She stared at the spot where the lass had stood, or had she? Had it been a young lass or had the falling snow played a trick on her?
CHAPTER 12
Cree had Henry comb the area at the edge of the woods, and beyond, the next morning where Dawn told him she had spotted the young lass. He did not think they would find anything, not with the snow that had fallen, and he’d been right.
“Nothing, my lord,” Henry said once finished. “If it was a young lass, her footfalls would have been light, the snow easily concealing them.
“I thought the same,” Cree said, his eyes steady on the edge of the woods. “Concentrate the search beyond the campsite you found yesterday.”
“It is good the snow stopped before nightfall. Hopefully, I can find something, anything that will give me a lead, my lord,” Henry said eager to get started. “It is so strange that seven people can go missing from a clan and not a trace of them can be found.”
“We will find out why and where these missing people are,” Cree said, his voice strong with a powerful conviction that was heard by those around him.
Whispers were heard as people hurried to huddle in talk.
“Many are fearful,” Henry said, keeping his voice low. “Most believe a demon is responsible for the abductions and wonder who will be next.”
Cree spotted his wife then, walking along the pathway that had been cleared of heavy snow through sections of the village. He was eager to reach her, worried she would take a fall.
“No more will go missing,” Cree said as if commanding it so. “Go and see what you can find and bring me back news.”
Cree was pleased with how Dermid kept a steady glance on his surroundings as he followed behind Dawn. The man would not be caught unaware. Unlike Beast who was far too busy playing in the snow with the young bairns, who were delighted for his company.
He surmised where his wife was headed and worried that it might be because she was not feeling well.
“DAWN!” he called out.
Not only did his wife turn to him but everyone around did as well.
She stopped and broke out in a smile as she always did when she saw him. She waited for him to reach her, watching how he walked with confidence, his strides strong, and his shoulders drawn back. Her smile grew catching the slight scowl on his otherwise handsome face, though it was nothing to when she had first met him. Then his scowl was more from anger, now it was one of concern.
“Do you feel unwell?” Cree asked, when he reached her, his hand anxiously slipping beneath her cloak to rest on her stomach. “Is that why you go see the healer?”
She tapped his arm twice, then twice again in response to his two questions, letting him know neither were the reason.
“You have questions about Hertha and Hume for her?” he asked since he could see no other reason for her visit to the healer.
She nodded and pointed to the edge of the woods where he had spoken with Henry and shrugged, eager to hear what, if anything, had been found.
“As expected, when you told me about seeing the wee lass last night, too much snow has fallen to reveal any tracks.”
Dawn sighed in disappointment and was concerned that she may have imagined it all. She pointed to where his warriors gathered about to start the search and tapped his chest, then looked to the warriors once more.
“I decided not to go with them today since I ordered them to make camp if they are a distance from the keep. Remaining there would allow them to continue to broaden the search tomorrow if necessary. I will not leave you alone that long while here and chance something happening to you.”
Dawn patted his chest, then hers.
“You’re glad I’m staying with you.”
She nodded and with a few gestures had Cree understanding why.
“You’re right, fear is heavier in the air than when we arrived.” His scowl deepened for a moment. “This situation perplexes me. All we have is speculation.” He shook his head and took his wife’s hand. “Let’s go see what Auda can tell us.”
Auda stepped out of her cottage as the couple approached and Cree saw the concern on her face when the woman spotted Dawn. He was quick to reassure her. “We have a few questions for you if you can spare the time.” He would not disturb her if someone was in need of healing, which seemed obvious from the basket hooked on her arm.
“I go to see those who cannae come to me, but I can spare the time, my lord,” Auda said.
Cree was familiar with what Dawn might ask Auda since they had talked extensively last night while in bed. “We wondered if Hertha returned the feelings Hume had for her.”