Tarass watched her and he saw how Thaw kept watch on him. The pup’s dark eyes followed his every move as he remained firmly planted against Snow’s leg. The pup never left her side and though he had grown some he hadn’t yet gained the strength and size to protect her adequately. However, that did not stop him from trying and for that he had to admire the pup’s confidence and tenacity.
He was much like Snow… stubborn, willful, her tongue snappish, foolishly standing up to those much stronger and more powerful than herself. She was blind in more ways than one.
James, her half-brother, needed a firmer hand when dealing with her. He was much too lenient, letting her wander on her own. Strict watch should be kept over her at all times. Maybe after this unfortunate incident James would see that and do what was necessary. If not, harm was bound to find Snow.
It was difficult to deny her beauty and none did. Many agreed that out of all three Macardle sisters, she was the most beautiful. The three shared red hair and green eyes, though the red color was different for each. Snow’s hair shined with a red brilliance that caught the eye as it fell well past her shoulders. Her green eyes had a shine to them as well, not bright or bold, but pleasant as if they greeted you along with the smile she often wore. At least that was what others said about her, since she seldom bestowed a smile on him.
Looking at her now she appeared upset and he could easily guess why. She wanted to go home to what was familiar to her, not be stuck in a place she didn’t know. He would have to assign one of the women to attend her since she wouldn’t be able to get around on her own.
“I’m going to need to get more wood to keep the fire going,” he said.
She turned her head in his direction. “The wood is wet. How do you get it to burn?”
“It needs to be stripped down to where it’s not wet, then it burns, but I think a saw a wood pile under a lean-to. There might be some dry wood there.”
“What if the people who live here return?” she asked.
“In this snowstorm that would be doubtful, but from the looks of the place I’d say it’s been deserted for some time,” Tarass said and saw a sadness wash over her, then she shook her head slowly.
“Of course, this must be Janick’s place.”
“The name isn’t familiar to me.”
“It wouldn’t be. Janick and his wife settled into this cottage after you and your family left. He and Sybil were old then, looking for a place where they wouldn’t be bothered and could live their lives in peace. My sisters and I took turns visiting them to make sure they were well and if they needed anything. They were content with each other and a more caring couple than I had ever met.”
She smiled and Tarass was struck by the way her whole face seemed to light with the smile and how her green eyes even turned brighter.
“I remember how they looked at each other with such love. How proud he was to admit that his heart belonged to her and always would. How they could always be found holding hands.” She wiped at her eyes to stop tears from falling. “That’s how they were found, holding hands. Willow found them. Sybil had gotten sick and Willow feared she would not make it. One day she arrived here and found Sybil in bed, Janick sitting in a chair next to the bed, his body slumped over hers and their hands joined. From what Willow could tell they didn’t die long after each other. That’s a strong love to follow each other into death.”
“Love is nothing but pain and sorrow and best avoided,” Tarass said.
“How sad for you to believe that.”
“Not at all. It frees me to live and—”
“Feel nothing and that’s living in fear,” she finished.
“I fear nothing!” he snapped.
“We all fear something,” she said with a shrug, “and in some ways it makes us stronger.” She rested her hand on the table and almost pulled it back, having touched the animal head, but stopped and began to explore it. “Why do you wear this—” She paused, her fingers trying to determine what she touched.
“Wolf’s head,” he said and while her hand paused, it never left the animal’s head.
“Why?” she asked again.
“The fire dwindles,” he said, ignoring her question. “I’m going to get more wood.”
She stood and slipped on her cloak.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“I must see to my needs and so does Thaw,” she said and felt heat stain her cheeks.
“You will not take long,” he ordered.
His hand clamped around her arm before she had a chance to respond and he led her to the door, Thaw staying close to her side.