Highland Secrets (Cree & Dawn)

“You never told me that, Da,” Tavia said, emerging from a shadowed section of the room.

“And I never intended to,” Newlin said, upset at the concern on his daughter’s face. “I determined upon meeting him that he is not the type of man I would have you wed.”

“A wise choice on your part, Newlin,” Cree said. “Now I will leave my wife to talk with your daughter while we go and gather warriors to search for the cloaked-figure.” Cree turned to Tavia. “Have the healer look at my wife’s leg, it pains her.”

Dawn titled her head in question when her husband turned back to her.

He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Do this for me so I do not worry about you while I am gone.”

She nodded and knew he would worry regardless of whether she would agree or not.

Be safe, she mouthed.

“Always,” he said and took his leave with Newlin.

Seeing Tavia walk to the table closest to the hearth, Dawn joined her. She summoned a servant and gestured as if raising a drink to her lips.

“A hot brew?” the servant asked.

Dawn smiled and nodded, and the servant hurried off. She looked at Tavia beside her, her head lowered and appearing oblivious to her surroundings. Something troubled her and it was obvious to Dawn what it was… Lord Ivan rescinding marriage because of her limp. She laid a gentle hand on Tavia’s arm, and the young woman looked up.

Tavia was glad for Dawn’s company just as she had been when Flora arrived. There were women she would talk with in the village, but common talk, nothing personal. It was not something she would do being the daughter of the chieftain. And she needed someone to talk to at the moment.

“I am glad Lord Ivan did not want me and that my da would not agree to marriage with the man. But if Lord Ivan did not want me because of my limp, I worry how my husband will feel when he sees my affliction. Will he think less of me for it? Will he regret the arrangement enough to invalidate our marriage? What then will my da do?” She shook her head slowly. “I know my da is counting on this marriage to help the clan survive. I only hope my limp is not an impediment to that survival.”

Dawn wished she could reassure her, but how could she when she had suffered herself because of her own affliction. People could be cruel, and she did not even want to think of what her life might have been like if she had never met Cree. She offered Tavia the only comfort she could—her friendship. She squeezed the young woman’s arm and smiled.

Tavia returned the smile. “I am forever grateful that you are here now, and I am able to talk with you. It truly helps.”

Dawn understood. It was how she felt about her best friends Lila and Old Mary… someone to go to in time of need or comforting.

“There is nothing left for me to do but meet my husband and see if he will have me or not. It is in fate’s hands now,” Tavia said, worry still burdening her.

The servant returned with hot cider and after filling tankards, she left.

“Do you believe a demon has taken my missing clansmen?” Tavia asked.

Dawn shrugged and shook her head.

“I am not sure either,” Tavia said, “and it seems frightening to even think it is possible. I am glad Lord Cree is here to help my da. He has been so worried lately, many accusing him of not being able to protect the clan.” She shook her head. “Here I am talking endlessly when Lord Cree requested I have the healer look at your leg. Let me go fetch her.”

Dawn shook her head, tapped her chest, and walked her fingers along to point at the door.

“You will go see her?” Tavia asked.

Dawn nodded.

“But your leg surely will pain you,” Tavia said.

Dawn shook her head while waving off her concern.

“Then I will leave you to it since I have more packing to do. I will see you later,” Tavia said and took her leave.

Dawn was tempted to remain where she was for a bit, the warmth of the hearth’s heat feeling good against her back, but a twinge in her leg got her moving.

Dermid was outside waiting for her, having noticed that he had taken his leave from the Great Hall when she and Tavia had been left alone to talk.

“My lady,” he said. “Lord Cree said you would be going to the healer, is that where you go now?”

Dawn chuckled to herself. Her husband was determined for her to see the healer. She nodded and tucked her cloak up around her neck, a cold wind whipping through the air. She thought of the hungry lad Trent and wondered how he fared in this weather. He had mentioned a sister, no doubt younger than him, since he was the one who searched for food. This cold might keep them from moving on and if he should show up here again, she was going to convince him to stay or see if he and his sister would want to return home with Cree and her. She was skeptical that the lad had an uncle and only said that to keep him and his sister safe, not trusting strangers.