on approach and nestled close to Fiona’s gray mare.
“I have been told that Fiona is an excellent hunter, skilled in various weaponry, and that Aliss is a superb healer.”
“You think to determine our identity that way?” Fiona asked, though she sounded more as if she accused.
Tarr was just as blunt. “Your identity will be made known sooner or later. Our clans will unite through marriage and there is nothing you can do to stop it.”
“You think so?” Aliss snapped.
“I have no time to debate this matter.” He glanced from one to the other. “If your skills are needed use them.”
“Who is this Raynor?” Fiona asked, prepared to fight if necessary.
“Raynor of Blackshaw is a Viking Scottish chieftain who claims that a section of my land belongs to him. It has been an ongoing battle for years.”
“Obviously with you continuing to be the victor,” Fiona said.
“What is mine remains mine.” Tarr reined the horse away from Fiona. “Remember that and keep alert. Raynor is unpredictable.” He rode off with a shout to one of his men.
“He is a handsome and fit man,” Aliss said.
Fiona turned her head with a jerk. “If you think so favorably of him, you wed him.”
“I am not interested in marriage. I just took more notice of him while he spoke with us. His features are not hard to gaze upon and though the size of him can intimidate, it offers protection. His clansmen must certainly feel safe with him as their chieftain.”
“I can see how his people would feel safe,” Fiona grudgingly agreed. “But his features mean nothing if he is not a man a woman can trust and depend on. And as for you not being interested in marriage? Love can change all that.”
“I do not want it to,” Aliss said with a firmness that had her sister raising a brow. “I do not want my work replaced by love. I would like love to compliment my work and I do not believe there are many men who would find patience with my propensity for healing the ill.”
“Find an ailing man and you both will be happy.” Fiona laughed; Aliss did not.
They camped just before nightfall and the atmosphere was one of caution. Guards were posted around the camp, and several men disappeared into the shadows of the night presumably for added protection.
Fiona was disappointed when no food was offered, and she wondered if she would last until morning without a morsel to fill her protesting stomach. She almost hugged her sister when she passed her a hunk of bread and cheese as they lay huddled next to each other by the fire.
“I knew you would need nourishment,” Aliss whispered.
“Bless you,” Fiona murmured, and feasted with joy.
The morning brought a rush to break camp and be on the way. Aliss informed Fiona that she had heard the men talking and that they would reach Hellewyk land by midday, and that many of the men expected an attack before they reached the keep.
“This Raynor anticipated Tarr’s return, or forced it,” Fiona said as she and her sister mounted their horses. “Keep alert and your weapon close.”
“I am not as skilled with a weapon as you,” Aliss said nervously.
“You are skilled enough. Just find cover where you can. I will not let anything happen to you.”
Aliss nodded and soon they were once again on the trail.
The day was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. The smell of heather was heavy in the air, summer having appeared to refuse autumn’s total reign. They traveled along a path made worn by many travelers, the earth packed hard and solid. A smatter of trees lined one side and a vast meadow could be seen beyond, framed by low-rising hills. The other side was dense with foliage with a few croppings of large rocks here and there.
“I wish there was time to search the woods for herbs,” Aliss said eagerly.
“A good place for Raynor’s men to be hiding,” Fiona reminded. “And Tarr knows that. I have watched the way he directs his men and how he himself is aware to all that goes on around him. He is a wise warrior.”
“You admire him.”
“His warrior skills impress and he strikes an imposing figure on his horse. He sits straight, his shoulders wide, his eyes intent, and his weapons close. He is prepared for anything. He will not be caught off guard.”
Aliss jerked her head from side to side. “You think we are watched now?”