Prescribed for Love

by Mallory Moutinho

  “But I need to know why this book is important—just to ensure it willnae bring any more danger to my clan,” insisted Alasdair.

  “All ye need to know is that that book will never cause yer people harm. Never!” said Elspeth ardently. “But let me give ye some advice. Ye have some complications coming in yer life. Ye should have seen these them coming, but somehow, men never do. I advise patience and an open mind.”

  “What is this some kind of foretelling of my fate?”

  “Nay, tis just the simple advice of an old woman with more years of experience in these types of things than ye.” As the woman strolled into her hut Alasdair heard her mumble, “Poor laddie—he doesnae have a clue.”

  ***

  “It’s been a long time since we’ve been up in a tree, hasn’t it?” asked Keith.

  Cat smiled as she watched her brother climb the rest of the way to join her. “Maybe for you, but I was in this tree a few weeks ago.”

  “Why?” he asked.

  “I’d been staying with Elspeth while trying to figure out how to get that stupid book back from Alasdair so I could get outta this damn century. I had been worried you would be freaking out because of my disappearance—and I had no way of knowing how you were coping with the situation. I climbed up here to feel a little closer to you, and to hopefully get some inspiration.”

  “Well, at least now you don’t have to worry about me,” said Keith.

  “True. But now, I don’t even know where the damn book is!”

  “I know where it isn’t, and that’s in this tree,” said Keith in an attempt to lighten the mood. “However, I must admit, I’ve impressed you were able to climb this thing in your current state.”

  “Hey, I’m not that preggers!”

  “And I’m not talking about that, I was referring to your dress, this stupid kilt kept getting in the way.”

  “Oh,” said Cat, then she laughed. “Yeah, it wasn’t easy. At least last time I was wearing pants. Yet, I don’t feel sorry for you—you’re the one who insisted on the ‘authentic 1412 Scotland experience.’” She finished the last sentence in perfect imitation of her brother.

  “I’ll admit it, this was definitely not my best decision,” replied Keith. “But let’s regroup…what do you think we should do now that we can’t find the book?” asked Keith.

  “I’m not sure. I guess for right now we’ll need to either figure out what stupid ass brought us here, or what stupid ass need we are here to fulfill.”

  “Spiteful much?” laughed Keith. “But I do need to correct you. I know what stupid ass brought me here—you. And, I know what stupid ass need I’m here to fulfill—giving you advice. Ow!” Cat punched Keith repeatedly in the arm for his sass. He then took on a magnanimous tone, “However, since I don’t like leaving you in the past all by yourself…ow…I will do as the witch says and refrain from giving you any more of my brotherly wisdom…ow…hey, not cool!” Returning his voice to normal Keith continued, “While it seems unlikely I could get sent home without the book, I don’t wanna risk it.”

  “How can anyone be so mean and so thoughtful at the same time?” asked Cat sarcastically.

  “It’s part of my charm,” said Keith with his best smile.

  “I don’t see it.”

  “You wouldn’t,” said Keith, “But seriously we need to stay focused. What have you done to fulfill your purpose here?”

  “I wouldn’t have any trouble staying focused if you would just act like a normal human being.”

  “Tut-tut, no excuses!”

  “Ugh fine,” said Cat. She contemplated her recent endeavors and then began reciting the list to her brother. “I helped heal Ailsa, well not so much ‘healed,’ but you get the idea. I treated Lainie’s mother’s pneumonia. After that I would help heal anyone who came to me looking for aid…” Catriona noticed her brother’s skeptical gaze, “Yeah I know, I mostly deal with drugs, but most of what’s needed is mostly first aid. Hell, you’d probably be a better healer with your Eagle Scout skills. Most of what I did I learned from you at some point.” Finished with her justification she continued, “I’ve also been helping out around the keep. I help the women with the mending, and use my crocheting when I can. Oh, and I’ve helped with increasing their food storage for the winter. You’d be surprised how laborious that can be,” finished Cat proudly. She waited for her brother’s reply.

  “That’s it?” asked Keith.

  “What do you mean that’s it? I’ve put in a lot of hard hours!” Cat felt annoyed her brother thought so little of her efforts.

  “You mean to tell me that you think you were dragged six hundred years into the past to play nursemaid and housewife? No, something else is needed here—something bigger.”

  “I don’t know how else to help. It’s not like I could fight a war with the Camerons for them. They worry about that constantly, ever since the Camerons destroyed all of their homes and their food. Hell, they still haven’t recovered their stores; and many people are living in huts that look ready to fall over!”

  “See, now you’re talking!” exclaimed Keith.

  “What? What did I say?” asked Cat. Then she saw her brother’s eyes glaze over as his mind began to whir. “No Keith, you can’t seriously be thinking that!”

  “What? I think it seems like the logical thing to do,” replied Keith.

  Cat wanted to explain that she thought his idea was pointless, especially since it did not involve her skills. But before she could protest further, they were interrupted. Alasdair called up to them from the ground, “I am beginning to think ye were named after a feline as Branan suggested. Are ye both ready to leave? We should depart now if ye wish to get back to the keep much before dark.”

  “Ladies first,” said Keith, gesturing toward the ground. Cat rolled her eyes at her brother and then jumped. Unfortunately, she forgot she had been wearing such a voluminous skirt. The fabric caught on another branch and she lost control of her descent. Before she even really knew what happened, she was hanging upside-down with her face just a couple of feet from the ground.

  “I take back my last observation; A cat would alight from a tree with more grace,” said Alasdair as he helped her safely to the ground. “Are ye alright lass?”

  Keith jumped down to join them. Laughing hysterically he said, “Oh my god Cat, that was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long time.” He tried to continue, but he could not get any words out through his laughter. Finally, when he had gained control over his mirth, he said, “Now that was clumsy, even for you. You looked like a freakin’ piñata!” His last sentence sent him sputtering into another round of hysterics.

  “It couldn’t have been that funny,” pouted Cat. “And you’d think my brother would be a little more concerned for my safety, especially considering…”

  “Especially considering I haven’t seen you in so long,” interrupted Keith in a suddenly serious tone.

  This brought Cat up short. I can’t believe I was about to mention the baby in front of Alasdair! She mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ to her brother. He may make fun of her incessantly, but he always had her back. She turned to Alasdair, “Thanks for helping me get down—unlike this jackass over here.” She used her thumb to point to Keith.

  “It wasnae any trouble. But, ye never answered me,” said Alasdair.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” said Cat.

  “Good, I wouldnae want any more harm to come to ye,” said Alasdair.

  This caught Keith’s attention, “What do you mean any more harm?”

  “Oh relax Keith, it was nothing. The last time we were coming back from Elspeth’s some Cameron thugs attacked us. Alasdair wanted me to hide while he and two of his men fought. But as I was hiding, I saw another Cameron sneaking through the bushes. He looked like he was gonna attack Alasdair from behind.”

  “You jumped him, didn’t you?” asked Keith.

  “Hey, you know me, sometimes I don’t think before I act,” said Cat with a shrug of her should
ers. She continued her explanation, “Too bad I forgot I really don’t know how to fight. Anywho, I tried to run away, but he jumped me with a knife—he cut me on my arm.” Cat raised the fabric on her arm to show Keith the scar.

  Keith looked absolutely furious, “Where is the man? I’ll kill him.”

  “There is nay need,” said Alasdair, “I already did.”

  “Good,” said Keith with an approving nod.

  Keith continued to ask about Catriona’s various exploits all the way until supper. “I have a good one to tell ye,” said Branan. He normally dined with Lainie, but she was with her mother this evening.

  “Please,” said Keith, “Enlighten me.” Cat thought she knew which story he was going to tell.

  “Well, as ye must know by now, when we first met yer sister, we thought she was a witch. There was a misunderstanding and we thought she had threatened Ailsa. Laird Alasdair had locked her in a room, but yer sister didnae find that at all acceptable.”

  “No,” laughed Keith, “She would not have enjoyed that.”

  Branan continued his retelling, “Instead of staying locked in the room, she used the sheets and her dress to make a rope and climb out the window to escape.”

  “Huh, I’m actually impressed.” To his sister he said, “It looks like I actually managed to teach you something. But, more importantly, how was your form?”

  “Poor. I was still wearing heels,” replied Cat.

  “Ha, you would get taken from home the one day you were wearing them,” chuckled Keith.

  “Speaking of yer home, when will ye be leaving?” asked Branan. “Lady Cat has been most anxious to return.”

  Before either Cat or Keith could answer, Ailsa interjected, “Surely ye are nae leaving so soon! Ye must stay awhile longer.”

  It sounded to Cat like Ailsa was trying to keep her here for other reasons. But since she could not leave without the book, she took advantage of the girl’s offer. “Well, I guess we could stay a few more weeks—as long as we aren’t a burden.”

  “Nay, ye are nae a burden. Ye are welcome to stay as long as ye wish,” said Alasdair. He had just entered the hall. He had wanted to secure the book in the secret compartment in his room before joining everyone else for supper.

  “Are you sure?” asked Cat. She knew they could stay at Elspeth’s if they really did become a burden.

  “I am certain,” replied Alasdair. “But, if ye would like to lessen the burden, ye could sing for yer supper. I hear ye are quite talented, and I am sure everyone here would appreciate the entertainment.”

  Catriona thought this sounded like a fair price. Once she and Keith finished their meal, they put on a little performance, altering their favorite songs to fit the time as best they could.

  ***

  Alasdair felt guilty agreeing to his sister’s invitation. Especially since it was essentially his fault Catriona and Keith could not yet leave. He only intended to keep the book until he could ensure there were no additional threats to his clan—it had nothing to do with his desire to have Catriona stay awhile longer. Aye Alasdair—keep lying to yerself.

  ***

  Chapter 12

  “Wake up!” Her brother’s shout wrenched Cat out of a deep sleep.

  Instead of getting up, she rolled over. “Go away,” she slurred.

  “Someone’s cranky this morning,” teased Keith. “Maybe I won’t give you my present after all.”

  “Present?”

  “I knew that would get your attention. Here.” He tossed something at her face.

  Catching the item she asked, “What is it?”

  “Pants.”

  “And why would I want pants?” she asked, even though she was looking at them longingly. She begrudgingly handed them back, “While I appreciate the gesture, everyone will look at me oddly if I do wear them.”

  “I just didn’t want you almost killing yourself again,” said Keith, “Especially considering what we’re gonna be doing today.”

  “You can’t actually be serious.”

  “I’m completely serious. Now hurry up and get dressed, we’re wasting daylight,” instructed her brother. Keith turned his back to her so she could change. “And if you’re so worried about what people will think, just put the pants on under your dress for now,” he suggested. “Oh, and just for the record, that nightgown makes you look like a grandma.”

  “Shut up.”

  “I’m just sayin’.”

  “Alright, I’m ready.” Cat walked over to her brother. “Hey! What do you think you are doing? Oh no you don’t!” she said as she smacked his hand. He was rifling through her purse. “I told you before, that chocolate is on strict rations, and I’m definitely going to need it later if I’m stuck here awhile.”

  “I was just looking for the toolset you always keep in here.”

  “Liar.”

  “Fine, you got me. But you do have the toolset don’t you? It could be useful.” Catriona nodded in response. “Excellent!”

  “This way,” said Cat as she led her brother away from the castle. Normally, she had to sneak past the guards if she wanted to leave the confines of the keep, but apparently they thought her brother was adequate protection. If only they knew the axes he carried were not for defense. “Here you go, one dilapidated hut almost completely destroyed by fire,” said Cat as they arrived at their destination.

  “Do they all look like this?” asked Keith.

  “No, this is one of the worst. I figured no one would mind if we screwed around with it,” replied Cat.

  Getting down to business, Keith said, “Let’s clear out all this burnt stuff. There still might be usable wood here. No sense in not making use of what is already available.” Cat took off her dress so she was just wearing the pants her brother brought her and a shirt. Seeing this was likely going to be a very dirty job, she reached into her purse for her bandana. “Really, Cat? A babushka? Now you really do look like a grandma.”

  “Oh, shut up Keith,” she said as she rolled her pants to just below the knee, they were a few inches too long.

  “Anything else you need to do before helping? Some stretches maybe?”

  Cat just glared at her brother. Once satisfied she had made her point, she started to help clear away the charred pieces. They worked individually until the pieces got too large for Cat to lift by herself. At this point, Keith suggested she start separating out the salvageable pieces while he finished the last of the heavy lifting.

  “So boss, what’s the plan?” asked Cat once they were ready to actually start rebuilding.

  “There was some usable wood, but I wouldn’t trust it for the main supports.” Keith sighed, “We’re going to have to cut down a tree.”

  “Do you think these trees will work? There aren’t that many here and they tend to not be very tall,” replied Cat.

  “Well,” said Keith, “Hopefully we can find one that will suit our purposes.”

  They searched the surrounding area until they found a suitable tree. Grabbing the saw he brought, Keith instructed Cat to cut off the low-hanging branches. While she cut, he assessed—looking at the tree’s angle to best determine which side to first attack with the axe. Reaching a decision, he began to chip away at the trunk once Cat had finished with the branches. She then grabbed the other axe to help. They took turns cutting into the tree until Keith said, “Okay stop, now we need to cut into the other side so it falls that way.”

  Their chopping quickly grew rhythmic—the repetitive thuds almost became soothing to Cat. She had not realized how much tension she had been holding until she had been able to release it on the tree. Finally, the tree started to fall. “Timber!” yelled Cat. Keith rolled his eyes. “What?” she asked. “I always wanted to yell that.”

  “It’s not like anyone else is here, or like they would understand what that meant,” said Keith.

  “Spoilsport,” she said before sticking out her tongue. “Man, I’m wicked hungry, we should get something to eat.”

  �
��You know, just because you are eating for two doesn’t mean you get to talk in the royal ‘we’,” said Keith. Cat glared at him. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop.” They walked back to where Cat left her purse with the lunches she had packed for them. “What did you pack? Preggo waffles? What? Don’t look at me like that. Ahh, come on! You couldn’t honestly expect me not to say that at some point! Fine, now I’m done.”

  “Not too bad for a full day’s work,” said Keith. They had managed to raise and secure the main supports.

  “Yeah, too bad my blisters have blisters,” moaned Cat, although truthfully, she was proud of what they had done.

  “Same time tomorrow?”

  “Sure, I’ll pack the lunches again.”

  “So how do you wanna do the walls?” asked Cat. “I don’t think there’s enough wood here.”

  “No, there definitely isn’t enough. We’ll have to go with the normal approach for this time period—sticks and mud,” replied Keith.

  “Well, at least that’s less likely to make my blisters worse. Do you want me on stick duty or mud duty?” she asked.

  “You take the sticks, I’ll take the mud,” said Keith. “Let me just show you what I need you to do.”

  Cat weaved the sticks in through the main support as Keith had instructed while he tried to find the exact mud composition he desired. She actually found this part pretty fun; it was like trying to put together a really large puzzle. Once Keith found the ideal mud recipe, he would follow behind to pack it into all the crevices formed by the weave. While this was nowhere near as laborious as the previous day, it still took almost all of the daylight hours. “So now what? We let this dry overnight and tackle the roof in the morning?” she asked.

  “You got it!” said Keith.

  “Fine, but we’re ordering take-out tomorrow! And you’re paying.”

  “No problem. I’ll just call over to Italy for some pizza, I’m sure it will be here before the end of the year. Do you think they take Visa?”

  “I don’t think they have tomatoes yet,” stated Cat.