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The morning brought gray skies and a light flurry of snow. The camp was quickly dismantled, everyone mounting their horses, the two children each sharing a horse with Hertha and Hume.
Bhric hoisted his wife up onto her horse. “You will ride the morning alone and with me after mid-day. We reach home early tomorrow morning.”
She nodded and took her place in the procession of horses as he went and mounted his horse and rode up ahead, watchful as ever. She found herself looking forward to riding once again with her husband. She was pleased with how comfortable she felt in his arms and how easily they spoke with each other. She hoped it was the start of at least a friendship that would endure.
It was just before mid-day when they came upon a merchant and his wagon stopped along the path they traveled. Tavia recognized him immediately and brought her horse to a stop when she reached him.
“Kevin,” she said, excited, and he turned and smiled broadly.
“Tavia,” he called out and went to her horse to reach up and help her off it. “I was headed your way. I found some ribbons I thought you would like… but what are you doing with this group,” —he lowered his voice— “of Northmen?”
“I am wed to Lord Bhric of the Clan MacShane who is part Northman,” she explained, her smile strong, happy to see him.
They had been friends since the first time he had stopped at Clan Strathearn. It was like they had always known each other. They could chat endlessly never faltering for conversation. He had been good to her after the accident, visiting with her, encouraging her, and bringing her little trinkets.
“This pleases you?” he asked concerned.
Tavia spoke the truth. “It is my duty.”
He nodded understanding. “Come and let me show you the ribbons I have that will suit you perfectly before the procession leaves you behind.”
“I have no coin,” she said and felt shameful to admit it. She had run her da’s keep and knew what coin there was to spend so there had never been any need for her to ask permission to purchase anything from Kevin. Not so now.
“A wedding gift since the color is perfect for you,” Kevin insisted and hooked his arm around hers to walk her to his wagon. “Your leg is well?”
“A bit painful from riding all morning, but nothing I cannot bear.”
“You are a strong one, Tavia. I could have never done what you did, let alone survive it,” he admitted and left her to lean against the wagon while he rummaged through a sack.
“You are far braver than me traveling these roads alone.” She always worried for him. The roads and woods were too dangerous to travel even for a group but more so for a lone traveler.
“The road is my home and I know it well and avoid the danger that lurks there,” he assured her. “Ah, here they are.”
“Oh, Kevin, they are beautiful and such a lovely pale yellow,” she said excitedly and took the batch of ribbons from him.
“Perfect for your lovely dark hair,” Kevin said.
Tavia gave no thought when she rushed to give him a hug. She had done so many times when he had stopped at the clan. She imagined it was like hugging a brother since he often told her she was the sister he never had.
“You show affection to another man?” Bhric bellowed and flew off his horse, his hand reaching out for Kevin.
Tavia quickly stepped in front of Kevin, hearing the anger in his voice and seeing the murderous look in her husband’s eyes made her fear what he might do to him. His large hand intended for Kevin latched onto her throat.
His grip that had quickly stolen her breath eased and his hand fell away. “You dare protect him? Who is he to you?”
She coughed lightly as her breath returned to her and said, “We are longtime friends nothing more.” She held up the ribbons. “He gave me a wedding gift.”
Bhric ripped the tied batch of ribbons out of her hand and threw it at Kevin and he caught it. “My wife needs no wedding gift from you, and if I ever see you with your arms around my wife again you will not live to see another day.”
Tavia gasped. “He is a friend, my lord, no more than a friend.”
“Aye, my lord, Tavia and I have been friends for years,” Kevin said.
Bhric took a fast step toward him and though it was a meager and useless attempt to stop him, Tavia hurried her hand out along with a plea. “Kevin has called me Tavia since we first met.”
Kevin was quick to offer an apology. “I am so sorry, my lord. I did not think.” He turned to Tavia. “Please forgive me, Lady Tavia, I meant no disrespect.”
“Of course, you didn’t,” Tavia assured him, though she hoped it reassured her angry husband. But from the vicious scowl on his face, she did not think it had.
