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Bhric was ready to threaten the man when he gave it thought. “Auda attempts to protect someone.”
“Aye, my lord,” Bernard said relieved.
Bhric did not have to guess who. He knew. “My wife.”
Bernard nodded, holding his tongue as if fearful something might slip out.
“It is just you and me, Bernard. You will tell me,” Bhric said in a commanding tone that brooked no opposition.
Bernard did not hesitate to obey. “There is talk that the witch allowed herself to be caught to carry out her evil plan. She cast a spell on your wife so that you and others will fall to her command. She will then cast a spell on Lord Varrick, and he will fall to her command. Once done, she will rule both clans and more if given the chance.”
“This is dangerous talk,” Bhric said, fear rising up within him for his wife.
“It is, my lord,” Bernard hastily agreed and lifted his goblet to his lips as if to stop himself from saying any more.
“You downed the last of your wine only moments ago, what do you fear saying?”
Bernard kept his voice low though there was only himself and Bhric in the room. “How is it that your wife has the skill or power to command a war hound, my lord? I only ask because it is what others will ask and believe when those in Clan Strathearn learn of it. Not that I would say a word, but eventually it will be heard. And news will also be heard of how well you and your wife get along, from what I can see, when you were not at all pleased with her when you left Clan Strathearn.”
Bhric could see how it could be misconstrued, especially with an illness having hit the clan and he was quick to order, “You will repeat none of this to anyone.”
“Aye, my lord, but—”
“But what?” Bhric urged when Bernard hesitated.
“But what by chance if it is true?”
CHAPTER 23
Bhric kept his eyes on his wife as she talked with Hertha, Greta, and Bernard in the Great hall. They were deep in discussion asking Bernard endless questions while Greta and Hertha exchanged opinions. Had the witch placed a spell on his wife or as Sven had once suggested… had Tavia asked the witch for… what? Had she requested a spell to have him fall in love with her? He did not want to believe that, but would he be a fool not to consider it? But what were the consequences of him doubting their love for each other?
“You do not look pleased,” Sven said when he stopped next to Bhric. “More troubling news?”
“Something I will need to keep watch on.”
“Should I be aware of it?” Sven asked.
“Not yet. I want to see what comes of it without anyone knowing,” Bhric said. “Though you will keep me aware of any rumors concerning my wife.”
“The clan favors her, some of our people warm to her and then there are those who distrust her. They wonder how she commands the war hounds so easily and how their leader went from disappointment in his chosen bride to declaring his love for her. Then there is what happened with Marta. She has been good to many, and they are upset that she lost her position in the keep. Clan MacShane on the other hand loves Lady Tavia and finds no fault with her. All of that is according to your sister.”
“And how does my sister truly feel about my wife?”
Sven laughed. “You know your sister.”
“She will find out for herself.”
Sven nodded. “Should I watch out for anything in particular?”
“You seem to have it all in hand just keep me apprised.”
“Should we be concerned?” Sven asked.
Bhric said what he did not like to think. “It is a possibility.”
“Lord Bhric,” Tavia called out, waving him over.
“None of us gave it thought, my lord,” Bernard said in way of an apology when Bhric reached the table where they all sat.
