The blacksmith’s wife [part 22]

What if Gabriel’s consanguineous concern was counterfeit, a facet of his love for me, callous-skewed for my protection?   I’d swear his anguish genuine. 

Did he believe killing his brother would jeopardise his own immortal soul?  

Or was it Mathias who yet pulled the strings?

At whose instigation had I set forth?   How urgent this message?

Did Gabriel mean to prevent me witnessing his revenge?   Or was  his perfidious sibling plotting murder prior to my pursuit?

Suspicion’s wings dispersed my fury – I turned back, electing to save Gabriel rather than the country from invasion.

And arrived to find the forge ablaze.

This week's continuation - 100 words incorporating 'wing', 'immortal' and 'facet' - of the tale which can be read in its entirety on the page above