Thanks to Nettle’s propensity for chatter and detail, she found out more about the incident with the pool of blood than Snow had known. Snow had been amazed to learn that the pool of blood had appeared to sit there like a tiny lake in the middle of the pristine snow, not a sign of anyone or thing being dragged off. All wondered how that could be, and worried it was an evil omen, indeed. And where had the single arrow come from? No one had been caught thus far and with the snowfall growing heavy it was unlikely clear tracks could be found.

It was a mystery, one that made no sense.

Nettle added a bucket of hot water to Snow’s bath and kept her voice low as she spoke. “Whispers circulate, not that I believe them, that death stalks you. The man Finn, the other body found in the snow, unknown to everyone, and now a single arrow that many believe…”

“What do they believe, Nettle?” Snow asked when the young woman’s words had drifted off, a strange occurrence for Nettle. When no answer was forthcoming, Snow urged, “Please, Nettle, I need to know.”

Nettle kept her voice to a whisper. “They believe you bring death with you and that the arrow was meant for Lord Tarass.”

A bad omen indeed.

Is that what Tarass’s clan thought of her… a bad omen?

“I count on you to not only be my eyes but my ears as well, Nettle. Please keep me informed about all you see and hear,” Snow said, suddenly feeling vulnerable in her new home.

“Aye, my lady, I’ll keep close watch of all that goes on,” Nettle promised.

Snow rested her head back on the rim of the round tub, the heated water soaking into her, soothing and relaxing her limbs. She wasn’t surprised when her eyes grew heavy, having gotten no sleep at all last night.

“My lady,” Nettle said softly.

Snow’s eyes fluttered open.

“The bed would be much better for a nap than the tub.”

Snow nodded and let Nettle help her out of the tub and dry her off.

“Oh, I forgot your nightdress and robe,” Nettle said, flustered she had forgotten it. “Wait under the bedcovers so you stay warm while I run and fetch it.”

Snow sunk into the warmth of the bed, the soft wool blankets adding more warmth. Her eyes closed and sleep claimed her as soon as her head touched the pillow.

When the door shut behind Nettle, Thaw stretched himself out of the ball he had curled in before the hearth and went to the bed and jumped up on it to curl against Snow’s side and fell asleep once again.