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“My lord!”
Fia and Varrick both turned, Argus’s sudden appearances bringing worry of late.
“A body, my lord, in the woods,” Argus said, and those villagers nearby stopped to listen.
“One of our warriors?” Varrick asked, knowing the fear the death of a clan member would stir.
Argus shook his head. “Nay. An unknown man and not a mark on him.”
While the man was not of the clan softened the news some, since most would feel Arawn was appeased. But Varrick also understood that all would worry how long it would be before the God of Death struck again.
“Bring him here,” Varrick ordered. “We will see if anyone recognizes him.”
Argus cast a questioning glance at Fia, then quickly nodded to Varrick. “I will see to it.”
A commotion in the village caught their attention and Varrick and Argus turned to each other when they saw a rider racing through the village.
Trouble.
She needed no warning. She could see her husband and Argus prepared for it, their stances tensing, their bodies growing taut, and their hands going to rest on the hilt of their swords.
The young rider flung himself off his horse and stumbled his way to Varrick.
“Please, my lord, you must help us. The Clan Macavoy will soon be under attack and Chieftain Thumford begs your help. It cannot wait or it may be too late.”
Marsh and Corwin approached with rushed steps.
“Clan Macavoy is in need of immediate help,” Varrick said. “Marsh, you will remain here and in command. Corwin you will take some men and retrieve the body found in the woods and bring it here. Argus, you will come with me. Gather a large troop of warriors. We leave immediately.” The three men dispersed to ready themselves.
“Thank you, Lord Varrick. Thank you,” the young man said with relief.
“Go quench your thirst and rest a moment before we leave,” Varrick ordered, and with a respectful bob of his head to Varrick, he followed a warrior into the keep.
Fia knew what her husband would say when he turned to her, and she gripped his arm as she spoke before he did. “I will follow Marsh’s command, keep myself busy tending the ill, and remain within the walls of the castle when done while you are gone.”
“You know my thoughts,” he accused.
“Nay. I have come to know you.” She clung a bit tighter to his arm. “You will be careful, Varrick, and return home safely with your warriors.”
Her soft voice drifted over and through him like a gentle melody or was it a spell she cast?
Annoyed, he snapped, “Your magic does not work on me, wife.”
She leaned in closer to him, her whispered breath caressing his face. “Nay, but that I care for you does work magic.”
Varrick stared at her, his heart suddenly beating wildly, and an unfamiliar churning in his stomach, and he was close to losing the battle to take her in his arms and kiss her.
“The men wait for you, my lord,” Argus called out.
He had made sure his men trained to be ready at a moment’s notice and this was one time he wished they had been a bit slower, and it was the first-time battle did not appeal to him.
Fia’s hand fell reluctantly off him, and she stepped back, fearful she would kiss him. “I will be here waiting for you.”
“Aye, you will be here. I will have it no other way,” he warned and turned to hurry and mount his horse before he lost control, grabbed his wife, and kissed her for all to see.
Marsh stepped beside her while Varrick rode off.
“How long do you think it will be before he returns home?” Fia asked.
