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“That I could do.”
“Good,” Trey said with a nod. “The message was ‘When two are one, it will be done.’ ”
“Aye,” Bliss said with a smile, “the message was from a Pict.”
Trey looked shocked. “Mercy’s mother gave her that message, which means—”
“Mercy is part Pict. You did not know that?”
“You did?”
“Of course, as soon as I met her I knew,” Bliss said. “Besides, I know Mercy’s grandmum. She’s Dolca, the woman who is in need of healing.”
Chapter 14
Trey didn’t move, even though Bliss started walking. He couldn’t believe what he had heard. It had stunned him to see Bliss draw the symbol that Mercy’s mother had drawn on her hand before they had parted and her mother had died. And it had shocked him even more to learn that Mercy’s mother had been a Pict.
Could that have some connection as to why Mercy’s mother had been in possession of the piece of hide, symbols on it that made reference to the true king’s birthright? And there was still the burning question ... who had stolen the hide from the keep and given it to Mercy’s mother.
“Are you coming with me?” Bliss called out.
Trey shook his head, confused, and hurried to catch up with her.
“The answers you seek will come in their own time,” Bliss said, when he caught up to walk alongside her.
He was about to ask her if she already knew the answers but held his tongue instead. If there was something she could share with him, she would. And he couldn’t continue to constantly seek answers from her like everyone else.
He would be the one to give to her, not constantly take.
He did, however, say, “Dolca must be Mercy’s father’s mother, since Duncan made mention of Mercy’s mother’s mother being dead for some time now.”
“Aye, you’re right.”
Trey hoped to learn more, but Bliss spoke before he could.
“You will meet Dolca when we reach my village. I am sure she would be happy to satisfy your curiosity”
“Does that mean you do not wish to say any more on this matter?”
“You have not reached for my hand since joining me,” she said. “This news you have learned has upset you.”
Trey had not even realized he had failed to take her hand. It had become an instinctive reaction when walking beside her to reach for her hand. But his mind had been so focused on what he had inadvertently discovered that he hadn’t even thought of holding her hand.
She took his hand before he could rectify the matter, and he was glad she did. Her hand joined tightly with his, as if letting him know that she didn’t intend to let go, and that was fine with him.
“What questions can I answer for you that will help ease your troubled thoughts?” she asked.
He had so many that he didn’t know where to begin or what was relevant. Until he finally said, “Mercy will be pleased to have found her grandmother, and Duncan will be pleased for her.”
Bliss grinned. “Aye, that is the most important thing of all ... family reuniting. Just think of what Mercy will learn about her family.”
And think of what secrets he and his brothers might learn from it.
“No more questions?” Bliss asked, Trey having remained silent.
“Not at the moment,” he said, though there was a burning question that he wished answered, but he kept it to himself. “With so many soldiers in the area, it’s wiser that we remain alert. We should reach Albert and Teresa’s farm tomorrow by midmorning if we keep a good pace.”
They walked in silence for several minutes before Bliss finally spoke. “Ask the question that torments you.”
