Highlander's True Love: A Cree & Dawn Short Story Read Free Page A

child first before Cree could distract her. And since he refused to discuss the matter with her, she would have to find out about it herself.
    Flanna stopped her when she entered the Great Hall. “What is this I hear about Cree having a bastard child?”
    Flanna had been the cook in the kitchen, and Dawn a servant there, before Cree took control of the village, claimed the land and all its holdings and was granted the title, Earl of Carrick, by the King. Now Flanna was in charge of the keep’s servants and Turbetts, Cree’s cook, had complete control over the kitchen and had won Flanna’s heart. That was why she and Flanna were more friends than servant and master, though it was that way when Cree was present.
    Dawn gestured that she knew little of the situation.
    Flanna leaned in close and whispered, “I will find out everything and let you know.”
    Dawn smiled, nodded, and patted Flanna’s arm in appreciation. Flanna had eyes and ears everywhere and she had helped Dawn before, so she was glad to have her help again.
    “Sit,” Flanna urged, “I will have food brought to you.”
    Dawn motioned as if she carried a basket.
    “You want food to take along with you.” Flanna nodded, understanding her and as she hurried off said, “I will have a basket made ready.”
    It was not long before Flanna returned with a full basket and Dawn smiled and nodded. The woman knew her well and had packed enough food for more than one person.
    “I brought this shawl for you. There is a slight chill in the misty morning air,” Flanna said, draping the finely weaved blue shawl over Dawn’s shoulders.
    Dawn squeezed Flanna’s hand in thanks and gestured that they would talk later and headed out of the keep. A light mist settled over the village along with a slight chill, and Dawn hoped that the sun would soon break through and rescue the day. There was much work to be done in the fields and Cree had planned on going to see how the clearing of the land was going for the new castle and village not far from here. She wondered if he would alter his plans due to the woman’s arrival and news.
    Dawn rapped on Old Mary’s door.
    “Welcome, Dawn,” the old woman sang out and Dawn entered.
    Old Mary always had a knowing about her and Dawn had been glad for it. The old woman had helped her to stay strong in the hardest of times and she would always be grateful. Though age had stooped her over and slowed her down, her mind was remarkably spry, as if it had not aged a bit.
    “These old bones protest more each day,” Old Mary said with a laugh. “Sit, I have fixed a nice hot brew for us.”
    Dawn would never be able to spring a surprise visit on the woman. She always knew when someone would visit. She always knew things before they happened and Dawn wondered if she had known about the woman and lad.
    Old Mary chatted about what a lovely day it was going to be as she filled their tankards with a minty brew and Dawn took food from the basket to place on the table.
    “Meat pies, my favorite,” Old Mary said eagerly waving at Dawn. “Sit, sit, the pies are best when warm.”
    Dawn wished she could feel as equally enthusiastic about the pies, but she was hungrier for anything Old Mary could tell her about the situation than food.
    “There is not much I can tell you about her,” Old Mary said as if hearing Dawn’s unspoken question. “She poses no true threat, but then you would know that yourself, for you know Cree would never allow her to. As for the truth of her claim? I can tell you the child was conceived from love. The rest is for you to find out.”
    Dawn’s shoulder slumped with the weight of Old Mary’s words.
    The old woman reached out and rested her gnarled hand on Dawn’s. “You, above all, know what a harsh world this can be for anyone who carries a burden upon them. And your generous heart has lifted many a burden off others. But this is not your burden to lift—it is your husband’s.” She smiled. “Though, knowing