The thought struck him like a lightning bolt. It was a perfect solution, actually, a very sensible solution. He had mentioned to Zia that his brother Cavan had not joined him due to his pregnant wife not being well. If he requested she return with him to tend Honora, she probably would agree and then they would not only have more time together, but his sister-in-law would have the benefit of an excellent healer.
There was another benefit of her returning with him, though it troubled him to even suspect that Zia was keeping something from him about his brother. Regardless, he did suspect he wasn’t being told the whole of it. With her at his home, he’d have more time to discover what she wasn’t telling him.
He turned around excited over the prospect and not wanting to wait until morning to ask her. When he neared the cottage he stopped and remained in the shadows as he watched Zia and Bethane talking on the side of the cottage.
Zia was tucking a cloth over the basket that hung on Bethane’s arm. Then she kissed her grandmother’s cheek and the older woman disappeared into the woods, along with his dog, and Zia returned inside the cottage.
What was going on? Why was Bethane returning to the woods And with a basket full of what? Where was she going? What were they hiding?
Perhaps there were more secrets to this quiet little village than he realized, which meant he wasn’t leaving just yet.
Chapter 9
Artair began his inquiry the next morning at the breakfast table. “I’d like to speak to the friend who brought Ronan here.”
“He’s not here,” Zia said.
“When will he return?”
“He doesn’t live here.”
“Tell me where he lives and I will go see him,” Artair said.
“He travels. He has no one set place he calls home,” Zia explained.
Artair remained persistent. “Tell me of the places he frequents and I will find him.”
“We cannot do that,” Bethane said.
“Why not?” Artair asked.
Bethane explained. “The person you seek helps those in need. His identity is known to only a chosen few. He risks his life helping others.”
“I will tell no one of his honorable deeds,” Artair insisted, feeling there was more to this person than Bethane was saying.
Bethane shook her head. “I am sorry, but I cannot, nor will I betray his trust.”
“Is that who you went to see in the woods last night?”
“Do you accuse us of hiding something from you?” Zia challenged.
“Do you?” he snapped.
Bethane raised her hand to stop the sparring before it could escalate. “I understand your need for answers, Artair, but you must realize by now what this village is all about.”
“It’s a sanctuary for those in need,” he answered.
“In desperate need,” Bethane corrected. “There is no one to help them, no place for them to turn, and some are being pursued unjustly. We welcome them to remain here if they wish; some do, while others feel compelled to move on.”
“And the person in the woods?”
“A visitor who has long since gone,” Bethane said.
Artair’s response died on his lips when she raised her hand.
“You search for your brother, and these questions you ask will not help find him. He chose to leave. I wish I could tell you why, but unfortunately I do not know. As for the secrets of this village? They pertain to us alone.”
Artair sat back in his chair, crossed his arms over his chest and gave an abrupt nod, accepting her explanation for now. But this was far from the end of his inquires. He wanted answers and he intended to get them.
Zia leaned forward, and her grandmother placed a firm hand on her arm. “I believe Artair understands what I say.”
Artair almost smiled at the fire that raged in Zia’s eyes. She was ready to argue, and he couldn’t deny that he felt like a fight, but not with her. It was his own frustration that he needed to battle.
“You have been more than generous with your information and hospitality. And you are right about your secrets. I would not care for a stranger demanding secrets from my clan.”
“You have secrets?” Zia asked, the fire continuing to dance in her eyes, though playfully.
Her mischievous glint began to melt his irritation. He leaned closer to her. “Be nice and I may just tell you some.”
She walked two fingers rapidly, though lightly, up his forearm. “I bet I can get you to reveal a few without being nice.”
“I’ve heard enough,” Bethane said with a laugh, and stood. Nessie, who had been sleeping at her feet, stood also. “I’m going to check on the barbarian.”
“I’ll be there shortly,” Zia said.