Chapter 15

Renelda.

Days later...

The sun dips low behind the hills when I finally hang the last of the wool on the line. My hands ache from the day’s work, but my thoughts are elsewhere, on my daughter. On the stranger. On the way Rebekah’s eyes glow lately when she thinks no one is watching.

I see her. I know that look. I will recognize it anywhere.

I sit on the old bench beside the sheep pen, listening to the animals settle for the evening. The sheep bleat soft lullabies to their young. The hens are quiet. Even the wind seems thoughtful, brushing past my ears with gentle fingers. I clutch my shawl tighter around me. Wisps of my hair fall around my face.

A sad smile plays on my lips as I recall a memory. I time lost. A memory I will never have again, because I was foolish. Crass and made a rash decision. A decision that robbed my daughter of her birth right.