Rignuth patted the bed. “Sit next to me.” For a time, they talked about training new healers and nurses. Rignuth agreed the moment he was recovered, which might take a good week, he wanted to start with new apprentices. “I ‘ave always wanted to teach,” said Rignuth. “But not that that’s settled, let me see your elbow.” Audra had all but forgotten the pain. She held up her right arm and examined the elbow. It was mottled with a deep purple bruise. To allay Rignuth’s concern, she flexed and bent it. “See? I can move it. It’s fine, so never mind my arm. Instead, let’s focus on the sentences for your attackers.” “I ‘ave nothing to do with their sentencing.” “You do. I leave their sentence up to you. They can be executed, if that’s what you want. …show more content…
While Audra and Owena were nowhere near friends, Audra was concerned her husband’s former mistress might be suffering abuse. Audra would have to tread lightly. To ask too many questions might arouse Huw’s suspicion. And even though Audra spotted no obvious bruises or marks on Owena’s body, that did not matter; some of the worst types of abuse were the most easily hidden. Without naming names, Audra resolved to ask her mother about the issue later, since Ina had been abused by Audra’s father, the rank monster. XXXX Faye and Travana were having severe nausea, so they were not able to attend to Audra the following morning. However, Una, chipper as spring bird, her round belly now obvious to all, gently brushed out Audra’s snarls. While being doted on, Audra considered her mother’s words from the previous night. “This is a sticky situation, my daughter,” Ina had said in her new quarters in the castle. “Unless you believe she is in imminent danger, let he come to you again. The littlest things can set off a violent man.” Audra hated waiting, but Ina would know best. Then Audra chuckled. Nearly nine months ago, Audra never would have been concerned about Owena’s wellbeing. How quickly everything had changed. “What’s funny, my lady?” Una’s hands flew, whipping Audra’s hair into a tight braided bun. “Nothing of import. I was just thinking of a talk I had with my mother last