“Or the reason for my da’s sudden departure,” Tarass said. “I was told he’d been called away on an important matter, but I never learned what that matter entailed, though not for lack of trying. I often asked my parents about it and was told it was nothing to be concerned about.” Tarass shook his head. “I knew it wasn’t the truth, but I thought one day they would finally tell me. That day never came and I believe it has something to do with why my parents were killed.”

“Do you think they were trying to protect you from something?”

“Why not tell me?” He shook his head. “It makes no sense.”

“I recall my parents mentioning something about your family leaving because of the way your mum was treated. That many in your clan didn’t like that she was of barbarian descent.”

“I’ve heard the same, but the problem with that explanation is that I don’t recall anyone in the clan treating my mum poorly. Besides, my da would have never allowed it and my da wasn’t one to run from a problem.”

“But your family did run, so perhaps the problem was too much for your father to handle,” Snow suggested.

“My da was a strong and skillful warrior. I never knew him to run from anything and my mum was the same. I saw her brandish a weapon with skill and ease. It doesn’t make sense that they were so fearful they would run.”

“I know why parents would run,” Snow said, “for I would do it as well.”

“Tell me, wife,” he said, his eyes falling on her with curiosity, still trying to comprehend how lucky he was that she loved him and she was there snug in his arms.

“If all else failed, I would run to protect my child,” Snow said.

It pleased him to know his wife would be courageous enough to do what was necessary to protect a bairn of theirs.

“I’ve thought of that. But wouldn’t you tell our bairn why you ran?” he asked.

Snow tilted her head and scrunched her brow, giving his question thought. “I’m not sure. What if what I knew, a secret of sorts, placed him in even more danger?”

“But if others knew it as well and he didn’t, not knowing certainly wouldn’t help him.”

“True,” she agreed, nodding, “and secrets don’t always stay secret.” She shook her head. “It is puzzling.” She rested her hand on his chest. “The dead man I tripped over. He was here for a reason and not far from your home. He could have been bringing you a message.”

“Or he could have been here to do harm.”