“Take Thaw with you. I can tell he’s anxious to go and explore.” Snow watched them walk off, Thaw jumping up and down excited to be out in the snow.

She entered the cottage to find Helga fussing over Twilla. Snow had been pleased that Helga had taken over the duties of the healer, having been the only one with some knowledge of healing thanks to her mum who had taught her. All in the clan had been pleased as well and with guidance from Willow throughout the year, she was doing well.

“She’s been asking for you, Lady Snow,” Helga said, tears in her eyes.

Snow approached, Helga having placed a chair next to the bed for her.

“You do well for all in the clan, Helga,” Snow said as she slipped off her cloak.

Helga hurried to take it. “Thank you, m’lady. I enjoy the task. I’ll take my leave, since Twilla told me she wanted to speak with you alone.”

Snow took Twilla’s hand as soon as she sat. “I’m here, Twilla.”

The old woman’s eyes fluttered open. “I don’t have much time.”

Tears sprang to Snow’s eyes.

“Don’t be sad. It’s time for me to go. This old body of mine has had enough. I’ve lived longer than I should have and it’s time for me to truly rest. But first…”

Snow gently squeezed Twilla’s boney hand as her breath caught. She had lost much weight in the last month leaving her far too fragile.

“I need to tell you something, though I hate to burden you with it, but I feel it is necessary.” Twilla fought for a breath before continuing, “I know the reason Tarass’s parents’ left here…”

Snow was shocked and curious but she hated to see Twilla struggle to breathe. “You should rest and—”

“No time,” Twilla said and rested her breath a moment, then continued, “Tarass’s father was called away on some matter that concerned his wife. When he discovered what it was, he ordered her and his son to leave here and go to her people where he would meet her. He had to make sure those who knew what he’d been told and those who planned to tell others never got the chance.” She rested again for a few moments, then resumed talking, getting straight to the point. “Tarass’s mum, Haldana, was a direct descendant of the first Pict king. It was ruled years ago that in order to sit on the Scottish throne, the one claiming the throne had to be wed to a descendant of the Pict. If she was a direct descendant of a Pict king, then no one could deny her child’s claim to the throne. Once Haldana married Tarass’s father any child they had would be the true heir to the Scottish throne.”