Revelation

As they made the long walk back to the house, Rowena wondered why Averet had actually requested her presence here. It would certainly have been simple enough to have any one of his children or grandchildren find the missing sheep, and she knew he had no concern for Bet. She mentioned it to Bronn, who had already had the same thought.

"Must be some reason," he said, "but maybe we won't find out. If we get back quickly enough, we can make the ride home tonight and be done with the man and this place."

"I would like that very much." Rowena replied, again feeling so grateful for his presence..

But by the time they reached the house, Rowena now carrying the newborn lamb and Bronn carrying the old dog, the skies were dark and ominous. They heard rumbling in the distance and looked at each other with concern.

"Doesn't bode well for us getting back before dark tonight," her sellsword mused aloud.

Rowena felt the sick feeling in her stomach again. She was surprised to see Averet outside when they returned, closely flanked by Emelin and the child that Rowena assumed was hers.

"Well, you found them all then. Figured that worthless dog had wandered off and died somewhere." He said with a bit of annoyance. "Now he's nothing but another mouth to feed."

Rowena tried her best not to let his words affect her, because she knew that was just what he wanted. Of course he didn't offer any thanks to them for their efforts, but Rowena only cared that she had found the dog. She wished she could take Bet home to live out the rest of his days with her, but she knew that Garit, Godefrey and Amfrid would make sure the dog was well cared for.

Rowena saw Metylda give her father a stern look, and he cleared his throat, and finally spoke grudgingly.

"Well, I guess we owe you at least supper for your troubles" he said tersely. "And I suppose this weather might make for a delay in your return."

"Rowena, you may stay in the house," he announced. "But not you." He said directly to Bronn, "You'll have to stay in the barn, with the other animals, sellsword."

"I stay with the girl. No exceptions." Bronn replied calmly.

"Well then you can both sleep in the barn or be off." Averett hissed, his eyes filled with fury.

Before Rowena could say anything, the sellsword spoke up. "Barn it is, then." He said with a shrug. "Thank you for your hospitality." Rowena couldn't resist giving Averet a look of triumph and contempt.

Averet's face was turning bright red again, and his body trembled with anger, but he did not speak. Perhaps he wanted to avoid another coughing fit, thought Rowena. At that moment, she had an unwelcome pang of empathy for the old man. She knew it must be hard on his pride that he was too old to work his own farm now, and it was obvious that the children no longer feared him. But it was only a fleeting moment, and then it was replaced again by anger for the way he spoke to Bronn.

Metylda broke the silence by announcing they should all get inside before the rains came, and have their supper. Amfrid and Godefry hurried off to put the animals in the barn.

Inside the house, the adults all sat at the table, and once the children were assembled, Emelin herded them all into another room with their food. She did not speak to Rowena or Bronn, but mostly stood behind her father's chair, fetched him whatever he asked for, and kept a hand on his shoulder. Rowena looked at Bronn, and he merely raised his eyebrows. She knew he was thinking the same thing she was about the relationship between Averet and his daughter Emelin.

During supper, Rowena was so caught up in animated conversation with Metylda, Dreu and Garit, that she could almost forget the angry old man and his glowering daughter at the other end of the table. She was truly glad to see every one of them. Finally, when they were mostly finished with their meal, Averet cleared his throat again, and made it clear he wished to speak.

"Rowena, you may think it strange that I requested your presence," he started, "but I have something I would like to discuss with you if no one objects."

He looked around at his children, who quickly excused themselves one by one. Averet looked at Bronn, who had not moved from his chair. "You heard me," the old man growled, "I would like to speak to Rowena privately."

"And I'm sure you heard me earlier when I told you I will not leave her side." Bronn replied. Rowena thought that Averet was even more enraged by the sellsword's casual tone and attitude than by his words.

Averet turned to her then, and his look was accusing. "Your uncle claims to be so concerned about your welfare, and your virtue, yet he allows you to travel alone with this person?"

"Yes," she replied, trying to be as calm as Bronn, but her voice betrayed her a little. "My Uncle and Tyrion Lannister have placed their trust in him, as have I."

She watched him as she spoke. At the mention of the name Lannister, Averet was visibly surprised, as Rowena had hoped he would be. When he spoke again, he was almost polite.

"I only need a few moments of your time, Rowena" he said. "Can you convince this person to leave us?"

"I am sorry I cannot. Anything you need to discuss with me, you may say in front of Bronn." She was feeling a bit stronger now, and was reinforced when she saw Bronn lean back in his chair and fold his arms, a typical insolent smirk on his face.

Averet hesitated, clearly trying to control his anger now, and having a hard time of it.

"I know that your situation with your aunt and uncle has worked well for you these past few years." he began, "But I also know that your prospects for marriage are, well, non-existant." Rowena could not imagine where he was going with this, but listened politely, waiting for him to continue.

"I wanted to let you know that I would allow you to return here to live, and to marry my son, Garit, so that you might have a secure future, and I might have more grandsons to continue the farm when I'm gone." He finished, and regarded them both arrogantly.

Rowena was sure the shock was apparent on her face. "You…would….allow me?" She spoke as if she was not sure she had heard him correctly. She realized she had pushed her chair back from the table, as if to stand, and then thought it best to remain seated. "You must surely be joking?" She said in disbelief, but in her head she screamed the words at him. "You would allow me." she repeated the words slowly, staring down at the table, not speaking to anyone in particular.

"I am most certainly not joking." Averet replied haughtily. "I took you in, a bastard child, raised you as my own daughter. I would think you would feel some amount of gratitude for that."

Rowena actually laughed. "Gratitude?" she cried, still staring at the table. But then she could find no other words, and only shook her head. She felt very confused. Bronn stood and came behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for the meal," he said. She was amazed at how calmly he could speak at this moment, but there was an ominous tone to his voice. "We appreciate your hospitality, but I believe enough has been said, and we will take our leave. We will not trouble you further."

He leaned over and spoke softly in her ear. "Come." As he pulled out her chair and offered his hand to help her to her feet. She felt she must be having another nightmare, and that she would wake up at any moment. She was not sure she could walk on her shaking legs. She wasn't even sure of what she was feeling just then, anger or shock. Bronn's hand was on the small of her back, guiding her towards the door, and with his other hand he held tightly to her arm.

As they reached the doorway, Averet spoke behind them. "No matter. She will end up a whore, just like her true mother." His words were venomous.

She stopped then, and heard the voice next to her quietly say, "Don't." It was a command, not a suggestion. But she could not have spoken if she wanted to. In fact, she could not move. Suddenly, she felt as if she could not breathe, and she was very dizzy. Then she felt herself being scooped up, and carried away. She wrapped her arms around Bronn's neck, laid her head against his chest and began to cry.