Snow gave thought to the wisdom of his words.

Once Tarass sat, he didn’t waste any time. He told her everything Polwarth and he had discussed in between enjoying the delicious fare.

“I didn’t think he had anything to do with the pools of blood. The myth belongs to your mum’s people so it would make sense the person responsible is of that origin,” Snow said.

“I doubted it as well, but I needed to ask. The puzzle goes unsolved,” Tarass said, frustrated that even the smallest clue eluded him.

“This snow doesn’t help. It limits travel and discussion with others who may be of help,” Snow said, enjoying the tasty heather ale. “I can’t help but wonder if that man with the many markings had news for you.”

“What makes you think that?” Tarass asked.

“He and Finn suffered the same fate and Finn had news for you, so it makes one wonder if the man with the markings also had news for you.”

Tarass enjoyed talking with his wife. She had a sharp mind, sometimes seeing things he didn’t.

Snow scratched her head and narrowed her eyes in thought. “I wish we could make sense of the pools of blood. Are they a message of some sort? Or are they meant to instill fear and weaken your leadership? It would help to know the why since it could lead us to the who.”

They continued talking, conversation eventually turning to things they did when young and more laughter than talk followed.

Snow yawned once or twice, but when her yawns grew Tarass took note and saw what he hadn’t noticed before, how tired she was. And why wouldn’t she be with the day she had.

“You need to sleep,” he said.

“First, I need you,” she said with a smile that tempted.

Tarass stretched out of his chair and went to her, scooping her up in his arms. “That’s not going to happen tonight, wife. You need to rest.”

Snow laughed softly and nibbled at his neck before whispering playfully, “You’re not going to win this one, husband.”

And he didn’t.

Chapter 30

Snow woke and smiled, seeing the wood ceiling overhead. It was a bit blurry but she could make it out just as she could her surroundings, and it all was in color. Her gray, drab world was gone. Now she saw colors, wonderful, beautiful colors.

Her sight had continued to improve in the last three weeks, though she had continued to keep the news to herself. She worried it wouldn’t last and her sight would be lost to her again. Instead, her sight had continued to improve and if it improved no more than it had to this point, she’d still be grateful.