind her, the size of him consuming her and the open doorway.
Rory noticed it too since he took a step back.
“We will talk,” Rory said and muttered to himself as he turned and walked away.
Elysia quickly closed the door and turned almost bumping into Saber, he stood so close. His body all but engulfed her as it had done that day in market when his size had shielded her. Maybe it was good they would not wed. He was a sizeable man and she had not wanted a sizeable man. Yet, she felt comfortable with him. It puzzled her as did the way he looked at her. There was something in his green eyes, a fiery spark of sorts, and she got the sudden thought that he wanted to kiss her. She stood and waited, her heartbeat picking up its tempo, her stomach fluttering, and her lips ready to meet his.
He turned away abruptly and returned to his chair.
She felt the fool. Whatever was wrong with her? She would allow a kiss from a man who refused to wed her? She had to stop this nonsense.
“I have kept you long enough. I will give you the syrup and you can be on your way,” she said without looking at him.
She found the small crock of bramble berry syrup that Bliss kept for throat ailments and grabbed a small wooden spoon. She brought both to the table where Saber sat and she dipped the spoon into the crock scooping up a hefty spoonful.
“Let it go down your throat slowly,” she advised as she turned and brought the spoon to his mouth. Her hand began to tremble when her eyes caught his. The spark that she had seen in his green eyes now smoldered and it did something strange to her insides that had her legs going weak.