Highland Hellion (Blades of Honor #1) (16 page)

Chapter 17

Arya struggled to wake up. But she felt so snug and warm, perhaps she’d sleep a little longer.

“Can you hear me, Arya?”

Upon recognizing Cailin’s voice, Arya opened her eyes and glanced around her chamber. “How did I get back to the castle? I remember the ravine and the bog. I was so cold.”

“Bryce and his men found you and lasses, then brought you home,” Cailin replied. “You were soaked to the skin and covered in mud, but we cleaned you up and put you into bed.”

The events at the bog came flooding back. “Where are Elise and Leslie?” She tried to sit up, but her head began to spin, so she laid back down.

“They are both fine,” Cailin replied, “thanks to you. But you must lay still and rest. You had quite an ordeal yesterday.”

“Yesterday? I’ve been asleep for a full day?” Arya draped her forearm across her brow, then released a shuddered breath. She couldn’t have slept that long.

Fallon joined Cailin at Arya’s bedside. “Welcome back. I want you to drink this. All of it.” She slid her hand behind Arya’s head and brought a mug of steaming liquid to her lips. “It’s hot, so take is slowly.”

Arya took a sip, sputtered, then turned away. “It tastes horrible. Are you trying to poison me?”

“I brewed a mixture of herbs meant to help you regain your strength,” Fallon explained. “It may not be pleasant, but it will have you up and around in a day or so.”

“I canna lay abed that long. I must go home, my mother needs me and I—”

“You will do as Fallon says and stay put until she tells you otherwise.” Bryce entered the chamber, then approached the bed. “My wife has a special knack for making nasty elixirs, but they do work wonders.”

“You canna order me to stay in bed.” Arya glared up at Bryce. “I have been away too long and have no idea if my mother is alive or dead. I must go to her, and you are not going to stop me.” Again, she tried to get up, but Bryce placed his hand on her shoulder, halting her effort.

“I’ve asked Ian to go and check on Scotia. If necessary, he will send word, and I will personally escort you home. But in the meantime, you are to obey Fallon and rest. Connor should be back any day with your pardon, then if you still want to leave, you can.”

“What my husband is trying to say, and not very well, I might add.” Fallon scowled at Bryce before returning her attention to Arya. “He meant to say how grateful he is for what you did at the bog yesterday, and that he should never have forbidden you to help in the search. Saving Leslie and Elise was a brave and selfless act for which we are all in your debt.”

“I only did what was necessary,” Arya replied. “I’m happy I could help, and am relieved it all turned out as well as it did.”

“Nay. You could have turned your back on them and left to be with your mother. But instead, you stayed to help find them and risked your life doing so,” Fallon replied. “We all want you to remain with us until you are well enough to travel. Or for as long as you wish. Don’t we Bryce?

Bryce offered a hesitant nod. “Aye. You are welcome to remain at Fraser Castle. As long as you—”

“Bryce . . .” Fallon narrowed her gaze, her warning clear.

“As long as you remain in bed and rest until Fallon says you can get up.” Bryce finished.

Arya flopped back on the bed. “Fine. I will stay until I am strong enough to ride. But then I must go home.” She’d not admit it, but in her current state, she’d not likely make it to the door before collapsing.

“Good.” Fallon kissed Bryce on the cheek, then picked up the cup of the herbal brew and offered it to Arya again. “You really should drink the rest of this.”

“If I must.” Arya grasped the mug with both hands, downed the content as quickly as possible, then grimaced and stuck out her tongue. “I hope this is the last of it.”

“That’s all. For now.” Fallon grinned. “I’m going to check in on Elise and Leslie, but will bring you some more medicine in a couple of hours.”

“I can hardly wait.”

“Dinna fash. The next time, I will add a little honey to sweeten the taste.” Fallon took the empty mug, then headed for the door.

“Perhaps some whisky would help more,” Arya muttered, then closed her eyes.

The next morning, Arya was amazed at how much stronger she felt. The combination of sleep and Fallon’s elixir helped considerably, and with any luck, she could be on her way home this afternoon or at the latest, tomorrow at first light.

She couldn’t wait to see her mother, and prayed Scotia’s health had improved, not worsened in her absence. Garrett crossed her mind, and she smiled, a warm tingle stirring in her belly as she envisioned his handsome face. Had he missed her?

She swung her legs over the side of the bed, then waited for the sudden bout of lightheadedness to pass.

“You look much brighter this morning. You must be feeling better.” Fallon entered the room, carrying a tray.

When Arya spotted a mug, she cringed. “Not more medicine, I hope.”

Fallon laughed. “Heavens no. I tortured you enough yesterday. I thought you might feel like eating a little something. You must be starving.” She set the tray on the table beside the bed. “But if you are up to it and would rather come down and break your fast in the great hall with the rest of the clan, you’d be most welcome.

Arya stared at the tray containing a bowl of porridge, bannock, and a wedge of cheese. The mug, she discovered upon further investigation, contained milk. “I appreciate your invitation to dine in the great hall, but if you dinna mind, I’d rather eat here.” She picked up a bit of bannock and popped it into her mouth.

“Whatever you wish is fine. If you are feeling stronger by the noonday meal, you may wish to join us then.”

“Perhaps. But I’d hope to be packed and ready to ride within the hour. Where are my clothes?” Arya scanned the room, but did not see her garments anywhere.

Fallon’s brow creased. “We were hoping you’d decide to stay with us a little longer. The bairns will be very disappointed to learn you are still planning to leave so soon. Even Bryce will be sorry to see you go.”

“I doubt that very much. Besides, I must get back to my mother.”

“I’m not certain you are strong enough to depart quit yet. And there are still the issues with the Campbell to consider.” Fallon offered Arya the bowl of porridge. “Perhaps you should wait until we hear from Ian. Or better yet, until Connor returns. We received a missive stating he’d left Robert’s castle this morning, and should be home in a day or so.”

“I canna wait, so will have to take my chances.” Arya placed the bowl on the bedside table, then stood, her legs buckling the minute she tried to take a step.

Fallon quickly slid her arm around Arya’s waist, then helped her back to the bed. “If you are too weak to walk, you certainly canna ride.”

Arya dragged a shaky hand across her brow. “I refuse to let a little dizziness hold me back.”

Fallon shook her head. “You are so much like Bryce. I remember when my uncle found him on the bank of Loch Ryan. He was badly wounded and had lost so much blood. It was a miracle he was still breathing. Yet despite his close brush with death, he woke the next day, determined to leave. Needless to say, he fell flat on his face when he tried to get out of bed.”

“Well, I am not about to die and have done as you requested so far. I guess it willna hurt to rest a little longer and see if my strength returns before I attempt to leave,” Arya conceded. “But I will need my clothes.”

“They were so soiled and smelled of the bog pit, so I asked Mairi to wash them and she hasna returned them yet. I could fetch you a gown to wear, if you’d like.”

Arya held up her hand. “Nay, thank you. But I dinna want another of those skin-tight torture garments. Wearing a gown once was enough.”

“If you have never worn one before, I suppose it might take some getting used to. But you canna wander around the castle naked. I will fetch you a chemise and skirt. I think you will find them a lot more comfortable, and certainly less confining.” Fallon glanced at the tray. “You should try to eat something.”

“They will do until I get my tunic and trews back.” Arya took a sip of milk, then a bite of cheese.

“While you finish your meal, I will find you something to wear. Cailin and I will be in her solar later this afternoon, teaching Leslie and Elise some needlework and mending techniques. You are welcome to join us if feeling up to it.”

“You should be teaching them how to protect themselves and how to survive if ever lost in the forest again,” Arya said. “They willna escape a wild animal, find food, or pull themselves out of the bog with a needle and thread.”

“I hope that will never be necessary, but you do have a point. After what happened, it wouldna hurt for them to learn some survival skills. Perhaps you can teach them.” Fallon headed for the door.

“I willna be here long enough to show them all they need to know, but will happy to do what I can. The rest will be up to their fathers. Something they should have done a long time ago,” Arya added.

“Eat up and rest a wee bit more. I’ll look forward to seeing you in Cailin’s solar once you are up and about. I will also have Mairi bring the clothes.” Fallon left the room, shutting the door behind her.

Arya grasped the table for support, rose to a wobbly stance, then plunked herself down on the edge of the bed. “Damnation!” She balled her fists in the cover, then reached for the bowl of porridge and began to eat. She hoped Fallon was right, and a hearty meal and a little more rest was all she needed to regain her strength. Once that happened, she’d head for home.

Chapter 18

Arya knocked on the door of Connor and Cailin’s chamber.

“I’m glad you’re here. Fallon said you might join us. Please, come in.” Cailin stepped aside so Arya could enter.

The two room solar was enormous and lavishly furnished, a chamber befitting the laird of one of the most powerful clans in the Highlands. Fallon sat in a large chair by the fire, with her babe sleeping peacefully in a wooden cradle beside her. Leslie and Elise perched on small stools, intently doing their needlework, oblivious at first to Arya’s presence.

“Look who has joined us,” Cailin said, smiling.

“I’m pleased to see you are up and about. Come and warm yourself by the fire.” Fallon pointed to an empty chair beside her.

“Arya!” Leslie squealed, then raced toward her with arms flailing. Elise followed on her cousin’s heels.

The lasses reached Arya at the same time, each bairn wrapping their arms around one of her legs, and almost knocking her off her balance. “I am pleased to see the two of you are feeling fit and spry.” Arya patted them both on their heads.

“We are so happy to see you. When Mam told us you were going to stay a while longer, we were so excited,” Elise said. “I never got a chance to thank you properly for saving me.”

Arya crouched down, looking Elise in the eye. “I am glad you are safe at home with your parents.” She hauled the lass against her chest and hugged her. “Please promise you willna wander off in the forest alone again. At least not until you are grown and know how to fend for yourself,” she said then squeezed the lass tighter.

“I promise. But you are crushing me, and I canna breath.” Elise placed her hands on Arya’s shoulders and pushed.

Arya laughed, then held the bairn at arm’s length. “I’m sorry if I hurt you. I got carried away.”

“I’m not hurt. I am strong like you,” Elise said proudly. “Will you teach me to hunt and ride?” she asked, her voice brimming with excitement. “Can you also show Leslie and me how to track and survive in the forest?”

Arya shook her head. “I’m afraid I willna be here that long. My mother is ill, and I need to go to her as soon as I can. You understand, don’t you?”

Elise bobbed her head. “I’m sorry your mam is sick. My mother is a fine healer, maybe she can help. Then you can stay here with us.”

“That would be wonderful, but if your mother left to tend to mine, who would take care of you, your brothers and sister? My place is with my mother and your mam’s is here.” Arya stood and wiped away a tear that slid down her cheek.

Leslie grasped Arya’s hand and dragged her toward the hearth. “Come and see our needlework.”

Relieved for the change of subject, and the chance to get her wits about her, Arya accompanied Leslie. “These are lovely,” she said when the lass handed her the sampler she’d been working on. “You are very talented.”

Leslie turned to her mother. “Have you a piece of cloth Arya can stitch?”

Arya cleared her throat, then glanced down at Leslie. “I’m afraid I dinna know how to sew.”

The bairn’s brow furrowed. “Did your mam not teach you?”

“I am sure she meant to show me how, but I was too busy learning to hunt and fish with my da.”

“But mothers are supposed to teach their daughters how to be a lady and to take care of a home and family,” Elise interjected. “Fathers show their sons how to hunt and fight.”

“Unlike you and Leslie, I was not lucky enough to have any brothers or sisters. I was the only bairn my parents had, and my da thought it was important I learn to take care of myself and my mam if necessary.”

A puzzled look crossed Elise’s face. “What about my da, and my uncles, Connor and Alasdair? My mother said they are your brothers.”

“I dinna know them when I was growing up. So when I was your age, I was the only bairn in my family.”

Leslie tugged on Arya’s sleeve. “If your mam dinna teach you anything about running a household, how will you show your daughter the things she needs to know?”

“I dinna have a daughter. I’m not married.”

“But you will be someday,” Leslie replied. ”

“Maybe she will have sons and she can teach them to hunt and track.” Elise said. “Do you want a son or daughter first?”

Arya’s chest constricted and she suddenly found it hard to breathe. She’d never given the idea of having bairns a lot of thought. And marriage was out of the question. She was too busy caring for her mother and trying to remain a free spirit. Until now. After meeting Cailin and Fallon, getting to know them and their families, she almost envied them. The bairns, especially Leslie and Elise, had wormed their way into her heart, and she had to admit, she’d miss them when she went home.

Cailin pointed at the bairns’s empty stools. “Let Arya be and stop badgering her with questions. The two of you go back to your sewing.
Now
.” She turned to Arya. “I’m sorry. They are sometimes very inquisitive, and dinna know when to stop.”

Arya watched as the pouting lasses returned to their seats, then smiled at Cailin. “Dinna fash. They are both delightful. You and Fallon have done a wonderful job raising them. I am afraid I would never do as well.”

“Of course, you will. If and when you decide to have a babe, I have no doubt you will be a fine mother.” Cailin escorted Arya to a chair and waited for her to sit down. “Would you like something to eat or drink?”

Arya shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

“Do you want me to show you how to sew?” Leslie handed Arya her sampler.

“You can try.”

Leslie’s smile lit up the room and touched Arya’s heart. How could she turn the bairn away? But after a few hours of instruction, poking her fingers so often they bled, and a lot of tangled thread, Arya lay the sampler in her lap and blew out a sigh of frustration. “I am all thumbs when it comes to sewing.” She handed the craft back to Leslie. “I’m sorry if I ruined your work.”

“You dinna spoil it. What you did is . . . interesting,” Leslie said after turning the piece in several directions, trying to decide which end was up.

The room erupted with laughter, bringing tears of joy to Arya’s eyes. She could not remember the last time she’d enjoyed herself so much.

“You are all having such a good time I hate to interrupt,” Bryce said as he entered the room. “But Arya has a visitor.”

“A visitor?” Arya stood.

“Aye.” Bryce stepped aside, and Garrett entered the room.

Arya ran to where he stood. She stared up at him for a moment, not sure if she should throw her arms around his neck and kiss him, or be furious that he left her mother’s side. “What are you doing here? Who is with my mother?”

“Logan.”

After studying his sullen expression, Arya took a step back. “What is it? Why have you come?”

Garrett took both her hands and squeezed them between his own. “I’m afraid your mother has taken a turn for the worst, and I’ve come to fetch you home.”

Arya felt like she’d been gut-kicked by a horse, the wind suddenly robbed from her lungs. She staggered, grabbing on to the back of a nearby chair to steady herself. “I must go to her at once.”

“It is almost dark. You best wait till morning to leave,” Bryce said.

“I canna delay. Every minute could be important. I am leaving now.” She turned to Fallon. “Did you ask Mairi to return my clothes to my room? I’ll need them for traveling.”

Fallon glanced at her husband, then rose. “I’ll have her fetch them at once, but Bryce is right. You have been ill and waiting until morning is a much better idea.”

Arya moved toward Fallon and snatched her hands. “Tell me if my mother is still alive and will she be so when I get home?”

“I dinna know. I wish I did.” Fallon glanced at the floor and tried to pull free of Arya’s grasp.

“Look at me, Fallon, and dinna shy away. You have the gift of second sight, and I know there are things you’ve seen and have kept from me. Tell me, will my mother live until I get home?” Arya demanded.

“I’ve told you what I know. She is gravely ill and if she lives or dies is in the hands of the Almighty.”

“Have you seen or heard the banshee wailing by the stream outside my mother’s croft?” Arya asked. “Have you seen the spirit orbs lighting the way to her grave?”

Fallon lowered her head. “Aye, but I have been wrong in the past.”

“Cailin said you are never wrong in your predictions. You knew, and yet kept the truth from me.” Arya released Fallon’s hands, then spun around to face Garrett. “I need but a few minutes to gather my things. I will meet you outside. Saddle my mare and we will be away. And I pray it isna too late.”

Fallon touched Arya’s shoulder. “I’m sorry you feel betrayed. But telling you what I saw would have done naught to improve your mother’s state of health or to change things. Bryce and I agreed it would be better not to say anything until Connor returned. He planned to take you home as soon as it was safe to do so.”

Arya shrugged away from Fallon’s touch. “You knew all along. Every one of you did. And you had no right to keep it from me.” She wondered why she’d ever trusted these people, then stiffened and faced Bryce. “I’m going home, and no one had better try to stop me this time.”

“You are not going anywhere.” Bryce replied adamantly. “At least not tonight. As you have already learned, the terrain around the castle is rugged and difficult to navigate in the daylight, so nearly impossible in the dark. Besides which, you are still weak from your ordeal and would benefit from a good night’s rest before leaving.”

Arya planted her hands on her hips. “I am aware of the dangers. But you canna tell me what I can and canna do, Bryce Fraser.”

“I am responsible for you. I promised Connor—” Bryce began, but Arya cut him off before he could finish.

“I am responsible for myself, and I’m not waiting.” Arya glowered at him in defiance. She’d not back down on this.

Garrett frowned, then stroked Arya’s shoulder. “What ordeal is he talking about?” he asked, concern resonating in his voice. “Were you ill or injured? I demand to know.”

“It was nothing. I’m fine.”

“I’d hardly call your near brush with death nothing. If I must lock you in your chamber I will, Arya,” Bryce threatened. “But you are staying until morning. A few hours willna make any difference at this point, and perhaps, Connor will be back by then with your pardon. If not, I will gather a garrison of men and escort you to Oban myself.”

“Get my horse ready Garrett and meet me outside,” Arya snapped.

“What ordeal does he mean Arya? I’m not taking you anywhere until you tell me what happened.” Garrett replied.

“Two of the bairns, Leslie and Elise, wandered off in the woods and got lost. I found Bryce’s daughter stuck in a bog pit, and hauled her out. That is all there was to it.”

“She risked her own life doing so,” Fallon interjected. “When Bryce and his men found them, Arya and Elise were soaked to the skin and suffering from exposure to the weather. They are both very lucky to be alive. If not for Arya, our daughter would have died.”

“Is this true, Arya?” Garrett asked. “You risked your life to save the lasses?”

“Aye, but I am feeling much better now and have tarried long enough. Are you going to take me home, Garrett, or do I have to go alone. Either way, I am leaving now. And you know I mean what I say.” Arya turned and headed for the door.

Bryce raised his hands in the air. “You claimed she was your woman, Garrett, talk some sense into the stubborn lass if you can.”

Garrett dashed after her. “Perhaps, Bryce is right. It might be best to wait until first light. I had no idea you’ve been ill.” He tried to pull Arya into his embrace, but she shoved him away.

“Whose side are you on? Since when do you listen to and take orders from the enemy?” Arya blurted, then ran out of the room, and down the hall.

When she reached her chamber, Arya’s hunt for her clothes came up empty. Certain Bryce would show up at any minute and try to stop her from leaving, she decided what she was wearing would have to do. At least, the chemise and skirt would be easier to ride in than a gown. She grabbed a length of plaid from the foot of the bed and wrapped it around her waist and secured it with a belt. The rest she’d drape about her head and shoulder. By making an
arisaidh
, she’d use it to keep her warm while riding, then spread it over dry leaves to sleep upon at night.

“We are not your enemy,” Cailin said as she entered the room. “You are family, and Bryce and Fallon were concerned about your welfare. As am I.”

“They wanted to control me, so withheld information about my mother in order to do so,” Arya spat. “Kin dinna do that to each other. But the enemy does. I should have known better than to let my guard down. I was even starting to like all of you.” She tried to step around Cailin, but she blocked the doorway. “Get out of my way, or I’ll—”

“You’ll have to move me by force, Arya. I am not getting out of you way until you listen to reason.”

Arya balled her fists at her sides. “I already made that mistake and willna do it again. I am going to ask you once more, to clear the doorway, Cailin, so I can leave.”

“I know you’re angry and with good reason,” Cailin said. “But you mean too much to this clan and to me, so I canna let you leave in anger.”

She took a step in Cailin’s direction, but the foolish lass refused to stand down. “I am not a member of Clan Fraser and never will be, so you can take your good intention and shove them where—”

“Please let me handle this.” Garrett gently moved Cailin aside. “She’s angry and acts like a spitting cat when she feels cornered, so if I was you, I would stay out of her way. I know because I’ve been on the receiving end of her temper many times.”