Torin kept his arms snug around her, intending to continue to keep her warm and soon they were both sound asleep.
“You must help us!” Flora’s mum called out. “Help us, Flora.”
“It is imperative you help us, Flora,” her dad cried out.
“I will but tell me how. Tell me how I can help you,” Flora called out frantically not able to see her parents, not knowing where they were, the fog around them too thick.
“Help us, Flora!” her mum pleaded. “Help us find you! You are in danger!”
Flora shot up in bed with a gasp, Torin’s arm going quickly around her as he sat up beside her.
“My parents are frantic to find me. They know I am in danger and they want my help to find me, so they can help me, ” she said, leaning against her husband, shivering. “And I believe they know why.”
CHAPTER23
“With the bitter cold and bouts of snow that has plagued us these last couple of weeks, I wonder if it will delay the return of Walsh’s men,” Flora said, lingering in the Great Hall with her husband after the morning meal.
“No doubt it will cause them some delay, but it will also cause delay and problems for those who seek to harm you,” Torin said, glad the weather also benefitted them. He turned a wickedly teasing smile on her. “Besides, I favor the snow and cold since it has provided us with much time alone in our bedchamber.”
Flora grinned with delight. “Also, time alone in my solar and your solar. I must admit, I do enjoy those unexpected times and places of lovemaking.”
Torin brushed his lips over hers and whispered, “They are favorites of mine.”
She captured his lips in a brief, tempting kiss. “Perhaps we should tour the keep today to see what more needs to be done.”
“There are some nooks and crannies that may have been neglected,” he suggested, then nipped along her neck playfully.
The howling moan rushing through the Great Hall ripped them apart and had servants rushing for the doors.
Torin jumped to his feet, his voice booming with authority as he called out, “STAY WHERE YOU ARE!”
Everyone halted, not daring to move.
The moan lessened and began to fade as Torin spoke, his voice remaining strong. “No giant or ghost haunts this keep or our clan. It is the wind that rips through the keep on exceptionally windy days and today the wind is strong.”
One servant lad bravely asked, “But, my lord, we have repaired all the broken shutters. Shouldn’t the wind not race as strongly through the keep?”
Torin was not surprised that his wife spoke before he could.
“There are some areas where tapestries still need to be hung over the shuttered windows and where mortar repairs are needed in the stones. However, I can assure you there is no ghostly creature or a mythical giant in this keep that will bring you harm. You are all safe here. But if any of you feel uncomfortable working in a particular room, then tell me and I will assign you a different chore and think no less of you for it.”
Anwen stepped forward. “I have felt more comfortable here than I ever have, my lady. If a sudden cold strikes me, I look around and see that either it has come from a cold hearth or a loose shutter or if the door to the room is open it flows in from the staircase that is forever chilly. You have taught me to look for what is a reasonable explanation rather than one that stirs unnecessary fear.”
Flora smiled. “I am so happy to hear that, Anwen.”
“I am more comfortable here as well,” another servant said.
“I have been comfortable here also but that moan—” The servant lad who had spoken up shook his head.
“It is frightening to hear, and instinct has you running. Your reaction is only logical,” Flora said. “But now you know there is no ghost, no giant that haunts this place. There is a reasonable explanation for it and once all repairs are made, we will hear it no more.”
Heads bobbed and all drifted off to return to their chores.
Flora summoned Anwen with a wave. “It delights me to know you use reason rather than fear to guide you.”
Anwen smiled softly. “It was your knowledge and guidance that taught me, my lady.”
Torin was proud of his wife. She had not only brought the keep back to life, but she had also brought life back to the clan with her talkative and inquisitive nature.