With nods of agreement, all but Connor departed. He stood at the end of the bed and watched Struan. “I pushed him to come with us,” he said, meeting her gaze, his expression tortured. “I’ll never forgive myself if—”
“Say no more, Connor. None of what has happened is your fault.”
“Nor is it yours, lass.”
Wasn’t it? Anne arrived with cold water, a mug and an oiled cloth to place beneath Struan to keep the mattress dry. “My thanks,” Sky said. “Come back every hour, or send someone else. I’ll want to keep the cold compress going throughout the night, and for that, I’ll need the water changed frequently.”
“Aye, I’ll fetch something for ye to eat as well. Ye canna labor thus without feedin’ yerself, my lady.”
She nodded absently, all her attention focused upon Struan’s far-too-still form. “Connor, you dinna have to stay. I’ll be fine.”
He lifted a chair from the corner of the chamber and moved it to the side of the bed for her. “Send for me if you need anything.” He took the ewer from her hands and set it upon the chest against the wall near the bed. “Anything at all.”
“I will.” She turned to remove the linen wrapped around Struan’s head, dropping the cloth in the fresh water. If only he’d taken the blow during the winter. She could pack snow into oiled cloth to lay under his head. She reached out to brush the wet hair from his brow, barely taking note of the chamber door closing behind Connor as he left.
Images ran through her mind, memories of afternoon rides through the tranquil valley with Struan, the first time they’d made love by the loch, even their many arguments. Her eyes stung from weariness and grief. Dammit, she hadn’t had nearly enough time with him. She heaved a shuddering breath and reached for his hand. His fingers curled around hers. Dare she hope ’twas more than reflex? Leaning close, she whispered, “Come back to me, my love.”
“I’ve brought yer supper, my lady,” Anne announced from the door.
Wearily, Sky rose, reluctant to break the contact with Struan. “Leave it on the table. I’ll eat once I put a fresh compress on his head and get some of this medicine down his throat.”
“Do ye need help?” Anne asked.
“Aye, if you would, prop him up by the shoulders.” Anne held him forward, and once again Sky managed to get a goodly amount of the fluid into him. She drew the linen out of the icy water and wrapped his head once more. “He’ll be fine for now. Go and have your own supper, and come back within the hour with fresh water.”
Anne curtsied and left, and Sky moved to the window to peer outside. The sun had begun to set, and she guessed the hour to be half past Vespers. She moved to the table and stared at the steaming stew. She had no appetite, but the night would be long, and she’d need sustenance. She sat, tore off a chunk of bread and used it to scoop the stew. For Struan’s sake, she forced herself to eat every last morsel before she returned to his side. Taking a seat, she reached once again for the comfort of his hand in hers.
The door opened softly behind her, and the rattle of metal filled her ears. She turned to find her da standing at the threshold, still clad in his armor. His face was streaked with dirt and sweat, and his armor was spattered with blood. “Mo inghean, daughter, how fares your young knight?”
Her da had always seemed so large to her. Invincible. His eyes were full of compassion and love, and she unraveled under his gaze. A sob rose up her throat, and tears filled her eyes. All she could do was shake her head. Her da tore off his gauntlets, tossed them on the floor and strode to her side. He lifted her from her place and hugged her as best he could. “Och, lass, dinna greet so. He breathes. Where there’s breath, there’s hope.”
“Truly?” She clung to the man who had protected and loved her since the day she was born.
“Aye, truly. I’ve seen lads who slept for days after such a blow to the head wake to take up their lives once more, and they had no’ the benefit of you and your ma’s gifts for healing.” He patted her back. “Wheesht now, and let me look upon your man so that I might see for myself how he fares.”
“Now you call him mine? You forbade him to wed me, Da.” Her words were tinged with bitterness.
“Aye, I did, but the lad caught me unawares. He claimed he’d asked you to return to Gordon Hollow with him, and I . . . well, I reacted from the heart and not from the head.” He kissed her forehead. “You are my firstborn, Sky Elizabeth. I’ll ne’er forget how I felt, holding you for the very first time. ’Twas but a few moments after your birth, and you were such a wee thing. And sae lovely, my poor heart was full to bursting.”
“And now?” She peered up into his eyes.
“And now? It still melts my heart to look at you, lass, I love you that much. No sire could be more proud than I. You’ve grown into a fine, canny lass, with a braw and compassionate heart. I want only the best for you.”
“I meant have you softened toward Struan.”
“Aye, I kent as much.” He sighed. “He acquitted himself well this day. I’ll no’ deny he’s a fine, honorable lad and good with a sword.” He brought her to his side and moved to study Struan’s still form. “The lad’s color is good. He’s breathing well.” He drew down the cover to look at the gash down his shoulder, neatly stitched by her hand.
“Did I ever tell you about the time your ma stitched me up with our clan’s colors?” He slanted her a grin. “I’d ne’er seen the like. I looked like her latest embroidery project.”
She smiled back, her eyes misting. “Aye, you’ve told the tale a time or two, and how she would no’ speak to you for days, because you went off without a word to fight Black Hugh and the Comyn clan after they attacked Meikle Geddes.”
“I did what had to be done.” He grunted.
“And came back gravely wounded and near death,” she retorted. “Where Struan lives, there are no enemies lying in wait to take what is his. Gordon Hollow is the most peaceful, fertile and wholesome place I’ve ever been. You canna imagine what ’tis like to live with no’ worry about intrigues and feuds. To live so free from constraint, or—”
“Obligation?” He tensed. “Nay, I canna fathom such a thing, nor do I wish to. Like my sire before me, and his before him, my life belongs to our clan. Our people depend upon us to defend them and to see to their welfare. In exchange, we have been granted a life of privilege.” He scrubbed his face with both hands. “I did no’ come here to give you a lecture. See to your lad, and we’ll talk more once he wakes. Mayhap we can come to some accord, for I’ll no’ lose you again, lass.”
She didn’t ken what to say or how to respond. Not that it mattered. Her da was already on his way out the door.
“If you need aught, send word.” With that he was gone.
“Time for more tea and a fresh compress,” she muttered to herself. ’Twas true. Struan’s color was good, and his breathing and pulse were steady. Mayhap he’d wake on the morrow, and all would be well.
Her family and servants trickled in and out of the chamber throughout the long night, offering aid and comfort, bringing more of the healing potion and fresh cold water for his compresses. Weariness pressed in upon her. A few hours before dawn, she succumbed. Crawling onto the bed atop the covers, she scooted next to Struan should he wake, and lay down. Finally, she fell into a fitful sleep, her dreams filled with the booming of a cannon and images of blood and torn flesh passing before her eyes.
“My lady, you must be up,” Anne said, shaking Sky’s shoulder. “Lord Robley and Sir Connor wish to speak with ye as soon as you may be ready.”
Sky opened her eyes a slit and sought the source of the disturbance. Groaning, she stretched and pushed herself up to sitting. She glanced at Struan, her heart dropping at the sight of his unchanged state. Still, but breathing. “You’ve brought fresh well water?”
“Aye, ’tis right here,” Anne said.
Sky climbed off the bed and stretched again. “Put a fresh compress ’round his head, whilst I go clean up a bit.” She longed to visit the
bathing room and soak in a hot bath, but she couldn’t bear being away from Struan for that long.
“I’ll see tae the compress, Lady Sky, and yer ma is brewing a fresh potion for the lad as we speak. Go now, and take as long as need be. I’m tae fetch Lord Robley and Sir Connor when ye are ready, and I’ll bring food tae break yer fast as well.”
“I am grateful to you, Anne. You’ve been an enormous help.”
Anne beamed at the praise and bobbed her head. Sky left to visit the garderobe, then continued on to her chamber. She glanced down at her blood-spattered apron. A good wash and fresh clothes would surely renew her spirits, and then she’d resume tending Struan.
Washed, changed and her hair brushed and braided, Sky returned to Robley’s chamber. She opened the door and walked inside to find Rob and Connor already within. Rob rose from where he sat at the table. Connor was pouring tea down Struan’s throat.
“Is that the medicine Ma steeped this morn?” she asked.
“It is,” Connor said, continuing with his task. “Sit, lass. Your mother, Robley and I have been talking.”
“Aye?” Her knees weakened at his tone, and she dropped into the chair beside the bed.
“Aye.” Rob came to her side and rested a hand on her shoulder. “We are all in agreement. Struan’s condition is . . . unchanged, and we believe his best chances for recovery lie in the future.”
Her throat closed, and she nodded mutely. The same thought had flitted through her mind during the long night.
“There are two possible portals between Moigh Hall and DúnConnell.” Connor set the mug aside and carefully laid Struan back down. “We propose to stop at each, and if neither opens during the night we camp there, we’ll continue on to your brother’s keep. My wife is a doctor, Sky. She’ll know what to do. We’re hoping Madame Giselle will be at DúnConnell, and that she’ll aid us in getting the lad to the twenty-first century—preferably near a hospital. If we find a portal along the way, I’ll take him through. If not, Katherine and I will travel with him together.”
Her poor heart would surely cease beating. “I fear the journey through time will kill him.” She twisted her hands together. “Besides, you ken what happened when the four of us went through, clasping hands as we did. We were parted. How do you mean to stay with him? How can he fix his mind and heart on any destination in his current state?”
“We managed to keep our backpacks, aye?” Connor looked to Rob, who nodded encouragement. “Your cousin and I have come up with a solution. We’ll lash Struan to my back. We’ve already talked to the tanner, and he’s fashioning the straps now.”
“Sky, it’s Struan’s best hope.” Robley squeezed her shoulder. “A wagon and food are being prepared for the journey. We mean to leave within the hour.”
She shot up. “I’ve much to do before we leave. Herbs for his healing tea, salve for his wounds, fresh linen for bandages. I must bid my family farewell.”
Connor shook his head. “Sky—”
“Dinna think to stop me. Someone must tend to him along the way.”
“Your sire forbids it, lass.” Robley lifted Struan’s rucksack and hoisted it over his shoulder. “I’ll send servants up to see that Struan is washed, dressed and ready to go.”
Sky fisted her hands at her side. “I’m going with you, and if you leave without me, I’ll find a way to follow, so you’d best await me at the ferry.” With that, she stomped out of the chamber and strode toward her da’s solar. She threw the door open only to find the room empty. Mayhap he was with their garrison, praising their men for a job well done. He might be in the village, seeing to burying the dead and assessing damage to the cottages.
Hurrying down the corridor, she headed for the stairs to the hall, taking the stairs as fast as she dared. There she found her mother and sisters sitting at the high table.
“Come, Sky, break your fast.” Her mother filled a bowl with porridge from a pot at the center of the table.
“I’ve no time.” She gripped the fabric of her gown in her hands. “Robley and Connor mean to take Struan away, and I’m going with them. I fear Struan willna survive without a healer along to look after him.” She blinked against the sting in her eyes.
“Ah, I suspected you might.” Her ma lifted a canvas sack from the floor, and her worry and sadness washed over Sky. “I’ve prepared bundles of the best herbs to use for him, and there’s a small copper pot within for steeping.
Stunned, Sky stared at the sack and then at her mother. “Where are Da and the twins?”
“I’m not certain. I know the three of them spent some time beneath the keep, talking to our garrison.” Placing the sack upon the table, her mother stepped down from the dais and walked toward her. “Don’t worry about your father, Sky. I’ll deal with him.”
Helen lifted a pack from the floor beside her and set it upon the table next to the one her ma had prepared. “Sarah and I packed a few things for you too.”
“You . . . you kent I would go with Struan, even though Da has forbidden me from doing so?” Her gaze went to each of them. She was overwhelmed by gratitude and love. Her mother and sisters stared back, their expressions and emotions a heady mix of pride, sadness and strength. Humbled, she rushed forward, hugging each of them in turn.
“Sky, whatever you decide, know that we love you, and this will always be your home,” her mother whispered in her ear. “Follow your heart, and never forget who you are.”
Stepping back, Sky swiped at her eyes and nodded. “I dinna ken what—”
“If you should decide to come home, travel on to your brother’s keep with Hunter’s guards, and return with Robley and Erin when they journey home. I ken they won’t mind stopping here first,” her mother rasped out. “Go. Gather what you must from your chamber, and be quick. We won’t let Robley and Connor leave without you.”
One more fierce hug for her mother, and Sky ran upstairs. All she needed was the rucksack she’d brought with her from the future. It held her passport and state ID, along with other sundries she’d need . . . just in case. Slipping the straps over her shoulders as she went, she strode down the corridor to Struan’s chamber. Connor was tugging boots onto Struan’s feet.
“I’m ready,” she announced, lifting her chin. “Ma has prepared what I need to look after Struan. We’ll grab it on our way to the ferry.”
Robley winked at her. “Your da is going to kill me, but truth be told, I’m gladdened by the news that you’ll look after the lad.”
She held the door open as the two men lifted Struan and carried him through the door. Connor carried his pack and Struan’s on his broad shoulders. Following them down the corridor, her heart wrenched at the thought of not saying good-bye to her da and brothers.
An hour later, she laid a sheepskin, fleece side up, on top of a bed of hay in the bed of the wagon that would carry Struan. She arranged the bundles and packs around the outer edges, so that they might buffer him from jostling too much. “All is in readiness. Lay him down, and I’ll ride with him in back. Tie my mare to a lead.” She lifted a thick woolen blanket and oiled canvas to cover him, and glanced at the sky. The day was gray, the early morning air damp and chilly.
“Sky!” her da shouted. “What goes on here?”
She sucked in a breath and blood rushed to her face. The earl of Fife strode down the center of the village, flanked by Owain and David, and all three wore identical scowls.
“Tell me you dinna mean to leave Moigh Hall,” her sire demanded, his arms crossed in front of his chest.
Shaking, she straightened and lifted her chin. “Aye, I do mean to leave. Connor will take Struan back to . . . to his home, and I mean to see that he’s able to make the journey.”
“You’ll return to us?” David asked, reaching for her hand. “Once he’s sent back, you’ll come home?”
She shrugged helplessly. “I . . . I dinna ken. Oh, Da, what am I to do? I dinna wish to leave all of you, but . . . I love him.” She peered into her sire’s eyes, noting the
gray hair at his temples and the new lines etched into his beloved face. “Dinna force me to defy you. Give me your blessing.”
“Och, lass.” She found herself in a fierce hug. “Is your mind made up then? Will you return to Struan’s valley with him?”
“My mind, like my heart, is torn.” She held on tight.
“Well, then,” he said. “I’ll hold on to the hope you’ll come home to us anon.” He stepped back and glared at the warriors who would travel with them, and then he sent Robley and Connor a hard stare. “Be on the watch for any stray Erskines, and guard my daughter’s life well.” Her da clasped Connor’s forearm, and then Robley’s. “Safe journey.”
Everyone mounted as Sky hugged her brothers. She climbed onto the wagon and took her place at Struan’s head. One of their guards took up the reins and started the wagon moving up the hill. She looked over the land and the village. Finally, her eyes rested upon the island. Home. Tears fell from her eyes. Now she kent what Struan had gone through when he faced the decision to travel with her to her century. Her decision would not be made until she had to make it, and she had no idea what she would do.
She must have dozed, for she woke to a chilly drizzle falling upon her face. She drew her cloak closer around her, then reached for the water skin filled with Struan’s medicinal tea. Sky went up on her knees and turned toward him. His cheeks were flushed. She lifted one of his eyelids to find his eye bloodshot and glassy. Her stomach knotted as she pressed her cheek against his forehead. He was burning with fever.
“Robley, Connor,” she shouted. “Make haste and dinna stop unless absolutely necessary. We must travel to DúnConnell straightaway.”
Robley rode back to the wagon. “What is it, lass?”
“Struan is feverish,” she said, her voice breaking. “Katherine brought medicines from the future back with her for Meghan and Hunter, antibiotics she called them. I canna fight a blood infection with medicinal teas. Struan’s only hope is to get to my brother’s keep as quickly as may be.” She met his gaze. “I’ll do what I can with what I have, but . . . let us pray we get there in time.”
The Highlander's Vow (Loch Moigh #4) Page 26