the manner of a man, and you cannot be sure who I am or what manner of woman I am.”
“Strength, honor, courage, I would say you possess all three.”
Aliss stepped forward, her eyes roaming over him slowly. “Arrogant, demanding, impatient, I think you possess all three.”
Gasps could be heard but were interrupted by Tarr’s thunderous laugh.
“Your tongue is quick and sharp,” Tarr said, his laughter subsided.
“She must be Fiona,” Leith insisted, walking to stand beside Tarr.
“Are you sure about that?” Fiona asked. As the two men stared at Aliss, she moved next to her sister so that they appeared mirror images of each other. “Tell me you are certain I am not Fiona.”
Leith moved his mouth, yet no words emerged.
Tarr did not react; he simply glanced from one twin to the other.
“I demand Fiona step forward,” Leith said sharply.
The women looked at each other, then to Leith and laughed.
Fiona caught the corner of Tarr’s mouth twitch as if to laugh before his expression turned stern and uncompromising. He finding them humorous made him less intimidating to her.
“I have a few days before I must return home. I can be patient,” he said, looking to Aliss.
“Time will not help you,” she said. “We do not wish to wed.”
“It matters not what either of you wish. A marriage contract has been arranged and will be honored.”
“We will see,” Fiona said with a challenge.
Tarr walked up to her until their faces almost touched. “It is done. There will be a wedding before I leave here.”
“But who will be your bride?”
“Fiona will be, I am certain of it.” Tarr stepped back and, without looking at Leith, he ordered, “Food and drink, it is time to celebrate.”
Fiona and Aliss moved quickly aside, out of the path of rushing women who hurried in with overflowing platters and bowls of food. It did not take long before the tables were crowded with feasting men and women and the celebration began.
Fiona was starving and about to dig into the richly scented lamb on the platter when she realized that her appetite far surpassed her sister’s. If she ate as she usually did there would be no doubt to her identity. The problem was that she doubted Aliss could eat the amount of food that was her custom. She would have no choice but to eat as sparingly as her sister, then fill herself later when they returned to their cottage.
Fiona caught Aliss’s glance. She had realized the situation and waited. Fiona reached for a small piece of lamb and nibbled at it.
Aliss reached for a similar piece and did the same, her relief obvious only to her sister.
Seated on Tarr’s right, Fiona envied the hardy way he ate and silently cursed him. She had to admit, though, he was not disgusting in his manners as most warriors were. And he was cleaner than most. When he had stood next to her he had smelled of fresh earth and pine, and his long hair shined as though it had recently been washed. But then he had thought it to be his wedding day. At least he had been considerate enough to bathe for his bride.
Annoyed that her thoughts centered on Tarr of Hellewyk, she grabbed for another piece of lamb and ripped off a piece she could certainly eat without a problem, though Aliss could never finish such a thick slab.
She smiled, then reluctantly handed it to Tarr.
“Aliss,” Leith accused wagging an accusing and greasy finger at Fiona as he leaned past the real Aliss. “Only Aliss would be so thoughtful. Fiona would never share her food.”
Tarr took the meat from her slowly, his finger lingering on hers before he slipped it out of her hand. “But would Fiona be unselfish and eat less so that her sister would not have to eat more and their ruse could continue?”
Fiona admired Tarr’s intelligence. It was no wonder he was a victorious chieftain, feared and awed by friends and enemies alike. He would be a worthy opponent in this battle of wills.
He tilted his head toward her. “I will have my way.”
“So will I,” she whispered.
Tarr nodded slowly as he turned away from Fiona and turned his attention to Aliss, seated on his left. “I admire you and your sister’s actions.”
“I thought you would. You are after all a warrior and a true warrior respects his opponents.”
“This battle will end in your opponent becoming your husband.”
Aliss laughed beneath her breath and shook her head, sending a bit of hay raining down