“How is it you did not hear of this mission?” Flora asked.
His wife had asked what he had intended to ask.
“I was busy with the woman I told you about and when I finally left there, the others were far ahead of me.”
“Would you have taken on the mission?” Torin asked, knowing his wife would ask it if he didn’t.
“That would have depended on the price, though with two attempts so close together I assume the payment is substantial and would have tempted me,” Walsh said. “And before you pass judgment, know that it is the only way I know to survive this unforgiving land and those who rule here.”
“That is a poor excuse,” Torin accused.
“Look at the side from which I live it, then tell that to me,” Walsh said, a glow of anger in his eyes.
“My da often argued that you cannot judge another if you have not experienced what they have, while some of his friends thought those who lacked common sense could never be elevated, while others assumed it was the lack of reason that prevented any gain. They would debate it endlessly,” Flora said.
“And what do you believe, my lady?” Walsh asked.
“I believe the answer is elusive, for there are far too many variables to provide a distinct answer, including what life itself throws at a person, thus proving it senseless to constantly chase after an answer that does not exist.”
“Is that all you can tell us of these men?” Torin asked, turning talk back to the matter at hand, not wanting his wife conversing so easily with the man since he did not know if he could be trusted. Though, he had to admit her response to Walsh held wisdom.
“That is all I know,” Walsh said.
Torin doubted that but he would continue to have him watched.
“You should go inspect those campsites,” Flora said after Walsh was gone. “No doubt they belonged to the clerics.” She rested her hand over his on the table. “My duties will keep me in the keep. I am eager to work on the room you allowed me to have for myself.”
He slipped his hand from beneath hers and locked fingers with her. “Until this matter is settled you must be wise in who you trust. There is no telling who is involved with this plot to take you from me.”
Flora shook her head. “Is there anyone who would not want you to wed?”
“Just the opposite, the clan was growing tired of waiting for me to wed and produce an heir. Unless there is an outside source who plots to steal the Isle of Outerson from me.” The possibility had Torin saying, “I will send some men to make inquires.” And hoping the two men he had already sent on a seeking mission would return with news.
“You should go before the hour grows late and you return late to the keep,” Flora said with a soft smile.
“Nothing will keep you from me tonight,” Torin said and kissed her lightly. “Absolutely nothing.”
CHAPTER18
Flora glanced around the room. It was coming along but there was still much to be done. She had placed a narrow table in the middle of the room, plus a bench. Anwen had been much help, having known exactly where to take her in the keep when she inquired about a piece of furniture. It would take time to arrange the room just as she wanted it but little by little, she would see it done.
“My lady, it grows late, and the servants will soon take their leave,” Anwen said, placing two wood bowls on the table.
“Night has fallen?” Flora asked with concern.
“Aye, my lady.”
“Has Lord Torin returned?” Flora asked anxiously, too occupied to have paid attention to time.
“Nay, my lady, Lord Torin has yet to return.
“I wonder what keeps him?” she said, concern poking at her and growing as various possibilities filled her head.
“The tracker could have found something, and they followed it,” Anwen said. “Perhaps you should wait in the cottage for his lordship’s return, my lady.”
Flora shook her head mostly to chase away the endless, disturbing possibilities of what could have befallen her husband. “I will be fine in the keep alone.”
Anwen hesitated, as if she might hold her tongue, but rushed to say, “I can remain with you if you wish, my lady.”