Highlander Oath Of The Beast Page 18

  “I’m going to get back at you for that,” she said softly and with a smile.

  He faintly brushed his lips overs hers. “I’m counting on it.”

  His chuckle drifted behind him as he walked away and Raven’s smile spread. She turned to go see her men when she noticed how many people were whispering, grinning, and nodding.

  She knew exactly what they were thinking… the Beast had tamed his wife.

  She continued on, chuckling to herself. They were about to learn how wrong they were.

  Chapter 18

  Raven approached the cottages where her men resided to find Iver sitting alone outside in front of a fire pit, the heat from the flames melting the snow around it. He was lost in thought, his dark eyes focused on the flames. He might appear as if he paid no heed, but he was more than aware of her presence. She often thought his dark eyes could see without seeing, strange as that seemed.

  She sat next to him on the narrow bench and stretched her hands out to the flames to warm them. “All alone?”

  “Fyn and George are with the women in the keep and Brod is helping Ida, doing what I don’t know.” He shook his head.

  She offered comfort with her words. “Things are changing, Iver, whether we want them to or not.”

  “I know, but I don’t know if this change is for me,” he said without taking his eyes off the flickering flames. “I enjoyed being on the road, going different places, hunting down information, and people.” He turned to her. “I feel caged here.”

  “Then maybe it’s time you went on a mission.”

  His dark eyes lit with excitement. “Tell me where and I’m off.”

  “I need to speak with Wolf about it since we’ve agreed to trust and be honest with each other in order to have a decent and bearable marriage as well as bringing peace to the area. To make sure that happens, there are some issues that need settling.”

  “Did you confide in Wolf about not being the one who initiated the marriage proposal?”

  “I did and he was as surprised to hear it as I had been to learn about it. We want to find out who devised the proposal and made it happen,” she said.

  “The first message you received in regards to the proposal came from Stitchill Monastery. I should start there, and see what Abbott Thomas knows of the messenger,” Iver said, anxious to be on his way.

  “First we talk with Wolf and formulate a plan, then when all is set you can leave and hopefully discover something that will help us unravel this mystery.”

  “And we don’t tell anyone,” Iver warned.

  “I trust all my men, Iver, but I agree with you on this. The less who know about it, the better for the time being,” she agreed.

  “I’m glad you think the same and I too trust our group, but not when women, we’ve just come to know, are involved. They say women’s tongues wag endlessly, but men often don’t mind their tongues around women. Men lose all common sense when a woman catches their fancy. And that’s not going to happen to me.” Iver turned his head to look at Raven. “Your husband approaches and he appears upset.”

  Raven turned to see that Iver was right, her husband wore a worried expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked, standing when he got near.

  “I assume you have crossed paths with Brother Noble in your adventures,” Wolf said, stopping in front of the fire pit separating them and continuing when his wife nodded. “He took shelter here when the snow began to fall and now he’s gone. He didn’t sound well the last time I spoke with him and I’m not sure when he left here, and I’m concerned for his well-being. I’m going to take some men and search for him.”

  Iver sprung up off the bench. “I’ll go. I’d probably find him faster than you could. I can also see that he gets back to Stitchill Monastery safely.” He gave Raven an anxious look. “I could see to that matter we discussed.”

  Raven motioned for her husband to come closer and when he did, she kept her voice low. “I had plans to discuss this with you.” She went on to tell him what she and Iver had just talked about.

  “I agree,” Wolf said when she finished. “Stitchill Monastery would be a good place to start. I always thought there was more to the monastery than prayers. And with Brother Noble being a messenger for the monastery, he might possess information he doesn’t even realize is valuable.”

  “I’ll leave now,” Iver said.

  Raven smiled at the gleam of excitement in Iver’s dark eyes. It had been lacking since their arrival here. But she would not see him sent off in haste. “First, you’ll make sure you are well prepared with food and warm garments and once I see that is done, I’ll give you permission to take your leave.”

  Iver grinned. “I’m wise enough to adhere to the words of someone who has proven she knows better than me.”

  “Wise choice of words,” Raven said with a chuckle. “Gather what you need while I have Ida prepare sufficient food for your journey.”

  “I’ll have a moment with you, Iver,” Wolf commanded and wasn’t surprised to see the man look to Raven, seeking her approval.

  She nodded and walked off.

  “I take orders from Raven,” Iver said, as if needing to remind the man.

  “For the moment you do,” Wolf said, letting the man know he allowed it for now but it wouldn’t be forever. “I’m sure Raven warned you about being cautious while searching for the truth in this matter.”

  “I understand the delicacy of the situation.”

  Wolf wanted to make certain the man fully understood. “It is imperative we find out who formulated this plan and even more imperative that the person responsible doesn’t know we’re searching for him.”

  “For fear of what he might do,” Iver said, his eyes on Wolf but also making sure no one was close enough to hear their whispers. “And worry not about Brother Noble. I’m certain I can find him and see him safely to the monastery.”

  “I rest easy knowing that, Iver. Safe journey.” Wolf turned away.

  “She deserves to be treated well.”

  Wolf didn’t look back as he said, “On that we agree, Iver.”

  Raven thought to go to the keep and let Fyn and George know Iver had gone in search of Brother Noble but men were still working on clearing a path up the hill. She would wait until they were done. Brod also had to be told but when she looked for him, he was busy helping Ida disperse hot brews to the crews of men who worked diligently to create pathways through the snow. She decided to wait until later to speak with him.

  Everyone was busy with their duties or chores and here she stood, after seeing Iver off, not knowing what to do with herself. Her days had always been full, few if any found her sitting around. And Iver’s words of feeling caged, had her thinking that at times she felt the same herself. The few duties Wolf mentioned that was a wife’s responsibility would bore her to death and were already being seen to by those more experienced and competent than her. The longhouse ran perfectly well without her dictate and would remain so without any interference from her. She’d much prefer to be involved with the security of the village and keeping everyone safe. And while the keep set high on a hill where the view stretched far and wide, there were some ground areas where the trees were so thick, a small group of warriors could slip through without being seen. Tree perches could be erected there, adding further protection to the village.

  Raven decided to scout the outer edges of the village where tree perches might work well. She made her way along the cleared paths, planning to start at the spot where she felt her plan could work. Few if any people acknowledged her as she went along her way, an occasional smile being the only greeting she received. She had no one to blame but herself for that. She had made no true attempt to get to know any of her husband’s tribe and having been at odds with him hadn’t helped. With that changing, so should other things change, and she looked forward to the possibilities.

  Some glares were sent her way, disapproving ones, and she wondered over them, then realized it had to be her garments that up
set a few. She wasn’t dressed as most wives… she was dressed as most warriors. She kept walking, ignoring the judgmental stares until a woman’s pleading cry brought her to an abrupt stop.

  “No, Ober, please don’t—”

  The frightened plea had Raven turning just as a large hand connected with a young woman’s face. She would have collapsed from the vicious blow if the man hadn’t had a strong grip on the woman’s slim arm.

  The woman pleaded again when the man raised his hand. “Please, no, Ober.”

  “Hit her again and I’ll gut you,” Raven cried out, stopping the man’s hand in mid-air as she walked toward him.

  Ober turned, his face filled with rage. “Mind your own.”

  “It is my own now with your leader marrying me and I’ll not have any man taking a hand to any woman,” Raven ordered, not showing a bit of fear as she came to stand right in front of him. “LET HER GO!”

  Ober drew his head back as if recoiling from a slap in the face at her loud command. “She’s my wife.”

  “Something you need to remember,” Raven accused.

  “And something that has nothing to do with you,” Ober shot back.

  “It certainly does when you raise your hand to a defenseless woman.”

  “She’s my wife,” Ober repeated as if that justified his actions.

  “Let me make this clear for you, since you haven’t the brains to understand it,” Raven said, shaking a fist at Ober. “Any man who raises his hand to a woman in this village will be punished.”

  Ober laughed right in Raven’s face. “Wolf will put you in your place soon enough.”

  Raven’s hand shot out so fast, the man had no time to react, catching his cheek with a hard slap. His other cheek caught an even more vicious slap and left his cheek to redden with her handprint.

  Ober released his wife with a shove that sent her stumbling while his hand rushed to his face. Rage stirred in his eyes as he felt the welt growing.

  “Twice. You hit her twice from what I can see on her tender face.” She turned to the stunned woman. “Did he hit you more than that?”

  Ober yelled at his wife. “Keep your mouth shut.”

  Raven delivered another vicious blow to this cheek, so hard it stung her palm. “You answered for her. You raise a hand to her, I raise a hand to you.” She jabbed him in the chest. “Do I make myself clear?”

  Ober’s face reddened with fury and he clenched his hands at his sides. Both were telltale signs that he fought to contain himself. If she wasn’t Wolf’s wife, he would have taken a hand to her. And oh how she wished he would. She wanted to give him what he richly deserved.

  “You want to strike me, don’t you?” Raven said, giving him another jab. “Now you know what it’s like to feel helpless, not able to retaliate against someone causing you harm and fear.”

  “I don’t fear you,” Ober spat.

  “You should,” Raven warned with another jab.

  “Wolf will have something to say about this,” Ober threatened.

  “You’re right, I do have something to say.”

  Raven turned not only to see her husband standing there, but also Gorm, as well as several villagers. The fury in her husband’s eyes made her wonder if it was meant for her. Had she overstepped her bounds? She didn’t care. There was no way she would stand by and let a man beat on a helpless woman. Ober was three times the size of his wife.

  “Are you all right, Dearyn?” Wolf asked.

  “Aye, sir,” Dearyn said, a tremble to her words.

  “Tell him. Tell him why I hit you,” Ober said.

  Raven wanted to hit him again, forcing his wife to condone what he did.

  “I was clumsy and spilled a hot brew on his hand,” Dearyn said and Ober held his left hand out to show a red spot on the back as proof.

  “You strike her three times for a burn that is barely visible?” Raven shook her head. “You’re a coward.”

  Ober’s knuckles turned white he gripped his fists so tight and he looked ready to charge at Raven. “I’m no coward and I am a good husband. Isn’t that right, Dearyn?”

  “Aye. Aye, Ober is a good husband,” Dearyn said, her slim fingers twisting her apron in a knot.

  Wolf spoke up loud and clear for everyone to hear. “You’re three times your wife’s size, Ober. DON’T hit her again.”

  Ober looked ready to argue.

  “My word is final!” Wolf commanded. “If you strike her again, you will suffer three strikes for each one you give her. And I will gladly deliver each one myself.”

  Raven was pleased to see the fear suddenly replace the fury in Ober’s eyes. Her husband must deliver a powerful punch if it caused fright in Ober.

  “Get back to work!” Wolf called out and everyone scurried off except Gorm. “See an eye is kept on him for a few days.” Gorm walked off and Wolf turned to his wife, folding his arms across his chest. “You place yourself in far too many dangerous situations.”

  “I’m your wife, Ober wouldn’t dare strike me,” Raven said confidently.

  “You know that for sure? I’ve seen him strike men for less.”

  “His fear coupled with the respect I see that your men have for you wouldn’t let him do such a foolish thing,” she argued. “Besides, if he had raised his hand to me, he’d be minus a hand right now.”

  “You do realize you now have a husband more than capable of defending you?”

  “I don’t question that,” she said as if it was never a thought. “What I do question is, will he defend me regardless of the situation?”

  “You mean whether I agree with you or not?”

  Her hands went to rest on her hips. “That’s exactly what I mean.”

  Raven didn’t even have time to gasp, her husband moved so fast, hooking his arm around her waist and yanking her against him.

  “We’ll always have our differences, kona, but that doesn’t mean I won’t defend you.” His kiss stopped any response or protest she intended. He hastily stepped away from her after ending the kiss.

  “You don’t start what you can’t finish,” she challenged, his possessive kiss leaving her wanting more.

  “I’ll finish it—later. There’s work to be done.” He turned, needing distance from his wife or he’d rush her into the longhouse and into their bed for the remainder of the day. “And not another word, wife, or I will make you wait even longer.”

  Her laughter had him turning around and she approached him and whispered, “With what you’ve taught me, I believe I would be able to please myself.”

  Wolf brought his face so close to hers that their noses almost touched. “Only if I can watch.”

  Raven’s eyes shot wide and she stepped back.

  “I look forward to it, wife.” Wolf chuckled and walked off.

  Damn if he didn’t get her on that one. She walked away shaking her head.

  The path to the keep had yet to be finished, but it was enough for her to make her way up it to the keep. She found Fyn and George at the top, working to clear the abundant snow that had accumulated in front of the keep.

  “Nightmares disturbed Tait’s sleep last night. He finally sleeps comfortably and Greta is keeping watch over him,” Fyn said.

  “Eria keeps her company,” George added. “Is there something you need from us?”

  “No, I wanted to let you know that Iver was sent to look for Brother Noble and see him safely to the monastery.”

  “I’m sure he’ll have no trouble finding the leper and seeing him home,” Fyn said.

  George nodded in agreement. “Iver needed a mission. He can stay put for only so long.”

  Fyn grinned. “If he found a good woman, he’d stay put.”

  “He might be too set in his ways for a woman,” George said.

  Fyn looked to the keep. “I thought that once and to my surprise I was proved wrong.”

  Even with the many furs she wore, the cold managed to shiver her.

  “Go inside and get warm,” George said, seeing t
he shiver that hurried over her. “There is hot cider to warm your innards and honey oat cakes to enjoy.”

  Raven smiled and rubbed her hands together. “That sounds much too inviting to refuse.”

  Fyn opened the door for her. “We’ll join you as soon as we finish this section.”

  “Take your time,” Raven said and entered the keep.

  Fragrant and familiar scents assaulted her when she entered the Great Hall. Pine branches graced the top of the mantel, their strong scent drifting throughout the room along with the delicious aroma of hot apple cider.

  She quickly made her way to one of the few tables in the small room and, of course, one closest to the fireplace. She filled a tankard from the crock on the table and cupped her hands around it to let the heat seep into her cold hands.

  “You have no gloves?”

  Raven shook her head as Detta approached the table.

  “Did you lose them?” Detta asked, placing a plate of fresh honey oat cakes in front of Raven.

  “I traded them,” Raven said and reached for one of the warm honey oak cakes.

  “I hope it was a fair trade.”

  Raven confirmed with a nod, her mouth too full to speak, recalling the young lass who needed them more than her.

  “You don’t remember your visit here when you were young, do you?” Detta asked.

  Raven took a swallow of cider before responding. “I have a vague remembrance of being here once, but how would you know of it? You weren’t here that far back.”

  “Burnell often spoke of your visit with fondness and laughter.” Detta smiled. “I believe he told me that you were barely five years old and there was no stopping your determination to explore and climb whatever caught your fancy.”

  “Which meant I probably climbed whatever was necessary for me to get where I wanted to explore,” Raven said, recalling her da’s repeated warnings of punishment if she didn’t pay heed to his word.

  “Burnell often remarked how fearless you were, letting nothing stop you, not even several falls that left you with bruises. He thought you a brave and remarkable lass.”