Torin’s shaft sprung to full attention as her hands stroked his body and she was quick to reach for it. He was about to stop her, fearful their evening would end too soon if she touched him, then stopped. He wanted her comfortable with him and eager to touch him anytime she chose to.
“I do love the feel of you,” she said, stroking him gently.
“I am glad that you do,” he said, her innocent touch arousing him far too much. He brushed her hand away gently and was about to scoop her up and place her on the bed when a sudden knock at the door startled them both.
“We found one barely alive,” Kinnell called out. “He does not have much time.”
Torin wanted to punch someone he was so angry that they were yet again interrupted. His wife, however, was already rushing into her garments.
“We will be right there,” Flora called out.
“I wait in the Great Hall,” Kinnell said, and footfalls were heard rushing off.
Flora turned excited eyes on her husband. “Hurry, we must see what he can tell us before it is too late.”
Torin donned his garments knowing she was right, but angry over it anyway, and after grabbing their cloaks, he rushed out the room with his wife.
“Where is he?” Torin demanded when he and Flora entered the Great Hall.
“Iona’s cottage,” Kinnell said. “She is doing what she can to keep him alive, but she fears he does not have much time and urged me to fetch you.”
“Wise of her,” Flora said as they left the keep.
Several torches flared brightly as they made their way through the village and many men mulled about talking while a preponderance of warriors stood guard throughout. Flora realized her husband had taken extreme measures to keep her safe.
The man was having difficulty breathing when Torin and Flora stood beside the bed where he lay. He was soaked through, his skin still wet from his time in the loch and now the bedding as well.”
“He rambles, not knowing what he is saying,” Iona said. “The cold has taken hold. I cannot get him warm fast enough.”
Torin bent over the man. “Who wants Flora dead?”
“Much coin. Much coin,” the man rambled.
“Who pays you this coin?” Torin asked.
The man’s eyes turned wide and struggled to say, “Giant. Giant pulled me out.”
“Who pays the coin?” Torin tried again, knowing the man made no sense thinking the giant helped him.
“Go home. Go home.” A tear trickled from one eye as he barely managed to say, “I want to go home.” He suddenly turned silent, and his breathing turned shallow.
“He will say no more. His time draws near,” Iona said.
“I will have him placed with the others when it is done,” Kinnell said.
“Were there signs of another where he was found?” Flora asked.
“Darkness and more men helping than needed would cover any tracks another may have left,” Kinnell said.
“Make certain the men stay alert. There could be more who attempted to reach the isle and they are not going to stop if there is substantial coin involved,” Torin said.
Flora reached for her husband’s hand as soon as they both left the cottage and met his hand that had done the same… reached out for hers. She was relieved when his hand locked around hers and she clung tightly to it.
“Why would anyone offer good coin for my life?” Flora asked, confused. “It makes no sense. What benefit could my death have to anyone?” She turned her head to him. “Who gains the title and leads the clan if anything happens to you?”
“Whatever heir I have.”
“And if there is no heir, who then inherits?” she asked.