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They were woken an hour later with a knock at the door.
“A troop of warriors approach, my lord.”
“I will be right there,” Bhric called then turned to his wife. “Get dressed and wait in the Great Hall.” He hurried into his garments.
“You expect a problem?” Tavia asked anxiously.
“When a troop approaches without sending word ahead, it warns me to be cautious,” he said. “Now hurry and dress.” He gave her cheek a quick kiss, then raced out of the room.
Tavia slipped her garments on with haste and was out the door not soon after her husband, Fen rushing in front of her on the stairs. He sensed an urgent worry and was ready to protect her.
Her husband was not in the Great Hall when she entered, but Hertha came rushing in, fighting back tears.
“My lady, you must help us,” Hertha pleaded when she reached Tavia. “Lord Ivan approaches, and the children fear he has come to take them away.
A chill ran through Tavia. She strongly disliked the man and did not trust him, but she trusted that her husband would let nothing happen to the children.
“Tell Doritt and Edward not to worry. They are safe here and no one will take them away,” Tavia said with confidence.
“I will keep them out of sight just to be cautious,” Hertha said.
“If that helps them feel safe, then by all means keep them tucked away. However, I strongly believe he is not here for the children.”
“I pray you are right, my lady. Doritt and Edward are so happy as are Hume and me. We have come to look at them as our own and it would break my heart to have them snatched away from us.”
“Worry not, Hertha. Lord Bhric would never allow that,” Tavia said and grabbed her cloak to step outside as soon as Hertha fled the room.
“Bhric,” Tavia said when she stepped outside to see him standing at the top of the stairs with Sven while a short distance away two men on horses rode through the village toward the keep.
“I told you to stay in the Great Hall,” Bhric said, turning to his wife.
Tavia went to his side, Fen sticking close to her. “I will hear what is said.”
“This is for me to see to,” Bhric insisted.
“With me by your side,” Tavia said and latched onto his hand.
Habit had him clasping her hand firmly and keeping her tucked at his side. “You will hold your tongue.”
Sven started laughing. “You forget what all men agreed to the other night… there is no woman alive who holds her tongue.”
Tavia had to smile thinking of her cousin, Flora and how well she proved Sven right.
Lord Ivan and the man who accompanied him dismounted, the man remaining behind Lord Ivan as he stopped at the bottom of the stairs.
“We will talk and not in your wife’s presence,” Lord Ivan demanded.
Lord Bhric’s powerful voice carried out toward the village and a strong winter wind scooped it up and carried even farther. “You do not come to my home and rudely make demands, nor do you arrive here without forewarning.”
“It is a matter of urgency,” Lord Ivan argued annoyed at being reprimanded.
Bhric did not trust the man nor whatever he came here to tell him. But it was wiser for him to hear what he had to say in private than to remain where many could hear.
“You will speak your piece and take your leave,” Bhric ordered.
“It is a three-day journey back home. I would appreciate shelter for at least the night,” Lord Ivan argued.
“You and your men may camp on the outskirts of the village,” Lord Bhric informed him. “And I will see that you are provided with food. Now come inside and have your say.”
