“Do you know how foolish that was following him?” He shook his head. “Of course not because you had lost all common sense and plunged head long into danger. You should have come to me right away or to James, or to any of the warriors so they could have searched the area.”

“You’re right. I should have,” Willow said. “It was foolish, but would anyone but you have believed me? No one takes me seriously when I tell them of this man who wears your face. They think I say it to make an excuse for you.” Her head drooped. “I should have told you. You would have attempted to search for the figure, which would have alerted the sentinels, which could very well have frightened off whoever was prowling the village, and which could have prevented Walcott’s attack.”

Slatter lifted her chin for her to look at him. “It was me you saw sneaking back into the keep, though that still makes no difference. You shouldn’t have followed after me, not knowing who I was.”

Willow’s shock showed in her eyes that rounded wide.

“Walcott was out in the night because of me. We had made a time to meet in case anything came up before his departure that needed to be discussed. It’s my fault and he could very well die because of it.”

“It’s neither of our faults,” Willow said, resting her hand on her husband’s chest. “The fault is on this man who pretends to be you. And I wonder if Walcott came upon him, thinking it was you, the dark night and falling snow making it difficult to see. And what about the Slayer? Could he have seen something?”

Slatter pulled his wife into his arms and hugged her tight. “It could be you lying in bed, close to death. I don’t want to lose you, mo ghaol, promise me you will not be foolish again.”

“I promise, but you must promise me that you’ll be honest with me,” she said, turning pleading eyes on him.

“If only I could,” he said and it pained him to see the disappointment that filled his wife’s eyes.

A moan had them both rushing to Walcott.

“It’s all right. You’re safe, Walcott,” Slatter said, placing his hand on his friend’s limp one, letting him know he was there. “Willow tends you. You need to rest and grow strong.”

Walcott moaned again, turning his head slowly from side to side.

“You’re not alone. I’m here and I’ll see you kept safe, my friend.”

Walcott calmed and his moans faded.

“Time will tell,” Willow said.

Chapter 22

“What do you mean some believe Slatter stabbed Walcott? How could they think such nonsense?” Willow threw her hands up agitated and shook her head at James. The last four days, my husband has sat by his friend’s side a good portion of the day.”

“A ruse some say,” James said.

“Tell me, it’s Tarass’s warriors who spew such lies, isn’t it?”