The Black Rood Read Online Free PDF Page B

stopped in his tracks and faced me. “There is more to this than you know. Murdo has his reasons for feeling and behaving the way he does. Nor will I tell him how he should feel, or how he should act in this matter.”
    The force with which this was said surprised me; it took Emlyn aback, too, I think, for he quickly added in a softer tone: “The wounds were deep at the time. I think Torf’s return has reopened them, and they are painful indeed.”
    Accepting his appraisal, I suggested, “Then maybe it is time those old wounds were healed once and for all. Maybe that is why Torf has come home.”
    Abbot Emlyn began walking again. “You could be right. Perhaps it is time we…” His voice drifted off as he turned the matter over in his mind.
    I hurried after him. “What?” I demanded. “Time for what?”
    He waved me off, saying, “Leave it with me. I will speak to your father.”
    â€œAnd then?” I called after him.
    â€œAnd then we shall see what we shall see.”
    The abbot hurried away, and I found myself alone for the moment and with nothing to do—a rare enough circumstance for me. I decided to go and see if Rhona was busy, thinking maybe she would like to ride with me down to the sandy cove below the cliffs south of the bay. Rhona and I had been married for seven years, and in that time had produced three children—two boys, and a girl.
    Sadly, both boys died in the summer of their first year. Only you, Cait, the smallest and scrawniest infant I ever saw, survived to see your second year. It seems so long ago now, but that day the sun was high and the weather dry, and I still had it in mind to have a son one day. It seemed to me a splendid time to make a bairn, or at least to try.
    I found Rhona sitting on a stool outside the storehouse, peeling the outer skins from a bunch of onions. “To make the dye for Caitríona’s new gown,” she announced. Then, seeing my expression, Rhona laughed, and said, “Did you think I would make you eat them for your supper?”
    â€œIf you cooked them, I would eat them,” I replied.
    â€œOh, you would…” she began. Taking the bowl from her lap, I raised her to her feet. “And what is this you’re about?”
    â€œIt is a fine day, my love. Come out with me.”
    â€œI thought you had work to do at the church.”
    â€œThe stone has not arrived yet, and Father can look after the builders. I thought we might ride down to the cove.”
    She stepped closer, holding her head to one side. “And you think I have nothing better to do than go flitting off with you all day?” I saw the hidden smile playing at her lips. “It is well other people have plenty to do since the young lord of this manor is an idle scapegrace.”
    â€œWell,” I sniffed, “if you do not wish to go, I suppose I could ask one of the serving-maids. Perhaps the one with the soft brown eyes would not spurn an invitation from Lord Murdo’s handsome son.”
    â€œLord Murdo’s handsome son,” she said, her mouth twitching with suppressed laughter. “I happen to know Bishop Eirik is away to Inbhir Ness on business for the abbey.”
    â€œLady,” I said, drawing her close to steal a kiss, “it was myself I was talking about, not my bookish brother.” I made to kiss her then, but she turned her face and I caught her cheek instead.
    â€œNot here in the yard where everyone can see!” she gasped, putting her hands on my chest and pushing me gently away.
    â€œThen come away with me.” I slipped my hands around her slim waist and untied the apron covering her pale green gown. “The day is beautiful, and so are you. Let us take our pleasure while we may.”
    â€œSomeone has been listening to the Maysingers,” she said, drawing the apron over her head. “Very well, I will go with you, Duncan Murdosson.” She bent and