Flanna grinned. “I can do that.”
“You can?” Sloan asked shocked and then caught himself. “Good, that’s good.”
Dawn bit back a smile. It was obvious that Sloan feared Turbett and was relieved that Flanna would be dealing with the daunting man. And she had no doubt that Flanna was looking forward to every minute of it.
“You will begin your duties right away,” Sloan instructed. “Inform Turbett and then gather the servants so that I may instruct them that they will now be answerable to you. And as I mentioned before Cree will not tolerate dirt or foul odors”
“No worry, sir,” Flanna said with a sharp nod. “The keep will sparkle and smell heavenly.”
“A good choice, Dawn,” Sloan said turning her way. “Flanna seems more than up to the task. Thank you for suggesting her.”
Flanna beamed a wide appreciative smile at Dawn and then bobbed to Sloan. “I will go collect the servants.”
Dawn returned to the bench where she had been sitting and watched Sloan talk with a few warriors. Servants began entering the hall, mulling around whispering, wondering and worried over the summons. When they had finally all gathered Sloan stood in front of them to speak. Relief flooded their faces as he introduced Flanna.
With everyone occupied, Dawn decided it was time for her to be off on her own for a while and so she left the keep. She didn’t bother to see if a guard followed her, she assumed one would and though she had planned on going to visit Lila, she changed her mind.
She meandered through the village taking note of how busy everyone was, though they smiled as they went about their chores. It had been almost a week since Cree had attacked the village and yet it looked as if it had been prospering for weeks. Apprehension still filled some faces but fear was not as prevalent.
Children’s laughter filled the air and Dawn stopped to watch a group of young ones at play. It had been many years since anyone had seen the village children play with such careless abandonment and it was good to see.
Two women, baskets on their arms nodded pleasantly at Dawn as they passed her and she quickly returned the greeting, though she almost stumbled over her own feet, she was so surprised by their acknowledgement.
What had caused their change of heart toward her? Was it what she had done for Dorrie or did they fear repercussion from Cree if they treated his mistress badly? The thought troubled her but she refused to linger on it. It was a beautiful day and she intended to enjoy it.
Free time was not something Dawn was not used to. She had worked hard as long as she could remember. So to be so carefree with no worry of getting chores done was a bit disconcerting to her. Her mum had warned her often that idle hands brought trouble. With that reminder she decided to collect some heather and dry it for the coming winter. It would keep her cottage smelling fresh.
She retrieved a basket from her cottage and headed to the small hill on the outskirts of the village, not far from the fields the men tended. She was not concerned for her safety having spotted a warrior trailing her. Besides she didn’t intended to linger. She would collect extra and stop to give some to Lila on her way back. It would give her a chance to visit with baby Thomas.
Dawn took longer than she intended, the sunny day, the lovely scent of heather, the light autumn breeze all served to delay her return. When her basket was full to overflowing, she smiled and realized she had lingered long enough.
The warrior must have thought the same for he approached her.
“Time to go,” he said.
She nodded and smiled, feeling a bit guilty. He surely must have been bored waiting for her.
He reached out and took the basket from her and she was about to thank him when he tossed it aside and grabbed her arm.
He grinned. “Why don’t you scream?”
She turned to see if anyone was in sight. Men were working in the field, three women lingered to talk beneath a large tree but they were all at a distance, though not that far away to help her if she could scream.
His grip was so tight, she could not break free and he forced her to walk alongside him. Her eyes widened when she saw that they were headed to the woods. She glanced around hoping someone would look their way, see her frightened face, and help her.
The warrior leaned his head down. “You’re the devil’s whore. Why would anyone help you?”
Chapter Twenty-seven
Cree’s warriors circled the trembling young man. The only escape for him was death and when two warriors parted to let Cree enter, he knew death would be a welcome relief.
“Tell me what I want to know and I will I kill you swiftly,” Cree said walking slowly around him. “Tell me nothing and I will make you suffer the torments of hell.”