N. Walters - Fabric of Fate

This was obviously a practice session but it didn’t look like one. Both men were deadly serious as they swung at their opponent. Several times she buried her face in her lap, unable to watch. But she’d always have to peek again to make certain neither of them were hurt.

A loud woof came from the far end of the room drawing her attention. Audrey couldn’t believe the size of the shaggy, gray beast galloping toward her. She’d seen him before on the night they’d found her. Carn. That was his name. Personally she thought Goliath would be more fitting. The closer he got the bigger he seemed. He was the size of a small horse and showed no intention of stopping.

Audrey jumped to her feet and held her hands out in front of her. Not that she could hope to hold off a beast that size, but she had to try. She prayed he was friendly. She was so focused on the dog’s approach she didn’t realize both men had spotted her and stopped fighting until she heard a shrill whistle.

The dog skidded to a stop, landing on his butt in front of her. His huge head came to the middle of her chest and his tongue was hanging out of his mouth in what she hoped was a doggy smile. He thrust his head beneath one of her hands so she petted him, the dark gray fur rough against her palm. “Nice dog.”

“Carn won’t hurt you.” Heroc, blade resting against his shoulder, strode toward her. Abrah shoved his sword into a scabbard and set it aside before joining them.

A woman raced in from the back of the room. Audrey could see another set of stairs there and wondered where they led.

“Sorry, my lords. That devil beast got away from me. He sneaked in through the kitchen door when Dorn was bringing in supplies.” The woman was breathing heavy and slapped a hand against her chest. She frowned when she noticed Audrey standing just inside the room. “I didn’t know we had a guest.”

It was Heroc who made the introductions. “Tara, this is Audrey Brennan. Audrey, this is our housekeeper, Tara.”

“Hello,” she greeted the housekeeper. The older woman was wearing a long skirt that fell to her ankles, soft boots like the ones Audrey was wearing and a blouse with embroidery around the neck. The clothing was softer, not as rough as what she was wearing. Her dark hair was streaked with gray but her skin was unlined. Audrey could see the questions in her blue eyes.

The woman gave a brief curtsy before looking to Abrah.

“Behold a woman brought at the height of the storm by the tapestry.” There was a mocking undertone in Abrah’s voice that made Audrey uncomfortable. She shifted her weight and Carn moved with her so she wouldn’t stop petting him. She took comfort from the huge beast.

“A tapestry bride.” There was wonder in Tara’s voice. But more than that, there was a thread of hope that Audrey didn’t understand.

“Don’t get excited, Tara. She’s not staying,” Abrah told the housekeeper.

The other woman frowned at her. “Why not?”

Audrey felt as though she was under attack and went on the offensive. “I have a life and a job.” Well at least half of that was true. She wasn’t certain she would have a job waiting for her by the time she got home.

Her chest got tight and her head began to throb. She breathed deep and slow, trying to calm herself. The last thing she wanted was to do was bring on another episode. That sounded much better than saying she might be having a panic attack.

“Enough.” Heroc handed his sword to his brother and hurried toward her. “Are you dizzy? Hurting anywhere?”

Her eyes filled at his concern. He remembered what she’d told him. “I’m not sure. My chest is tight and my head hurts.” She was scared. She hated that her body was so out of control, hated showing weakness in front of anyone. But since she wasn’t staying here she felt freer to be honest about her condition.

Abrah was by her side in a flash. “What is wrong?”

“Audrey was very ill just before she was brought here.” She was glad Heroc made the explanation because she was on the verge of tears. It wasn’t like her to be so weepy. She was disgusted with herself.

“Sit her by the fire and elevate her feet. I’m going to brew her some tea.” After giving them their orders, Tara bustled off back down the stairs at the far end of the room.

Heroc swept her into his arms and carried her to a massive chair in front of a hearth that was large enough for several men to stand upright in it. The crackle and snap of the wood was quickly becoming familiar to her. It was much more inviting than simply turning up a thermostat to heat a room.

Carn trotted alongside them, concern in his dark, doggie eyes. Abrah followed them more slowly, his lips pressed together and his eyebrows furrowed. “Why did you not tell me this?”

Audrey shrugged. “We didn’t talk much.” She felt her cheeks warm but refused to look away. They’d had sex, but they hadn’t really connected on the same level she had with Heroc. And that was a shame.

She settled into the chair and sighed. “I’m sorry to be such a bother.” She hated being dependent on anyone, being weak.

Heroc’s eyes widened. “You are no bother.”

“He doesn’t think so.” She couldn’t resist the dig at Abrah. “Have no fear, I’ll be gone soon and I won’t be your problem.”

His scowl deepened and he looked so fierce she was momentarily afraid of him. The large sword Heroc had handed him still hung from his hand. He could kill her if he chose and no one would stop him. She’d noted the way Tara had deferred to him. They might be brothers, but Abrah was the man in charge here.

Even as she thought it, she dismissed the mere idea that he’d hurt her. Audrey knew in her heart neither man would do her harm. He didn’t deserve that from her. “I’m sorry,” she blurted before she thought better of apologizing. “Ever since I…got ill,” she stumbled slightly over her explanation, “my emotions have been all over the place.”

She didn’t want to tell them she’d had a panic attack, that the stress of her work combined with poor health had simply overwhelmed her. It happened all the time. She was smart enough to know that. But it didn’t happen to her, was something that happened to other people. Except it had happened to her, throwing her entire life out of kilter.

Tara was hurrying toward them and heard her last words. “Of course your emotions are all over the place. Perfectly understandable seeing as though you’ve been ill. You need rest, good food and fresh air.”

She placed a tray on the hearth and handed her a wooden mug filled with what appeared to be tea of some kind. “My husband’s mother had a weak constitution but I got her hale and hearty again. Drink this,” Tara ordered her. “It’s a mixture of herbs that will help strengthen you.”

Audrey sniffed at the brew unable to place the scent. She had no idea if she was doing the right thing or not. It would either help her or kill her. And she truly didn’t think Tara meant her any harm. She sipped the tea and sighed as the warmth hit her belly.

“How long was I asleep?” She still had no idea what day it was or how long she’d been here.

“You slept the rest of your first full day and all night. This is your second day here. Tonight will mark the end of day two. Tomorrow night the tapestry will arrive.” She couldn’t tell if Abrah was happy about that or not. The man was like the Sphinx, giving away nothing.

“You were tired and still injured from your unexpected arrival here. Not to mention you were ill before you arrived.” Heroc brushed his hand over her hair before putting a finger beneath her cup and tipping it toward her mouth.

“Combined with all the other activity it’s no wonder you slept heavily.” Abrah’s gaze skimmed over her body leaving no misunderstanding about what he’d meant. She’d slept with both of them. Heck, she’d had more sex since she’d arrived here than she’d had in the past four years.