She turned to leave, more determined than ever to find a way into the room, and stopped when she thought she heard a noise. She listened and sure enough she heard it again and it came from the locked room.
With her stomach tightening in knots, she took a step closer to the door and listened. She jumped back when she thought she heard someone cry out and when the latch on the door began to rattle, her heart almost stopped beating.
Was someone trying to get out?
Now she had no choice. She had to find out what was in the room and if necessary, set whoever was inside free.
CHAPTER 8
Rhys sat, with heavy thoughts, in his solar. He knew all too well how kind his wife was, having proven it yesterday with how unselfishly she had helped those in need. He had not, however, realized the extent of her determination or curiosity. She let nothing stop her when either took flight and she had proven that not only with her questions but with the way she had kissed him.
The passion that had flared in her blue eyes had surprised him as had her kiss. She had not been shy at all. It was almost as if she kissed someone familiar to her, and he wondered if he reminded her of the man she once loved.
Her father had made it quite clear to him that she loved another and always would and nothing would change that, but it had not mattered to him. He wanted Heather, ached for her gentle smile, her selflessness, her tender touch. If anyone could cope with the darkness that consumed him at every turn, she could.
Though, one question continued to plague him—was it fair to Heather? Would she truly be able to survive his darkness, or would he pull her down into its dark depths?
A knock sounded at the door and it opened before he bid anyone to enter.
“I saw Heather talking with some of the villager folk, so I knew you would be alone,” Pitt said, entering the room and closing the door behind him.
“Get us a drink and sit. There are things that need to be discussed,” Rhys said.
Pitt filled two goblets with wine and handed one to Rhys before sitting in the chair across from him. “There has been no success with the hunt. If a wolf or some beast of the forest is not brought back, concern will grow.”
Rhys swallowed a good portion of his wine before saying, “And if the villagers learn the truth of it, fear will spread like wildfire.”
“The men will hold their tongues.”
“But for how long? And do not tell me that tongues have not begun to wag about the warriors who attacked us. The ghost warriors that died were less seasoned ones. If it had not been for the experienced warriors with me, then no one would have survived. And with our warriors trained to pay attention to everything that goes on around them at all times, they will begin to see that I am relying more heavily on seasoned warriors. This will not be able to be contained for long, especially when this particular enemy will toy with us, instilling more and more fear in our people. Then, when he is ready, he will strike and strike hard, leaving nothing in his wake.”
“What do we do?” Pitt asked.
“More men will be needed, but we also cannot leave our home vulnerable to an attack. Send Innis to me, he will deliver the necessary messages. Are the bodies wrapped and prepared for burial?”
“Henry’s injury has delayed him, but he will be seeing to it shortly.”
“Good. I do not want the bodies revealed to anyone, and Henry will make sure of it.”
“When do you intend to make the men aware of the enemy they face?” Pitt asked.
“I have no doubt they are already aware of it. Their concern would be in how we deal with it.”
* * *
It wasa beautiful day with a warm breeze drifting across the land, but there were few smiles on peoples’ faces. Heather easily understood why. With the attack on the troop yesterday, the numerous injuries suffered, and the two sentinels supposedly being killed by a wolf, the people did not feel safe. And she imagined that that was an unusual occurrence for those loyal to the Dark Dragon.
Heather followed her usual morning routine of walking through the village with a smile and kind greetings. At home, she would inquire of those who had not been feeling well or stop to speak with the women expecting babes. And if there was a minor complaint or dispute, she would settle it there andthen, so her father did not have to be disturbed by small matters. She had found it made for a more pleasant day for all.
But today she also had another reason to talk with all she met. She wanted to discover what she could about the mysterious things happening here and loose tongues or innocent remarks could often prove useful.
After having engaged three women in conversation and not finding out anything she did not already know, Heather spotted the barn and made her way over there toward the man who stood guard in front of the closed doors. He was one of the warriors she had treated yesterday. He had suffered a minor wound that would not even leave a scar on his arm, though it would be sore for a few days.
She smiled as she approached him. “All is well with your wound, Sim?”
He returned her smile. “Aye, thanks to you, my lady. Elma, my wife, changed the bandage today as you said I should. She looks forward to meeting you and thanking you for helping me.”
“I was only too glad to help. I only wish I could have helped the two poor souls you watch over.”
