Tigh Na Faol: House of Wolf (A Wulvers Prequel)

Chapter 1 ~ A Broken Promise

BEING REWRITTEN SOON!
I was so young when I wrote it and feel I've grown as a writer and this story deserves my best. So you can read this version while it remains, or you can wait to read the new and improved version which I might publish as a separate book anyway so those who enjoyed the original still have it here.

I hope you enjoy, and I hope your heart is captured by the Highlands.

Don't forget to vote and comment!

(Máili: Mah-lee)

Beware of the wolves...

Chapter 1: A Broken Promise
~

The sword whacked against the tree, bark flying everywhere as I hacked away at everything in sight. Angry words tumbled from my lips, emphasised by the dull thud of the metal blade hitting the tree once more. I must have been a terrifying sight to anyone watching.

Marriage.

The very word was abhorrent to me, made even worse by the fact that it was not of my choice. My dead mother's promise of marrying for love was destroyed by my father's need for higher standing in the ranks of Scottish Lords, and his need to get rid of me.

"I only want the best for you." He had sworn, "This marriage will be good for both of us and will bring much needed stability at court."

Empty lies. Empty lies that made broken promises.

It had hurt that those words had been the kindest way he'd spoken to me since my mother's death, and only to convince me he was doing this for the betterment of our countries stability. Still, the smell of alcohol had been strong in his breath as he staggered towards me with his words.

I had never entertained the idea I would fall in love but I had hoped I would find someone I would at least be content with. I had seen how unhappy couples could be, but I had also seen the love my mother and father had for each other and I craved that.

Another swing of the sword and an angry cry followed that thought, more bark flying everywhere. 

A servant scurrying past with her head down drew me out of my rage. I was breathing heavily and my skin shone with sweat, tangled black hair matting my forehead. I dropped the sword and took a deep breath just as a soft breeze blew the scent of my mother's herb garden to me. I fell against the tree, uncaring of the dirt that would ruin yet another dress.

My mother would have argued on my behalf, she would have managed to make father change his mind, but I only had myself to rely on to fight my battles now. How could I fight with a man who could barely look at me?

A robin hopped close, it's head tilting from side to side as it watched me gentle eyes. It chirped and I smiled, remembering my mother's words, When a robin is near, a loved one is watching you, I'll be watching you. It was the last thing she'd said to me before her illness took her from the world. None of her herbal remedies and incantations had saved her from whatever ailed her. The robin hopped closer still, before the servant door slamming open had it stretching wings and disappearing in a flutter of feathers.

Jane, a new servant and my father's latest bed warmer, fidgeted as she waited for me to address her. I knew very well what went on in my father's chambers and I didn't approve, it put a black spot on my mother's memory.

I stood, dusting dirt off my dress and nodded to the young woman who couldn't be more than three years my senior.

"My lady Máili, your father wishes to speak to you. He was very insistent that you do not keep him waiting." She stuttered, her eyes darting around.