Chapter 17
“I cannot believe we are wed,” Aliss said, staring at her hand locked firmly in Rogan’s.
“How can you not?” Rogan laughed. “Just look at this celebration.”
Aliss smiled and glanced around the village. Tables and benches had been moved outside, a summer’s bright blue sky provided the perfect canopy, and everyone had supplied enough food for double the people.
Music, chatter, and laughter mingled as the whole village celebrated the joining of the Wolf and the healer. Gifts were even given to the couple, to Aliss’s surprise—especially since many of the gifts were for her in particular.
Laurel and Peter had presented them with a beautifully crafted twig basket. James had carved her a small jar with a lid for her herbs, Anna had sewed a wool pouch, and a robust Ivan, with tears shining in his eyes, had presented her with a stunningly carved cross.
She knew the gifts were meant for more than just her wedding and she was grateful for each and every one of them.
What nagged at her, however, was the fact that the villagers assumed she would now be residing with the clan. It was not that she disliked the idea. It was that she desperately missed her sister.
Aliss had always assumed that Fiona would witness her wedding and enjoy the celebration to follow. She had never dreamed of getting married without her sister present. She had felt their forced separation more than ever preceding her vows, wanting so much for her sister to be there with her. She had half expected to see Fiona appear, so strong was the thought of her.
Aliss hoped that Fiona would understand the need for her to wed so quickly. She also hoped that her sister would accept Rogan as family with little difficulty. If she did then Tarr would also accept him.
“You wrinkle your brow. Troubled thoughts?” Rogan asked, squeezing her hand.
“I think of my sister. I wish she could have been here.”
“She is in your thoughts so therefore she is with you.”
“That is another thing I like about my husband. He is wise.”
“Shhh, do not tell anyone. Most think me fierce.”
“Wolves are both,” Aliss said.
“They are also fiercely loyal,” he whispered near her ear.
Gooseflesh caused her to shiver.
“You can always rely on me, Aliss. I will always be there by your side, holding you when necessary, freeing you when need be, and always supportive.”
Aliss did not know what to say. She had not expected or requested he give so much of himself. She merely wished for a husband to fulfill the prophecy and free her, or was she afraid to admit that she wanted more?
Rogan kissed her cheek. “We will do well together.”
“You are sure of this?” she asked, puzzled.
“I have not a doubt.”
Aliss beamed and her cheeks flushed red. “I knew I was making the right choice in marrying you.”
“That you did, my bewitching healer,” he whispered and kissed her gently.
They drifted apart to see Anna running toward them.
“Daniel has had an accident.”
Aliss scrambled off the bench. “Is he hurt badly?”
“I have not seen him. I was sent to fetch you.”
“Let me get my healing—”
“I have it,” Rogan interrupted from behind her, holding up her basket. “We best hurry.”
Aliss touched his arm. “Thank you.”
“I told you I would always be there for you.” He looked to Anna. “Where is he?”
“Derek carried him to their cottage.”
The child’s cries could be heard before they reached the cottage and they tore at Aliss’s heart and relieved her. At least he felt his pain and wasn’t unconscious. She hurried into the house and went directly to his bedside.
One glance at his skinny little leg told her it was serious. A wide gash ran from beneath his knee to an inch or so above his ankle. Blood was everywhere and that had to be her first line of defense. She needed to stop the steady flow of blood or he would not survive.
“Please, help him,” his mother, Tara, pleaded, kneeling beside the bed, holding his small hand and fighting tears.
Daniel cried louder when Aliss’s hands neared the wound.
“A warrior must be strong,” Rogan said, gently nudging the young mother out of his way to bend down by the side of the bed.
Daniel’s eyes widened in awe and Aliss assumed it was because of fear. Here was the mighty Wolf, the leader of his clan speaking.
“You are a strong warrior, are you not?” Rogan asked, taking hold of the lad’s hand.
The lad sniffled and nodded.
Aliss wanted to hug Rogan. Keeping Daniel occupied would allow her to determine her course of action. She set Anna to mixing herbs that would be needed and Tara to ripping cloths to bind the wound.