Highlander Unchained(37)

The warrior halted his approach when he saw that Dawn helped Paul and returned to herding the crowd that was growing larger as more and more villagers joined the others in walking to the keep. Everyone searched the crowd for family and friends to see who had survived. Some husbands just now were reuniting with their wives and crying children found their tearful parents.

Dawn looked about for Old Mary, not many bothered with her and Dawn feared she may not have survived. She did spot Flanna, though did not catch her eye. She appeared dazed and unsure as did many in the crowd.

A poke to her arm had her turning quickly and she smiled down at Old Mary smiling back up at her.

The old woman poked her again. “Changes come; good changes.”

With that she made her way through the crowd toward the front, her steps sprier than Dawn had ever seen. She was pleased that the old woman was hopeful but she was more pragmatic. What would happen when their feudal lord Roland Gerwan was told of the attack? Would he send his warriors to retake the keep and reclaim his land? Were more battles on the horizon? Would there be more suffering?

“I hope Elsa is right and our lot will improve with Cree as our leader,” Paul said.

Dawn heard the doubt creep into his words and understood. The liegeman that had overseen the village before Colum arrived had been old and had not driven the people hard. Life had been fairly good. Everyone in the village had seen to doing their share and had shared when necessary. Upon that liegeman’s death the Earl of Carrick sent Colum to oversee his land and life had changed and not for the better. Now it would change again but how was the question on everyone’s minds.

“Elsa is such a generous woman. She’s returning to the cottage later to check on Lila and the babe and she says that she will bring food for us.”

Dawn felt a catch in her stomach. She had planned on preparing a meal tonight for her friends and having some time with them. She was aching to hold the newborn and get a chance to talk with Lila.

“Silence!” the rough shout stilled everyone instantly and the tall man with the golden hair whose voice had echoed over the crowd stepped back behind Cree.

Her stomach didn’t have a chance to settle seeing Cree standing on the top step of the keep. He was a sight to behold; broad and tall and as handsome as he was imposing. His dark eyes roamed the crowd slowly as if committing every face to memory. Some shivered while others looked away and mothers shoved their children behind them fearful that the devil himself was marking each and every one of them.

“Listen well for I will not repeat myself,” Cree said his voice strong and echoing out across the crowd. “This land now belongs to me. I am your new feudal lord and the title Earl of Carrick will soon be mine as decreed by the King.”

Grasps and whispers circled the crowd.

“Silence!” Cree yelled. “Work and keep a truthful tongue to me and I will see that you have a good life with food aplenty. You will be able to hunt the forest for food not only for me but for yourselves as well. You will bring your complaints to me and I will deal with them fairly... but my word is law and I will have no one protest it. I will see not only this land prosper but the people as well. Pledge your fealty to me and I will see you kept safe, if not... gather your things and leave now, you are free to go.”

The villagers mumbled among themselves, many wondering if they could trust a man they thought evil.

“For those who stay,” Cree called out, “we celebrate. There will be food, drink and merry making for tomorrow we forge a new life together.”

Several villagers cheered, which led to more cheers until it seemed as if everyone cheered... even Paul joined in. Dawn, of course, could not, but if she could she did not know if she would. Cree was a puzzle to her. He had not raided the village leaving destruction in his path as the tales claim he always did. Women had not been brutalized and children had not been harmed. It seemed that it had been Colum’s warriors who had suffered the most. But then Cree claimed this land as his, and he would not want to destroy it or the people that would tend it for him. And why would the King decree this land as belonging to Cree?

As the crowd began to disperse smiles replaced frowns and laughter could be heard. Cree had dispelled their fears and worries and even invited them to celebrate in the new life he offered. Why wouldn’t they accept his terms? What would they have if they packed their meager belongings and left?

Dawn once again assisted Paul as they returned to his cottage.

“Don’t expect he’ll want the likes of you now that he has a choice of who will warm his bed.”

Dawn didn’t need to turn and look behind her to know who made the comment. Dorrie’s voice was distinct and always resonated with self-importance.