She says her mum gave it to her, Torr explained and then told Cree how the matching mate was found. My father could help settle this matter, perhaps he had given the combs away to someone or perhaps to two different people and I didnt know about it.

Dawn could tell by his tone that he didnt believe that for a moment but it was a good enough excuse to get them all to go to the keep. But why was he so intent on getting her to the keep? His father could come to her cottage to discuss the matter.

And that is exactly what Cree proposed. Bring your father here; it will be discussed in private.

Torr seemed annoyed with the decision but didnt argue. He left the cottage to fetch his father.

As soon as the door shut, Cree turned and lowered his mouth to hers in a kiss that turned her knees weak. He finished with tiny nips across her bottom lip that sent a quiver through her and turned her wet.

I thought I told you to behave, he whispered and nibbled along her ear.

Her limbs appeared to melt and her body slumped against his. He held her as if hed never let her go and kissed her again almost as if it was their last kiss and he wanted to always remember it. The thought frightened her and she shivered.

He grabbed her chin and forced her eyes to meet his. You have nothing to fear. You are mine and no one will take you from me.

A rap at the door had her pulling away from him, but he refused to let her go. He kept her tucked close against him as he called out, Enter.

Kirk entered with a smile and Torr with a scowl that rivaled Crees. The four of them were soon seated at the table in front of the hearth. Dawn saw to filling tankards with cider and cupped her hands around hers to stop them from trembling.

Kirk placed the two combs on the table in front of him and got teary-eyed. I gave these to my wife many years ago and a couple of years after she died I gave them to a woman I fell in love with. She was kind and loving and I would have wed her but circumstances didnt allow for it. I wanted her to have something that would always remind her how much I loved her.

There is something else you need to know, Torr said. Tell them, Da. It could explain why Dawn had one comb.

Kirk looked to Dawn. There was a reason I asked you so many questions during our brief chat today. And why I told you of a woman I knew that was voiceless just like you. You see that loving brave woman was my daughter. It seems that several of the women in my family have suffered from this strange voiceless infliction throughout many generations.

Cree reached out and took hold of Dawns hand and he wasnt surprised to feel her fingers close tightly around his. Kirk had frightened her and that did not sit well with him.

Are you saying what I think your saying? Cree said.

Kirk nodded. There is a chance that Dawn could be my daughter and that her mother, the woman I loved gave her the comb.

Dawn tightened her grip on Cree and his fingers did the same to hers, letting her know that she was not to worry.

It is the reason I stared so rudely when I first saw you, Torr said. I thought I was seeing my dead sister. You look so much like Teressa.

My son is right. You bear a remarkable resemblance to her and as I told you earlier, you two are much alike.

There is no proof of this, Cree said growing concerned, for if Dawn did turn out to be Kirks daughter he could demand that she return home with him. Of course, Cree would never let her go, which could start a war between the clans, and if Kirk chose to bring it to the attention of the King, no doubt the King would side with Kirk since Cree was to wed Lucerne.

Not yet, Torr said, but perhaps Old Mary could shed some light on the problem since she was the one who was in possession of the other comb. And I have no doubt that she had been a midwife at one time, the reason for her gnarled fingers. Many of the midwives have such a condition after years of helping mothers with difficult births.

You will need it soon. A chill ran through Dawn as she recalled Old Marys words when the old woman reminded her to take her cloak. She did not like the implications of what was being inferred, and she needed to clarify who her mother was.

Dawn gestured clearly so that they would all understand that her mum was a simple peasant woman who loved her dearly.

I have no doubt she was a good mother and no doubt she did love you dearly, my dear. You can see what a wonderful job she did in raising you, Kirk said with a tender smile, but she may not have been the mother who gave birth to you.

Dawn could not believe what he was suggesting. She had only one mother and always would. No one could take her place. She thought about her own babe growing safely in her stomach. And the thought of giving him away tore at her heart. She could never do that... never.

I know that look well, Kirk said. Teressa wore it when her thoughts challenged her and I daresay you probably wonder why your true mum would give you away. I imagine it was to protect you.

Dawn seemed even more confused and it showed.

The woman you loved was married, wasnt she? Cree said. And if she birthed a voiceless babe her husband would have questions and might even have had the babe done away with.

Dawn paled at the thought. If that was so then her true mother must have been terribly courageous to do such a thing to save her child. She doubted that she could be that brave.

Kirk nodded. The rarity of Dawns condition is common place in my family and accepted without sorrow or disappointment. It is rare that a woman in my family is born with a voice.

Dawn felt her stomach roll. She had hoped to spare any of her children the horror of being born voiceless and yet here she learned that if she had a daughter she would most certainly bear the burden of having no voice. If she was Kirks daughter and that certainly seemed probable, her own daughters destiny was sealed.

We should speak with Old Mary posthaste and see this matter settled, Tor said anxiously. If Dawn is family then we can make ready to take her home with us.

That had Dawn jumping out of her chair, shaking her hand back and forth vigorously, and shaking her head vehemently.

Cree got right to his feet and went to stand in front of Dawn. Shes not going anywhere. She belongs to me and I wont warn you again about this... and if its a war you want, Ill give it to you.

Dawn couldnt believe his threat. Hed go to war to keep her?

Torr jumped up. It isnt your choice or her choice; it is my fathers choice and if necessary we can always petition the King.

Dawn had no qualms that she was merely a possession and had no freedom of choice but since being with Cree, she had grown"to a point"independent in thought, word, and lately, in action. So she didnt hesitate to step around Cree and have her say.

She tapped her chest and her hands flew letting them know she did not like being treated like chattel and that her wishes should at least be considered, but mostly the decision should be hers to make and no one elses.

Slow down, we cant understand you, Torr said a bit apologetically.

You riled her, Cree said with a smile. Theres no slowing her down when shes riled.

Kirk appeared upset. I never knew what to do when Teressa got like this. How do you deal with her when you cant understand her?

I get her best friend Lila to interpret for me, Cree said.

Could we do that now? Kirk asked. I would truly like to hear all she has to say.

Talk to her directly, not around her, Cree said.

Dawn turned and smiled at him for being considerate of her, but then he had made that same mistake himself, though not often.

My apologies, Kirk said and Dawn stared at him realizing for the first time how truly difficult this must be for him. Here she was thinking how she felt when he too had only found out that she could possibly be his daughter. And Torr was concerned for his sister. They were doing what they thought best... protecting her. This was quite a mess.

Dawn had had enough. She didnt want to talk to anyone about anything, anymore. She wanted to be left alone. She stepped aside and pointed at the door, looking to each one of them.

I didnt mean to upset you, Kirk said and stood. You should have some time to yourself to consider what you have learned and what might be. We will talk later. He motioned for Torr to stand and he did so hesitantly.

Dawn kept her arm straight, her finger pointed at the door, and her expression stern.

Torr shot Cree a look. She means you too.

I dont take orders from my woman.

Torr went to lunge at him, but Kirks arm shot out stopping him. Since Dawn may be my daughter, I ask that you respect the possibility.

May be your daughter, Cree said. Until it can be proven, she is still my woman and even then it doesnt change the fact that she is my woman and will remain so.

You are to wed another"

Cree cut Torr off. That doesnt concern you. Now take your"

Dawn stepped between the two squabbling men and shook her finger at the door, her face red with anger.

Kirk gave his son a shove to the door. This will be settled soon, "he looked to Cree" and if it becomes necessary, I will petition the King. He turned to Dawn. I do not wish you harm; I do what I do to protect my daughter.

Dawn kept her finger pointed at the door after the two men left and her head turned away from Cree. She wanted him to leave. She didnt want him to see the tears filling her eyes. She wanted to be alone, not to think this through, but to go see Old Mary and see if she could discover the truth.

She silently gasped when his arms went around her waist and he turned her to face him, though she kept her head down. He grabbed her chin forcing it up.

Do you honestly think that I would leave you alone after what you have just learned?

Her tears began to fall then, for he had stayed to comfort her, and she couldnt help but think that he would only do that if he truly loved her.

His hands went to cup her face and his thumbs wiped away each tear that fell. You belong to me and you always will. I will not let anyone take you from me.

Every time she heard him say those words she imagined it was his way of telling her that he loved her and did not want to live without her. And she felt the same. She did not want to leave him. Her heart would break if she did.

She pressed her hand to her chest, then to his and shook her head.

He smiled and wiped away more tears. I never thought for a moment that you wanted to leave me. We do well together.

She smiled and nodded and he kissed her again, a lingering kiss that tempted and teased.

His hand slipped down to cup her buttocks and then he pulled her close against him He wanted her to feel how hard he was and how much he wanted her. He already thought about scooping her up, tossing her down on the bed, lifting her skirt and driving into her with fast hard thrusts that...

The rap at the door had him cursing as he unwillingly tore his mouth away from hers. Im going to kill whoever that is.

Dawn nodded adamantly, agreeing with him.

Cree walked over to the door hoping that Torr stood on the other side so that he could do what hed been aching to do... punch him square in the face. He was disappointed to find Elwin standing there.

Youre needed at the keep, my lord.

It cant wait? Cree all but growled.

Elwin took a step back and let Cree judge for himself. A messenger arrived half frozen. It seems that Roland Gerwan decided to journey here sooner than expected and got caught in the snowstorm. The messenger was sent to get help. It seems he and his entourage are stuck at an empty croft and demanding that you send help immediately.

Cree shook his head. Didnt he have enough to contend with? Now he had to deal with Lucernes parents? He turned to Dawn. I will return later. Stay put and stay out of trouble.

She nodded and smiled and Cree shook his head again as he walked out the door.

Dawn dropped down into one of the chairs at the table and refilled her tankard with hot cider and tore a piece of bread off the flat loaf to munch on. She barely swallowed the piece when there was another rap at the door.

She hesitated to answer preferring to be alone, but another quick rap made her realize that she had no choice but to answer the persistent person. She opened the door and was surprised to see Bree standing there. And was even more surprised by what she said.

Old Mary needs to speak with you right away.

Chapter Thirteen.

Dawn didnt hesitate. She slipped her fur-lined cloak over her shoulders and hurried out of the cottage to be greeted by Elwin. Her guard was back, but then she couldnt blame Cree. With what they had just learned, he had no way of knowing what the McCluskys might do. So she was relieved rather than perturbed to see Elwin and she greeted him with a smile.

Bree was so polite in her explanation that Elwin couldnt say no. Wed like to go to Old Marys, if that is permitted?

Ill be right behind you, lassies, Elwin said and followed.

Once inside the cottage, Old Mary was quick to request that Bree take two tankards of hot cider and a loaf of bread out to Elwin and keep him company while she spoke with Dawn. Bree did her bidding and was soon out the door.

Dawn was grateful for the privacy. There were things she needed to ask Old Mary that were better left between the two of them. And then there were"she hoped"things that Old Mary intended to tell her. Dawn moved a chair from the table to the side of the bed where Old Mary rested. She looked worn-out, her eyes heavy, and her shoulders sagging.

Dawn immediately gestured asking if she was feeling all right.

Tired, age, the cold, take your pick, she replied with a wave of her hand as if it didnt matter. You found the comb.

Dawn nodded, confirming what the old women already knew.

And others know as well.

This time Dawn didnt bother to confirm. It amazed and, at times, frightened Dawn how Old Mary knew things. There were those who whispered that she was a witch, others thought her crazy, but Dawn knew she was neither, though she did harbor secrets.

Old Mary sighed and reached for Dawns hand and Dawn took hold. I knew it was time that you had the mate to the comb you already possessed. She smiled. Unfortunately, I didnt count on the snowstorm and I couldnt wait any longer to get the comb to you. I should have brought it with me when Cree had me moved from my cottage, but I hadnt wanted to take a chance of someone seeing it, so I left it to return and collect another day. As usual the days slip past faster than we expect and suddenly the time was upon me. Old Mary gripped Dawns hand tighter. The most important thing for you to remember is that your mother gave you those combs. They belong to you. She wanted you to have something of hers. She wanted you to know how much she loved you.

Dawn felt a catch in her stomach and she didnt think it was the babe. It was finally settling in that perhaps what had been implied could very well be true and if that was so, then who was she? She was afraid to ask, but she had to know. She gestured rocking a babe in her arms and pointed to herself.

Who is your mother?

Dawn nodded vigorously, eager yet fearful to hear the answer.

Old Marys eyes shot to the door and Dawn looked to see what had her worried but no knock came and then suddenly raised voices were heard just beyond the door before it flew open.

Torr strode in shutting the door, though not before Dawn caught a glimpse of Elwin on the ground holding his jaw. She jumped to her feet and pointed to the door letting him know he was not welcome here.

Im not going anywhere without answers from the old woman. He took a step forward and Dawn did the same, her shoulders back, her hands hugging her hips, and her chin tilted up daring him to get past her.