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"Ye first, milady."
Nora took a step outside into the beautiful sunlight. Her eyes needed to adjust to the brightness of the sun for the first few moments. Then she noticed the path that ran through a lovely garden.
"This way," Callan stated.
They continued down the path until they reached a large field. She could hear the guards before she could see them: loud weapons smashing and slamming against each other. As she approached the field, she felta strange buzz in the air.
Nora was taken aback.There appeared to be about a dozen men in armor, some sparred with fists, while others used swords. They seemed completely focused on their training until they saw her. Ten men showed up in front of them as soon as they announced their presence.
Callan looked at her. "These are the men chosen by the Laird.Would yelike to make a choice?"
She dared to look at the men for the first time; almost all of them were massive, muscled men. Any of them could be assigned the task of protecting her. She was certain, however, that they would rather do anything else.
She examined each man and chose the only one who hadn't fully matured. He seemed to be the least intimidating of the group for shedidn't want to be followed around by someone who made her nervous.
“Rayak, ye have been picked,” Callan nodded at him.
“Milady!” He struck his hands across his chest and took a bow, a look of eagerness on his face. “’Tis me honor to serve and protect thee.”
Nora was almost certain she didn’t hear him right. Honor?
She decided that it was likely that he didn’t want to be seen as insubordinate, so she smiled. “Thank you, Rayak.”
The rest of the men walked away while Callan walked Nora back to the keep. Behind them, Rayak walked at a distance.
“Ye have chosen well. Rayak is a skilled fighter, one of the best of me lads.”
“Do you not think he’d be happier fighting than guarding me?” Nora asked him.
“Happier?” Callan looked at her as though she’d spoken gibberish. “Ye are the wife of the Chief. ‘Tis an honor to be chosen to guard ye! Had I nae been the Chief’s commander, I would have been fightin’ to guard ye too.”
“Oh,” Nora said, astounded.
“Ye are well respected and loved by the people, milady.”
“They do not know me.”
“Only ye can change that. The keep is yers to rule as ye wish. Soon ye will get comfortable instructin’ the staff of the kitchen.”
“I can do that?”
“Aye, milady.”
Nora smiled—a genuine smile that even Callan noticed.
“Shall I escort ye to yer chambers, milady?”
“No. I think I will head out for a stroll first.”
Rayak took up position beside Nora. “Where would ye like to go, milady?”
“To the kitchens,” Nora said.
Rayak nodded. “By your leave.”
* * *
Nora couldn't believe her eyes when she walked into the kitchens.
