He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. I am asking you to rest today, since ordering you to do anything doesnt seem to work. And it would be cruel of me to punish you for not obeying when you already suffer... in far too many ways. Though I remind you to trust me and believe me when I tell you that all will be well.

She had no trouble trusting him and feeling poorly she had no intentions of going anywhere... for now. So it was easy for her to nod and let him know that she would rest.

He stood and dressed, then leaned over her and kissed her. Later I will make certain we finish what we never got a chance to.

She smiled and crossed her heart and shrugged.

He tweaked her nose and smiled. I promise, though it isnt necessary. Nothing will stop me from making love to you. He gave her another quick kiss and left.

Dawn didnt care for the shiver that ran through her. She feared with Gerwans arrival that Crees visits would be fewer. But she trusted him, not that she wasnt going to still see what she could find out for herself. She yawned, feeling a bit tired and decided to do as he had asked and rest. She snuggled beneath the warm blanket and before she knew it, she was sound asleep.

Cree had washed and dressed in fresh garments and then consulted with Sloan in his solar. Cree wasnt at all pleased to find out that the tracks left by Dawns attacker had gone cold and the culprit had yet to be found.

Someone helps this person, Cree said after hearing Sloan explain.

My thoughts as well, Sloan agreed.

You spent some time with Lucerne the other day. Do you think she is capable of such treachery?

Sloan rubbed his chin. Shes an odd one. One minute she was lashing out over just about everything and the next minute she collapsed against me, as if everything was too much of an ordeal for her. Damn, if she never stops complaining about how her head aches. And then just when I couldnt take it anymore, she suddenly calmed and turned pleasant. She wears too many faces for my liking, which leaves me to think she cannot be trusted.

What of Bree? Can she be trusted or do you fancy her too much to see her clearly?

Sloan cocked a brow. Fancy her or not, I wont let any woman blind me. She seems sincere enough and worried that shell be made to return to Lucerne and serve her. Old Mary doesnt seem to have a bad word to say about her and since the old woman has an eye for seeing beyond, I figured she would know if the lass should not be trusted.

A point I considered myself, Cree admitted. What of Lucernes other servant? Magda is it?

Sloan nodded. She spends all her time stitching Lucernes garments and mostly keeps company with the servants that do the stitching for the keep.

Keep a good watch on them all, Cree ordered. There is something there that we are missing.

Sloan nodded, and then cleared his throat.

Say what you will, Cree said knowing Sloan was preparing to say something that Cree might not want to hear.

Youre not going to let youre babe be born a bastard, are you?

No, never would I allow that.

What about the agreement you made with the King? Hell take these lands from you if you dont wed Gerwans daughter.

But Lucerne is not Gerwans daughter, Cree said and went on to explain what Kirk had told him about his affair with Gerwans wife years ago. He then finished with, And with McClusky land bordering Gerwans land it would give the King an even stronger hold on this area if he joined the two. Besides, he wants that port built and he knows Im the only one capable of seeing it done. I can get this to work if I can prove without a doubt that Lucerne is not Gerwans daughter and that Dawn is Kirks daughter. Im concerned though that the King will demand concessions. Hell want to appease everyone so that no one rants against him.

Sloan scratched his head. Damn, this could work.

Yes, it could and while I rued the day that Kirk McClusky arrived here, I am now grateful that he did. And until we can sort this all out, Dawn"and now my child"are not safe.

The extra guards were added. Shell not be able to go anywhere without them. And Kirks warriors also mull about her cottage. I dont see how anyone could get to her.

How often have you known me to order her to stay put and she does otherwise? Add to that the many times you didnt hear me tell her and you now know that Dawn does what she wants, when she wants.

Sloan grinned. Damn, I havent known anyone who dared not obey you.

I should have cut out that ton" Cree stopped abruptly and shook his head.

Sloans grin grew. Damn, cant say it anymore, can you? Guess my tongue is finally free of worry... thanks to Dawn.

Dont tempt me, Cree snapped.

Oh hell, we both know you would have never cut my tongue out. It was just a warning that I had gone too far. Sloan laughed. Now I can go as far as I like.

Cree turned a murderous scowl on him.

Youre going to have to do better than that, Sloan said continuing to laugh.

Keep it up, Ill find a way to make you pay.

I dont know about that, Sloan teased.

Cree suddenly grinned. I think you should remain by Lucernes side throughout this whole ordeal.

Sloans smile quickly faded. You dont mean that.

But I do mean it, he said and stood.

I was only teasing you, Sloan said in the way of an apology.

Im not, Cree said and walked to the door. Stay by her side every moment and see what you can find out.

What about Bree? Wouldnt it be better if I became her shadow?

Ill assign someone else to her.

Who?

Not your concern.

Sloan shook his head as he walked over to join him at the door. Having my tongue cut out would have been less painful.

But not as much fun for me, Cree said and slapped him on the back.

Chapter Twenty-three.

Dawn woke with a start. She wasnt sure what woke her. It was as if someone yanked her out of her sleep. She didnt mind; she felt rested and wanted out of bed. She hurried and dressed, all the while listening to her stomach rumble with hunger.

She combed the tangles out of her hair with a worn bone comb and then plaited it and let the braid fall down her back. Then she went in search of something to eat. She was disappointed when she found that no food had been left for her on the table and laughed silently. Had she gotten spoiled with having food brought to her? She certainly was capable of cooking for herself. It was just that right now, she was so hungry she wished that she didnt have to wait to eat.

With a quick glance at her cloak, she thought about walking to the kitchen and getting something that was already prepared. She went to grab her cloak and stopped suddenly recalling that Gerwan had been due to arrive and not knowing how long she had slept meant that his troop could be arriving this very moment. And she had no desire to watch his entrance into a village that no longer belonged to him.

A knock sounded and the door opened and in came Dorrie with a basket of food. Dawn smiled brightly and ushered her in with an eager wave.

We were ordered to let you sleep, but being its close to noon Flanna insisted food be brought to you. Dorrie sat the basket on the table and began taking things out.

Dawn didnt wait. She reached for a piece of bread and began munching on it, her eyes growing wide with each delicious item Dorrie placed on the table. When she finished Dawn handed her a tankard of hot cider.

Dorrie took it with a smile and sat. I cant stay long. The kitchen is busy. The Gerwan party will be here any moment and though none wish to greet him, all have agreed that it would be a poor reflection on Cree if they didnt.

Dawn smiled and nodded agreeing with the villagers and happy to know that they thought highly of Cree and chose to show respect for him.

Dorrie leaned in closer and lowered her voice. Are you truly Kirk McCluskys bastard daughter?

Dawn shrugged, for what proof was there?

The villagers continue to worry that there will be a battle over this.

Dawn shook her head and tapped her chest, then waved her hand back and forth.

Dorrie smiled. You wont let that happen.

Dawn nodded.

I told everyone that. I told them that you would do what was best for the village just as you did when Colum sent you to tend Cree. You are an unselfish soul and your choice would be for the good of all or even one person. She smiled. Just as you protected me, you would protect others. She jumped up then. I must go or Turbett will get upset. He is so much more than he appears. He gives extra food to his workers and he teaches them. I have learned so much about food from him that when it came time for my punishment to end I asked to stay on and Turbett was pleased to have me. Another thing I have you to thank for. Dorrie gave Dawn a quick hug and left the cottage.

Dawn ate with a cluttered mind. She certainly didnt think of herself as a selfless soul. She had done what she had to do to survive just like many of the villagers. Crees capture of the village had heralded in a prosperous time for all and no one wanted to see that change. Life was good and everyone wanted it to remain that way.

Another knock sounded and in walked Kirk. I came to see how you were feeling.

Panic rose in Dawn. How did he know she had been ill this morning?

Your wound does not cause you too much pain I hope, he said as he approached the table.

Dawn smiled having again forgotten about her wound and waved for him to join her. He hurried to do so. She shook her head, pointing to her side that truly did not cause her as much discomfit as everyone assumed.

I am glad you are feeling well.

Dawn pointed to the food and her mouth.

You are hungry.

She nodded and handed him a piece of bread.

He shook his head. I have eaten, though my appetite is not what it should be. I worry about you and your mother. I do not want to see her suffer after all these years and I do not want any harm to befall you.

Dawn wondered what Ann Gerwan would do when she laid eyes on Kirk after all this time. And what would she do when she learned of Dawn? Would she want to meet her or would she want nothing to do with her? But more importantly what did she herself want from her true mother?

The King has sent a cleric? Lucerne all but screamed at Cree when she learned the news. But we are not to wed for at least a months time yet. Does he expect us to wed sooner?

Cree hadnt thought of that. Could that be why the cleric had arrived early? Did he have a message from the King for the wedding to proceed immediately? He had to solve the riddle of Dawns birth soon or all could be lost. If he had been concerned for just himself, he would take Dawn and go off with her and to hell with everything. They could be happy together just the two of them. But it wasnt only about him. It was about all the men who had fought beside him and the women who had endured hardships with the promise that one day they would all have a home.

He could not disappoint them; he would not.

There are preparations to consider and my wedding dress is not finished yet. Lucerne wrung her hands. This is a nightmare. It cannot be; I will not stand for it.

For once Cree agreed with the distraught woman, though he had no response for her and was relieved when one of his warriors entered the Great Hall to inform Cree that Gerwans caravan was near.

Lucerne jumped up and hurried to fetch her white fur-lined cloak from the nearby bench. We must be waiting on the steps to greet them or my father will think you disrespect him. Her frown, which had seemed perpetual, suddenly disappeared and she smiled causing Cree to catch his breath at how stunningly beautiful she was. Mother on the other hand would worry if I was not there to greet her. She has always worried over me.

Cree realized then how much Lucerne loved her mother and it troubled him as to what would become of her when the truth was revealed. But if she was the one behind the plot to kill Dawn it wouldnt matter, she would get what she deserved. But if she wasnt, then she would be an innocent victim of this whole ruse just like Dawn.

Hurry, Lucerne shouted when Cree hadnt moved and then realized her error and sought to correct it. I am sorry, my lord, I am excited to see my mo" She bit at her lower lip for a moment, squeezed her eyes shut, rubbed at her head, and then opened them slowly and calmly said, I am eager to see my parents.

Cree stood. Then we should not keep them waiting.

Lucerne smiled and nodded and waited for him to come and offer his arm. Reluctantly, he did and they walked out of the keep to wait on the steps, though not before he cast a glance to Sloan to follow.

Sloan who had sat silently at the dais listening to their exchange cringed and followed them out.

It wasnt long before the caravan approached and came to a halt in front of the keep steps. Cree couldnt help but notice that while the villagers had gathered to watch Gerwans arrival not one of them cheered his entrance.

That Gerwan was perturbed was obvious as he remained mounted on his horse with an arrogant tilt of his head and waited for Cree to approach him.

Lucerne went to step forward and Cree held her back. She shot him a disapproving glance.

I am lord of this land and your father will pay me the respect due me.

Lucerne did not argue with him; she remained by his side.

Cree stood firm at the top of the steps and Roland Gerwan remained rooted on his horse. Then Cree saw Ann Gerwan alight from the wagon with the help of a young warrior who kept pace behind her. She was a tall, slender woman much like Dawn and with plain features as well, though there was an elegance about her that caught the eye and made one think to bow before her. She walked over to her husband and laid a gentle hand on his leg while she spoke with him.

Gerwan huffed and puffed and snapped at his wife, but in the end he dismounted his horse and held his arm out for her to take and with regal steps they climbed the keep stairs side by side.

Lucerne made a move to step forward and Cree held her in place once again. And as Gerwan reached the step beneath them, he waited for the man to bow and pay his respects. Cree wasnt surprised when Ann stepped forward, no doubt knowing her husband wouldnt.

Ann bowed her head gracefully. We are pleased to finally have arrived at your home, Lord Carrick.

The village appears to have prospered, Gerwan said with a nod. It is good that you have worked the peasants hard. They can be a lazy lot if you dont have a heavy hand with them.