Rannock grumbled again, then said, “I need to see to the count of the people and animals.”

“Check with the cook as well and see if any animals were slaughtered in the last two days and what was done with the blood.”

“I never thought of that,” Rannock said with a nod. “I’ll see to it, and I’ll see to having this cleaned away.”

“One other thing, Rannock,” Tarass said. “Send a few warriors to see if the cleric made it to the monastery.”

“You think this could be his blood?”

“I don’t know, but if it is I want to know before anyone else does,” Tarass said and headed back to the keep.

He spotted Nettle heading toward the hall that connected the kitchen and called out to her.

She turned and hurried over to him. “My lord, Lady Snow asked to wait for you in the room—”

“She’s claimed as her solar,” Tarass finished.

“I do believe she has claimed it as such, my lord,” Nettle agreed with the smile she wore spreading. “The hearth was left to burn out and a chill has set in. I got a fire going, plied her with blankets, and left Thaw snuggling at her feet. Now I’m fetching m’lady a hot brew.”

Rannock was right, the woman could detail things. “You take good care of Lady Snow.”

Nettle’s smile captured her whole face. “Thank you, my lord, though it is no chore in serving Lady Snow. She is a kind and wonderful person, and I am honored to be in her service.”

“That is good to know, Nettle. I want to talk with you. Please direct one of the servants to take the hot brew to Lady Snow, then meet me in my solar.”

“Have I done something wrong, my lord,” Nettle asked nervously.

“There is nothing for you to be worried about, Nettle,” Tarass assured her and spotted Fasta. “Have Fasta take Lady Snow the brew.”

“No, my lord, that would not be wise,” she said in haste to keep him from calling out to the woman.

“Why is that, Nettle?” Tarass asked, concerned he had failed to see something else.

“It’s a bit of a tale, I’d prefer to tell after I make sure Lady Snow gets her hot brew.”

“Very well,” Tarass said with a nod. “Meet me in my solar when you’ve seen to it.”

Tarass went to his solar, wondering if he’d been blind to more things than he’d realized. Had he been so bent on revenging his parents’ death that he hadn’t paid enough attention to the reason for their deaths. And what of Fasta? Why hadn’t Nettle thought it wise for the woman to take a brew to his wife? He was eager to talk with Nettle and was glad he didn’t have to wait very long to his relief.

“Lady Snow rests comfortably,” Nettle said proudly.