“While that is true,” Aliss said, “there is Fiona’s situation to consider.”
“I agree it must be addressed, but it must wait until mother and father arrive.”
Fiona bristled. “I will make my own choices.”
“I never doubted you would. I only ask that you wait on our parent’s arrival.”
“It will not make a difference in my decision,” Fiona insisted.
“You never know,” Raynor said.
Chapter 21
Tarr and Raynor stood as Fiona entered the great hall for supper. Her face shined from its recent scrubbing, her brazen red hair fell like wildfire to her shoulders, and a green shawl was knotted at her waist and hung over her hip.
She weaved her way through the trestle tables and collapsed in the chair between the two men.
“Where is Aliss?” Tarr asked.
“She is finishing up after a lengthy delivery, though mother and babe are doing fine,” Fiona said.
“She must be exhausted and hungry,” Raynor said. “I have heard the delivery took all night.”
Fiona reached for a chunk of cheese. “I will see that she eats and rests.”
“And what of yourself? You helped your sister,” Tarr said.
“I took my leave right after the delivery, which is why I am refreshed, feeling good and starving.” Fiona reached for a piece of succulent lamb and continued reaching until her plate was piled high.
“The clan talks of Aliss’s skills and hopes she remains here with us,” Raynor said, “though I have heard mumbles from your warriors, Tarr, that the healer belongs to them.”
Fiona stared at Tarr, a smile tempting the corners of her mouth. Tarr appeared to ignore her obvious pleasure over the news.
“I heard they boasted of her talent.” Pride rang in Raynor’s voice as he continued. “Telling tales of how she healed several of their warriors and clan members, and of course they spoke of how she defended me when I could not defend myself.”
“We may just have a war on our hands over Aliss, especially now with her saving Ellie and her son’s life and—”
“Where Aliss resides is her choice,” Tarr interrupted, shocking Fiona into abrupt silence.
She stared at him, his words echoing like a distant thunder in her mind. Had she heard him correctly? Had he just removed the major stumbling block to their joining? Did he really mean that Aliss could remain with the clan Hellewyk, which meant they would not be separated? Had their talk last night caused him to reconsider?
“Since the sisters refuse to be separated, Aliss will remain with the Hellewyk clan,” Tarr said confidently.
Fiona ignored the talk between the two men. Her mind was fixed on Tarr’s change of heart. He would allow Aliss to remain with her. Had he done this out of love for her? Did he truly wish to see her happy? Or had the change in circumstances forced his change of heart? Or did his heart have nothing to do with the reversal of his decision; was he merely being practical?
Her stomach plunged and she cursed the affects love, or the uncertainty of it, had on her appetite. One minute she was herself and could eat, the next she could not put a morsel of food in her mouth. She would wither away to nothingness if this were not soon settled.
The subject was changed and she was finally able to eat in relative peace, not the amount she usually ate but at least enough to satisfy. As the evening drew to an end, the hall growing empty, Fiona began to gather food to take to her sister.
“Several women have offered to bring Aliss food,” Raynor informed her.
Fiona stopped filling a wooden bowl. “I know my sister’s tastes, and besides she would expect no one but me to bring her nourishment.”
“And do not fill the bowl so much,” Tarr said. “Aliss eats little and she will not appreciate you trying to force food on her.”
Fiona held a chunk of black bread in her hand and stared at him. It was the second time this evening he had startled her. He was actually being considerate of Aliss and again she questioned his motives. Was he actually concerned for Aliss or was he merely attempting to seduce her into believing he cared?
Damn, damn, damn, this love game.
Fiona held her tongue, fearful of lashing out at Tarr for confusing her. Instead she allowed him to help her wrap the bowl in a linen cloth a servant provided, place it and a jug of cider in a basket, and walk with her, after a good-night to Raynor, to the