Dawn took umbrage with Newlin’s remark. The old woman had not lost her skill just the ability to perform it. There was much she could still do to contribute to the clan, and it was shameful that Newlin did not see that.
“Who else has disappeared?” Cree asked.
“Ewert. An old warrior whose hands are too gnarled from age to shoot arrows with the speed and accuracy he once did.”
“Are all who have disappeared of advanced age?” Cree asked.
Newlin shook his head. “Bronwyn was a pretty lass until an accident about three years ago left her with a wicked scar on her face. She worked in the kitchen. Then there is Hertha, a plump, pleasant lass who helped our healer, Auda.”
“Four of your people have gone missing and you have found not at a trace or track of any of them?” Cree asked, finding it difficult to believe.
Newlin sighed softly as if reluctant to respond. “Two more are missing and not a trace or track has been found.”
Cree turned an incredulous scowl on the man. He could not fathom that six members of the clan had gone missing and nothing had been found to indicate why or how it happened.
“Who else?” Cree snapped and felt his wife’s hand rest gently on his arm, a caution for him to remain calm.
“Morven and Ware, both a few years younger than Ewert,” Newlin said. “It is a puzzle since I thought the devil would have no taste for older ones.”
“Da, you should have told me our guests had arrived.”
Cree and Dawn turned to see a pretty, petite woman with long, dark hair limp into the room. It was not a severe pronounced limp but enough to draw the eye and surely limit her.
Newlin stood with a smile and hurried to her, slipping his arm around her to help ease her gait as he led her to the table.
“Lord Cree and Lady Dawn, my daughter Tavia,” Newlin said as he assisted her to sit on the bench.
Dawn smiled and nodded.
Cree gave a nod. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Tavia.”
“Lord Cree will help put an end to this madness,” Newlin said. “Though, it will not be long before your new husband arrives to take you home where I will have no worry of your safety.”
Dawn noticed how the young woman struggled to maintain her smile and how a slight shudder rattled her slim body. It was obvious the young woman was not in favor of the marriage. She chased the thought from her head, feeling the restlessness in her husband.
She tapped her husband’s arm and when he turned his attention to her, she pointed to him, then to Newlin and waved her hand, then tapped her lips and pointed to Tavia.
Cree was not surprised that his wife realized he was eager to be off to get started in settling the problem. He worried, though, that she may have difficulty in communicating with Tavia.
She waved him off with a confident smile.
Cree looked to Newlin, then to Tavia. “My wife knows I am eager to solve this mystery and tells me to be off while she talks with Tavia.”
Newlin seemed reluctant, but Tavia was quick to respond.
“I would love to talk with Lady Dawn,” Tavia said. “Do go with Lord Cree, Da, and see this menace brought to an end. I will share a brew with Lady Dawn, then show her to the bedchamber prepared for her and Lord Cree.”
Cree stood. “I appreciate that Tavia. My wife could do with a rest after our arduous journey.”
Dawn pointed to Beast then to her husband.
Cree shook his head. “Beast remains with you.”
Dawn smiled, patted the table and gave a pretend yawn.
“You will stay here and rest?” he asked, confirming his wife’s response.
Dawn nodded and tugged at his arm so he would lean down and when he did, she kissed his cheek.
“Your word, wife?” Cree whispered.
Dawn nodded and patted her lips.
“Later,” he whispered in his wife’s ear and felt her shiver, and it stirred his passion for her that forever lingered near the surface.
“Beast!” Cree commanded and got annoyed when the large black dog looked to Dawn and only when she nodded did he obey Cree’s command.
Tavia directed a servant to bring a fresh hot brew and was quick to ask Dawn, “Do you believe your husband will be able to solve our mystery?”
Dawn smiled broadly and nodded.
“You have much confidence in him,” Tavia said.
Dawn understood it was not easy for people, unfamiliar with her and her gestures, to communicate. She always did her best to set them at ease and demonstrate it was not as difficult as many feared.
Dawn smiled wide, patted her chest, and nodded.
“You have much faith in him?” Tavia asked, not sure if she understood correctly.
Dawn nodded, patted her chest once again, then crossed her arms over it and squeezed tight.