Cree stopped abruptly when he reached the dais. The cleric sat next to Gerwan. He was a man of medium height and slender form and garbed in costly garments.

Gerwan unwisely continued. And to have blatantly insulted my daughter, your future wife, by leaving us to go to your mistress is inexcusable. She had to excuse herself and retreat to her chambers suffering from a headache you no doubt caused. You owe her and everyone else here an apology. But then I dont know why I waste my time explaining this to you. How could a barbarian know anything about civility?

Cree reached across the table so fast that Gerwan had no chance to react. Crees hand had him by the neck and slammed his head down on the table directly next to the clerics hand. Youd be wise to remember that I am a barbarian and that I would think nothing of cutting out your tongue for daring to reprimand me.

Gerwan tried to speak but Cree only tightened his grip and the man choked for a breath.

If you dare speak to me in such an insulting manner again, I will see you put in the stocks for all to see, and then I will show you what true barbarians do to their captives.

He released Gerwan who choked for a breath and when he finally got one, he continued to hungrily grasp for more. Ann stood to try and help her husband but he shoved her away with such force that she stumbled, though luckily fell to sit in her chair.

My son, the cleric Mathias said.

Im not your son, Cree said curtly. Do you have a message from the King for me?

I do and"

Not another word, Cree ordered. My solar now. He then turned to Flanna who was standing to the side. Go tell Sloan I want him in my solar and assign a servant to look after Lucerne.

Yes, my lord, Flanna said and hurried off to do his bidding.

Cree didnt wait for the cleric to stand and follow him, he proceeded to his solar. The cleric entered several minutes after Cree and took a seat by the hearth. Sloan entered a few moments later closing the door behind him and latching it.

Cree took a seat by the cleric while Sloan stood to the side of the hearth.

Tell me, Cree commanded.

The cleric didnt keep him waiting or attempt to chastise him. The King wishes your wedding to proceed with haste. He wants to make certain that you secure this land.

Cree thought of telling him about the possibility that Lucerne wasnt Gerwans daughter, but that would set things into motion that could prove more harmful than helpful. It was better that the cleric didnt know anything until he had some proof to show him. Otherwise the man might think he was concocting a story to delay the wedding. How then did he actually delay the wedding?

I will unite you and Lucerne on Sunday in five days time, the cleric announced.

Sloan spoke up. Lucerne will not be pleased. Her wedding dress is not yet done.

Then put more women on the task or she will be wed in a different gown, the cleric said annoyed at such a petty excuse. The King has spoken and so it shall be done. He turned to Cree. Now, my son, you must cleanse yourself of this wicked woman. Tell me of the sinful things she has made you do so that you may cleanse yourself of such evil.

Cree was about to lurch out of the chair when he felt Sloans hand clamp down on his shoulder. He tempered his anger as best he could and said with a coldness that had even Sloan shivering, What I have done to this woman is nothing compared to other evil I have committed. You do not have enough time or the stomach to hear all the wicked things I have done. Keep your distance from me cleric Mathias or you too will be touched by unspeakable evil.

Though the cleric eased away from Cree, he said, I can help save your soul, my son.

The devil got my soul a long time ago and theres no getting it back. Though Cree couldnt help but wonder if, by some miracle, Dawn had latched onto his soul and was beginning to bring it out of the abyss.

Cleric Mathias stood and moved further away from Cree. The King also requested that I stop at the abbey to see how your sister was doing.

Cree didnt care for this news. Why would the King concern himself with Wintra?

The abbess was pleased that you had finally sent for your sister. It seems that Wintra is a spirited lass and is like her brother when it came to following rules. Though it had taken time, the abbess insisted that Wintra had learned the proper behavior for a young woman.

Wintra had had an independent nature since the day she had been born and she had always been inquisitive wanting to know everything. Cree hoped they hadnt changed his sister that much. She also had been a loving and affectionate child. He had hated the day he had left her at the abbey and tried to explain that he had had no choice that at least there she would be kept safe. She had wanted none of it. She had wanted to go with Cree, had begged him to take her. His heart had broken completely that day when he rode off and left her crying and screaming his name.

The nuns were busy packing her things and getting Wintra ready for her return home to her brother, the cleric said. The abbess was thrilled when I told her what plans the King had for Wintra.

Crees heart lurched in his chest and he felt every muscle in his body tense. What plans?

The King feels that you have served him well and he is pleased with your beneficial marriage arrangement and so that you do not have to worry over your sisters future he is preparing a similar marriage arrangement for her.

Cree sprang out of the chair. The King was looking to benefit himself and no one else. To who?

The King did not share that information with me. I am sure he will let you know in due time. But rest your mind, the abbess insisted that Wintra has acquired all the skills necessary to serve as an obedient wife.

Cree had hoped to arrange a marriage for his sister. One that she approved of not one forced on her. He had also wanted to have some time with her before she wed and went off with her husband. He supposed he wanted to make amends for having been forced to leave her at the abbey. Did you tell my sister the news?

The cleric shook his head. Of course not, it was not my place, though I cannot say whether the abbess spoke to her about it or not. Regardless, this would be exciting news for her. It isnt every day the King arranges a marriage for a peasant lass. Wintra is a lucky young woman.

There was some truth to his words, but Cree couldnt help but think that Wintra might not agree.

Chapter Twenty-five.

No soon as Lila left Dawn, then a knock sounded and Elsa entered.

Ive come to see how your wound fairs, Elsa said placing her healing basket on the table.

Dawn smiled and nodded to let her know that the wound was doing well.

It doesnt pain you?

Dawn held up two fingers barely separated.

Elsa nodded. A little that is good, but I will have a look anyway.

Dawn removed her blouse and eased down her skirt to make it easy for Elsa to examine the wound. Elsa thoughtfully draped a shawl over her so that she would not take a chill. She talked as she unwound the bandage.

All is well with you and Cree now that he knows of the babe?

Dawn broke into a huge smile and nodded vigorously.

Elsa seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. I am so happy and relieved to hear that. And I wouldnt doubt that he has a plan to see that you two wed.

Dawns eyes popped wide.

Elsa patted Dawns shoulder. He would never let a child of his be born a bastard, though he had expressed concern over your affliction being passed on to a babe.

Dawn shrugged, her eyes questioning, and her finger counting off the fingers on her other hand wanting to know when Cree asked this of her.

Not recently. It was when he talked to me about preventing conception.

Dawn, herself, had feared passing on her affliction to her child and she had also worried that Cree would not want a child with her for that very reason. But since he had learned of the babe he had not mentioned the possibility and she wondered if it troubled him.

She certainly did not want her child to suffer as she had, but then with Cree as her father she would have a far better life than Dawn had had as a child. And if what Kirk McClusky said was true, it would mean that if Dawn gave birth to a daughter then she would surely be voiceless just like all the McClusky women before her. But then Old Mary had predicted she would have a son, but what would happen when she had a daughter?

Do not worry yourself, Elsa said with another pat to her shoulder. Your child will be who he is meant to be and I have no doubt that Cree will love him with his whole heart just as he does you.

Love. Yes, Cree loved strongly, though he never spoke the words. She wondered what kept him from telling her.

The wound looks good. No swelling and only a minimum of redness. You were lucky. It could have been much worse.

The subject was soon changed and after helping Dawn back on with her blouse Elsa sat to talk with her about birthing. She wasnt surprised to learn that most women hadnt wanted Dawn to help in their births. Superstition ran rampant in the Highlands and naturally the women would worry that somehow Dawns affliction would affect their babes.

Elsa told her about some births she attended, some stories making her laugh and others bringing a tear to her eye. If Elsas intentions were to ease her mind about giving birth, she had. They parted with a hug and Dawn set to work placing what was left of the food in the basket to be collected later.

Dawn turned a chair to the fire and sat feeling a bit tired, though content at least for the moment and she would take each moment one at a time and enjoy those she could. She did wonder what was going on at the keep and was anxious for Flanna to visit and let her know. She also expected Cree to share any news with her. He had promised to trust her just as she trusted him. So there was no reason for him to keep anything from her.

A large yawn let her know just how tired she was actually feeling and she decided a nap would do her and the babe good. She walked into the other room, got under the warm blankets, and fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.

Cree was glad to see that by the time he returned to the Great Hall everyone had taken their leave and would not return until the evening meal was served. He sent one of his men to let Kirk McClusky and his son to know that it was safe for them to meet and that they were to come to his solar.

Sloan waited along with Cree, both men enjoying a tankard of ale.

Anything to tell me about Lucerne? Cree asked.

Sloan shook his head slowly. That woman is crazy. One minute shes ranting, the next shes crying, and then all of a sudden shes nice, not that it lasts long, but the nice part of her, miniscule as it is, isnt bad. Her mother is with her now and it seems as if her presence has calmed her.

You sound as if you feel sorry for her and perhaps thats exactly how she wants you to feel.

Sloan rubbed the back of his neck. I thought about that and Ive made sure to stay aware, but so far I havent seen anything that would have me believing that she is somehow involved with wanting Dawn dead.

Keep searching.

Damn, how long are you going to punish me?

Cree didnt answer, the door opened and Kirk and Torr entered. The two men joined Cree and Sloan and tankards were filled and talk began.

I think the best thing for us to do is to have me approach Ann privately and confirm for certain that Dawn is my daughter, Kirk said.

Cree agreed. Yes, we definitely need confirmation on that. And we need to move fast since the cleric intends to perform the wedding ceremony on Sunday. Id like to have proof before then that Lucerne is not Gerwans daughter.

I worry that Lady Gerwan will deny it, Torr said. She would be condemning herself and Lucerne if she did. She has lived with the lie all these years. Why tell the truth now and risk so much. And if she does do that, what is left for us to do? He turned to his father. Do you call her a liar in front of all?

Kirk shook his head. I could never do that.

What then do we do? Torr asked.

We do what must be done, Cree said as if issuing an edict.

Torr looked to Cree. Does that mean letting Dawn go with us, her family, where she will be safe?

Cree stared at him for several silent moments and Torr held his gaze, not giving him the satisfaction of looking away.

Cree lunged forward in his seat and jabbed a finger in Torrs direction. You must be deaf or aching for another punch. Ive told you repeatedly that Dawn is mine. She belongs here with me and here is where she will stay. We will find a way to see this done.

No one said a word, but all wondered who would be the one to suffer in the end.

Dawn stretched herself awake. Her stomach grumbled letting her know that she had slept longer than she had planned. She got out of bed with another stretch and then a rub to her lower back. She was still feeling the remnants of sleep when she entered the other room at the same time the door opened and Cree walked in.

She smiled and wondered if it was later than she had thought. Yet no supper had been left on the table for her, so what was Cree doing here? Not that it mattered; she was glad to see him and went straight into his arms. Her arms whipped around his neck and she kissed him with such passion that he instantly hardened against her.

I love the way you greet me, he said nuzzling his face in her neck and then playfully nipping along her warm skin. I missed you and wanted to see you since it will be several hours before I can return to you.

She poked him letting him know that she felt the same... she missed him and was glad he was there with her.

There isnt a time I dont want you, he whispered in her ear. Though at the moment I must be content to simply hold you and that I dont mind doing at all. You were fashioned for my arms, a perfect fit.

She tapped his lips to let him know that their lips fit each other perfectly as well, and then proved it with a slow kiss that was filled with as much passion as the last and had him growing even harder.

Cree groaned and reluctantly eased her away from him, though it was a struggle. His mind was already stripping her of her garments and feeling himself slipping into her. He stepped back quickly and held her at arms length with more resolve than he thought he had, though wished he didnt.

Later tonight, I promise I will satisfy your need for me and mine for you. Until then be good and behave. He stepped away from her and she pouted and damn if he didnt want to nip and suck on her lower lip that he was certain she had stuck out on purpose. Flanna will bring your food soon, he snapped annoyed that their time together was always limited and turned away from her.

Cree flung the door open before he could change his mind and Elwin stood there as if he had just been about to knock. Old Mary has requested to see Dawn at her cottage.

Have you checked the area? Cree asked.

Every bit of the short distance from here to there and the surrounding area, Elwin assured him.

Cree turned to Dawn to find that she had already slipped on her cloak and was ready to go. He pointed his finger at her. Then men will escort you there and back. You will go nowhere else. Understood?

Dawn nodded as she waved him anxiously out the door.

Now you want me gone? he asked sounding disappointed.

She grinned and purposely allowed her hand to skim slowly and tauntingly across his hardened groin as she eased passed him out the door. She was tugged back against him after only taking two steps.

His arm rested snug around her waist and he planted his mouth next to her ear and whispered, You will suffer the consequences for that little teasing taunt later.

He gave her a playful shove away from him and when she was out of arms reach she smiled sweetly, shrugged, and crossed her heart asking if that was a promise. He scowled, though smiled and before he could step forward, she turned and tugged at Elwins arm to hurry him along.