I would wager a bet on it and I know someone who could confirm this.

Old Mary, Sloan said with a grin, though it faded fast.

Youre thinking what I should have realized long before, Cree said heading for the door. Old Marys life could be in just as much danger as Dawns.

Dawn almost collided with Torr if it wasnt for his hand grabbing hold of her arm and steadying her.

Where are you off to in such a hurry? he asked releasing her arm once her feet found firm footing.

Shell not be going anywhere without Crees permission, Elwin said stepping forward.

Dawn rolled her eyes at Torr and held her hands up in prayer pleading with him for help.

He smiled and winked at her, then turned to Elwin. Im sure Cree wouldnt mind if I accompanied Dawn to her destination.

Dawn sent Elwin a hopeful look.

Send one of the guards to let Cree know where well be, Torr said and turned to Dawn.

Dawn hunched over and gnarled her fingers to let them know she wanted to go see Old Mary.

Old Marys, Torr confirmed with a nod. Thats not far and Im sure Cree would not object.

Elwin sent one of the guards off to the keep to notify Cree, and then ordered two guards to follow behind Dawn while he took the lead. Torr walked alongside Dawn.

Torr lowered his voice. My father had hoped to talk with you away from your cottage and prying eyes, but I see that may be impossible.

She nodded. She would not slip off and give Cree reason to worry, though she did wonder if he would be perturbed with her for not waiting for him to take her to Old Marys. He had wanted her to keep close to him, but this was so important. What if Old Mary was in danger at this minute and she had waited. She would never forgive herself. Besides, she intended to pay heed to the old womans words and trust no one until all the secrets were brought to light and she could determine for herself who was friend or foe. Therefore, she would make certain not to go anywhere with guards she was unfamiliar with.

Old Mary was at the door as if expecting them, but then she probably knew they were coming. Her knowing frightened some in the village, but those who were friends accepted her uncanny knowledge.

Dawn was relieved to see her standing there well and safe.

Come in, come in, Old Mary said with a smile. The others will be here shortly.

Others, Torr asked what Dawn was about to.

Cree and Sloan are on their way, she said. Sit and enjoy the hot cider Flanna just brought. It will help warm against the cold.

Dawn had been so intent on getting to Old Marys that she hadnt realize how bitter the air had turned, but she felt it now in her ice cold hands.

Another storm I daresay, Old Mary said. Its a bitter winter well be having this year. It is a good thing Cree stored well for the winter. Not a one of us will starve.

Old Mary went on about the weather and recalled a few harsh winter storms she had survived, some barely when finally she stopped and looked at the door.

It opened a moment later and in strode Cree, Sloan behind him.

Dawn smiled having wondered while Old Mary chatted if Cree had come to the same conclusion as she had... that Old Mary could be in danger. After all they did think much alike and so she was pleased when he confirmed her suspicions, though he sent her a sharp scowl as he walked over to her. A warning that he was not pleased that she had left the cottage.

You realized the same that I have, Cree said and bent down to whisper in her ear while giving her shoulder a squeeze. And of course you had to come and make certain the old woman was all right, though next time you will notify me and wait until I come for you.

Dawn kept her smile and nodded.

What realization? Torr asked.

That my life might be in danger, Old Mary answered and had them all staring at her. She grinned and shook her head. You need not worry. I was wise enough to keep secrets myself.

Its time to share them, Cree said and it wasnt a request. Let me get you started. The woman, who loving raised Dawn, is Lucernes birth mother, isnt she?

Old Mary nodded slowly and curled her gnarled fingers around her tankard as best she could. Yes, Lizbeth is Lucernes birth mother.

Dawn was stunned by the news and glanced up at Cree wondering how long he had known.

He seemed to understand her unanswered question. I only just realized it myself and came here to confirm it and to make certain that Old Mary was safe. He looked to Old Mary and commanded, Tell us what happened.

Old Mary looked to Dawn and spoke to her as if she was the only one in the room. Do you recall when I told you that it took a strong heart and much love to do what your mother did that night you were born?

Dawn nodded.

It was your mother Lizbeth I was speaking of, for she was the one true mother that night. She had barely given birth to Lucerne when I arrived with you in my arms. Lizbeth had lost her husband two months earlier. He had gone off to battle and never returned and she was barely surviving on her own. She had worried how she would manage once the babe was born.

Lady Ann had ordered food and items that could be bartered, those combs she gave you being one of them, offered to a woman who would take you and surrender their newborn babe. Lizbeth saw this as a way for her daughter to have a good life and in return she swore to give the precious, voiceless babe, her new daughter, a good life as well. I had no doubts about handing you over to Lizbeth. I knew she would love you as her own and she did.

Dawn smiled and nodded, a single tear slipping down her cheek.

What arent you telling us? Cree demanded.

You have a knowing of your own, Lord Cree, Old Mary said with a grin.

No, I know people and its obvious there is more to your story, so tell us... what caused you to follow Lizbeth?

Old Mary nodded as if confirming for herself that Crees astuteness bordered on the intuitive. Once a peasant knows a secret, her life is never safe. I made sure that Lucerne was settled safely with Lady Ann who was overjoyed with the blond-haired babe and then I took my leave, meeting up with Lizbeth. It wasnt easy for her to find a village or clan where she and Dawn would be accepted, which is why they moved around so much. There were times I wondered how she managed. I kept a close eye on them, but never became involved until I settled here in Dowell to make sure it was safe and then I got in touch with Lizbeth and had her join me.

Why take the chance of settling in a village that belonged to Gerwan? Cree asked. You took a chance of Dawn being discovered.

I knew it was inevitable that Dawns identity would be discovered.

Why?

A secret is no secret when more than one person knows it, Old Mary said and Cree nodded in agreement. And I knew that fate had great plans for Dawn and nothing I did could stop it, but I could help.

So you settled here and waited for fate to show the way, Cree said.

Old Mary nodded.

How is Magda involved in this? Cree asked.

Old Mary looked to Dawn. Someone saw us.

Dawn nodded and waited, curious to know the answer.

As I said Lizbeth was the truest of mothers and she wanted to make certain that her daughter was protected against any harm. She had a dear friend, much like Lila and Dawn are friends, whose husband was near to death and when he died she would not be able to work the croft on her own and would soon be homeless.

Magda, Cree said.

Old Mary nodded. Magda jumped at the chance not only to help her friend but herself as well. I took her to Lady Ann and convinced Lady Ann that she would make an excellent servant to tend the babe. She agreed without hesitation. A few years ago Lady Ann decided to replace Magda with a younger servant. Lucerne had grown very attached to Magda and made a fuss insisting that she be kept on to see to the care and stitching of her garments. Magda is brilliant when it comes to stitching garments. Lady Ann agreed.

So her visit was nothing more than wanting to see an old friend?

It hadnt been her first visit to me, Old Mary admitted and Cree cocked a brow at her. It seems that Lucerne was not her usual self and either was Bree. When she learned that Bree had accused Lucerne of taking a heavy hand to her, she was shocked. Lucerne had never touched Bree and she asked me to keep an eye on the young lass and see what she was up to.

So that was the reason you requested Bree to remain with you, Cree said.

I sensed the lass was troubled and with her staying close, I could better understand her problem. But Bree could be a sly one and was gone more often than here, especially at night when she thought I was sleeping. She would sneak out and not return until morning.

And you never thought to share this with me? Cree demanded.

Magda asked me to give my word that I would say nothing. She feared being taken away from Lucerne and leaving her unprotected. She saw that you had no patience with Lucerne and did not believe that she suffered headaches. She felt she had no choice but to remain silent. It is the way of things with a servants lot. Punishment can often be swift and unfair and so silence is often the best resort and" Old Mary gasped and stood as the door flung open and Elwin rushed in.

Kirk McClusky confronted Gerwan. Kirk lies injured and Gerwan lies dead.

Chapter Thirty-three.

Torr jumped up. How bad is my father?

A head wound with much bleeding; he lies unconscious, Elwin explained. Elsa is on her way to him now. She ordered that he not be moved until she can have a look at him.

Torr flew out the door.

What of Gerwan? Cree asked as Dawn stood. He took her hand and gave it a tug letting her know that she was to go nowhere without him.

Stabbed in the chest, Elwin said. Lady Ann is there. She is the one who discovered them. She was to meet McClusky there. Shes hysterical, blaming herself. A servant ran to get Lucerne to help her mother.

Cree gave Sloan a quick nod and he returned one in kind and hurried out the door. He then turned to Dawn. You will remain by my side and if you dont I will see us shackled together. And it will be done if you do not obey me on this. Do you understand?

Dawn nodded seeing an uncertainty in his eyes that frightened her.

You know, Old Mary said as the two walked to the door.

Cree turned. That more blood will be spilled before this day ends?

She nodded.

Whose blood will it be?

That I do not know. I only know that fate has finally revealed her hand.

Dawn realized that Cree worried that it would be her blood that would be spilled and she worried that it would be his. She squeezed his hand and moved closer to him as they hurried through the village.

He looked to her and gave a nod. I am glad you comprehend the importance of staying by my side.

She nodded, knowing her concern showed as clearly in her eyes as it did in his. And then she tapped his arm and held her hand up keeping two fingers close together.

You are telling me that I must do the same, stay close to you?

She nodded, her fear of losing him growing and the babe must have felt the same for her stomach roiled with the dreadful thought. Her hand went to her stomach causing Cree to stop abruptly.

You are not feeling well?

She shook her head and rested her head to his chest, laying her hand on his chest over his heart.

He slipped his finger beneath her chin and lifted her face to look at him. Do not worry yourself over me. Trust that I will keep you, our babe, and me safe.

She nodded, glad that the infamous Cree was by her side. They once again hurried along. They could hear Lady Anns wrenching cries as they approached the stables where the incident had taken place. At the same time Lucerne rushed past them, Sloan right behind her.

Cree shook his head at Sloan as he passed them and Sloan hurried his pace catching up with Lucerne and stopping her before she could enter the stable.

Let me go, she screeched at Sloan, holding her firmly in his arms.

It is better you wait here, Sloan said.

Cree and Dawn reached them. Your mother will join you shortly.

I want to see my father, Lucerne demanded through tears.

No, Cree said, as if issuing a final decree and turned away to enter the stable.

How dare you let your whore see my father and not me, Lucerne screamed.

Cree swung his head around. Your grief affords you some latitude and you have just used it all. Another disparaging remark about the woman I love and you will regret it.

Cree turned, though Dawn caught Sloans hand rushing to clamp tightly over Lucernes mouth.

As soon as Lady Ann saw Cree, she rushed away from the warrior, who she had been clinging to for support, and dropped before him. Forgive me, my lord, I could not stop him. Kirk insisted that no one was safe and the truth had to be made known. It was the only way to end all the madness. I begged him not to confront Roland, to let you handle it as you saw fit, but he refused.

Cree nodded to the warrior who had followed behind Lady Ann. Your daughter waits outside. We will talk later. He then motioned for two more warriors to join the other and issued orders. Escort Lady Ann and her daughter to the Great Hall and remain with them. And tell Sloan to join me.

Dawn should not see her father like this. She should join Lucerne and me, so that I may finally tell Lucerne the truth, Lady Ann said.