Highlander Oath of the Beast (Highland Promise Trilogy 3)

“Your heart is filled with love for your wife.”

Wolf grinned. “It overflows with it.”

“She feels as strongly?”

“She has shown how strongly she loves by what she did for her brothers and to reunite her family, but for how strong her love is for me, I can’t truly say. I think it is strong, I wish it so, and sometimes, when we come together as one, I believe I can feel it’s depth and strength. One day perhaps I’ll know for sure, but what does it matter when my love is strong enough for us both.” A ragged cough had Wolf take a step forward. “Are you all right?”

“Stay back,” Brother Noble warned. “I am fine and it is time for me to go. You do well, my son. I am happy for you and, if I do not see you again, I want you to know that I am truly grateful for your friendship and the time we got to spend together.”

“You are a trusted friend, Brother Noble.”

“Always remember that, Wolf,” the leper said and disappeared from view.

Wolf remained where he was for a few minutes, thinking how he would miss talking with the leper. They had had good conversations since he had come to know him, intelligent, thoughtful, and informative conversations. He would miss the man very much.

He turned and made his way back to the village, eager to see his wife and hear what Iver had to say. He was delayed several times by people stopping him with concerns, some he could rectify right away and others that would take time while other people, mostly those from the Clan Learmonth, simply needed reassurance. His tribe needed no such reassurance.

Gorm caused him more delay, but it was necessary, letting him know all that had been done and that nothing of any consequence had been found, though searches continued.

He was glad when he finally entered the common room, but not happy at what he found.

His wife wasn’t there, but her men were and they looked concerned.

Chapter 24

Wolf and Raven’s men combed the area by the men’s cottages where Raven had last been seen, but nothing was found.

“Maybe she went into the woods,” Lars suggested, having joined the men while several warriors searched throughout the village for her.

Wolf shook his head. “She gave me her word she wouldn’t go into the woods alone.”

“And she would keep her word—” Fyn’s sudden pause had everyone staring at him. “Unless she spotted something suspicious and had no time to alert anyone.”

“I’ll see if I can find any tracks,” Iver said and took off not waiting for permission.

Wolf thought what had to be on all their minds… someone had taken her. But Raven would not go quietly, unless she had been silenced. He fought against the anger that was building in him. He didn’t need it exploding. He had to keep his head clear, his mind focused.

“Who was to follow her today?” Wolf asked.

Her men looked from one to the other.

“It got a bit mixed today,” Fyn said.

Wolf’s hand fisted, itching to punch someone. “Or was it that my wife requested to be left alone?”

“With being here in the village and so many about, we didn’t think there was anything to worry about,” Fyn admitted.

“Why would you?” Lars asked as if the question was foolish. “From what I’ve seen of Raven, she can protect herself.”

Gorm hurried toward them. “No one has seen her so far and she’s not at the keep.”

Wolf’s worry grew as time seemed to rush by with no signs of her. “We don’t stop looking even when it grows dark,” he ordered.

“I’ll see torches are prepared and ready for use,” Gorm said and left them.

Wolf was at a loss, something he wasn’t used to. He couldn’t go charging off in any direction when he had no idea where she might be. Until something could be found as to where she might have gone, he could do nothing but wait. He wasn’t good at that and he didn’t like feeling helpless. The last time he felt that way was when he was young and his sister had been abducted, and she hadn’t been found until twenty plus years later. He would not see that happen with Raven.

“TRACKS! I found tracks,” Iver called out.

Wolf ran and followed behind Iver and what they found a few feet ahead stilled them all.

There near a tree lay Brother Noble collapsed in the snow.

Iver went to rush toward him.

Wolf grabbed his arm, yanking him back. “No, you can’t touch him.”

“BROTHER NOBLE! BROTHER NOBLE!” Iver called out frantically.

Fyn stepped forward as well and joined Iver in calling out to the leper.

“He’s dead,” George said in a worried whisper.

“BROTHER NOBLE!” Iver called out again and the leper stirred. “Brother Noble, it’s Iver, are you hurt?”

The leper struggled to sit up, then finally managed to get himself braced against the tree.