Free Highlander the Dark Dragon by Donna Fletcher Page B

Eight
    Rhys sat, with heavy thoughts, in his solar. He knew all too well how kind his wife was, having proven it yesterday with how unselfishly she had helped those in need. He had not, however, realized the extent of her determination or curiosity. She let nothing stop her when either took flight and she had proven that not only with her questions but with the way she had kissed him.
    The passion that had flared in her green eyes had surprised him as had her kiss. She had not been shy at all. It was almost as if she kissed someone familiar to her, and he wondered if he reminded her of the man she once loved.
    Her father had made it quite clear to him that she loved another and always would and nothing would change that, but it had not mattered to him. He wanted Heather, ached for her gentle smile, her selflessness, her tender touch. If anyone could cope with the darkness that consumed him at every turn, she could.
    Though, one question continued to plague him—was it fair to Heather? Would she truly be able to survive his darkness or would he pull her down into its dark depths?
    A knock sounded at the door and it opened before he bid anyone to enter.
    “I saw Heather talking with some of the villager folk, so I knew you would be alone,” Pitt said, entering the room and closing the door behind him.
    “Get us a drink and sit. There are things that need to be discussed,” Rhys said.
    Pitt filled two goblets with wine and handed one to Rhys before sitting in the chair across from him. “There has been no success with the hunt. If a wolf or some beast of the forest is not brought back, concern will grow.”
    Rhys swallowed a good portion of his wine before saying, “And if the villagers learn the truth of it, fear would spread like wildfire.”
    “The men will hold their tongues.”
    “But for how long? And do not tell me that tongues have not begun to wag about the warriors who attacked us. The ghost warriors that died were less seasoned ones. If it had not been for the experienced warriors with me, then no one would have survived. And with our warriors trained to pay attention to everything that goes on around them at all times, they will begin to see that I am relying more heavily on seasoned warriors. This will not be able to be contained for long, especially when this particular enemy will toy with us, instilling more and more fear in our people. Then, when he is ready, he will strike and strike hard, leaving nothing in his wake.”
    “What do we do?” Pitt asked.
    “More men will be needed, but we also cannot leave our home vulnerable to an attack. Send Innis to me, he will deliver the necessary messages. Are the bodies wrapped and prepared for burial?”
    “Henry’s injury has delayed him, but he will be seeing to it shortly.”
    “Good. I do not want the bodies revealed to anyone, and Henry will make sure of it.”
    “When do you intend to make the men aware of the enemy they face?” Pitt asked.
    “I have no doubt they are already aware of it. Their concern would be in how we deal with it.”
    ~~~
    It was a beautiful day with a warm breeze drifting across the land, but there were few smiles on peoples’ faces. Heather easily understood why. With the attack on the troop yesterday, the numerous injuries suffered, and the two sentinels supposedly being killed by a wolf, the people did not feel safe. And she imagined that that was an unusual occurrence for those loyal to the Dark Dragon.
    Heather followed her usual morning routine of walking through the village with a smile and kind greetings. At home, she would inquire of those who had not been feeling well or stop to speak with the women expecting babes. And if there was a minor complaint or dispute, she would settle it there and then, so her father did not have to be disturbed with small matters. She had found it made for a more pleasant day for all.
    But today she also had another reason to talk with all she met. She wanted to discover what she could