Thomas had retrieved two sacks from beneath the front seat. He placed them on the end of the wagon and opened one.
“Brigid and Reena saw to packing clean clothes,” Thomas said. “It would do you no good to be seen with blood-ridden garments. They also managed to pack a sack of food.”
“Kiss them for me,” Roarke said and reached for clean garments.
Mary took her clothes and walked into the woods to change quickly while the two men saw to shedding their bloody garments. In minutes the trio looked like ordinary peasants, except for the sapphire and garnet rings on Decimus’s fingers.
He took them off and handed them to Magnus. “Do what you will with them, I care not.” He then slipped his arm around Mary. “I have a gem worth much more.”
With handshakes, hugs and waves the group parted.
“I am going to scout ahead a few feet to make certain no one is about,” Roarke said and walked on.
Decimus took hold of Mary’s hand and they began to walk. “You will tell me when you grow tired.”
She smiled and grasped his hand tightly. “I feel wonderful. We are free. Free to love and live and that makes this a glorious day.”
“I agree,” he said with a huge grin. “And know, wife, that I love you with all my heart.”
“And know, husband . . .” She paused and frowned at him. “Who is my husband? I want his real name.”
“It has been so long since I have spoken it.”
“Then it is time for you to speak it once again, for your child shall carry your name.”
He smiled with pride and looked upon his wife. “I am Ryan of Emlygrennan.”
Mary grinned. “And I am Mary wife of Ryan of Emlygrennan.”
Ryan kissed her, slipped his arm around her waist, and together they took their first steps into the future as husband and wife.