“I wholeheartedly agree with Lord Cree,” Newlin said, appearing relieved at the suggestion.
“You also might want to consider sending some of those who chose to help the children to another clan. Ivan might choose to retaliate against them as well,” Cree said.
“A wise observation,” Newlin said. “Shall we retire to my solar and discuss how to divide the group safely.”
“Join us, Argus,” Cree offered. “This way you know we hide nothing from Lord Varrick.”
“Aye. Aye,” Newlin agreed. “Do join us.”
Argus agreed with a nod and followed Newlin and Torin. Cree held back a moment to issue a gentle warning to his wife.
“You need to rest,” he said and kissed her cheek.
She nodded, smiled, patted her stomach, and gestured eating.
“The bairn is hungry?” he asked and smiled when she patted her chest. “You too.”
“I will see Lady Dawn gets food before she rests,” Tavia said.
“My gratitude, Lady Tavia,” Cree said. “Beast will remain by your side until I have a chance to appoint another warrior to guard you.” He looked to the dog, circling by the fire to rest. “Guard, Dawn.”
The dog immediately rushed to Dawn’s side.
“Now I know you are safe,” Cree said and kissed her cheek again before walking off.
“Finally,” Flora said when Cree was out of sight. “You must tell us what happened. Lord Ivan rushed in demanding marriage to me. Torin arrived not long after and there was shouting ever since until Lord Cree entered the fray.”
“Let Lady Dawn sit before you swamp her with questions,” Tavia said and summoned a servant lass with a wave and instructed her on food and drink to bring them.
Dawn settled at the table close to the hearth, still chilled from her ordeal and directed Beast with a gesture for him to rest. The dog went to lay near the hearth but kept an eye on Dawn.
Before the women could settle in to talk, Hertha appeared asking to speak with Chieftain Newlin.
“It is good to have you home and unharmed,” Hertha, Tavia said, seeing the exhaustion in the slump of the young woman’s shoulders and yet she still wore a pleasant smile. “My da is busy at the moment, but perhaps I can help you. Please sit and join us. You could probably use a hot brew and some food after your ordeal.”
“Aye, do join us,” Flora said eagerly.
Dawn saw how Tavia instinctively reached out to the woman, offering comfort while she could see Flora offered with thought of what information Hertha could provide.
Hertha, herself, seemed unsure of what she should do, not accustomed to being included with those who ruled.
Dawn smiled and pointed to the spot opposite her from the table and next to Flora.
Whether Dawn’s gesture had made the difference or exhaustion had completely taken over, Hertha sat. She stared at the servant lass who quickly filled the tankard that was placed in front of her, unaccustomed to being served. It took Hertha a moment to grip the tankard and raise it to her lips.
Flora appeared ready to question her, but Tavia quickly jumped in. “What can I help you with, Hertha?”
“First, my lady, I want you to know that I did not leave here willingly because I disliked it here. I love the clan and would do nothing to harm it, but those children were in dire need, and I could not turn my back on them.”
“What you did is valiant, Hertha,” Tavia said. “I only wish you trusted me enough to confide in me.”
“Hana and Trent begged me not to and when I heard the horror stories not only they told but the others, I simply could not take the chance. It is the reason I wish to speak with your father. I do not believe the children are safe here and I also worry about those who helped the children. Lord Ivan is beyond evil, and he is not a man of his word. I fear he will do whatever he wants to get the children back and punish them severely. I worry terribly for the children. They have been through enough pain already. I wanted to ask your father if he would consider sending them where Lord Ivan could not get to them.”
Tavia smiled. “Lord Cree suggested the same and it is what my da discusses now with Lord Cree and Lord Torin.”
Hertha breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Bless Lord Cree for his wisdom and your da for seeing it as well.”
“How did you find out about the children?” Flora asked, too curious to remain silent.
“I spotted the lad Trent with Ewert in the woods one day. He told me it was imperative that I made no mention of the lad that he was teaching him the skill of an archer. I was curious as to why it was meant to be kept a secret but gave my word. Then Ewert vanished and I worried about him. He caught me unaware in the woods one day and asked me to help. One of the children had taken ill. When I saw them and learned their story I knew I had to hold my tongue. The elderly ones joined the children to teach them their skills so they could survive. I made the choice to join them permanently since they needed a healer to look after them. I was relieved when Trent spoke to me about seeking the mighty Lord Cree’s help. I knew, and Trent did as well, they could not last the entire winter in the woods, yet I did not know how to help them.”