You know there is talk?

I expected no less. And no doubt the McCluskys started it, hoping to garner support if it proves true that Dawn is his daughter, Cree said ready to kick the McCluskys off his land.

A wise maneuver, though McClusky doesnt realize how faithful your warriors are and how they would go to battle without question for you.

Its the villagers Kirk is looking to stir, thinking perhaps they would somehow help is cause if necessary. Cree stood. Old Mary claims this will be settled soon and it cannot be soon enough for me. Right now, though, we have Roland Gerwan and his people to worry about and I wonder who Lucerne favors, her mother or father.

Whichever one it is, I plan on avoiding that one in particular, Sloan said with a laugh.

See what Bree has to say and let me know right away.

Sloan headed out of the keep while Cree walked down the stone passageway that connected with the kitchen. When he entered all talk and action stopped.

A word, Turbett, Cree said to the cook and stepped aside away from prying eyes and ears.

All is well with your meals, my lord? Turbett asked anxiously. While many feared Turbetts brusque nature and the size of him, there was one person Turbett feared, and that was Cree. He had witnessed Cree in battle and there was no warrior fiercer, more determined, or more fearless of death than him.

As always the food satisfies like none Ive ever tasted.

That was another thing about Cree, he gave praise when it was due.

Im curious about the night I took ill. Do you recall why I was served a different meal from the others?

Turbett paled. I would never serve you bad food, my lord.

No, you never have, but why the different meal that night?

Turbett tapped his chin as he gave it thought, relieved that he wasnt being accused of anything. His eyes suddenly brighten. Yes, I recall. The trencher was meant for Dawn, then I discovered that Flanna had taken her a lighter fare since she hadnt felt well. I didnt want to see the food wasted and since it was a favorite meal of yours I had it served to you.

Everyone in the kitchen knew the meal was meant for Dawn?

Turbett nodded. Yes, my lord.

Was anyone in the kitchen that day that usually wasnt there? Cree asked knowing that Turbett ruled his kitchen with an iron hand and did not appreciate visitors.

Yes, the young lass that serves my lady. She came to fetch a brew for her mistress.

Make certain that no one handles Dawns food but you, and no one is allowed in the kitchen but your workers and Flanna.

Turbett bobbed his head. Aye, my lord, I will see to it.

Cree returned to the Great Hall, grabbed his cloak and walked out of the keep. His mind was overrun with different possibilities. He had no doubt that Lucerne had directed Bree to plant the poison, but now he wondered if Lucerne had also arranged it so that Bree was placed in a situation where the servant could gather information for her. And was Bree more of a willing participant in the plan than she made it seem? And what of the poison? Would the amount have caused Dawn to take ill as it had done to him or would it have killed her? And if it was meant to kill, then could it in anyway be connected with the warriors sent to kill Dawn?

He had a strong feeling that it all had to do with Dawns true heritage and the sooner he could resolve that, the sooner he could resolve this whole dilemma.

His men were busy plowing a path, with the help of a couple of horses and two sizeable logs, through the village for when Gerwan and his troop arrived. He hurried along, a fierce look of determination on his face that had villagers scurrying out of his way and a few brave souls bidding him a good morning.

He had briefly considered stopping to see Dawn but he knew that would be a mistake. They had enjoyed each other last night and had fallen asleep exhausted, not just from their lovemaking but from the trying day. He had itched to have her again this morning but she had been deep in slumber and he hadnt had the heart to wake her.

Now, however, she would be awake, her body warm and the scent of their lovemaking still on her. Damn, he was getting aroused just thinking about it. He pushed the thought away. It would wait until later when he was finished with all the things that needed his attention. Then there would be nothing to interfere with their time together. And hed leave his scent on her again.

He turned past a large snow pile and stopped when he saw Sloan speaking with Bree. He was smiling at her like a love-struck fool and her cheeks were blushed pink as she smiled sweetly at him.

Damn, Sloan was going to be useless to him were this was concerned. Unless they learned that it was all a ruse, then Sloan would be livid. He hated deception in women, which was why he always made it clear that he was only interested in one thing from them... coupling.

He seemed to be different with Bree and Cree wondered yet again if love had struck his friend. He only hoped that Bree was who she appeared to be or God help her if Sloan found out differently.

He walked over to them and looked to Sloan. Bring Bree to my solar.

Sloan went to say something but the look Cree shot him warned him against it and so Sloan nodded his head and took Brees arm and started walking toward the keep.

Have I done something wrong? Cree heard Bree say nervously and that was exactly what he intended to find out.

Dawn was disappointed when she woke to find Cree gone this morning. If she were his wife she would be able to go and find him and no one would think anything of it. She warned herself against thinking such foolish thoughts, though she couldnt help it. Life would be good with Cree as her husband, but then she would need a miracle for that to happen.

Deciding against feeling sorry for herself and her circumstances, new and old, she chose instead to keep herself busy and free of worry if only for a while. She donned her fur-lined cloak and scooped the black leather gloves off the table to slip on. She sniffed the leather before sliding them on and her senses prickled with images of Cree. He had insisted on leaving his gloves for her to use. He had made it clear that he could not abide having her hands wrapped with strips of cloth to keep them warm.

The gloves were soft and supple the complete opposite of Cree and she smiled hugging them to her chest. She opened the door and greeted Elwin with a smile.

He returned it in kind and asked, Where to today?

She gestured how she wanted to collect some pine branches so that she could place a few along the mantel and allow the pine scent to permeate her cottage.

Elwin nodded. Dorrie did the same to mine. You know Ive been meaning to thank you for rescuing Dorrie from the stockades that night. If you hadnt I would have never been assigned to guard her, and we would have never gotten to know each other. He laughed. A pretty thing like her wouldnt have looked twice at me. And I had to see for myself that Dorrie is a good soul; she was just misguided until you paid her that act of kindness. That changed everything for her.

Dawn was happy that the two had found each other, in a way it gave her hope that miracles did happen.

The pines were the best behind her old cottage. Branches always fell off in a snowstorm and she would collect a few to enjoy their rich scent. She stopped to see how Old Mary was doing first.

Dawn was glad to see her sitting by the hearth, sipping a steaming brew. She gestured that she was happy to see her looking well.

Feeling my old self, Old Mary laughed. How about collecting a few extra pine branches to share with me?

Dawn smiled and nodded, though her smile faded as Old Marys did and the old woman urged her closer with a crook of her finger. Remember what I told you, trust no one, secrets abound.

A shiver ran through Dawn and she nodded again, then Old Mary shooed her out the door.

Dawn didnt want to think about secrets and what they could mean just now. She simply wanted a few hours without strife or worry.

Elwin stayed close, his eyes alert to their surroundings as soon as they passed beyond the edge of the woods. It was quiet and the snow a bit difficult to maneuver. Dawn didnt care; she loved the woods after a snowstorm. It was a world of pristine white with icicles glistening here and there. It was also quiet, no sound was heard, the animals were safely nestled in their lairs, and the birds tucked in their nests. The forest was at peace and it was lovely to be part of it.

Elwin stood guard as Dawn enjoyed foraging for pine branches. He helped her once or twice to break a couple of large branches into smaller pieces all the while keeping an eye on everything around them. Dawn didnt worry. With the snow it would be difficult for anyone to approach without hearing them.

They finished much too fast to Dawns liking, though she was pleased that she would spend some time with Old Mary before returning home. She wasnt however prepared to see that Old Mary had another visitor when she entered.

Torr sat by the hearth sipping a hot brew.

Dawn had no intentions of staying, though Old Mary put a stop to that.

I have a hot brew all ready for you, the old woman said and nodded to Torr who picked up the tankard being kept hot by the hearth.

Dawn wanted to decline the offer, not wanting to hear any more of what Torr had to say about her being his half-sister. But it would be rude of her and so she decided to stay at least for a few minutes, and then take her leave. She did however bid Elwin to join them, insisting it was too cold for him to wait outside and though the man usually refused, when he saw that Torr was there he accepted the offer.

It was over an hour later that Dawn took her leave, surprisingly having enjoyed the visit. Torr hadnt once commented on the possibility of her being his half-sister, he simply talked about his home and clan. From his descriptions, his home sounded appealing and she was certain that had been his intentions, for her to see that his home was warm and welcoming. But she already had a home, a home that she didnt want to leave. He and Elwin had also entertained them with some funny stories, and she had been glad that she had lingered longer than she had intended.

Once she arrived at her cottage, Elwin helped her clean the branches of snow as best as possible and helped break them into more suitable sizes. He then carried them inside for her and bid her good day since a guard had come to replace him for the afternoon.

Dawn decided to work on the bed chamber first so that the fresh pine would have time to fill the room before Cree returned for the evening. It didnt take long to fan a few branches across the mantel and she stepped back to admire her work when she heard voices.

They were barely distinguishable and she scrunched her brow wondering where they were coming from. She closed her eyes and listened more intently and realized that the voices came from just beyond the boarded window. She slipped off her boots and hurried to climb up on the bed and press her ear to the roughhewn boards.

Its dangerous to meet here. Someone may see us, the woman said her voice trembling.

No one is here right now, the man said. I saw her leave with the guard and no one else lurks about. Besides this boarded window may be an asset to us if need be. It is something to keep in mind in case other efforts fail.

But the person who enters here would never make it out alive.

As long as her life is ended what difference does it make? the man said and Dawn shivered at the indifference in his voice.

How many are there to help?

There are enough. Of course, it would have been an easier task if she hadnt taken up with the devil. He laughed. He thinks hes invincible, but wait there are plans for him and his time will come.

That was all Dawn needed to hear. Her life being in danger was one thing, but the thought that Cree was in danger as well spurred her into action. She hurried into her boots and out the door not bothering to collect her cloak. The guard was quick on her heels as she rounded her cottage.

No one was there, so she hurried further around the cottage and was disappointed when she didnt find anyone. She returned to the spot by the window to see if perhaps there were distinguishable footprints but a large swatch of area had been wiped clean and there were no tracks to follow.

Had they heard her scurrying inside to get her boots on and hurried off? She grew annoyed with herself for wasting precious time in discovering the culprits identities. She did not, however, intend to waste another minute in letting Cree know about this.

With determined strides and a guard on her heels, she headed to the keep.

Chapter Fifteen.

Cree and Sloan sat in the solar talking.

Do you believe Bree? Cree asked.

Evidently, youre not sure or you wouldnt have asked me that.

Women can be a deceiving lot.

Ill drink to that, Sloan said and raised his tankard and took a swig. Bree seemed terrified when she spoke about Lucerne and how she manipulates, threatens, and hurts people to get what she wants. She threatened to have Bree drawn and quartered on a fake charge of theft if she didnt put the poison in Dawns meal that night. The poor lass was in tears, fearing not only Lucerne, but you.

Or she could be putting on a good act.

And what? Be in cahoots with Lucerne? Whatever for? What would it get her?

I dont know, Cree admitted, but Id prefer not to trust either woman until we can determine who is telling the truth.

You heard Bree yourself. Lucerne knows about potions and poisons and has seen with her very own eyes that she has used them on people before. The lass has a right to worry. The damn woman could poison her at any time.

Its obvious that Lucerne has been spoiled and pampered her entire life. She is accustomed to having her way, accustomed to servants jumping at her every command. And she has enough power to do away with anyone who displeases her. Why resort to poison?

Sloan shrugged. No one can make sense of what these nobles do. And you have always defended the downtrodden.

Ive defended the truth, whether downtrodden or noble.

True enough, for I have seen you do it many times. Bree did say that Lucerne rages with anger over your mistress. That she cannot understand how you can rut with a voiceless woman.

Creel scowled and his eyes narrowed.

Sloan held up his hands. Lucernes words not mine. I say the woman is crazy. You heard tell yourself what Bree had to say about Lucernes odd behavior. And weve seen for ourselves the way she carries on, loses her temper badly, and demands things. Then there are the bruises on Bree. She certainly didnt put them there herself.

No, some of those bruises would be impossible for her to have inflicted on herself, Cree agreed.

But still you doubt even when it seems logical?

I have learned that logic doesnt always equate with truth.

Sloan smiled and raised his tankard. That is why you lead and I follow. You are much wiser.

Cree laughed. You, my friend, are allowing a young lass to turn your head. Something I have never seen you do.

I have to admit that I fancy her and I feel she needs protecting.

That needs to be determined and until it does, you need to be careful not to lose your heart.

Sloan grabbed his chest, feeling around as if hed lost something. Wait, how can I lose what I dont have? Ill not be finding love; its not for me.

Cree shook his head and stood. I need to talk with Old Mary and see that the old woman holds her tongue around Bree. He stopped. Though perhaps she can tell me what she thinks of Bree since the old woman has a knowing about her.

Sloan stood after downing the remainder of his ale. Thats a good idea. Id like to hear what she has to say myself.

They entered the great hall to see Lucerne slipping off her cloak and Dawn rushing in without a cloak.

How dare you enter this keep, you harlot, Lucerne screeched and advanced on Dawn.

Cree was between the two women in a flash, his hand catching Lucerne by the wrist as she swung at Dawn. He yanked her hard against him and whispered harshly for her ears alone. Harm her and you will die.