Tarass walked around the table, Abbot Bennett backing up as he did, but not fast enough. Tarass reached out and grabbed him, the Abbot wincing as his hand closed like a shackle around his upper arm.

“Listen well, Abbot,” Tarass said, forcing the man to keep step with him as he rushed him toward the door. “Threaten me or dare to bring harm to my clan and you will know a wrath like nothing you have ever seen. Try to take my wife from me—” Tarass stopped abruptly, the Abbot cringing as Tarass’s hand squeezed his arm so hard the pain brought tears to the Abbot’s eyes. “And I will see you die a slow, agonizing death. On that you have my word.”

The Abbot paled and Tarass’s abrupt steps had the Abbot stumbling alongside him to keep up.

Tarass didn’t bother to ask Rannock if the horses waited outside for the Abbot and his entourage, he knew they would be there. He all but dragged the Abbot down the steps to the shock of the clerics waiting by their horses.

One wide glance had Tarass turning to Rannock. “Where’s Lord Polwarth?”

“He was here a short time ago,” Rannock said, looking around as well.

The Abbot cringed in terror when Tarass grabbed him by the throat. “Where is he?”

“I-I-I don’t kn-know,” Abbot Bennett struggled to say.

“Liar!” Tarass screamed and tightened his grip on the Abbot’s neck. “Rannock, alert the warriors.”

Rannock let out a vicious roar that sounded as if it echoed through the village, when actually his roar was echoed by others and suddenly men and women poured out of their homes weapons in hand, ready to battle.

“Tell me where Lord Polwarth has gone?” Tarass demanded again as the Abbot began to turn red and struggle for breath. Tarass loosened his grip when he saw that the man fought to speak.

In between gasps, the Abbot said, “He only wants to save her soul.”

Tarass let out a roar that sounded as if it came from the depths of hell itself and shoved the Abbot so hard that he tumbled to the ground.

“Let no one leave the village,” Rannock yelled out and rushed up the stairs behind Tarass.

“Is someone there?” Snow called out when Thaw’s growls grew stronger.

“It’s only me, Snow,” Lord Polwarth said, entering through the open door.

Fear sent gooseflesh rushing over Snow, even more so when she caught more than one shape enter the room.

“You have no right to be here in my private chambers,” she scolded, keeping her voice strong, though she trembled inside.

Thaw keep guard in front of Snow, his snarl warning not to approach.

“Your father would not want this for you, Snow,” Lord Polwarth said and took a step toward her.

Thaw jumped forward snapping and growling, warning him to stay away.

“I don’t want to harm your dog but if I must—”