“Is Snow all right? I feel horrible that I hurt her. She’s such a wee bit of a thing, though she has the strength and courage of a mighty warrior,” Polwarth said, his worry evident in his aged eyes that looked anxiously to Tarass.

He was glad to see the man contrite, or he’d be tempted to land a blow or two on him. “That she does. I couldn’t believe how many times she dared to challenge me as she did. I admire her for her courage.”

“I am relieved to know that you both love each other. I loved both my wives, but my first wife was my one true love. My heart broke when she died and I don’t believe it ever healed.” Polwarth turned his head, to hide the tear that caught in the corner of his eye.

Tarass understood. His heart would shatter completely if he ever lost Snow. “Then you know how I felt when you took my wife from me.”

“I do now,” Polwarth admitted. “And I fear no apology will ever be enough for the harm I’ve caused you and Snow. I only hope someday you both will forgive me.”

“Snow already has. My forgiveness doesn’t come so easily. I’d rather beat you senseless.”

“I don’t blame you. I’d feel the same way if I were in your position.”

“I do appreciate you confronting the Abbot about Angus Macardle. It will ease the burden it brought on my wife. Her da was a good friend to my da and had no reason to harm him or my mum.”

“I agree. It made no sense when Abbot Bennett told me. I should have realized then the man was a liar and couldn’t be trusted.”

“What I can’t understand is why you left the pools of blood. Was it to make me look worse in Abbot Bennett’s eyes? Or did you wish to put fear in my clan? And how did you even know about the myth?”

Polwarth’s brow wrinkled. “I don’t know anything about the pools of blood. Learning about them was a complete shock to me.”

“I believe you are contrite for what you have done, so why deny the rest?” Tarass asked.