So were all of you, Addie said with a laugh. And glad I was of it.

The women laughed.

Cavan knelt beside the bed and reached out to tenderly touch his wifes face. I cant believe"

Neither can I. Honora laughed, then winced.

You are in pain? Cavan asked anxiously, and turned to Zia.

It is normal and will pa.s.s, she said, to Cavans relief.

Soon everyone was taking turns hovering over the twins, taking hold of their tiny hands.

It was Lachlan who asked, Have you thought of names?

Cavan looked to his wife and she smiled. The firstborn Honora nodded to her right to let everyone know who that twin was.

will be named Tavish, for Father.

Addie wiped a tear from her eye.

The second, Cavan said, pointing to the little lad in Honoras left arm, will be named" He stopped and looked to his mother. "Ronan.

Addie couldnt contain her tears, and it was Bethane who went to her and slipped an arm around her. What an honor that will be for him when he returns.

Artair felt a sting to his heart. Did Bethane know something they didnt? But then, that seemed to be her way. He caught the same questioning look in Cavans eyes that had to be in his own, and sensed that his brother would speak with Bethane about Ronan.

I think there are some who need rest, Bethane said, glancing around the room. She nodded to Addie, and the two women each took a babe from Honora. Cavan, you may visit for a while with your wife and sons, though they will sleep. And Zia She turned to her granddaughter. You need to rest.

Artair was pleased that Zia didnt argue. She simply nodded, and along with Lachlan, they were shooed out of the room.

Ill see to the bishop, Lachlan said, and gave Zia a hug. Thank you for helping Honora and the babes. This is surely a joyful day.

I am pleased to help and will do the same for you and your wife.

Lachlan walked off laughing.

Artair walked with Zia to their bedchamber, yawns attacking Zia the whole way.

I am bone-tired, she said when they entered the room.

Ill see you settled in bed and then I must go see to the bishop. With Cavan occupied, I cant have the bishop roaming around on his own, especially with those from your village here.

Zia sighed as if she didnt want to ask but felt it a necessity. Tell me of the bishop.

Artair told her as he helped her disrobe and slip into a soft wool nightdress. Her beauty wasnt lost on him, but he contained his pa.s.sion. She was tired and he had to see to the bishop.

He is a man sharp of mind and clear of sight. I do not believe he is a man easily fooled, though I do believe he is a fair man.

Why? she asked, standing still as he tied the ribbon at her chest.

I cant say why. Theres something about his eyes that tells me as much. He shook his head. It doesnt make sense. Its as if I know him, and yet I dont.

I trust your opinion, she said on a yawn.

And you trust me to keep you safe? he asked spreading his arms around her to draw her up close against him.

You neednt keep asking me that, she said, and with another yawn rested her head on his shoulder. I know without doubt that you will protect me.

He scooped her up into his arms, fighting the notion to drop down in bed with her and make love to her. Good. Then you can sleep without worry.

She slipped her arms around his neck, nuzzling the crevices with her lips before whispering, If I werent so tired we would"

Dont say it! he snapped. Im already fighting the overwhelming urge to make love to you.

Good, then it isnt only my pa.s.sion I feel.

He laid her carefully down on the bed and pulled the wool blanket over her.

She grabbed his arm and tucked him down close to her. It is you, not I, who cast a spell, for I cannot be near you without my pa.s.sion soaring.

You tempt me too much, woman, he said with a growl, fighting the l.u.s.t that had grabbed firm hold of his loins.

We could be quick, she teased with a gentle nip at his lips.

d.a.m.n, he mumbled, and continued mumbling as he threw the blanket back to touch her intimately, only to find her wet and ready. That was it, he was finished, he had to have her and he entered her with a sharp quickness that had her crying out in pleasure.

It was a fast mating, but a thoroughly satisfying one that had both of them sighing with the beauty of it.

Tonight, I will take my time with you, he said, bending over the bed to kiss her before he left.

Promises, promises, she chortled, and waved him off.

He playfully grabbed her chin. I will make you squirm with the want of me.

You always make me squirm with the want of you.

Then I will make you beg.

She laughed, though a yawn interrupted. Youve done that too.

He caressed her cheek gently. Then tell me what it is you want.

She sighed, her eyes already closing. Simply love me.

Chapter 31.

Artair went in search of Cavan an hour later. He found him just coming out of the bedchamber after visiting with his wife and newborn twins.

They all sleep, Cavan said softly. Now what of the bishop?

He is exploring the village and talking with the people, Artair said.

Cavan said nothing until after they walked down the stairs and entered the solar, closing the door behind them. He will also come upon those from the village Black.

They have been made aware of the situation.

Zia knows to remain out of sight? Cavan asked.

Artair nodded. No doubt it will be hours before she wakes, and when she does she will immediately want to check on Honora and the babes, and then there is her grandmother to visit with.

Cavan nodded. Bethane. A most gracious and wise woman, so Ive learned. And I believe one who knows more than she says.

You intend to speak to her about Ronan.

I do, and she knows it, for she told me privately that she would talk with me about my brother when I was ready.

Ready? Artair asked.

I wondered what she meant, the same as you. Then I thought perhaps I should be ready to hear dire news.

Artair shook his head. I dont believe so. Besides, Bethane could have meant that with so much going on"the birth of the babes, the bishops arrival"you had no time to talk about Ronan just now.

And she would have been right. We must settle this matter and see that Zia is freed of these senseless, vicious, and dangerous charges. I will feel better when you two finally exchange vows, for then she legally has the Sinclare name to protect her.

My thoughts as well, Artair said.

Cavan rubbed the back of his neck. I suppose the bishop knows of the birth of my sons?

He does, though I let it be known that mother and sons still required Zias attention. He asked that you, Lachlan, and me, and also Mother if she is not needed to help with the babes, to join him for the noon meal. It was more of a command than a request, I must say.

It is best we comply. We dont want to give him any reason to believe us uncooperative.

Agreed.

In the meantime keep a close watch on him.

I have Patrick trailing him.

A knock interrupted any further conversation, and a warrior who had been sent to see that the cleric made it to the keep as soon as possible entered.

Artair felt his stomach plummet. From the warriors dire expression, he could sense that something was wrong.

The cleric has been taken ill at a village and isnt fit to travel, the man said. It might be a day or more before he is able to resume his journey.

Artair refused to allow this setback to defeat him. If he did, he could very well lose Zia. We must keep the bishop busy with his investigation until the cleric can get here, he said to Cavan when the warrior left.

His brother was about to agree when another knock sounded at the door.

Another warrior entered. One of the sentinels has reported a lone rider approaching from the east.

How long before he arrives? Cavan asked.

Thirty minutes or more.

Intercept him and find out what he wants on Sinclare land, Cavan ordered.

The two brothers looked at each other, both sensing something was not right. It wasnt long before their fears were confirmed. The rider was from the village Lorne. He was sent to bear witness to marriage doc.u.ments and to talk on behalf of his village with the bishop. Cavan couldnt prevent his arrival. If he did, his actions would only make Zia appear guilty.

The man was greeted as any other visitor would be, and when the bishop found out who he was, requested his presence at the noon day meal.

The great hall was empty except for the Sinclares, the bishop, and the messenger, Neil. The tension was thick in the air. Even Champion felt it, the dog standing stiffly to the side of the hearth as if on alert and ready to protect.

The servants were quiet and solemn whenever they entered the hall, and didnt remain long. The mood remained dour as the meal began and the silence hung heavy. At Champions bark, everyone jumped, but then had to smile at the way he ran to greet a smiling Addie.

Bishop Aleatus, it is an honor to have you in our home and at such an auspicious time, she said with a respectful bow to the man. I would be honored if you were to bestow blessings on my grandsons.

A gracious request to which I would be only too pleased to consent, the bishop answered with a smile, the only smile since his arrival. Please sit by me.

Addie eagerly joined him, her smile still br.i.m.m.i.n.g.

Talk turned general, and seeing that his mothers smiling presence had changed the charged atmosphere, Artair was grateful to her. She talked of the beautiful service a cleric had conducted for her husbands funeral and the strength she derived from her daily devotionals.

The bishop conversed mainly with her, which Artair noticed made the messenger Neil, all the more uncomfortable. Finally, the wiry little fellow snapped.

The witch has bewitched her, he blurted.

Why say you that? the bishop asked.

He stammered for a moment before regaining control of his tongue. The witch told us to pray for our loved ones.

She did? the bishop asked curiously.

He nodded. She claimed shed pray too, but it was the devil she prayed to.

But your people got better, didnt they? Artair asked, knowing full well they had.

Every one of them, Neil said, his hands trembling. And that isnt right. Not a one of the ill died. Even the ones everyone thought for sure wouldnt make it survived.

Zia is a good healer, Artair confirmed, and his brothers agreed with a nod, as did Addie.

No, no, Neil insisted. She let the devil steal their souls, and when they die theyll burn forever in the fires of h.e.l.l.