Slatter was struck silent.

“That’s what I thought,” Willow said and couldn’t understand why it disturbed her.

Slatter went to speak, but a voice called out from outside the door.

“Coming in.”

Maddie entered the hut smiling and with a bundle in her hand. “Morning to you both. I cleaned your garments, Slatter, and had them waiting for you.” Her smile grew. “Kevin and I owe you, Slatter. We had the best night we ever had last night and I look forward to many more.”

“Kevin is a good man and he loves you. I’m glad for you both,” Slatter said.

“Your ransom is not far off. I will bring a bucket of water so that you may freshen yourself and some food so you will not leave here hungry,” Maddie said and gave a nod before leaving.

Things got busy after that, leaving little time for Willow and Slatter to talk. They both freshened themselves with the water Maddie had supplied and Willow was grateful for the comb she lent her.

Willow undid her braid and ran the comb through her long, dark red hair. It fell in its usual stubborn waves around her face and down over her shoulders.

“You should leave your hair loose like that, it becomes you,” Slatter said.

“I often wear it loose,” she said, not wanting him to think she did so now because he had commented on it.

They ate far tastier food than the gruel they had been given yesterday and Willow was grateful for the hot cider, it warming her insides good.

She couldn’t help but cast an appreciative glance at Slatter once he had donned his garments. He wore a plaid well, though the dark colors were faded some and his tan shirt a bit frayed at the cuffs. He had scrubbed his face clean and had run some water through his hair, waves settling just above his shoulders as it dried. He pulled his boots on and lastly, he draped his wool, hooded-cloak over his shoulders.

He snatched her cloak up that had gotten entangled in the blanket and draped it over her shoulders, then held his arm out to her.

“Shall we go meet our fate?” he asked with a smile.

A slight shiver ran through and she nodded, worried what fate had in store for them.

They stepped outside to see that snow covered the ground, enough to leave a deep imprint.

Rob was outside the door, his one eye swollen shut and a bruise to his jaw, a punishment from Beck for not tending to his chore last night.

“They’re not far off,” Rob said.

“And that gift Beck has for me still awaits?” Slatter asked.

Rob grinned and winced. “Aye, it does.”

Slatter made sure he kept his arm tucked around Willow’s. He didn’t know what Beck had planned, but there was no way he was letting him take Willow.

It wasn’t long before a group of six riders and a horse without a rider entered the area. They varied in size and dress. Some wore plaids while others wore leather leg wrappings with tunics that fell to their knees. They all wore cloaks and carried weapons and not a one of them smiled.