Page 47 of The Orc's Stolen Shepherdess

Perfect match.

“Well, what do you know?”

“Guess her feet are that big.”

“Fades. . . didn’t realize a woman’s foot could be so huge.”

My cheeks burned, but then warmth caged around my shoulders and Caivid dipped low to my ear. “Next time we’re alone, I promise to show you how perfect I think your feet are.”

Now my whole body was burning.

“This isn’t over!” Waston shrieked, “Mark my words. Iwillprove that these warriors shouldn’t be allowed to stay here.”

And then she stormed off down the path, glowering at the orc chief and Caivid as she went. I was alarmed to see that more than half the villagers followed after her.

But then those who remained also began to walk back toward Oakwall. They gave both Caivid and I sheepish smiles as they passed with their pitchforks lowered. A few murmured apologies. Most bowed their heads as ifembarrassed.

It was over.

I wanted to collapse with relief.

“Caivid,” Chief Brovdir said. Caivid tensed, but all the male said was, “report to Chief Sythcol about the flood before the end of the day.”

Confusion made my brows go up as Caivid asked, “Is there something going on with the floods?”

The chief glanced in Headman Gerald’s direction, who was busy wrestling Jophel to his feet and lowered his voice. “Not sure yet. No need for panic. Just. . . be sure to report.”

“I will,” Caivid promised.

“I’m taking him back,” Headman Gerald called as he pushed Jophel toward a horse-drawn cart I hadn’t even noticed. He shoved him into the back, on top of a load of musty hay, and Jophel didn’t say a word, just ducked his head.

Headman Gerald faced us again and bowed slightly. “I apologize, Chief Brovdir, warrior Caivid, for all the trouble. I promise to work twice as hard not to let something like this happen again.”

“We are at peace,” Brovdir assured, and I exhaled a sigh of relief.

“Shepherd Tomind,” Headman Gerald called to my father. “Would you like a ride back in my cart?”

My father nodded and struggled to his feet. I hurried to his side.

But Caivid got there first. He took Father’s arm gently and guided him to the headman’s cart. My father followed willingly, though his eyes were as large as the moon.

“Shepherd Tomind,” Caivid said carefully after my father had gotten settled on the bench next to the headman. I gathered up my blanket and brought it over to him. Caivid took it from me and helped arrange it in my father’s lap. “I promise you I will never do any harm to your daughter. My intention will always be to protect her and keep her hale. You have my solemn vow.”

I held my breath as my father looked from him to me.

Finally, he said. “I trust my daughter, and she trusts you. That is good enough for me.”

Caivid beamed, and so did I.

“You can walk her back,” my father said to Caivid, shocking us both. He took off my cloak and handed it back to me. Then he turned his sharp eyes to Jophel. “I have business regarding this man. I’m not sure mucking pigs is enough for trying to soil mydaughter’s name.”

“Agreed,” Headman Gerald said, and Jophel hunched his shoulders.

“But I expect you to join us for breakfast, Caivid,” my father said sternly. “I have quite a few more questions left for you regarding your. . .arrangementwith my daughter. You best be ready to answer them.”

Caivid swallowed hard and nodded.

With that, Headman Gerald clicked his tongue to spur the horse into motion. Brovdir called a goodbye as well, already nearly around the bend back to Rove Wood Clan.

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