She tried to listen to what was going on around her, but there was too much noise and she couldn’t distinguish all the sounds or shadows.

“I’ve brought you a hot brew,” Nettle called out to let her know she approached.

Snow liked Nettle. While her penchant to detail everything might annoy others, it helped Snow greatly. It was like Nettle painted a picture for her and she could see it clearly. She had detailed the various foods on the table this morning and where each sat, making it easier for Snow to help herself.

“I’ve placed a tankard in front of you,” Nettle said when she reached the table.

“Thank you, Nettle. You have been most kind and helpful and I do appreciate it.”

“I enjoy assisting you and I’m grateful you don’t mind my chatter. I sometimes think it’s because I spend so much time alone that I talk endlessly when around others. I do try to mind my tongue, but I fear it’s a helpless cause.”

“It’s the way you detail things that helps me see through your eyes. Like now, can you tell me what goes on? It almost feels like everyone is running about and I think I hear whispers but I’m not sure.”

Nettle sat and slid close to Snow, keeping her voice low. “Everyone wonders about the two dead men Lord Tarass’s warriors brought to the village.”

“Two dead men? Are you sure?” Snow asked anxiously. She and Tarass had come across one body. Where had the other body come from or had Tarass sent his men to search for Finn’s body?

“Aye, many saw the bodies being carried into the village not long ago. It couldn’t possibly be anyone in the clan since all are accounted for, so that’s why tongues are wagging. That and Lord Tarass wears a scowl and Rannock wears a scowl as well, and it’s never good when they both wear scowls.”

Snow recalled meeting Rannock when she first arrived, his comment about Thaw not making much of a meal still on her mind.

“Do the people worry that they are in danger with the discovery of two dead men?” Snow asked.

Nettle chuckled. “Not with Lord Tarass leading them.” She lowered her voice, her chuckle gone. “From the tales I’ve heard, Lord Tarass is not only a skilled warrior but a vicious one as well. There are not many who would challenge him and those who do have rarely lived to tell the tale.”

“Is your tongue wagging again, Nettle?” Fasta scolded loud enough for all to hear.

Nettle hurried to her feet, but Snow responded before the lass could.

“We share a conversation, which I very much enjoy,” Snow said with an air of authority her sister Sorrell would surely compliment.