“Thank ye, lass,” he said.
When she didn’t respond, he glanced at her. But when he met her eyes, he was taken aback by the hostility he found there.
“That was your plan all along, wasnae?” she asked. “Ye wanted tae find Eadwig Gorbidshire, but by doing sae, ye put everyone’s life in danger.” She climbed back on the mount that she shared with Blane and stared down at Donnell. “Ye are a selfish bastard, and I should have never trusted ye.”
Chapter 15
They rode hard toward the village. Blane was too tired to make conversation, and while she was fatigued as well, Alisha had nothing more to say to Donnell. The anger simmered within her and it overrode her trepidation about her horse. It was actually better this way otherwise she would have been on the saddle with Donnell sitting directly behind her. At this moment, she couldn’t even look at him much less imagine having his hard length pressed against her backside. She knew without a doubt that her body would betray her. Every so often she sensed that he glanced over at her, but she refused to acknowledge him, even though her heart cried to be with him. Donnell didn’t care about her or her brother, she reminded herself. He had deliberately placed all their lives at risk.
Finally Alisha couldn’t hold back any longer, and the seething rage burst forth. “Why did ye do it?” she demanded. “Why did ye go back tae confront the enemy commander? We had Blane, and we could have escaped without being detected.”
It looked like Donnell wasn’t going to respond, but then he let out a long sigh. “My purpose all along was tae confront Eadwig Gorbidshire.”
She closed her eyes, not wanting to see him. “Ye deliberately put us all in peril. Some of the men died because of ye,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. In such a short time she had gotten to know Will and some of the others too. They were in such close quarters that they had become almost like family. But now they were gone.
“The bastard killed my parents in cold blood, Alisha,” he said, emphasizing his words to make sure that she understood their significance. “I made a pledge tae avenge their deaths long before I met any of ye.”
Alisha closed her mouth and averted her face. She too had pledged to protect her brother, and she went through great lengths to ensure that she kept her vow. But still, it made her feel insignificant that Donnell cared so little for their lives. And after they had made love, she thought that he might return her affection. She thought that she loved an honorable warrior, and she gave herself freely to him. But now she learned that he was the most dishonorable man she had ever met. Alisha swallowed the bitterness that gathered in her throat. She should never have opened her heart to him.
“The English are likely following us are they nae?” she said, trying to distract herself from the painful thoughts that coursed through her mind. But the topic she chose was equally depressing.
Blane had been quiet all this while but now he spoke. “Likely they’ll wait until first light tae follow us,” he said. “They cannae risk moving a large cavalry in the dark since they’ll get lost. If we travel through the night, we should be able tae get tae the village and warn everyone of the danger.”
They entered into the village as the sky turned pink. When they arrived, she was surprised that the village seemed busier than ever. None of these people knew the peril that they were in.
Alisha deliberately turned her back on Donnell and glanced over at Blane. “We need tae warn the villagers,” she said.
“I’ll do it,” Donnell said, guiding his horse toward the crowd of people who had stopped to gawk at them. He came off his mount and spoke to them. They listened intently to what he had to say. By the end of it, there was terror on their faces.
“I still cannae believe that Donnell put us all in jeopardy,” she said.
“He did but I’m sure he has his reasons,” Blane said, his voice containing no anger.
“Ye are making excuses for him?” she asked in astonishment.
“I dinnae like what he did, but I can understand his rage. Eadwig Gorbidshire murdered his family.”
Alisha snapped her mouth closed, and hardened her heart. She already heard this story, and she refused to feel any sympathy toward him. That would only lead to more heartache. Donnell wasn’t an honorable man. He might as well have executed Will and the others. And then Donnell had pledged to keep her brother safe, but in reality he was the one who led him into harm in the first place. It was fortunate that Seamus was only injured. She didn’t even want to think about what might have happened if Seamus was killed…
Up ahead and near the inn, Alisha recognized some of the mercenaries from the Company.
“I think that the wounded might be in the establishment yonder,” she said, urging her horse forward.
Before they reached the building, one of the men hurried out to meet them.
“Thank god that ye have finally come,” he said.
She studied his drawn face, and she felt a streak of anxiety go through her. “Is everything all right?” she asked even though she was afraid of hearing the truth.
“Several of the men have infections,” he said.
“Infections?” she asked blankly. “We were hardly gone for a day. How can infection set in sae soon?”
“It happens all the time with lacerations,” the man said.
“How’s my brother?”
“He’s one of those who has an infection. He’s been delirious and calling out for ye.”
The news caused the blood to curdle in her veins. “Where is he?”
“Inside the inn,” he said.
Alisha quickly dismounted and gathering the bundle of medicine close to her; she rushed inside the establishment.
As soon as she entered, the stench of sickness hit her, and she covered her nose with the corner of her shawl. The main floor of the inn had turned into an infirmary, and all the wounded men were lying in various places. But the space was closed, and it was impossible to get fresh air into the room without jeopardizing the comfort of the men.
She searched the dim area and spotted her brother at a corner of the common room.
“Och, Seamus,” she cried as she hurried over to him.
At the sound of her voice, he lifted his head, his feverish eyes staring at her.
“I thought ye left me, Alisha.”
“Never,” she said fiercely. She took his hand and clasped it tightly. “I was gone for a wee while tae get some remedies. As ye can see, I’m back now.”
His face was flushed and he appeared out of sorts, but he seemed satisfied with her answer. He looked almost like the bairn that used to trail after her until she shooed him away. He had been sick when he contracted the plague, and the same pallor covered his features as if the angel of death hovered nearby. But she was back, and she was going to do everything in her power to keep that dark angel at bay. She did it once before, and she was going to do it again.
Alisha set her bundle on the ground, and sent a small prayer to Providence. The things that she learned about healing were passed down from her mother, but the uses of the herbs were only for common ailments, not for treating serious illnesses.
She let out a trembling breath. This was a nightmare. The gash that Seamus sustained in the raid was infected and had likely entered his blood. With her limited healing knowledge, she sensed that his life was in danger, but she didn’t know what to do.
***
“Could ye nae have asked for the village healer tae help ye?” Donnell asked Calvin. He was mostly concerned about Alisha. Since they arrived at the village, she had worked tirelessly to assist Calvin in tending the injured men.
His friend looked up at him, dark shadows under his eyes. “The auld woman died last spring, and there’s nay one else who possesses healing abilities.”
Donnell had persuaded the villagers to disappear into the hills, and now the village was almost deserted. Most had taken heed of the warning, yet there were a few stubborn fools that didn’t want to leave their homes. He had t
old them bluntly about their choices.
“My parents did this verra same thing, and they didnae live. Ye will die too if ye choose tae stay.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “When the enemy arrives, ye willnae be able tae escape them. A home ye can rebuild, but nae if ye are dead.”
As they listened to his speech, their determined expressions began to fade, and their eyes darted across his face as if to see whether he was lying. But they must have seen that he told the truth, because in the end those who had refused to leave had gone with the others. And he was relieved that they listened, because the last thing he needed or wanted was to feel remorseful over their slaughter.
Like Alisha said, he was to blame for the sudden immobilization of the English army. He was satisfied that the English were temporarily defeated, but he also felt guilty. Eadwig was likely furious over the reduced food supplies. He would probably also be enraged over his humiliation, and would soon charge into the village.
The English would be forced to move from their campsite, and they would decimate everything in their path.
A man to Donnell’s left let out a groan, interrupting his thoughts.
Calvin glanced over at the crippled man. “We cannae stay here for much longer,” he said. “Most of the herbs have been used up, and there are many who are hurt. My abilities are limited. If these men want tae live, we need tae get tae Bracken Ridge, and have the physician tend tae them.”
Donnell surveyed the men who all seemed to be doing poorly. His friend was right. If they didn’t get to Bracken Ridge, many more men would die. “I’ll talk tae Blane about moving out,” he said.
He knew that it was risky to stay in the village, but there were only one or two men who seemed unfit for travel. But even if this was the case, they still needed to leave. The English cavalry would be here soon.
As Donnell watched Alisha bend over her brother, he felt a strong sense of remorse. Alisha had worked long hours administering the herbal cures that she had taken from the English, but none of them seemed to work, and the men appeared as poorly as when they first entered into the village. While he didn’t regret his actions toward Eadwig Gorbidshire, he was sorry that some Highlanders got hurt.
He reached over to massage the tightness in his shoulder just as he decided to approach her.
“Alisha,” he said.
She started to walk past him as if she didn’t hear him. Obviously, she hadn’t forgiven him for his rogue mission. But he didn’t plan to approach her just for idle conversation.
He reached for her arm as she was about to brush past him. As soon as he made contact, she jerked away as if his touch was toxic to her.
“Stay away from me, Donnell. Ye have done enough damage,” she said, anger flashing in her eyes.
Donnell had never experienced a woman’s scorn to this magnitude. Whenever her sights fell on him, he felt her hostility and fury. He wanted to apologize and make things right between them, but she hated him now, and he knew that any apology he offered would be rejected. He couldn’t blame her either because in the end he had betrayed her. He had agreed to protect her brother but the youth got injured. If Donnell hadn’t proposed the raids against the enemy, the lad would have been posted near the entrance of Bracken Ridge. And the likelihood of him getting hurt at that location was just as great. Of course, she wouldn’t want to be reminded of this.
He dropped his hand. “We’ll be moving out soon,” he said instead.
Turning on his heels, he left the inn. Donnell wasn’t welcome here. He walked out into the deserted village. The only place where he would find some sort of refuge was at the parish church. As he entered the small structure, he headed to an empty pew near the front.
Clutching his hands tightly together, he imagined his father and mother standing in front of him.
“I have failed tae avenge ye both,” he said, his voice low.
As he spoke this truth aloud, his heart wrenched. He had been so close to finishing Eadwig Gorbidshire off, to finally allow his parents to rest in peace. Yet luck had not been with him that day, and the bastard still lived. It seemed that all the years of training had been wasted in an instant. And now that the opportunity had passed, he wasn’t sure whether he would ever face his rival again.
Chapter 16
Alisha sat on the floor with her head buried in her hands just as exhaustion swept over her. There wasn’t much else that could be done for Seamus. Her brother was still feverish, but at least he wasn’t tossing and turning as if he were struggling with a demon. She had little sleep over the past few days, and it was taking its toll. The exhaustion seeped through her pores, and she walked in a hyperalert state. And even though she was worn out, it was impossible for her to lie down and rest. Whenever she tried to relax, her mind raced with worry and fear, and her thoughts inevitably circled back to Donnell MacKelon. No matter where she was, it was impossible to escape the man. From the moment she made love with him, he became a part of her.
Now she wasn’t so certain that she wanted to have this connection to him. But of course it was impossible to take back the act. She could claim that the whisky had gotten to her head, although she knew better. She had wanted to make love to Donnell, had wanted to be with a man who she was attracted to and admired.
But it was all a front. The man she knew turned out to be someone entirely different. And while she tried to convince herself that Donnell was a selfish and uncaring man, she couldn’t completely believe it. How could a man so passionate and tender turn out to be something that was the exact opposite? She had experienced immense pleasure in his arms. It was difficult to imagine that she had made love to a man who was despicable and deceptive. Yet it was evident that he had used her. Perhaps the passion and desire he showed was all a sham as well. She was so naive. Yet despite knowing all this, her body still craved the feel of his strong arms around her, still longed for his kiss. She let out a silent groan when she considered Father Cormac. If the priest ever found out about her mistake, her indiscretion, he would be forever disappointed in her. What had she gotten herself into? She felt her wrath surge through her body, although that rage was directed at herself.
Alisha heard footsteps near the entrance of the inn. Dropping her hands to her lap, she couldn’t help but turn her head in that direction. Even when she didn’t look, she already knew that it was Donnell. Her body seemed to have an innate sense of when he came into the vicinity. But even though she was already aware of him, her heart jumped. And unable to help it, all the memories of the sensuous pleasure he gave her rushed forward. But then just as quickly, she stanched the feeling, reminding herself of his betrayal. In an instant, her heart went from elation to twisting in pain.
Donnell walked over to Calvin and said something to him. They spoke in low tones, and she couldn’t make out their words, although Calvin gestured to Seamus.
She wanted to ignore the mercenaries, but it was obvious that they were discussing her brother. Setting aside her instinctual urge to go the opposite direction, she pushed herself from the ground and walked over to them.
Deliberately ignoring Donnell, she focused her sights on Calvin. “Is anything the matter?”
“Blane wants us tae leave the village and head back tae Bracken Ridge.”
Her mouth dropped open. Turning to Donnell, she demanded, “Is this true?”
“Aye,” he said, his expression neutral. “Erik has returned from the enemy camp with news that they dispatched a smaller troop tae the village. Their intent is tae destroy the place. They’re about two days out with the remaining army following behind them. If we leave now, we’ll have a headstart.”
Alisha felt dismay squeezing at her ribcage. “But we cannae move Seamus,” she cried. “Tell him, Calvin. Ye said that my brother willnae be able tae travel yet. If we leave now, he willnae survive the journey.”
“I’m sorry, lass,” Calvin said, his tone sympathetic. “If we stay here, we’ll all be at risk.”
“But Seamus will die...”
she said, her lips trembled but she pressed them tightly together. His fever had not abated, and his pallor had gotten worse. Even though he was asleep now, his condition was still unstable. She could feel the tears prickling behind her eyelids. If she forced him to leave before he was ready, he was going to die. There was no doubt about it.
“I — I cannae go with ye. I’m staying here with my brother.”
“Dinnae be foolish, lass,” Calvin said, frowning. “A woman alone will only be asking for trouble and maybe even a death sentence.”
She swallowed the lump of fear in her throat. It was common knowledge that enemy soldiers had no qualms about raping and murdering female victims, but she didn’t see what other options she had. She tilted her chin in a show of defiance.
“I must do all I can tae protect my brother,” she said. “If Seamus is moved, then his condition will deteriorate quickly. At least if we remain in the settlement, we can find some spot tae hide. They’ll search the place, and when they realize that the village is empty, they’ll go on their way.”
“And if they burn the village down, what will ye do then?” Calvin countered.
Alisha swallowed. “Hopefully Seamus will be recovered before that, and we willnae have tae face that situation.”
Calvin shook his head, his disapproval evident. He appeared as if he would say more, but Donnell’s next words stopped him.
“I’ll tell Blane that ye are ready tae leave now,” Donnell said to Calvin. “Meanwhile, ye can get some men tae assist ye with the injured. But dinnae move Seamus from his pallet.”
“Ye dinnae mean tae leave them here alone, do ye?” he asked, following Donnell out the door. Alisha walked closely behind them.
“They willnae be alone,” Donnell said. “I’m staying with them.”
“All right,” Calvin said, although Alisha could see that he didn’t think this was wise. While she should have been opposed to Donnell’s offer, she was actually relieved that he was willing to stay with them.
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