Ronin nodded and waved him off. He feltdizzy and faint. The screams they had heard the night before had to have come from the same woman whose body had been discovered by the river, the river he and Edna had been standing by when they first heard her. He thenrealized the gravity of the situation. Whoever the murderer was, he had to have murdered the woman somewhere else before bringing her body to the burnand dropping it there after Ronin and Edna had gone into the woods to look for her.
They had not returned to the river and were thus unable to locate her. Ronin was feeling sick to his stomach. He wasn't sure whether he should be happy or sad about last night. He was relieved that Edna did not have to witness the scene and see a woman's dead body. On the other hand, he wondered if they could have saved herif they had arrived in time. Ronin needed to figure out who shewas and who had killed her. His gaze was drawn to his mother as he saw her descend the stairs to the main hall.
“Mother,” he called and she turned to look at him. He quickly marched towards her and placed a small kiss on her cheek as she smiled.
“How are ye this mornin’?” she asked.
“Not well, mother. I just found out about the woman they found by the river,” Ronin replied.
"I had no choice, Ronin. The entire situation is beyond my comprehension. A poor woman found killed by the river in such deplorable circumstances. If we don't find the killersoon— the entire clan shall be at risk," she explained and heknewshe was correct.
"Don't worry, mother. The murderer cannot remain hidden indefinitely. If we work hard enough, we willbe able to find him or her very soon," Ronin promised, confident in his words. He was certain that he would personally invest his time in this case and see it through.
“Ye are right, son. Ye should come and attend the council meeting too as ye are the future laird, and yer presence is important right now,” his mother said.
“Whatever you say.”
They made their way into the great hall, where everyone was already waiting for them. Ronin nodded to the elders and other members as he approached his mother at the head of the table. Everyone stood up to show their respect. When they were both settled, the others sat down, and the meeting was called to order. His mother rose to speak.
“My fellow clan members, ye are well aware why I have called ye all here today. I, Mara, the lairdess of this clan, am extremely saddened to announce that last night a woman was murdered in the dark, and her body was found by the river this morning. Her condition is horrifying and whoever did this is immoral and vile. It is evident that we have a sinner among our clan, and it is our duty to make sure that said sinner is found and hanged so no one dares to spread terror among our people ever again. I require ye all to support me in this endeavor and make sure that this investigation goes smoothly and the killer is found and punished for the crime he committed.”
Ronin noticed everyone nodding along to his mother's speech and expressing their complete support for her with their expressions. This made himhappy because he knew that any changes in the clan would require the council's approval. When she was finished, shesat down and motioned to an elder, inviting him to stand. Before beginning, the old man stood up and nodded to everyone.
"Her name was Thelma, and she was a healer. I believe that most of us are aware of who she was because she had treated several of us. She was an accomplishedhealer. Amidwife too," the elder continued.
“Yes, I ken. She helped with my son’s birth as well,” his mother said and Ronin suddenly felt a tug at his heart. She had assisted in his birth, and now she was gone. It was strange how the world was linked and how people were connected. He suddenly felt an even stronger desire to get to this case and ensure that the woman received justice. “Well then, a proper investigation will be conducted to unearth who did this.”
“I would like to contribute to the investigation as well. We need to make sure she gets justice,” he said; feeling passionate and confident.
“We have people handling the investigation, Ronin,” his mother replied discouragingly but he was not swayed.
"I willaccompany them — I willknock on every door and ask people if they have any information about the woman or if they have seen anything," Ronin said again, hoping his mother would agree.
"This is not the job of the laird's heir, Ronin, and yeare not prepared for it. I've already assigned the task to three guards, who will complete it. Ye should rest," his mother said, raising her hand so he couldn't respond. "The meeting is adjourned; I willsee yeall at the next."
She stood up and walked away. Ronin couldn't help but think about what he should do next. He needed to find a way to contribute to the investigation and ensure that the murderer was apprehended. The blood-curdling scream had been imprinted onhis memory, or perhaps his worst nightmares, and he knew he couldn't let it go, let alone forget about it.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Ronin quietly watchedas the attendees dispersed into small groups to discuss the proceedings while walkingout of the castle to their homes. He knew he couldn't let the matter slip so easily from his grasp. His gaze shifted to the three guards assigned to the case. He didn't know them, but he was confident that they were exceptional in their performance and would undoubtedly contribute to the investigation; otherwise, they would not have been entrusted with such an important matter. The murder and how heinously it was carried out rattled the entire clan. This was a matter of his people's safety and protection. Despite being told not to make inquiries, he needed to make certain that he assisted the guards in any way he could.
The murder occurred while he was out in the dark, and both the woman and her assailant were very close to where he was. He couldn't get rid of the feeling of dread that came over him every time he remembered how much danger he had put Edna in by simply asking her to meet him outside at such an unthinkable time. The nightmare that had woken him up this morning was also proof of this. He had to make certain that no other woman suffered the same fate. He had made up his mind.
“Mother,” he called out after his mother as she exited the hall. With quick, purposeful strides, he walked up behind her. He knew it wasn't his fault, but he still felt guilty. He'd been gone for so long, too far away from home to understand what was going on. He knew he belonged here, and his people needed him to step up and be there for them. His mother required his assistance. He couldn't stay hidden away in the castleany longer.
The guilt of being away from his mother, as well as the responsibilities that had fallen solely on her in his absence, weighed heavily on him. He was so young when his father died, and he was sent away soon after.Ronin realized he was finally capable of assisting his mother. He'd be the laird his clan required and deserved.
“Mother, can I speak with you?”
“Of course, Ronin. I am always here for ye,” she replied softly, her tone changing drastically. For a few seconds, he couldn't figure out what had happened because she had just been curt and rude to him in the council meeting, and now she was being sweet. Despite the obvious difference, he chose to disregard her tone and proceed with his request.
“Mother, I understand that you do not want me to be a part of the investigation, but I would like your permission to proceed. I believe I must contribute because this case is too horrific. As the future laird of this clan, I believe it is my responsibility to my people.”
“Ye are right, Ronin. I trust ye immensely, and I am sure if ye become a part of this case, it will be solved even sooner,” she agreed with him entirely. Ronin couldn't have been more befuddled, but he was relieved. He didn't know what had changed his mother's vehement denial into such an agreeable stance, but he knew he shouldn't push his luck any further because this was already working in his favor. Now he just needed to make sure he was capable of carrying out what he had just promisedand that the murderer was indeed apprehended.
“So does that mean I can help with the investigation?”
“Yes, ye can dae whatever ye wish, and I want ye tae make sure that we find this murderer as soon as possible,” she replied with a small nod. He didn't know when the stars aligned in his favor, but he was grateful for the change. He would have hated to defy his mother's orders.