Page 199 of Moon Craving

the Church teaches abuse or hatred, we must consider it carefully in light of Christ's claim

that to love God is the greatest commandment and to love others the second greatest, all

other laws and prophecies hang on these two."

"Your abbess sounds like a wise woman."

"She is. I do not believe love an abomination any more than I believe God loves me

less than my father's oxen."

"Me either. But my love is hopeless."

"Are you sure?" It seemed to her that Niall had strong feelings for Guaire, but she

did not know if they were love. So, she did not speculate and raise Guaire's hopes.

"Aye, especially since Una started focusing her attention on Niall."

"He is not attracted to men as you are?"

"I do not know. The Chrechte of our clan are not sexually promiscuous, but Una is

a beautiful woman. And 'tis rare enough for a Chrechte warrior to mate with a human,

even more so with a male human."

"Una may be beautiful, but she's not nice."

"She's annoying to be sure," Guaire agreed with more vehemence than he might

have before the other woman had begun flirting with Niall.

As they came off the path from the motte to the bailey, a pair of soldiers

approached them. One wore Sinclair colors, but Abigail did not recognize the colors on

the other man's clothing.

After they passed her and Guaire, she turned to the seneschal. "Who was that?"

"A messenger from the king." Guaire had already turned, and tugging Abigail's

hand, he retraced their steps up the hill.

Chapter 19

The two soldiers were only a few feet ahead of them, so Abigail refrained from

asking Guaire to speculate why a messenger from Scotland's king should be at the

Sinclair holding.

When they reached the great hall, she grabbed Guaire's arm. "Wait," she

whispered.

He gave her a questioning glance.