life without him. The feeling and thought confuse me, and if this should prove to be love then it is very strange indeed, for there is more hurt and pain to love than there is joy and peace.”
Chapter 13
A chill wind blew down from the north and many felt it was the breath of the barbarians bearing down on them, when it was simply a reminder of winter’s approach.
Remnants of last night’s attack, however, did little to remind them that the wind was harmless. Roofs bore holes from the fiery torches, fences were broken, their pieces scattered; the storehouse was ransacked, and the wounded lay suffering. Fear needed to be eased in the hearts and minds of the clanswomen and anger assuaged in the men.
The best way to do that was to keep everyone busy, and that is what Fiona had been doing since last night. She got not a wink of sleep; she was much too busy seeing to clan duties for a healing chieftain. She encouraged those in need and displayed confidence to those looking for leadership, which she did with ease and grace. And her efforts were met with appreciation. Several damaged roofs were already repaired, fences were being mended, stock being taken of the storehouse, and the wounded were finally finding relief from their pain, thanks to the brew Aliss had the women make and administer.
Fiona indeed had things well in hand most impressively by the time Tarr woke, when he was forced to eat breakfast by Aliss, made to wear a sling with her threat of death if he should remove it, and then before he left his chamber, warned he was not to overtax himself.
From the steps of the keep, Tarr stared in amazement at the amount of repair work that had been accomplished. He learned that guard posts had been doubled at his north borders and established along route so that any news of impending attack would be learned of in a more timely matter. He stood speechless.
“I tell you, Tarr, she—they—whoever commands in your stead is worthy of leadership,” Kirk said. “She rallied the people, not waiting for someone to take command. With many in shock and still frightened, they were drawn to her courage and strength and followed willingly, and gratefully. I saw no reason to remind her she was not chieftain, for she certainly possessed the skills of a knowledgeable laird.”
Tarr watched Fiona scoop a little puppy up that had peeked its head out of a barrel. She hugged the black pup to her and then deposited him in the lap of a little girl, Grenda, who looked to have spent the night crying. She laughed when the puppy licked her face and she hugged him tight. They were soon romping around together and other children joined in.
When Fiona caught sight of Tarr, she waved, smiled and hurried over to him.
“I need to help with the thatching,” Kirk said and took off.
Tarr was glad for the time alone with Fiona. He had begun to believe more and more that it was Fiona he had spent his days with, had kissed so often, and looked so forward to seeing.
She had to be Fiona; he could not be wrong. Though just a feeling, it was a feeling that overwhelmed him. Then there was that lopsided smile of hers, which was not always visible and which lead him to believe that perhaps a distinction did exist between the twins.
“Feeling well?” she asked.
“Some pain but nothing unbearable.” He noticed that she wore the same garments as yesterday, and understood then that it was the twins’ habit to alternate their daily skirts and blouses, while continuing to wear identical garments. Just another way of fooling the eye. “Did you sleep at all?”
“No time,” she said, and pointed to several roofs and the storehouse. “Some work required immediate attention.”
Tarr looked around at the damage that had been done and the remarkable work already completed.
“Should you be up and about so soon?” she asked.
Concern not only filled her voice but her lovely green eyes as well. Had he not seen worry in the other twin’s eyes and concern for his well-being?
Fiona answered her own question. “If I were chieftain, nothing would stop me from seeing to the defense of my clan.”
Those words and the conviction with which they were issued is what he had wanted to hear from the woman he would call wife. From what he had seen, she was a fine example of a woman,