You want to be there when she does.

Another vigorous nod.

Go, but return later. I wish to speak with you.

She nodded apprehensively, bowed her head, then turned and hurried out of the keep.

Sloan walked over to Cree. Do you truly wish to speak with her or ease the ache of lust?

Watch your tongue, Sloan, or Ill cut it from your mouth.

I think not. You have never punished anyone for speaking the truth.

Sloan walked off to tend to his duties and Cree silently cursed him.

Chapter Thirteen.

Dawn smiled at her friends and their newborn son. Lila had delivered Thomas not long after she had returned to the cottage. Elsa, the healer, had done a fine job of calming Lila and delivering the babe with more ease than Dawn had thought possible.

The babe was swaddled in a soft wool blanket his mum had made and slept contentedly in her arms. He had full cheeks and a few sprouts of red hair on the top of his head and he was the most beautiful babe that Dawn had ever seen.

Elsa tells us that Cree will treat the villagers well and that we will not be sorry that he is our new lord, Lila said with a smile.

It is true, Elsa said. He is the new lord of this land and he will do right by the people. Speak truthfully to him and do your fair share and you will have a good life under his leadership.

He will explain to all at the gathering in front of the keep not long from now, Paul said. Lila will be excused from attending since she just gave birth but I must attend.

Dawn didnt wait for him to ask, she motioned that they would go together.

Paul gave an appreciative nod and turned his attention on the babe who was yawning.

Let us talk. I am curious about your loss of voice, Elsa said slipping her arm around Dawns and moving her along right out the door.

Dawn shivered when Elsa closed the door. She understood that this time was for Paul and Lila and their newborn, so why did she suddenly feel left out?

Theres a good place, Elsa said pointing to a bench on the far side of Lilas garden.

Dawn followed along recalling how she and Lila had often worked in the garden together. And how Paul had built the bench from a fallen tree branch he had found in the woods. It was sturdy enough, though he would have been sturdier if Paul had been permitted to cut down a tree instead of picking from the decaying ones on the ground. But the villagers were not allowed to cut the trees or hunt the animals. The woods, and all in it, belonged to their feudal lord Roland Gerwan the Earl of Carrick.

Elsa sat, the bench creaking under her ample weight. So you have been without a voice since you were born?

Dawn nodded.

You made not a sound when you were born? Not a cry, grunt or groan?

Dawn shook her head. Elsa looked perplexed as most people did.

Usually, at least in my experience, a voiceless person can still manage a grunt or a groan. Never have I known someone to be completely voiceless. It is quite odd. How do you manage to speak with others?

Dawn held up her hands and then snatched up a stick off the ground and did a quick drawing of the cottage.

Elsa smiled, her full cheeks plumping. Amazing. Your drawing helps you to communicate. You are talented.

Dawn gave a nod of thanks.

I wish there was something I could do to help you. But I fear that since you were born voiceless, there is nothing that can be done. It was simply meant to be.

Dawn had never thought, hoped, or prayed that one day she would suddenly start speaking. She had accepted her lot a long time ago. This was who she was, a voiceless person, not that she could not make herself heard, though she had learned that silence had its own rewards.

I look forward to getting to know you and I would be pleased to have you visit my cottage as soon as I am settled in, Elsa said.

Dawn pointed to the cottage and back at Elsa, and then shrugged.

Elsa smiled again, though Dawn realized it was simply an extension of the warm smile that she seemed to constantly wear.

I understand you perfectly, Elsa said with joy. You want to know where my cottage will be.

Dawn nodded fearful that perhaps someone would be forced to give their home to Elsa.

Cree will find a suitable and an unoccupied one for me and make repairs if necessary. He will want me to make a place available to all who require healing.

Dawn tapped her chest, pointed at the cottage, and then all around.

You do make it easy to understand you. Yes, available to everyone, villagers and warriors alike. I am here to serve the ill and needy.

Dawn wondered if her words would prove true. Colum had his healer serve him and his warriors. No villager had dared approach the healer for help. They relied on the older women in the village who had some knowledge of healing.

I would love to sit and talk with you more but a brief reprise is all I can spare. I must go and see how the wounded do and if anyone else needs me. Elsa stood. And Im sure your friends are wondering where you are. Lila would not stop worrying about you. She was frantic for your safety. It was only when I reassured her that Cree protected the weak and afflicted that she finally calmed. We will talk soon, Dawn. And with that she walked off at a brisk pace.

Dawn remained on the bench. She had thought Cree an unfeeling soul and yet he had not been cruel to her. He had not caused her harm. Were the tales about him just that... tales? He certainly had to have done something to have people fear him so badly or where would the rumors have come from?

She was curious to hear what Cree would have to say to the villagers and she would not have long to wait since Crees warriors were walking through the village herding the people toward the keep. A warrior waved her toward him and she stood and hurried to the cottage door and gave a knock.

Paul opened the door his finger pressed to his lips. Then in a whisper said, Mum and babe just fell asleep though"

Dawn tugged on his arm and Paul hurried the door closed behind him after catching sight of the warrior making his way toward them. Dawn slipped her arm around his shoulder to lend him support. He was pale and obviously in pain and no doubt had not wanted to leave his wife and newborn son but he, like her, knew they had no choice.

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 liegemans 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 everyones minds.

Elsa is such a generous woman. Shes 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 didnt 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 Colums 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 wouldnt 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.

Dont expect hell want the likes of you now that he has a choice of who will warm his bed.

Dawn didnt need to turn and look behind her to know who made the comment. Dorries voice was distinct and always resonated with self-importance.

He will want someone who will excite him with squeals of delight and pleasure.

Enough, Dorrie, Paul said.

I agree, Dorrie laughed. Cree has had enough of the dumb one and will look for a good woman to please him.

Then that leaves you out, Paul chuckled, since everyone knows that youre not good.

Dawn grinned and silent laughter rippled through her.

Dorrie rushed past them in a snit purposely bumping against Paul and causing him to stumble. Dawn held tight to him and kept him from falling, his weight heavy upon her when suddenly he was lifted off her. A warrior, big and broad had taken hold of Paul.

Im to help him, Crees orders, the warrior said.

Dawn followed along as the warrior easily helped Paul to the cottage. At the door the warrior turned to Dawn. Cree will see you at the celebration. With that he turned and left.

Paul stared at Dawn. It sounds as if you are not to miss the merrymaking.

What Paul truly meant and he well knew it was that Cree had commanded her presence there. She had no thought or want to go and participate in any form of merriment. She didnt understand how anyone would want to. The village had been attacked, people had been harmed, and this called for a celebration?

Cree is providing a celebration tonight, which means there will be food and drink aplenty, he has seen the injured tended to and he has freed anyone who wishes to leave. That is far better than what Colum did when he had first arrived here.

Was Paul trying to convince her that Cree was a good man and she should not worry or was he trying to convince himself that she would be safe with Cree?

They entered the cottage to find Lila up and about, though moving slowly. Her cheeks glowed rosy red, her blue eyes sparkled with joy and her favorite green wool shawl was wrapped snug around her shoulders covering her warm wool night dress. The babe lay sleeping in the cradle that Paul had fashioned for him.

Paul went straight to her. You should be abed resting.

I feel well enough and I cannot abide to lay abed too long. Besides it is time you rested. Your leg must be paining you something awful. She hustled him over to the bed. There is time for you to rest until supper.

Paul grinned, sat on the bed and took his wifes hand. You want to talk with Dawn.

Lila nodded and leaned down to give him a quick kiss. After which he stretched out on the bed and closed his eyes. It wasnt long before he was snoring lightly.

Lila went to Dawn and threw her arms around her and with tears in her eyes said, I owe you our lives. If it hadnt been for your courage Paul would not have survived and either would I or the babe. You are a true friend and I am grateful to have you in our lives.

Tears tickled down Dawns eyes and any previous worry that she was being shut out of her friends lives faded. They sat at the table and Lila went to fix them a brew but Dawn stopped her and pointed to the chair for her to sit.

Dawn shook her head when Lila went to argue and pointed sternly to the chair.

Lila laughed softly. Since you put it that way. She sat and sighed gratefully.

Dawn appreciated the way she and Lila conversed so easily and no different from anyone else. They began talking about the babe, Lilas delivery and how grateful she was that Elsa had been there. Dawn had agreed. The woman truly was a gifted healer and her friend had been lucky to have her birth Thomas.

When they were on their second brew Lila asked, Tell me what Cree wanted with you.

Dawn had not intended to speak about Cree even though she wished to share some of her apprehension with her friend. It was better left for another day.

Do not think to keep it from me, Lila warned in a whisper. I know it concerns you; I see it on your face.

Dawn playfully ran her hand over her face.

You cannot rub it away that easily.

No, that she could not and Lila would not let her. Dawn sighed, though no sound was heard and Lila reached out and took her hand.

What does Cree want from you?

Dawn gestured as if she held up a shield in front of her and a sword in her other hand.

He wants nothing from you but he offers you protection.