Stubborn and foolish is more like it. The twins are good for the clan, both of them.”
“One will distract the other,” Tarr insisted.
“I saw no distraction during battle or otherwise. They do what they must, and they do it well together. They would bring honor to our clan.”
“They would spend too much time together.”
“Perfect, then you will not have a wife who constantly harps at you. She will be busy with her sister,” Kirk argued.
“Her duties are to me.” Tarr pounded his chest. “And I will suffer no harping wife.”
Kirk laughed. “You have much to learn, harping is inherent in all women.”
Both men laughed.
“At least give it thought.”
“Believe me I have,” Tarr admitted. “While the twins can make me insane at times, I also respect the battle they wage with me to remain together. It takes courage to defy a chieftain.”
“A mulish one at that.”
“You need not remind me so often.”
“You would do the same for me and you have when it came to Erin.”
“It was obvious the woman cared for you and you completely ignored the signs.”
“Perhaps you do the same yourself,” Kirk said.
“What do you mean?”
“There are times one of the twins looks at you as—as”—Kirk threw his hands in the air—“the way a woman does when she is interested.”
“You are sure of this?”
“Erin is, and women know women.”
“I have been trying to discover a way that would help me distinguish one from the other. Just when I think I have it, I find myself right back where I started. They are too alike.”
“I know what you mean. Though I think it is a good charade they play. They make it seem that both twins can heal and both are good with weapons, but”—Kirk shook his head—“I do not believe it is so. It is a fine ruse they play on us.”
“I agree and that is why I am determined to discover which twin is which, then I will marry—”
“The one you care for?”
“I do not care—”
“It is me, Kirk you speak with, and we have spoken nothing but the truth to each other these many years.”
“I am attracted to one,” Tarr admitted reluctantly.
“You are not sure which one.”
“As I said when I think I have just discovered which one is which, they play with my senses and then I am not sure.”
“Watch their eyes, Erin says it is in the eyes that one sees love,” Kirk said, his voice growing lower and lower. “Start now, for one approaches.” Kirk stepped away. “I will see to the matter immediately.” With a quick grin he was gone.
Tarr remained focused on the storehouse, hearing the footfalls grow closer.
“Feeling well today?”
He turned and felt as if he received a swift punch to his gut. She looked lovely, her round face freshly scrubbed and shining, her fiery red hair piled on her head with curls falling everywhere around her neck and face, her simple dress appealing since her blouse always hugged her ample breasts, and her eyes . . .
He took a moment to stare at them. They sparkled with life. Was there love there somewhere?
“You look as if you drift off,” Fiona said.
Tarr shook his head. “I am fine, just giving thought to the storehouse.”
“Strange, is it not?” she asked, walking over to the open door and peering inside.
He bristled over the absence of her touch. He had not wanted to admit it to himself, but he favored her touch, be it simple or more intimate. He liked when she touched him.
“That the storehouse was ransacked, but nothing was taken?” he asked.
Fiona turned with a nod. “I have wondered over it since the men informed me of it.”
“Your conclusion?”
“As we had discussed, they searched for something.”
“I still cannot figure out what or who they searched for. We have nothing here of value to the barbarians. They did not rob from the storehouse or take any cattle. We were right; they look for someone.”
Fiona agreed with a nod. “The clue here is that they kept their distance from the keep, which means whomever they look for is not worthy enough to reside in your keep. Perhaps a traveler has passed this way recently?”
“None that I recall, and I usually know when there are any strangers among us.”
“We need to learn more about the Wolf clan.”
“Agreed,” Tarr said. “I intend to speak with Raynor at length.”
“I will join you,” Fiona said, and stepped next to him.
He did not think of denying her. He respected her opinion and ideas and he liked that she