She smiled after a few moments. “I got it. We set a trap. We let them capture me—”
He came to a jarring halt, yanking her to land solidly against his chest. “Are you completely insane?”
“It is a logical plan,” she said.
“It is a foolish plan,” he argued.
“Why? Do you think you would be unable to rescue me?”
He lowered his face close to hers. “I would go through hell itself to rescue you, but do you have any notion at all of what could happen to you before I got to you?”
“Nothing would happen. The mercenary made mention that if I was not worth so much unharmed that he would have… he never got to say since that was when he spotted the wolves,” she said. “So, it seems that whoever has paid for me to be abducted wants me delivered unharmed. Therefore, the plan is logical.”
Brogan planted his face even closer to his wife’s, the tips of their noses touching. “Hear me good, wife… that is never going to happen.” He stepped around her to tug her alongside him, his strides strong.
Annis hurried to keep step with him.
“Not another word about it,” he ordered when she went to speak.
She bit her tongue. It would do no good to continue to discuss it when he was obviously angry with her suggestion. She hoped he would come to see reason and he would discuss it later with her, though she intended to leave him no choice.
The village was a buzz with concern when all found out that Annis had almost been abducted and saved by the wolves. They were worried for her and fearful that the wolves had returned.
“A bad omen,” Seward said, shaking his head.
“He is right,” Iver agreed. “It does not bode well.”
“Post extra guards around the village,” Brogan said with a look to Rudd. “And let it be known that no one is to wander off alone until I can be sure it is safe.”
“Aye, my lord,” Rudd said and went off to see to it done.
“Mercenaries are a ruthless lot. They care for nothing but the coin they can earn,” Iver said. “Only the foolhardy deal with them.”
“Or those who have no choice,” Seward said.
“I intend to have more warriors brought here. You will be safe,” Brogan said, having decided on that last night when he had laid awake after they had made love for a second time. He refused to take any chance of losing his wife. If need be, he would surround her with warriors until this matter was settled. He almost laughed at the thought, knowing exactly what Annis would have to say about that.
“Aye, Lord Brogan, will keep us safe. We have nothing to fear,” Iver said. “Now it is time to get back to work. We have many dwellings that need to be finished before winter sets in.”
Everyone drifted off, talking, whispering, and no doubt worrying.
“Let me get you a hot drink, my lady,” Una said and hurried off before Annis could refuse.
Annis found herself alone with Luna.
“It is nice to see how much you and your husband love each other. I was lucky enough to know two good loves in my life,” Luna said.
“Two?” Annis asked, curious.
“My husband got sick and died when we were wed for barely two months. The second man I found love with was far different from my husband, but a good and loving man.”
Annis wanted to ask what happened to him, but heartfelt memories had tears pooling so heavily in the woman’s eyes that she did not want to cause her any more pain.
“You are building a good home here. Your talent is everywhere I look.”
Annis beamed with pride and cast a glance around. The village was beginning to take shape. “My sister Bliss tells me I was constructing things as soon as I was able to walk. She told me that I would get terribly upset when my rock buildings crumbled and set to building them again and again until they remained sturdy. My sister Elysia tried to teach me how to stitch and realized soon enough I was better at fashioning her stitching needles than sewing with them.” She chuckled, recalling the day.
“You miss your sisters,” Luna said.
Annis nodded. “Very much and I hope it isn’t long before we are reunited.”
“I hope as well since I lost a sister and miss her every day,” Luna said tearfully.
Una returned and handed a tankard to Annis and one to Luna.
“Aren’t you going to join us?” Luna asked.
“It is time to take food to the men,” Una said.
Luna looked ready to get to her feet. “I can help.”
“Nay, you can sit and rest your leg. I have more than enough help,” Una said.
“I will join you after finishing this fine brew,” Annis said, enjoying the flavorful brew.
“Take your time, my lady. There are many hours of work ahead of us today.” With that Una took her leave.