She laughed silently and he never thought she looked more beautiful. Her creamy cheeks were tinged red from the cold and her dark eyes sparkled with joy. It startled him that she appeared so happy. He had not made her lot an easy one and yet here she stood smiling and laughing with him.

She turned in a flourish and he thought she meant to dash off and was about to run after her when she turned around and a snowball hit his chest. He was stunned and made the mistake of not seeking retribution immediately since a second snowball hit him in the shoulder.

He saw that she was laughing as she made another snowball and it spurred him into action, though not before another one caught him again in the shoulder as he turned to scoop up snow.

To his surprise he missed her twice while she pelted him three times. She ducked and twisted and moved so fast he kept missing her, and she appeared to laugh harder with each of his misses.

A couple of young lads came upon them and stood watching, their eyes wide and their mouths hanging open, shocked to see Cree engaged in playful antics.

He turned a half scowl, half smile on them and they froze. What are you waiting for? Help me defeat her.

The lads didnt hesitate; they joined in the fight. Snowballs flew and not a one of them hit Dawn, but she landed every one of hers on one of them.

Thats it, Cree yelled and the lads stepped back. Im going in to get her, protect me, lads.

The two lads nodded vigorously and hurried to make several snowballs.

Cree turned ready to charge and caught a snowball in the chin. The two lads gasped and froze. Not Dawn, she was laughing so hard that she held her stomach.

Thats it, youre finished, Cree warned pointing at her and stomped toward her. He took two snowballs to the chest, one to the leg and one to the arm and three to the back, courtesy of his young warriors behind him before he reached her, scooped her up, and flung her over his shoulder.

He turned to the lads. In battle you always make certain you hit the enemy and not your leader.

The two lads gulped simultaneously, fear filling their rounded eyes.

She was a worthy opponent and you both did a worthy job so go collect yourself a treat from the kitchen. Tell Turbett that you helped me win a snowball fight and I said you are to be rewarded.

The two lads bobbed their heads and profusely thanked their lord before running off smiling.

Cree swatted Dawns backside. Now for your punishment.

He only got a few steps when Sloan approached and Cree could tell by his expression that there was a problem so he eased Dawn to her feet. I have to go. Get back to the cottage and stay warm. He leaned down to give her a kiss and then whispered in her ear. I look forward to giving you the punishment you deserve.

Dawn smiled sweetly and crossed her heart.

Cree growled low and grew aroused by her response. It certainly is a promise. He no longer whispered when he said, Now get to the cottage and keep warm as I commanded.

Id be happy to escort the lassie home.

Cree turned to see Kirk McClusky standing nearby. He appeared to have been out for a walk. His cheeks were red, his smile broad, his eyes alert, and his sword strapped to his side.

He didnt wait for Cree to give permission. He stepped forward and held out his arm. Kirk McClusky at your service, lassie. He turned to Cree. Ill make certain she gets home safely.

It would have been rude of Cree to refuse the mans polite offer, and he had no doubt that Kirk would see to her safety. It did however please him that Dawn waited for him to give his permission and it was for that reason that he gave it.

Your offer is appreciated, thank you, Kirk. Cree turned to Dawn and with a smile said, Behave.

Dawn bobbed her head respectfully, though he didnt trust her smile; it was much too sweet.

Dawn accepted Kirks arm as Cree walked off, Sloan leaning in close to whisper to him. Something was amiss and she wondered what. Kirk seemed a pleasant sort, with fine features and a strong voice.

You were certainly brave going in search of your friend in a snowstorm, he said as they wound their way through the paths that had been dug out of the snow.

She shook her head and patted her chest.

Yes, yes, you are brave; do not be shy about your courage. Old Mary must be a dear, old friend for you to take such a risk.

Dawn nodded and placed her hand low in front of her.

Since you were young, but you are still young, Kirk said with a smile.

Her grin grew and she spread her ten fingers and then took one away.

Nineteen, Kirk confirmed with a nod. And you have lived here all those years?

Dawn spread ten fingers again.

Ten year youve been here. Kirk nodded. Your parents brought you here?

Their conversation continued the whole way to the cottage with Kirk asking many question and when they finally got to the door, Dawn released his arm and turned to stand in front of him, her smile gone.

She gestured quickly, as if annoyed, having realized after a short time that he had easily understood her motions. That was odd since it took most people time to decipher. So to confirm what she had suspected, she gestured as if talking to Lila.

You want to know how I can so easily understand you, he said.

She nodded.

I knew someone voiceless just like you. She could not make a sound, yet she spoke clearly with her hands and expressions. She was a beautiful young woman and brave as well, much like yourself.

Dawn was too stunned to respond. She would love to meet the woman he spoke about but he talked of her as if she had passed and she was hesitant to ask him since she saw sadness in his eyes when he spoke about her.

You both would have gotten along well. Im sure of it, probably would have spent hours chatting. A tear pooled in the corner of Kirks eye. Shes gone now and is missed much.

Dawn extended her sympathy to the man and wondered if the woman had been related since he appeared so very saddened by her death. Before Dawn could ask him anymore about her, Flanna appeared with the noon meal. Dawn wanted to ask him more but she also wanted to know if Flanna knew if anything was amiss at the keep, besides Lucerne being confined to her quarters.

The decision was taken from her when Kirk wished her a tasty meal claiming he had to return to the keep. She invited him to visit with her hoping to speak to him some more before he left. He promised he would and off he went.

Flanna latched the door behind her. I have little time to talk but something goes on at the keep. It seems that the secret entrance to the keep that Cree had boarded up was torn apart and it is feared that someone entered the keep. The whole place is being searched as well as the surrounding area. Cree is furious that his home has been invaded and wants the man found or else. And then theres Lucerne, Flanna said rolling her eyes. Shes carrying on like a harping banshee and not a soul wants to go near her. Even the old servant of hers that does all her stitching is spending more time in the servants quarters.

Dawn made gestures of little holes and cubbies and then shook her head.

Youd be surprised at how many places one could hide in that keep. I even wonder if there are more secret entrances and exits that no one knows about, though no doubt theyll be found now. Crees warriors are searching the place from top to bottom. If hes there, theyll find him.

I cant stay, the servants are busy cleaning up behind the warriors since their search is leaving a mess, besides finding nooks and crannies that could do with a bit more attention. I know you took food for yourself yesterday but braving the storm to find Old Mary wouldnt have left you with much time to cook for yourself and it gave me the excuse to bring the news to you.

Dawn smiled her appreciation.

That was a brave thing you did going to find Old Mary. You are truly a good friend. Flanna grabbed Dan and hugged her. I owe you so much. With that the woman rushed out of the cottage wiping tears from her eyes.

A minute or two passed when a knock sounded at the door and Dawn smiled wondering what Flanna had forgotten. But when she opened the door, it wasnt Flanna standing there.

It was a blinding snowstorm, so tell me how someone could have found their way to that boarded up door, and the wind be damned for not drifting the snow in front of it, Cree said though it sounded more like an irate growl.

You know the answer to that, Sloan said filling a tankard with ale and shoving it at Cree to force him to stop pacing in front of the hearth in the solar.

Cree grabbed the tankard. I do and I dont like it. It means that the person knew where that secret entrance was located. Old Mary told me that only Goddard and Colum knew of its existence and their both dead, so that would mean that one of them told someone.

And what else does that person know? Something is amiss in this place, I can feel it. It chills to the bone and sends the shivers through you. And it has grown worse since the McCluskys have arrived. Father and son whisper much too often with each other.

You think they plot? Cree shook his head as soon as he asked the question. I feel no ill will from them and they would have more to lose than gain if they should take as an enemy.

They dont seek to be our foes. It is something else, though I do not know what and that irritates me. Now they will be here until the snow clears enough for them to continue on. Here I was looking forward to a quiet winter with different lassies warming my bed and we have a keep full of problems.

Problems that need solving sooner than later, Cree said. Lets go see how the men are doing and I have another chore for you. I need you to find Bree a chore and a cottage of her own. She is one of ours now.

Sloan broke out in a huge grin. Finally, a task that has some promise.

The two men raised their glasses in a toast and downed the remaining ale in their tankards before leaving the solar.

Dawn stared at Torr, his lean frame filling the doorway.

I would like to speak with you. You have nothing to worry about from me, nothing improper. I just want to talk.

Dawn felt no fear toward this man. Actually, she felt the opposite; she felt safe with him. Cree, however, would probably not be happy with it, but she did want to learn more about this woman who had no voice and if Kirk knew her than his son must have known her as well. Her curiosity won out and she bid him to enter with a nod and closed the door behind him. She pointed to the table and gestured eating.

Torr smiled. I would love to join you for the meal.

He was a handsome man, though like Cree there was a sense of danger around him. He was a man you did not cross for the consequences could prove fatal and yet she sensed a caring heart.

Dawn pointed to one of the chairs and then slipped off both her cloaks. Something spilled out from one and Torr leaned down having seen it and scooped it up. He stood staring at the object in his hand until he finally turned slowly and stretched his hand out.

Where did you get this?

His tone was taut and curt and fear prickled her skin as it once did when she had met Cree and he had spoken to her in much the same way. She was hesitant about approaching him and when she didnt move he stepped toward her so that she could easily see what he held.

There in his hand was her mothers comb. The one she kept hidden away.

Chapter Twelve.

Dawn could not believe that Torr held her mothers comb in his hand. She had hid it the day she had settled into this cottage and hadnt touched it since. So how had it gotten there?

It had flown out of her cloak"she shook her head"but that wasnt possible. She hurried to the hiding spot buried behind the stack of baskets beneath the narrow table against the wall and was surprised when her hand found the cloth she kept the comb wrapped in. And she could feel that the comb was still there.

She stood and carefully unwound the cloth and seeing it laying there in her palm, an identical match to the other one, made her wonder if the comb had ever belonged to her mother. She reluctantly held it out to show Torr.

He stepped forward and snatched it out of her hand pairing it with its mate. He touched it gently, almost reverently, and then he looked over at her. These belonged to my mother.

Oh, good Lord, had her mum stolen the comb? That couldnt be, her mom had been a good woman; she never would have done such a thing.

Where did you get it?

Once again Torr used that commanding tone and her skin ran with gooseflesh. She didnt know if she was in trouble but the only thing she could do was tell the truth and so she did. She gestured, assuming that Torr would understand her and he did.

Your mother gave you this comb, he said, confirming her explanation.

She nodded.

These combs are a set that my father gave to my mother many years ago. I remember my mum wearing them. How could your mum have gotten one and where did the other comb come from?

Dawn pointed to her fur-lined cloak.

How did this other comb get in your cloak?

There was only one person who could have put it there... Old Mary. Dawn did not want to implicate her, but then she didnt have to.

You lent your cloak to Old Mary, didnt you?

Dawn nodded reluctantly.

My father needs to know of this right away, Torr said and wrapped both combs in the cloth and reached to take Dawns hand gently in his. There is much you need to know as well.

The door opened and Cree filled the doorway. He took in the scene in front of him and a murderous scowl suddenly filled his face. What did I tell you about leaving my woman alone?

I have no designs on your woman, but I do need to know why she is in possession of combs that belonged to my mother. I think it is time Dawn accompanies us to the keep and we talk.

Cree didnt like what he was hearing. Had he been wrong about Torr? Was he not as trustworthy as he first believed? Was this a plot or a plan? Could he be responsible for the items found in Dawns possession? But why? Too many questions and doubts that he intended to put to rest immediately, but first...

Take your hand off her, Cree ordered with what sounded like a feral growl and Torr dropped his hand and stepped away from Dawn.

Cree held his hand out to her and she reached for it. He pulled her against him hugging her tight. Where you in possession of these items?

Dawn held up one finger.

One comb was yours? Cree confirmed.

She nodded.