Ten
Keara sat near a stream. Her mind wandered and she found herself wondering where Gavin might be now. She sorely missed his company for he had become like a father to her.
Fergus had been roaming about when he came across Keara. He stood back awhile waiting for the right moment. When it seemed that moment might never come, Fergus walked over to her. "Am I disturbing you?" he asked.
Keara gave Fergus a confused look. "Uh, no, Fergus, you're not. I was just thinking," she replied. "You're welcome to join me."
"If you insist," Fergus said, sitting down next to Keara. "What were you thinking about, lass?"
"I'm just wondering where Gavin is and if he's all right," answered Keara. She picked up a pebble and turned it over in her hand.
"He's a warrior," affirmed Fergus. "He's safe and heading for home." There was a sudden moment of silence between the pair as he thought of something to say. "Tully tells me you were born to the Alymer tribe," proclaimed Fergus.
"Yes, and I married into the MacBrehon tribe," she added. "Why?"
"I'm just trying t o make conversation."
Keara giggled. "Then why don't I tell you why I worry so much about Gavin?" she suggested. Fergus nodded. "He's been like a father to me since we left our village," she said. "He's always been there, always known just what to do or say. I guess I thought Gavin would always be there."
"You're a strong lass," replied Fergus. "You don't need him to protect you anymore."
"Fergus," I spent half of my life without any family," Keara suddenly expressed, "Gavin became that for me and now he's gone. It's like I lost my da all over again."
Fergus cleared his throat. "If you want someone to call da," he declared, "you can call me da. I could use the practice."
"Thank you, Fergus," Keara said. "It's a kind gesture, but -"
Fergus put his finger to her lips to hush her. "It's not a gesture, Keara," he answered, "It's the truth."
"I don't suppose you'd want the others to know you have such a soft heart," she jested.
"It would ruin my reputation," he replied with a smile. "My first job as your father is to tell you to be careful with Conor. I don't think -"
Keara placed her index finger over Fergus's lips to hush him. "I know what I'm doing, Fer - father."
Fergus broadly grinned. "If you need anything, come to your da, all right?"
"What if I want to use a sword?"
Fergus sized Keara up before answering. "I suppose I could teach you," he said, "That whip of yours alone isn't going to do much if we're ever attacked."
Keara smiled. "You've all been great to me and my children," she pronounced. "How could I ever repay you?"
"Stay alive long enough to see your children grow up," Fergus answered, "and smile more often. It lights up your whole face."
Keara softly chuckled with Fergus. "I promise I will," she confirmed with a nod.
"One more thing," added Fergus, "try to keep Conor happy. That lad doesn't smile enough either."