Dawn sat wanting to hear what he had to say but also wondering over her options. She wanted to go home but they had traveled a good distance and with the snow she would be foolish to try to escape and make it home on foot. Besides Cree had told her often enough that she belonged to him and he would not let anyone take her away from him. Once he found out about the abduction he would come after her, though that could take time considering Crees own predicament. That gave her a thought and she began to gesture again, though slowly.

I told you shed figure it out quickly, Torr said to his father, smiling with pride.

Kirk nodded, his own pride obvious. You are correct. There has been no attack on Cree. We needed his warriors to believe that to give us time to get you safely away. Our tracker is rarely visible so it was easy for him to pose as one of Gerwans men and deliver the false message. He played his part well. Appearing exhausted from his rush to get help, Sloan insisted that he remain behind. Our tracker provided Sloan with precise direction, giving us plenty of time to carry out our plan.

The news that Cree was all right filled Dawn with such relief that she sighed silently. Cree was safe and he when he discovered her gone, he would come for her. For now she would listen to what Kirk had to say. With that thought in mind, she gestured that they should talk.

I ask that you listen to all I have to say, Kirk said. Lives depend on the decision you will make, including yours.

Dawn pointed at him, then to her temple, then gestured as if she was shooting an arrow and then pointed to herself.

Kirk nodded. I think I know who has been trying to kill you, though I have no proof, but it makes the most sense.

Dawn waited eager to hear more.

It was just passed sunrise when Sloan realized that it had been a ruse and he feared the worst, though truthfully the worst wouldnt be Dawn being abducted. It would be what happened when Cree found out about it.

He alerted the men who had already surmised the same and saw fear in their eyes. They too did not want to face Cree. They had seen him angry and it was not a sight one wanted to ever see again.

Sloan had them keep a fast pace wanting to return home and see if his fears were founded, though he had no doubt they were, but he could hope. Unfortunately, all hope was dashed as an hour later they converged with Cree and Gerwans troop.

One sight of Sloan had Cree halting the caravan and riding to meet him and his men.

Tell me Dawn is safe, Cree demanded as the two men reached each other. His stallion pranced and snorted seeming to sense his masters agitation.

Sloan hesitated and fiery anger sparked in Crees eyes. Sloan drew back, as if scorched by their heat and spoke quickly. A messenger arrived several hours before sunrise to inform us that you had been attacked and needed help. I gathered the men and left Dawn in" Sloan shook his head. My concern was for you and I did not see it for the ruse it was. Torr swore he would see no harm came to Dawn.

Of course he wouldnt you fool, Cree spat. He believes that she is his sister. He would not hurt her, but he would abduct her given the chance, which you gave him.

Sloan was wise enough to remain silent.

Cree looked past Sloan to Elwin. I trusted you to put Dawns safety above all else.

Elwin hung his head. I am sorry, my lord, I was foolish.

You and Sloan both, Cree snapped. Wait here and when I return be prepared to ride fast and hard.

Both men nodded as Cree turned and headed back to the caravan.

Roland Gerwan had stepped out of the wagon that he rode in alone, his wife traveling a distance behind him in a much smaller wagon than his. Cree had not liked the man on first sight. He was a pompous, uncaring fool. He stood barely four inches over five feet but acted as if he were a giant amongst men. He was lean with fine features, pure white hair, and blue eyes similar to is daughters though there was a coldness to them that Lucernes eyes lacked.

Cree brought his stallion to a stop in front of Roland, though the beast pranced uneasy, as if he was as anxious as Cree to take his leave. My men will see you safely the remainder of the way.

You cannot mean to leave us to your warriors. That is an insult, Roland snapped as if chastising Cree like a child.

Cree turned such a harsh stare on the man that he took several hasty steps back nearly tripping over his own feet. What is an insult is that your men are so poorly provided for that they care not a whit of what happens to you.

How dare you"

Watch your tongue, Cree warned. You are addressing the Earl of Carrick.

Roland drew back as if he had been slapped hard across the face. He quickly gathered himself together and sputtered, The title becomes yours when you wed my daughter.

A mere formality since the King has already decreed me Earl of Carrick. Cree turned and rode off not wanting to exchange another word with the man. His concern was for Dawn, though not that she would be harmed. He knew that Kirk or Torr would never hurt her. What concerned him more was getting her back. And another concern was why Kirk had chosen now to abduct her. What had forced his hand?

Sloan fell in behind Cree as he rode past and several of his warriors followed. Their pace was fast, though more heavily snow-covered areas slowed them down. It wasnt until mid-afternoon that they arrived at Dowell. With the time it had taken them, Cree judged that the Gerwan caravan wouldnt arrive until sometime tomorrow.

Lucerne stood on the keep steps looking anxiously passed him, no doubt eager to see her parents. The smile she wore faded as she realized they did not follow.

Where are my parents? she demanded when Cree dismounted his horse, handing the reins to a young lad who immediately saw to the animals care.

They should arrive tomorrow, Cree informed her and turned away eager to get to Dawns cottage.

You leave my parents safety to others so that you can return to your peasant wh"

Cree turned back around in a flash. Watch what you say, Lucerne, for you will not like the consequences.

Lucerne bit her lip as if fighting to keep from speaking, and he supposed she feared losing the battle for she turned in a huff and hurried inside the keep.

Sloan approached Cree cautiously as he continued on to Dawns cottage.

Go see if any of the sentries saw anything, Cree ordered. See that men stand ready and see if Henry can find any tracks.

Sloan nodded and slipped away to see it done.

Cree entered the cottage and stood taking in the room in one sweeping glance. The fire had died down and he quickly added more logs. He did not want Dawn to return to a chilled cottage. He hurried into the other room and did the same to the dwindling fire. He then went to the bed and stared at the rumpled bedding.

He reached down and swiped her pillow bringing it to his face and inhaling her familiar scent, heather and pine. Damn, but he missed her and he wanted her home here in this bed where they made love, laughed, talked, and slept naked in each others arms.

He tossed the pillow back on the bed and examined the remainder of the room. He cursed when he saw her stockings on the chest, though was relieved when he saw that her fur-lined cloak was gone. His gloves, however, had been left behind and so more oaths spewed from his mouth.

The stillness suddenly bothered him and he cast a quick glance around the room. There were no remnants of a meal. Had no food been brought to Dawn? Had no one realized she was missing? He swore again and marched out of the cottage and straight for the kitchen. Meals had to have been delivered to her. Hadnt anyone questioned why she hadnt been in her cottage?

Every villager that caught sight of Cree hurried to bless themselves and move out of his way. If their suspicions of him being the devil were ever proven true it would be at this moment. His expression was pure evil, as if he had just emerged from the depths of hell and was intent on claiming souls.

He stormed into the kitchen and all movement ceased, even Turbett blanched at the sight of him.

Was no meal taken to Dawn today? Cree demanded.

Flanna took a cautious step forward. All but supper. We were informed that she would tend to that herself today.

Who told you that? Cree snapped and Flanna jumped.

Flanna hurried to tell him as she took a step back. Old Mary.

Cree was out the door so fast that it took everyone a moment to realize he was gone and mumbling amongst themselves, they returned to their work.

With heavy footfalls Cree made his way to Old Marys cottage. Could the old woman have helped Kirk and Torr? He stopped abruptly when he saw Lucerne arguing with Elsa outside her cottage. He didnt want to waste time on the matter and he was sure that Elsa could handle it but he could not ignore the chaotic scene, especially with villagers lingering about in curiosity.

What goes on here? Cree demanded as he approached the two women.

Lucerne turned on him, her eyes framed with tears ready to fall. My head throbs mercilessly. I need more potions for the pain. Lucerne grabbed hold of Crees arm, her grip tight. Please.

Her plea shocked him. It wasnt like her to plead, though she made herself heard, she had never pleaded with him; she had always demanded. The desperation in her voice was also something unfamiliar to him. He turned to Elsa to order her to give Lucerne what she needed but the healer shook her head.

Something is not right that she suffers so with these headaches. The potions should have at least eased them if not gotten rid of them, but the pain should not have escalated. There are questions I need to ask so that I may better help her but she refuses to talk with me.

Sloan approached then and Cree took Lucernes hand and placed it on the startled mans arm. You will stay with Lucerne while Elsa speaks with her, and then you will see her safely back to her bedchamber so that she may rest.

I need the potion, Lucerne begged.

Elsa took Lucernes other hand. I will give it to you and then we will talk.

Sloan looked to Cree with pleading eyes. To sit with the nagging, demanding woman while she talked with Elsa was a harsh punishment to suffer, though he supposed it could have been worse. He almost shook his head, for nothing could be worse than what he was about to suffer.

Cree shot him a fiery look and Sloan felt its sting. He nodded, complying with the command and accompanied the two women into the cottage, Lucernes fingers biting into his arm.

Cree had already turned away and nearly had reached Old Marys cottage when the old woman stepped out of nowhere startling him.

A good time for a walk, my lord, Old Mary said with a wrinkled grin.

Cree held out his arm, leaned down, and whispered, And a talk. He directed her away from curious faces to a more secluded spot where he dusted snow off a bench for her to sit. He stood towering over her, his broad back blocking anyone from seeing her.

He didnt hesitate in asking her, Why did you tell Flanna that Dawn was preparing her own meals today?

Dawn is where she needs to be at the moment.

I dont care for riddles; I want answers.

Then go find Dawn, for by now she has them.

Chapter Nineteen.

Ten and nine years ago I fell in love for the second time in my life, Kirk said. Some men would think her plain, " Kirk smiled" but to me she was beautiful and she had the most generous heart. Unfortunately for us both, she was already wed. However that didnt stop us from loving each other. Until one day she told me that she feared that her husband had grown suspicious and she feared not only for her own life but mine as well. I would have battled the devil myself to make her mine, but she felt compelled to honor her marriage agreement. And so I reluctantly let her go.

Dawn felt a catch to her heart. She was familiar with the pain he suffered, for she could never truly be with Cree, never be his wife. At least, though, she could stay with him. She did not know if she could bear the pain of being separated from him forever. Just the thought sent a sense of loss so strong through her that she shuddered.

I found out months later that she had given birth to a daughter and I wondered if the child was mine. When I learned that the lass could speak and had her fathers blue eyes I knew the child was not mine. Kirk choked back tears that pooled in his dark eyes.

Torr spoke while his father composed himself. I was ten at the time and oblivious to my fathers suffering, though my sister Teressa who was barely six seemed to understand that something was wrong.

She tried to ease my sorrow, Kirk said. She was such a loving child. I didnt know true pain until I lost my Teressa. She died two years ago from a sudden illness. There is nothing as painful as being helpless in saving your child. This time Kirk couldnt prevent his tears from falling.

Not long ago, Torr said, an old friend of my fathers, who we hadnt seen in years, passed through our land and stopped to visit. He had known my sister and was heartbroken to hear she had died. He then told us of a young woman who he had seen that had suffered the same affliction as Teressa. Neither Father nor I thought much of it since there were other people who could not speak, though they could make a minimal of sound. This fellow had insisted that the lass he had seen had been exactly like Teressa.

It was when I learned that the lass lived on the Earl of Carricks land that I became more curious, Kirk said. You see the woman I fell I love with was Ann Gerwan, the Earl of Carricks wife.

Dawn stared at Kirk, her eyes wide.

I decided it was time to see this lass for myself, so Torr and I journeyed here with the sole purpose of finding you. The snowstorm was a God-sent landing us right where we needed to be. You look much like my daughter Teressa, but then my wife and Ann had similar features.

Dawn continued to stare at the man who could very well be her father, still too shocked to make a gesture.

I was stunned when I first saw the similarities and upset that you had been forced to become Crees"

Dawns hand shot up, stopping Kirk from going any further and shook her head adamantly wanting him to understand that Cree had not forced her. She had joined willingly with him. The doubtful look in his eyes troubled her and so she made it clear how she felt about Cree.

With slow, precise gestures she let the two men know that she loved Cree.

Neither men smiled and it was Torr who finally said, But does he love you enough to let you go?

Dawns brow scrunched in confusion and she shook her head.

The reason someone wants you dead is because they have discovered your true identity, Kirk said. One of two people could possibly be responsible, Gerwan and Lucerne. Naturally, if Lucerne found out, she loses everything if the truth is revealed. If Gerwan knows, then he fears that he has no bargaining power to retain his lands, no daughter to wed Cree.

Dawn felt a seed of excitement start and smiled as she gestured"

Kirk raised his hand to stop her. I know what youre thinking that if you are my daughter, no longer a peasant, then there is a possibility that you and Cree could wed.

She nodded slowly desperately hoping it was possible, though a thought poked at her... would Cree want to wed her?

Kirk hesitated. You are not my legitimate child, therefor the King could refuse to recognize you and with Cree gaining a title and power, having a bastard wife might not be to his liking.

A pang to Dawns heart had her fighting the suggested rejection. Though Crees love was silent, she didnt doubt that he loved her. But was that love strong enough to for him to accept a bastard as his wife?

There is something else we must consider... your true mother, Kirk said. Her life could be in danger. She is the one person who could verify that you are Gerwans daughter, and I fear for her life.

Dawn felt a sense of protection toward the woman who gave her birth. Perhaps it was because she carried Crees child and understood the motherly instinct to protect. And there was part of her who would like to meet the brave woman who had so unselfishly saved her life.

I thought by removing you as a threat, it could save your life and Anns, Kirk said sounding as if he searched for a miracle. But to completely remove the threat, "he paused and took a breath" you would need to wed right away. Your marriage would eliminate you as a threat and protect Ann. I have a good man in mind for you. He will treat you well and you would have a good life with him.

Dawn stood so fast that her chair flew back and fell to the floor. She waved her hands back and forth adamantly and shook her head just as furiously.

Its the only way, Kirk said as if he wished differently.

She gestured repeatedly for him to take her home.

You are home, Dawn, Kirk said. And your safe and so is Ann. It is the way things must be.