Willow hurried to her husband and when he spotted her, he rushed to make his way to her.

“We leave here now. Rhodes and his men head this way.”

“Are they close?” she asked, her heart pounding with fright in her chest.

“A day at least.” He shook his head. “There’s no time for talk, we must go. Gather what blankets and clothing there is in the cottage, and any food.”

“Corliss nor Erna can walk,” she reminded.

“Devin has a cart. They can ride in that. Do what you must to make them comfortable in it, but hurry, there is no time to waste.”

“Tarass’s warriors are well-trained. They will pick up our trail.”

“Aye, they will, and that’s why you and I will be taking a different trail.”

There was no time for questions. They would come later and so Willow hurried and did as her husband asked.

Roanna was upset at the prospect of moving her daughter and Crofton was worried for his grandmother. Willow did her best to reassure both that Erna and Corliss would do fine and the two seemed to settle until they learned she wasn’t going with them.

“What if fever rages in my daughter?”

What if my grandmother’s pain worsens?”

“Enough worry,” Slatter said, approaching the complaining pair. “Willow has instructed you in the care of Erna and Corliss. You both will do well and it won’t be long before we join you again. Be grateful that you finally go to a permanent home.”

Crofton and Roanna were quick to offer their appreciation for his generosity and Willow went with them to see that Erna and Corliss were settled, along with Pell, the man missing part of his one leg, in the cart.

Willow waited by Slatter’s horse when all was done. She watched her husband talk with Walcott. The man paid heed to his every word, gave a nod, and went to the front of the small ragtag group and led them away from the worn and battered shelters that had been their home.

Devin walked beside Slatter, talking as the two men approached her.

“You know what to do. I will see you soon,” Slatter said when he came to a stop near his wife.

Devin reached out and hugged Slatter, giving him a firm slap or two on the back. “Return home safe.”

“I always do,” Slatter said with a confident smile.

“That you do,” Devin said and turned a nod on Willow. “But you’ve got a wife to worry about now, so remember that. And don’t do anything foolish.”

“I won’t let him,” Willow said, the words slipping out and wondering where they came from. She truly had no say over him, just as he had no say over her.

Devin laughed. “I’ve never known a woman who could bend the will of this one.” He turned a nod on Slatter this time. “But you just might be different.”

“It’s women who submit to me, not me to them,” Slatter boasted with a smile. “Now go, we both need to be on our way.”