Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
They had barely set a pace when suddenly Odo stepped from behind two trees that had entwined and grown into one large one.
“How lucky, I now have both twins.”
Fiona pushed her sister behind her. “You will never get us both.”
“How touching, you give your life for your sister, but you only delay her death. You cannot prevent it.”
Fiona bared her teeth and let out a blood-curdling scream as she charged at Odo full force, lowering her head at the last moment to ram him in the stomach.
Her speed was her ally; he had no time to react and she took him down fast. Her fists pummeled him in rapid succession, and Aliss wasted no time in joining in.
When he regained his breath and wits, he made short work of Aliss, tossing her off him.
“Run, Aliss, run,” Fiona screamed, and took a blow to her chin that sent her flying.
Aliss was about to charge him again when out of nowhere Tarr sprung and charged at Odo like a raging bull, nostrils flaring and teeth gritted.
They locked in battle and Aliss hurried to get Fiona out of the way before the fighting men trampled her.
The two men tore at each other like wild beasts claiming their territory. Fists smashed again and again against flesh and bone, and blood spewed forth, raining down on both of them.
Several of Tarr’s men emerged from the woods and cheered their leader on.
Fiona got to her feet, refusing to let her sister tend her jaw that was deepening in color. She would watch the man she loved fight, for he fought for her.
Cheers sounded every time Tarr landed a blow and there was no doubt who would emerge the victor.
Raynor finally arrived in time to see Tarr deliver the final blow that ended the melee.
Tarr turned, blood pouring from the corner of his mouth, his cheek and eye swelling, blood covering his shirt, and he spread his arms out to Fiona.
She ran into them and hugged him tight.
Chapter 37
Snow fell softly outside as Tarr and Fiona exchanged wedding vows before the roaring fire in the great hall. The room was overflowing with Hellewyk and Blackshaw clan members alike. They came to celebrate, to rejoice, to praise the joining of the two people who would lead their clans.
Fiona made a beautiful bride in her deep purple wool dress, her bruised jaw matching perfectly in color.
Tarr’s bruised eye, swollen lip and jaw did not detract from his handsome features, and he looked every bit the powerful chieftain in his newly stitched shirt and his green and black plaid.
After their return to the keep, Odo was quickly dispatched to the dungeons until a fitting punishment could be determined for him.
Tarr refused to be denied his wedding day and demanded that the ceremony take place as planned. So they were wed, just a little later than expected, and the celebration followed.
Tarr and Fiona managed to slip away from the festivities early on in the evening. They climbed the stairs slowly, pains and aches grabbing hold of them here and there, reminding them of the recent battle for their lives.
Fiona sighed, relieved when Tarr closed and latched the door behind them. They would not be disturbed tonight. Tonight was theirs and theirs alone and she was grateful.
“How I have longed for this moment, just you and me,” she said, and stretched her hand out to him.
He grabbed hold with a strength that let Fiona know he never intended to let go, and that was fine with her for she had no intentions of ever letting him out of her sight. She squeezed his hand tightly as they drifted up against each other.
“I meant to kiss every inch of your body tonight.” He laughed and it was followed by a wince. “This swollen lip will not let me do that, but I will see you pleased on this special night.”
She smiled, lucky to have wed a man with such a loving heart.
Tarr tenderly stroked the bruise on her chin. “I have felt rage before, but nothing like I felt when I saw Odo strike you. I wanted to rip him apart piece by piece.”
“You almost did.”
“He deserved it. It pains me to know that you were not safe in your own home.”
“It pains me to have been so foolish. Odo was so convincing, telling me how my sister begged for me. His words wrenched at my heart and all I could think about was Aliss, though I did want to tell you and have you go with us. Odo ordered one of his men to inform you of our absence, convincing me there was not a minute to spare. He also claimed that you would catch up with us in no time, and knowing you I had no doubt you would, that was if you were aware of our departure.”