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“Significant movement has been spotted from the battlements, my lord,” Argus said.
“A troop?” Varrick asked.
“Not sure yet.”
Varrick turned to his wife, her eyes and concern on the line that was growing at her healing cottage.
“You will go and remain there until—”
“—you come to fetch me,” Fia finished and gave his cheek a quick kiss before hurrying off to her cottage.
“The clan still whispers about her,” Argus warned.
“And yet they seek her help,” Marsh said, annoyed. “They should count their blessing for having such a wise healer.”
“Or a powerful witch,” Argus argued.
“Enough about my wife,” Varrick ordered. “Let’s see what we can find out about who approaches the castle walls. “Marsh—”
“I will stay close and keep watch over Lady Fia,” Marsh finished, knowing he was well-trusted to do so.
“Have you given thought to what would happen if Lady Fia is proven a witch?” Argus asked.
“Fia is no witch and I have no worries that the truth will prevail,” Varrick said, glancing back to see that Marsh remained in the vicinity of the healing cottage and that his wife lingered talking with those waiting for her.
He did worry though, recalling what his wife had told him about trouble arriving soon and he had a feeling it was almost at their door.
* * *
It tookuntil midday before the sentinels were able to alert Varrick as to who approached the castle, and he was surprised, then he recalled Brother Luke’s request and that he had sent a message to Abbott John.”
“I expected a message from Abbott John, not the man himself, and you say a few monks accompany him?” Varrick asked when Corwin delivered the news.
“Aye, a few,” Corwin confirmed. “He’s not far off now. He will be here soon enough, and I cannot help but wonder how he will receive the news of Brother Luke’s passing.”.”
“The thought is mutual,” Varrick said. “Have him brought to the keep when he arrives. How many travel with him?”
“About eight.”
“Have them brought to the keep as well and send at least twenty warriors to wait in the Great Hall,” Varrick ordered.
Varrick was not surprised when he went to fetch his wife to see that the few people left waiting were hurrying to take their leave. News of the Abbott’s arrival spread before it had reached him and worried what the holy man would think of them seeking a witch’s help had frightened the people away.
Fia stepped outside with a young woman, her stomach just rounding with child and Varrick spotted one of his young warriors rushing toward her.
“I told you not to seek her help,” the warrior admonished his wife.
“And I told you, Roth, I do not believe that nonsense. Lady Fia is a wise healer. She saved Ella’s bairn and I will have her there to do the same for our bairn if necessary. Unlike you, I trust her,” the young woman said.
“You are much wiser than your husband, Daria,” Marsh said, coming upon the couple.
“I tell Roth that all the time, hoping one day he will realize it’s the truth,” Daria said with a laugh and walked off with her husband mumbling to her.
“You heard the news?” Varrick asked Marsh and saw his wife turn questioning eyes on him.
“Aye. I will be at the keep shortly,” Marsh said and rushed off.
“What’s happening?” Fia asked, a chill of worry running through her.
