Chapter 10 Chapter nine

Connor stood in the circle and looked at his wife.He could see that at first she didn't realize what she was seeing.He hoped she wouldn't recognize it as her horse, but he knew that couldn't be.Why didn't he just take the damn ribbon off?That ribbon is sure to let her know it's her Gilly's. His heart ached for her.The pain in her eyes drove him crazy.Her voice was so small that he was sure that Xio's soldiers thought it was the sound of the wind, because one of them actually looked up at the sky, and then at Connor. Wen Na put her hand on her throat, took a step back, and searched for Kang Nuo in horror.

He wanted to go to her, but he didn't move, in fact, he hoped to express his feelings to Mina after those soldiers left.The soldiers would report Connor's reaction to Hugh when they returned, and he hoped McNair would never know what he thought of the gift.He worried that his wife would scream or break down in front of the crowd.He didn't blame her for it, because she really liked his pony, but he prayed that she would leave first.He wanted to help her, so he kept staring at her, hoping that his silence and grim expression would make her understand him.He knew it was too demanding of her and wondered if she would cooperate.But, just when he was about to order her to leave here, he saw her put her hands down, and the blood on her face was gone.She straightened her back and nodded slightly to him trembling.

She performed far better than he expected.She looked at Lord Hugh's soldiers, and God knows, there was still a smile on her face, as if she wanted to welcome their visit, but knew that she should not speak until the Lord had introduced her. Dear God, he's so proud of her.When she carefully observed the faces of those people, she only showed slight curiosity, then took a last look at Connor, bowed her head, turned around and left gracefully, leaving the scene like a noble princess. Everyone watches her leave.Several servants were waiting beside the castle, and when Mina passed them, one of them called to stop her.

Ma'am, what are those people looking at? Just a dead horse, she replied, that's all. She continued walking calmly for a while, and as soon as she disappeared around the corner, Lord Hugh's soldiers turned to look at Connor.They were immediately petrified by the smile on the lord's face. An older emissary speaks to the lord, Hugh fears you will think he has something to do with it. Chris stepped forward to answer for his lord.His tower-like body was in front of the soldier's eyes, making him take a step back involuntarily. Hugh had no reason to worry about this.Our lord knows who did it.

You have completed the task, Kunlan said, you can leave now, we still have some important things to talk about. Several soldiers of the He clan nodded their approval, and the messenger found that these soldiers were all smiling like their lord. Shall I go back and report that there is nothing more than an inconvenience to your lord? You can report it however you want, Connor replied, I don't mind. Do you want us to take the body away? Leave it to our dogs.Chris suggested. Connor nodded in agreement, and then left. Those messengers will never forget what they saw today. When he returns to report to the lord, he will say that the lord Ho seems to be amused by the enemy's gift.

Wen Na returned to the bedroom and began to retch.She could only keep herself from throwing up by taking a deep breath and refusing to think about Gilly's body. After getting better, she sat down on the edge of the bed, clasped her hands on her lap, and tried to forget those horrible feelings.She didn't cry in mourning, which she understood was meant for humans and not animals, and she was glad she was able to control it. Poor Jilly.Her loyal pony never did a bad thing.This obedient and tame animal had given Wen Na so many years of happiness. She should have died peacefully in a clover field when the deadline came.It was hard to accept that she had been hurt and driven over a mountain before she died.

She prayed and hoped that when those insane killers swung knives at her, she could die quickly without enduring too much pain.Who is responsible for such a despicable crime?What monster would kill such a gentle creature in such a vicious way? McNair.He must be the culprit.He was probably mad with rage when he went after Kang-no and her, so when he spotted Ji-ri, he turned his anger on her.Until today, Wen Na realized how cruel and terrifying men can become.She remembers how angry and worried she was when her father ordered her to marry McNair.But she wasn't really afraid of the lord at the time.

And now she was afraid of him.If he would do this to an animal, what would he do to man? The thought reminded her of something even more terrifying.If Kang Nuo hadn't come and snatched her away, she would have married that man by now.This made her tremble again. She didn't know how long she sat by the window thinking, but after the room darkened, Connor walked in.She neither looked up at Connor nor spoke to him, grateful for his silence, knowing she could never bear to talk about Jiri now. After a quick glance at her to make sure she was all right, he bolted the door and went to the fireplace to light a fire.He wished she would yell at him, but she kept silent, which worried him quite a bit.He knew she must be mad at him for insisting on leaving Ji Li behind.He didn't want Mina to hold back her anger.The sooner she breaks out, the sooner she can go to sleep.

His brother had once told him that women had a unique ability to get rid of their anger as soon as they let it out.Men can't do that.Rage can fester in a warrior's heart, tormenting them year after year, unless they can find revenge to end it all.Connor couldn't find any other solution. You are shaking.Come and stand by the fire. She actually obeyed his orders.As soon as she approached, he hugged her, made her look up at him, and told her to yell at him. I don't want this.She said she was bewildered. I know you're mad at me, you can let it all out now and be fine. I'm not mad at you.

It was I who decided to throw your horse off. Yes, but it is imperative. She turned away from him and stared at the firelight. McNair did it. Yes. What he did to Gilly gave him pleasure, didn't it? Don't think so. answer me.Her voice was shriller than she'd imagined, but Connor didn't seem to care.He affirmed her question softly. Yes, I'm sure he took pleasure in torturing the animal. I hope Gilly doesn't suffer long before she dies doesn't it? He lied looking straight into her eyes, yes. how do you know? I just know it.The firmness of his tone assured him that he was telling the truth.

I really shouldn't have left that ribbon around her neck.That lets him know she belongs to a woman, doesn't it? They will know anyway.She is smaller than our horses. She withdrew from his arms and looked up at him, but found he wasn't angry at all. You seem calm, don't you?Don't you want to shout it out? Does this change the facts? She shook her head, she knew he was right.Roaring and roaring would not give Gilly back to her.But Connor's ruthlessness made her feel even more lonely, as if she could only endure the torment of anger and fear alone. Why did McNair go to such pains to send Gilly here? He wanted me to see everything he did.Now go to bed.You need rest. Is this message for you, or for me? for me. Gilly is mine. But you belong to me.He said confidently. Is he telling us what is going to happen in the future? Hugh's soldiers said McNair called it a gift.he told her.He forced her to come to him and began to undress her. She didn't resist until he tried to take off her underwear.I will be cold. He didn't stop.I will keep you warm tonight.I found you still wearing the necklace your father gave you.I told you, throw it away.He reminded her.He didn't really care about the thing, and after he got to know her better, he finally realized that she wasn't insulting him by wearing it.It doesn't seem to do any harm. I won't do that. won't do what? throw it away. I can tell you didn't throw it away, he said jokingly, you're really tired tonight, aren't you? Yes, but I think I might not be able to sleep.i'm angry and and what? She shook her head, not going to admit she was afraid.will you sleep with me Not yet.I still have something to do. Is it important? Yes. Can you lie down next to me for a while, just a few minutes. She wouldn't go to sleep if he didn't agree, so he took off his boots, straightened his back, and folded his hands behind his head.He stared at the ceiling and she stared at him. His expression showed that he was a contented man, as if there was nothing to worry about in this world, if she hadn't seen him standing there in the yard just now, she would have thought he had never seen Ji Li's body at all.His behavior made her very uncomfortable. She would have preferred to sleep on the door side of the bed, but he let her sleep on the window side.She didn't want to stare out at the ruins, but she didn't want to look at Conor either, his icy attitude was as unsettling as the moonlit scene outside.So she also lay on her back and looked at the ceiling. She couldn't understand why her husband was so indifferent.The expression on his face as he looked down at Gilly was truly grim, but she had thought he was faking it so that the messengers would have nothing worth reporting back.Now she wasn't sure.Maybe Connor wasn't faking it at all.Could he really be so ruthless? That horse is her pet. Yes, although she has raised her and loved her for many years, she is just an animal after all.But if the body of one of his soldiers was brought over like this, would he still be so calm? she hoped so. Minutes passed in silence, and she kept thinking about her husband's behaviour.She suddenly remembered that she had a question to ask again, so she turned to see if he was still awake and not asleep. Who did you say was the leader of those soldiers? stop. Was he an ally of McNair? If he was an ally of McNair, I would have killed all his soldiers long ago. So he's your ally? When the odds were in his favour, he replied, Hugh's territory bordered us on the south.As long as he doesn't bother me, I will let him live peacefully. I will not trust him. I don't trust him. Conor found that she had been struggling to stay awake.She could barely keep her eyes open, and was yawning profusely.But she was still determined to continue discussing today's affairs and refused to sleep.He decided to help her fall asleep.He pulled her into his arms, hugged her tightly, and started stroking her back.The heat from his body warmed her and immediately made her drowsy. McNair was a devil, and an arrogant devil at that.Mina said that made him more dangerous and scary. He closes his eyes and waits for her to admit her fear. She concedes it in a roundabout way, and women especially are afraid of such monsters. But you're not, he said, and you know I won't let anything happen to you, don't you, Mina? Yes, she whispered, you know I won't let anything happen to you, don't you, Connor? He smiled and leaned over to kiss her forehead.McNair was not invincible.He too, like everyone else, has his fears.He was especially afraid of one man. are you sure? Yes. So should women be afraid of this man too? No. So who is he?she asked.She fell asleep before her husband could tell her who the man who was afraid of the devil was. She fell into a deep sleep for an hour, until she was awakened by the creak of the drawbridge being lowered. Connor was not on the bed.She grabbed the shawl and put it on her body, and came to the window. Everything outside is very scary.A troop of soldiers is mounted on horseback, each of them holding a torch in one hand and dragging a rope with the other.They walked slowly across the drawbridge, dragging the emaciated animal carcass behind them. The trampling of the horses could not muffle the sound of the corpse being dragged across the logs. Connor walked towards the ruins.After the team arrived at the destination, everyone mourned together.They stood in an arc, and the four men in the middle began to dig.They tossed aside their excavations, their muscles gleaming in the twilight.The pit was very deep, and a soldier stepped forward and reached down to pull up the person in the pit.Now the light of the fire shone on the ground, and the soldiers pulled the rope together in unison.The body was slowly dragged forward.It swayed by the edge of the black pit twice, and when the soldier let go, it slid down like a snake. Then they started filling the hole back with earth, and at last they left a torch on top of the mound, and the light came back on the horses. A few minutes later, the brigade roared back across the drawbridge.The little fire on the ruins seemed to be keeping watch. After a few minutes of light, the fire flickered twice, and then went out. Mina has been looking out the window at her husband. Ten minutes later, Quinlan and Chris returned to the fort, and she retreated into the shadows not to be seen by them.The soldiers must have gone to bathe at the lake, and she guessed his husband was there too. He didn't appear on the trail until an hour later.Upon seeing him, she stopped breathing immediately.The light from his torch surrounded him, and in the light of the fire his stalwart body seemed to be shrouded in golden light.It wasn't until he approached that she felt his danger, and then she noticed his change.He moved forward like a predator, striding with determination, the muscles in his shoulders and arms rolling gracefully under his smooth skin.And his eyes were full of vigilance. He is getting ready to fight.The force he emanated made her heart beat faster.Her trembling hands clutched the shawl around her body, and then a sudden shudder.She knows she loves fantasy too much.He was her husband, not a stranger.But her instincts continued to warn her.As soon as he came to the courtyard she understood. She felt his anger, she saw it.He kept his head down, deliberately following the trail where Gilly had been dragged away, and stopped when he came to where the pony had been lying.He shivered, then raised his head and looked up at the sky.Reflected by the firelight, his face was pale, sad, and utterly furious.Veins throbbed in his cheeks, his shoulders and neck were stiff and straight. He must have been pissed off.She stared into those cold, deadly savage eyes, and it seemed he was being controlled by anger.He flung the torch away, raised the sword above his head with both hands, and drove the point into the bloody dirt. It was a frightening sight indeed.She couldn't move, couldn't breathe, let alone call out to him. Looking at the ruins in the distance, she suddenly understood Kang Nuo's anger.He had told her his father had died there, but she had never asked him who did it.Now she won't ask anymore, she already has the answer in her heart. She took a long breath and turned her gaze back to her husband.Now he was looking at her.Their eyes met for a full minute, then he looked away.He shook his sword, drew it out and started walking back. She called his name.He looked up at her with the murderous look on his face.She should be scared, but she's not at all.She held out her hand, telling him to come back quickly. She stood in the middle of the room and waited.The footsteps were getting closer.She stared at the door, her heart pounding.She would hold him in her arms and wipe away his anger with soft whispers and soft caresses. She had seen how he changed from a lord to a barbarian, and now she knew.There was no doubt that McNair would be terrified of Conor. She wouldn't feel sorry for the pig. Connor couldn't concentrate, he kept thinking about his wife and everything about last night. He behaved like a beast.He should have waited for his anger to dissipate by the lake before returning, but the sound of her calling him drove him back, and he was powerless to resist the temptation. She shouldn't have touched him.If she had been on the other side of the room, he probably wouldn't have touched her.As soon as Connor thought about it, he knew he was lying.He wanted her already when he was climbing the stairs, but he didn't want to possess her like a wild man.Did he hurt her?God help him, he doesn't know.Although she didn't reject him, she didn't tell him to stop.But he knew that he would definitely listen to her and do what she wanted, and he had no doubts about it.He remembered how she ran to him, hugged him, and refused to let him go.Of course she didn't know what he wanted to do then.Damn, if she guessed what he was thinking, she might want to jump out of the window. She will never forgive him.He used her shamelessly, what he did must have terrified her, he wanted her twice, not once, and in ways she couldn't understand.He knew exactly why he needed her so much.He had lived so angry for too long, and she was such a gentle and lovely elf.He needs her to be able to breathe, to be able to feel Connor, you're going to strangle Peter.Chris came up behind the Lord and put his hands on his shoulders. Connor pushed the soldier away.Peter staggered back a few steps, took a few deep breaths, swallowed, and stood up straight. You almost killed someone, Peter.Connor said the sound was very harsh.If I hadn't parried your sword, one of my men would have died by your sword.I can't stand this kind of stupidity. Lord, Peter opened his mouth to plead. Connor raised his hand to stop him, without making excuses.It is up to Kunlan to decide what punishment to give you. He waited for the soldiers to leave to discuss the matter with his two commanders.Chris and Quinlan come to him. Chris felt that the soldier was not qualified at all and planned to send him home.Kunlan agrees, but promises to make a decision after she calms down. Chris changed the subject, have you decided how to get back at McNair? Yes.We leave this afternoon.Choose eight or ten soldiers to join us. Will you go to Kim Ayeol first?He made you promise not to raid like this again. I should go and explain to my brother, but I won't.Naturally he would be angry, but I'm sure he'll understand when he knows what McNair has done.Of course I should give that bastard good news too. Don't confront McNair or kill him unless I go with you.Kunlan requested. You say the same thing every time we change shifts.Chris reminded him that I'm sure Connor already knows what you think of our enemies. And every time I'm with Conor, you ask for the same, Chris. Connor interrupted the two, telling them that both of them could go with him then.I will only kill him if I find enough evidence.That's what I promised my father.Chris, go get your guys ready, we're off before sundown.Kunlan, walk back with me, I want to explain some duties that you should perform during my absence. He roughly finished his instructions before returning to the yard, and finally added a request that my wife be moved to another bedroom.Get it done today. Does Lady Wenna disapprove of your vengeance against McNair this time? No, I haven't told her about it yet.How do you think so? She is your wife, Connor. I know. It was her horse that was slaughtered. Yes, Conor agrees, so you think I should explain my intentions to her? Seeing Kang Nuo's confused expression, Kun Lan laughed out loud. Explaining his intentions to his wife never seemed to happen to him. Most wives would like their husbands to be able to explain how they feel. Yeah? So you asked her to move to another bedroom for some other reason? It's none of your business. True, he agreed, but as your friend, I feel I should warn you that your wife will feel hurt by this decision.She will not understand at all.Of course you will notice our hostess' affection for you. Of course, that's why I asked her to move to the other bedroom.I promise, she will feel relieved by this. Conor declined to discuss the matter further.He ordered Kunlan to start his mission, and walked into the hall. Nate, the servant in charge of cleaning the first floor, was so frightened when he saw the lord that he threw away the rag in his hand.She jumped back, bowed her head, and greeted the lord with a murmur. The servant was always trembling, and trembled every time he saw him.Connor didn't understand why.This woman has been working in his house for more than a year, but during this year, he has never spoken loudly to her. Nate, go upstairs and tell my wife I have business with her. If she's still sleeping, should I wake her, lord? Connor shook his head, no, it's still early.If she's still sleeping, just leave her alone.Just remember to be quiet, he added, and my father's widow is probably still asleep. The servant stumbled twice in his haste to leave the hall.Connor paced and waited in the empty room, thinking about how to explain to Mina.He knew he should apologize for what happened last night.But he wasn't going to do it, for the simple reason that it was impossible for him to apologize.He'd never told anyone he was sorry, and now he didn't want to learn to. Connor had just lit the fire in the fireplace when Nate came back and told the lord that the lady was not upstairs.He ordered her to send some servants out to look for it, and began pacing again.He was shocked by what Quinlan said about the idea of ​​sharing information with his wife, and he wondered now if Aleigh had ever told Jamie his thoughts on those horrible things.No, of course he wouldn't do that.A man shouldn't, should he? He shook his head in disgust.Marriage complicates his life.He should have thought of this earlier.It seemed a bit late to think about it now, and he had to admit that now that she was his he felt a pang of anger at the thought of her being with someone else.Does that mean he likes to marry her?Who was he kidding, of course he liked her very much, more than he thought.For example, now, he even began to wait anxiously for her return. The thought frightened him.He was like a young soldier now, eager to impress his commander.He's weak enough in front of Mina, and if he's not careful, he'll probably make himself fall in love with him.He knew exactly what would happen then.She will die before him. Arwena wasn't worth the heartache he had to endure. Chris walked in and informed him that Lord Jin Yalie asked to see him, but he was a little slow, and Ariel was already standing beside him.The two watched Kang Nuo pace up and down together.When Kunlan walked in, he bowed to Ariel, and then began to pay attention to Kang Nuo.The lord did not realize that Ariel's presence amused him.This is not like Kang Nuo at all, Kunlan is sure that what Kang Nuo is thinking about is definitely related to Mrs. Wen Na. Ariel didn't think it was funny how his brother ignored him.Connor looked directly into Ariel's eyes for a few seconds before he figured out the situation.Are you going to announce Aleigh's arrival, Chris? He is waiting for you to see me.Ariel said angrily that turning his back to others might lead to death. It's just bad manners to turn your back on your family, it's not dangerous.He came forward, bowed formally to Ariel, and said, your presence makes my home flourish. Your manners leave room for improvement. It is you who taught me everything.Someone pissed you off and you carried a sword. I am angry.Ariel replied, my people are waiting at the foot of the mountain.We are going to search for someone who dares to stand against me, and I want you to come with me. certainly. Ariel nodded, very glad that Connor agreed to his request without asking why.The older brother cockily guessed that Conor's unquestioning loyalty came from raising him. Ariel strode into the hall, punched his brother on the shoulder, and then went to the table and sat in the only high-backed chair.He dragged a stool over and instructed Connor to sit down. Dawson didn't seem to understand what I was saying.Woman, go get me some water.He called out to the servants who were lingering at the door. The servant looked around in horror.Connor guessed that she might be looking for a place to put down her things.Before he could order, she put the things on the steps, and the woman rushed into the hall, saluted Connor, and put the things on the table next to Connor. He knew what these things were without her explaining.I've sent three men to find the lady, lord, but the only thing they've found is what these ladies drop.They are still searching for her, lord, can you tell me what to do with these mistress's things after I go to bring water to lord gold? Conor was visibly troubled. He shook his head in annoyance. Put it down, Nate, he ordered. She saluted again, and went to fetch water for his brother.Connor found that when she put the jug and glass in front of Jin Yalie, she was indeed trembling.This did not surprise him at all.A woman is always very afraid of seeing his brother. Have you lost your wife?Ariel asked softly. of course not.he answered. Ariel also wanted to continue making fun of his brother.He reached for a yellow ribbon.What do we have here? You can see there's a pouch, a ribbon, and a dagger.God knows, Aleigh, I don't know how she did it.Mina can even lose her shoes while walking.She keeps dropping things and picking them up again and again.I don't know how to make her be more careful. Ariel thinks Mina's forgetfulness is funny.He gave a big laugh, and then suggested that his brother could set up a box in the hall and let his people put her things they found in it. With your permission, leave this matter to me.Chris yelled from the door. Do you want me to help you find your wife?Kunlan asked. I hope you can come here, Ariel ordered, what we are going to discuss has something to do with you. He waited for the two of them to come and sit across from Connor and start. We'll be away for a week or two.Dawson and his men are hiding in the mountains, and it might take a while to find him. You don't seem to be in any rush to go.Connor said. Dawson was going nowhere.That fool thought he was safe.He shook his head and went on, I can't imagine where he got the idea. How many people do we take?Chris asked. I can't confirm the number yet.Quinlan, are you responsible for the security of the castle while your lord is gone? Yes, my lord. Doubles sentries on borders and walls. I've given my order, Ariel.You do not have to worry about.Connor said. Are you worried about trouble?Chris asked. Connor answered the question.Aleigh always expected trouble, and so did I. I hear McNair went mad when he found out you'd stolen his bride.Her bodyguards have convinced him that she went with you willingly, and now he must be beginning to hate your Mina as much as he hates you. It's not her fault.Connor said. Kunlan looked in disbelief.Her soldiers went to McNair instead of back to England?I'm really blown away by their stupidity. They were forced to pass.You can imagine McNair's embarrassment, Ariel explained.At least a hundred relatives and guests were waiting for his wedding celebration.He had expected his bride to arrive in the evening, but when she did not appear, he sent another party out to meet her.He is said to have lost all face in front of the crowd.Damn it, Kunlan, how dare you think this is funny. I find it comical that McNair is so humiliated.Kunlan admitted. Me too.Connor said. And I.Chris said. There was complete loyalty between them, the three soldiers were true siblings, and Ariel understood their relationship.He knew he should scold them for this attitude.But to blame them for taking pleasure in their disgrace to McNair is somewhat hypocritical.He had a good laugh about it too, but he wouldn't tell his brother.He wanted to suppress the animosity between Conor and McNair, not encourage them. I understand how you feel about McNair.I admit, I don't like that man at all either.But you have to prove to me that he and his father had something to do with your father's death, Connor. Chris wanted to cut him off, but he raised his hand to stop him from continuing, I want to remind you that when you came to my house, I hung Donner's sword on the wall of my house, remember, it is now still there.And you can't kill McNair until you give me sufficient evidence.have you understood? Yes, Connor replied, you are our lord, of course we will respect your wishes. Damn so good. It took a lot of effort for Connor to control his anger.While he can always express his opinion, it is not wise to oppose his brother in front of Quinlan and Chris. Is there any more?he asks. Ariel glared at him. I swore to you a long time ago that I would never let you kill McNair unless you can prove his guilt.But I didn't swear to you that I wouldn't kill you, Connor.Stop pushing me. Ariel waited for Connor to nod his approval before continuing, God knows how I brought you back to life.As soon as I carried you into my home, I accepted this impossible task that God gave me.You were all half dead, and my wife took care of you for a whole week.I still cannot forgive you for the inconvenience you have caused me. I remember, Connor said, you told me you would never let me die. Ariel laughed, and you ordered me to go off and take care of the others. He let out a long, exaggerated sigh, you always want to give me orders.Do you remember when you made me swear to you not to let Quinlan and Chris die?No, of course you forgot.I can't change your past, Connor, but I can do something for you now.I have a message that may be of use to you.An English soldier tells McNair that Wenna planned your arrival.That's not true, is it? Yes, that's not true. You said you didn't force her. I am not forcing her. You lost some important details when you told me about the marriage, didn't you? For example?Connor asked. Ariel didn't answer right away, McNair sent two of his men and three English soldiers to leave.They were on their way to the Black Baron's domain. Who is the Black Baron, Lord Gold?Chris asked. Mina's father.he answered. There were twelve soldiers escorting the lady.Kunlan said. Now there are only three left.McNair doesn't like to hear bad news.He thinks Minna's father shouldn't have raised such an unruly daughter, and hopes to get compensation immediately.I don't know the Baron well enough to predict how he will react to the news that the alliance has been broken.But I at least know that if I was going to marry my daughter to a man and she ends up marrying someone else, I'm going to want to go after my daughter and find out the truth. In other words, do you think the baron will come with troops? Probably. Connor shrugged, if that's the case, there's nothing he can do. What would you do if her father challenged you? No one can take her away from me.no one.He doesn't raise his voice, but the force behind each word cannot be ignored. will you kill himChris asked, a slight curiosity in his voice. My wife would probably be disappointed in that.Connor said. possible?Ariel asked, she would definitely be heartbroken. I won't let things be like that.I'll wait to see how her father behaves. Ariel nodded, glad his brother wouldn't do anything reckless. I'm not going to tell Mina this, and I don't see any reason to worry her.From observing my wife, I found that women worry about little things, which confuses me.Jamie is saddened to hear about McNair's behavior to Wenna's horse.To make matters worse, she insisted on asking Hugh for every detail. Lord Hugh went to find you, Kunlan asked. He must have been riding all night.Chris said. No, he arrived last night.One of my sentries led him the way.Hugh was terrified, but when he calmed down, he brought me some very interesting news.You know, he's been refusing to get involved in the quarrel between you and McNair.He came to me a long time ago, hoping that I could lend a helping hand when you tried to force him.I assured him my brother would never do such a thing.With regard to McNair, however, I cannot give the same assurance.Xio just wants to live in peace.His grandfather, his father, ruled as he did the little sliver of territory between you and your enemies.But that puts him in a dangerous situation, because he simply doesn't have as many soldiers as you.Hugh has done no evil to anyone, nor done anyone wrong, so I promise him my aid.He's just a harmless old man, Connor, and I don't want him to be oppressed. I helped him, Ariel. I know.But if he accepts, McNair will kill all his people as soon as you turn around.Our king is very fond of the old man, and if anything should happen to him, he will be rather disappointed.I explained all this to McNair, and told him that, as the king's appointed mediator, I must ensure the self-control and inviolability of Hugh's domain. Did McNair scare him? Yes, Ariel replied, Hugh was invited to McNair's wedding, but the old man didn't leave in time, so he was forced to witness what McNair did to those who angered him. Those English soldiers.Quinlan points to this obvious fact.Was the death of the nine soldiers the same as the mistress' pony? Ariel stared into Connor's eyes and nodded slowly.Needless to say, Hugh was horrified by what he saw.I hope Mina never hears about it.With any luck, she might never find out. His wish didn't come true because Mina heard his every word.玟娜早就從後門進來，聽見亞烈的聲音時，她馬上停了下來，希望整理一下儀容再進去歡迎他。她並沒打算偷聽，直到她聽到他們說到她的名字。於是她繼續待在那裏，想要知道他們為什麼提到她的名字。她知道她一進去，他們會立刻停下。亞烈和康諾都不是在說悄悄話，但他們壓低了的聲音表明他們的談話相當嚴肅。她知道現在自己的行為非常不好，但她不去在乎。 她剛剛打算進去，突然亞烈說起了他父親那九個士兵的遭遇。她噁心地在腦中勾畫出那個可怕的畫面，這加重了她胃部的不適。她為幾個士兵的靈魂做著祈禱，這讓她稍微回復了點自制。她對自己說，等會自己一個人回到臥室時，她會跪下祈求上帝歡迎他們。之後，她會立刻感謝上帝把康諾帶來給她。如果不是康諾來搶走了她，現在她已經嫁給了那個魔鬼了。這個想法讓她一陣戰慄，她的胃又翻滾起來。努力傾聽大廳裏的對話讓她沒尖叫出來。她強迫自己小心，等會獨處時她才可以盡情地大哭。 活了這麼一大把年紀，休竟然還是這麼天真的可怕。亞烈說，他回家時怕的要死，第二天早上，他的手下告訴他在邊境上發現了玟娜的馬，而且麥內爾傳話給他，要他把屍體帶去給你，康諾。休覺得你肯定會想要看的。你知道麥內爾稱這個為一個禮物嗎？ Know.Connor replied. 然後休就直接過去找你了。昆藍點著頭說。 康諾，我還要提醒你一件事。當然沒有我們剛剛討論的事情那麼重要，但我一直在想著休說過的一句話。 What did he say? 休聽一個英格蘭士兵說玟娜向你求婚時還只是個孩子。你忘記告訴我這個了，是不是？現在告訴我，你並沒有違反我的命令，沒去招惹麥內爾。 亞烈嘭地一拳砸在桌子上，玟娜馬上跑了出來。多好的一天啊，金領主。再次見到你真是太讓人高興了。 眨眼的功夫，亞烈的表情馬上從憤怒地皺眉，變成了在她看來無比真誠的微笑。昆藍和克里斯看到她都鬆了口氣。她直接走到亞烈身邊，瞥了一眼康諾，看見他眼中的僥倖，然後轉身面對他們的客人。她熱情地抓住他的手，讓他知道見到他是多麼的高興，然後馬上意識到自己的無禮，迅速地放開他。他握住她的手，我也很高興，玟娜。今天還好嗎？他盯著玟娜額頭上的縫線問道。 I'm fine thank you.怎麼可能會不好呢？the weather is nice today. 外邊在下雨。克里斯提醒她。 雨已經停了，她回答，請坐吧。我打擾了你們開會嗎？如果是的話，我向您道歉。傑宓跟你一起來了嗎，領主？ 亞烈放開她的手然後回答，她在家。 這真讓我難過。我希望下次你來看康諾時能帶傑宓一同前來。 她又一次請求他們落座，男人們終於讓步。她來到康諾身邊，等他坐下後，把手放在他肩膀上。這個動作不是在表達感情，只是讓亞烈明白她對丈夫的忠心。 你的妻子好嗎？she asked. 我猜她還不錯吧。亞烈回答，談到妻子讓他的眼中充滿溫情。她現在不肯跟我說話。 Oh no.玟娜低語。 傑宓可以像她的丈夫一樣固執。Connor said. Indeed.亞烈笑著承認，我不讓她去看瑪麗，這讓她很失望。我女兒就快要生產了，他向玟娜解釋，因為這是第一胎，所以我妻子覺得她在場會讓她好過點。 領主，我實在控制不住我的好奇，為什麼你不讓傑宓去看瑪麗呢？Mina asked. 康諾發現自己的妻子竟然要求金亞烈解釋這讓他驚訝不已。他知道玟娜不是大膽不敬，她只是好奇而已。稍後，他會向他兄弟解釋她的衝動，她當然不是要故意置疑他的決定。 但亞烈似乎根本不在意，我妻子也是這麼問的。我因還有其他事情要做，所以抽不開身。我不希望我的妻子在沒有我的陪護下出門。她當然會努力反抗，但她也知道無法動搖我的決定。 我的妻子絕不會反抗我的。康諾說，是不是，玟娜？ 我想你該放我走了。she answered. no. 那麼好吧，看在我們女兒的份上，我想我會想出一個不需要反抗你就能達成目標的方法，康諾。 亞烈覺得她的自信很好笑。你那麼聰明嗎？ 我喜歡認為自己聰明，領主。我是八個孩子中的一個，我知道必須夠聰明才能做成事。你覺得這只是個空洞的吹噓嗎？她問大笑不止的昆藍。我是自願嫁給康諾的，而如你們所見，我現在已經是康諾的妻子了。 除了康諾，所有人都大笑出來。他看起來很生氣。 她越發覺得應該馬上離開讓他們繼續開會，但她要走時，亞烈又開口說話。 我剛剛遇到了你的一位朋友，玟娜。他真是被你迷住了，他認為自己是你的保護者。 昆藍替康諾抗議，他認為竟然有其他男人以玟娜的保護者自居，這簡直是一種侮辱。康諾可以保護他的妻子。這個膽敢向康諾挑戰的男人是誰？ 是啊，康諾才是夫人的保護者。克里斯也附和。 玟娜甚至不想嘗試隱藏自己的憤怒，我能夠照顧自己，謝謝你們。不知何故，男人們似乎覺得她的觀點很好笑。她假裝沒有受到冒犯，這個朋友是誰？ 辛克萊神父。 昆藍感到不好意思起來，如果你剛才告訴我是辛克萊神父，我就不會抗議了，領主。 亞烈不理他，他對你評價很高，玟娜。 為什麼他會在你那？Connor asked. 他剛剛受命接替莫道，對於莫道的去世，我們仍然很難過。當然，我也不會讓他留下。今天出門時我走得很匆忙，還沒告訴他。但我會給他提供食宿，等回來後，我就會打發他離開。這是我唯一能做的了。他聳了聳肩加了最後一句。 你怎麼能拒絕他，領主？she asked. 他覺得這個問題很奇怪，那並不難。 但為什麼你要送他走呢？ Why?玟娜，我不需要他。我已經夠仁慈的了。不知為什麼，他在跟我相處的時候老是不能放鬆。 他在康諾面前也非常緊張。昆藍說。 我簡直不敢相信自己聽到的。她吞吞吐吐地說。神父是高地最有力量的人。康諾是這麼告訴我的。 是的，只要他們意識到自己的力量。亞烈解釋，他，以及這裏所有其他的神父都一樣，都是受到保護而且不被侵擾的。 那麼為什麼你還要把他遣走呢？ 因為我不想要他。亞烈又解釋一遍。 那麼我要他。她衝口而出。 Can't.康諾生氣地說。 你真的想要個神父住在這裏嗎？Ariel asked. No.Connor replied. Yes.玟娜同時回答。 亞烈咧嘴一笑，你的要求被准許了，玟娜、等我和康諾一回來，我會立刻把辛克萊送過來。 亞烈。康諾警告。 我無法拒絕你的妻子。Ariel said. 玟娜對丈夫的皺眉視而不見。他對兩兄弟能夠答應她的請求表示感謝，然後不等康諾抗議就匆忙告退離開。 請你們繼續剛才的討論吧，她說，既然已經得到准許，我也打算開始我的工作了。 你沒有什麼工作要做。Connor said. 哦，我有。她說，我得出去選個好地點。 選好地點幹什麼？她丈夫問。 當然是蓋教堂啊。神父會想要一個教堂的。 太晚了，她突然意識到自己不該說出自己的計畫。康諾看起來想要把她和亞烈統統掐死。 他沒有不准她去執行自己的計畫，事實上，他一句話都沒說。他可能害怕一張嘴會控制不住自己的怒氣。她希望等會議結束之後他會忘了這件事，最好在她建成教堂之前他都不會想起來。 你是不是很喜歡淩駕在我之上的感覺，亞烈？ 他的兄弟露齒一笑，非常喜歡。 你可以走了，玟娜。亞烈告訴她。 玟娜走到大廳中間時，亞烈又叫住了她。 你小時候聰明嗎？ 他們告訴我是的。 你跟我兄弟求婚的時候是個聰明的孩子嗎？ 她緊握雙手假裝思考這個問題，我想不起我當時的確切年齡了。 告訴我個大概的年紀。he asked. 我當時比你的格蕾絲大不了多少。我猜可能是五、六歲的時候。是的，我第一次求婚時就是那麼大，但如果你還記得的話，我求了他三次。我不僅聰明，領主，我還很執著。我得說你的好奇讓我覺得很有趣，因為我在跟你第一次見面時就已經跟你討論過這個問題了。我記得我說過，我不是被強迫的。我很高興能成為他的妻子。怎麼可能不呢？我已經渴望當他的妻子這麼多年了。天啊，我的禮貌哪裡去了？我應該問問今天格蕾絲怎麼樣了。 she's fine.亞烈回答。 她昨天肯定嚇壞了，我希望昨晚她沒做惡夢。知道嗎，現在回想起來，我還覺得不可思議。上帝肯定是為你的女兒準備了什麼偉大的計畫。 亞烈的好奇被勾起來了。 為什麼你會這麼想？ 我知道是這樣。她吹噓，上帝確定我昨天在你家，而且讓我能夠抓住她。我相信如果我不在那的話，格蕾絲肯定會受重傷。她摔下來的時候頭部朝下，她很可能會摔斷脖子。也許你覺得我的想法很愚蠢，但我就是相信這一切都是上帝決定的。而且我也不停地在想，要是我沒有嫁給康諾而是嫁給麥內爾的話，情況又會怎樣？格蕾絲今天還好吧？天哪，看看我的這些嘮嘮叨叨的長篇大論，你們肯定想要繼續剛才的事情了。相信我求過婚的事實以及康諾有關我們婚姻的其他回答已經令你滿意了。 她朝領主點頭行禮，轉身離開。然後她又忍不住加了一句，不過沒有回頭，上帝是以非常神秘的方式執行他的工作的。我們誰也不能置疑他。 玟娜離開後，男人們足足沉默了一分鐘。每個人都瞪著空空的門口，思考著她剛才的話。 亞烈首先回復過來微笑著說，你的妻子剛剛讓我覺得自己像個傻瓜，你知道我是怎麼想的嗎？她是故意的。我們的話她聽到了多少？ 康諾毫不遲疑地回答，全部。 她不該偷聽的。 是的，她不該。 我應該生她的氣。 Yes. 但為什麼我卻想笑呢？不用在跟我對抗了，康諾，因為我已經接受你妻子的那翻話了。你們顯然是一夥的。 我沒有違抗你，亞烈。你命令我停止攻擊，而我照做了。現在既然你知道了玟娜小馬的遭遇，我想你也不能再讓我繼續遵守我的諾言了。 我當然能，亞烈爭辯，但我不會這麼做。去做你想做的事吧，讓那匹小馬得到應有的回報。 康諾同意，然後亞烈準備離開大廳。 你娶了一個聰明的女人。你最好謹記在心。 康諾沒把他的話放在心上，但等到知道後悔時已經太晚了。 他的錯誤讓他付出了巨大的代價。