She was grateful her stomach chose to grumble loudly.
“You’re hungry. You need to eat and it’s cold out here,” he said and placed his hand to the small of her back while he kept firm hold of her arm as he guided her up the stairs.
They were a couple of steps away from the top when Rannock called out to him.
“Lord Tarass, a troop approaches.”
Tarass turned and instinctively Snow turned with him, her boot catching on a patch of ice.
Her foot went out from under her and she felt herself tumble backward, then she felt a wrench to her arm. The next thing she knew… she was wrapped in his arms as they went tumbling down the stairs together.
Chapter 12
“Tarass?” Snow called out, her sight blurrier than usual.
“I’m right here.” Tarass gave her a squeeze, his arms still tight around her.
Snow realized then she was lying on top of him and her fright drifted away.
“Easy with her. I don’t know if she’s hurt,” Tarass said.
Snow felt herself lifted off Tarass and her fright returned.
“That is so nice of you, Rannock, to help Snow.”
Snow was relieved to hear Nettle’s voice letting her know what was happening.
“Are you hurt?” Tarass asked, getting to his feet and placing a hand on Snow’s shoulder.
Snow winced from the unexpected pain.
“I knew I wrenched your shoulder keeping as tight a hold on you that I did.” He had felt the abrupt pull when she had fallen backward,
“It’s a good thing you did or my fall might have been far worse.”
“She’s right,” Rannock said. “Keeping hold of her and wrapping yourself around her softened her fall.”
“Are you hurt?” Snow asked, anxiously. Worried he had hurt himself protecting her.
Her hand rushed up to touch him and find out for herself. It landed on his cheek and she ran her fingers slowly and methodically over his face, feeling along his cheeks, forehead, and jawline, then up the back of his neck.
Tarass stopped her there, grabbing her hand. “I’m good.”
He should have stopped her sooner, her soft touch leaving a titillating tingle on his face and causing his loins to tighten.
“The troop will be here soon,” Rannock reminded as he watched the intimate exchange between the couple.
“Someone looks for shelter after the storm?” Tarass asked.
“Someone looks for something, but it’s not shelter. James Macardle arrives shortly,” Rannock said.
“My brother is here?” Snow asked, turning to where she heard Rannock’s voice and settling her eyes on the large, gray blur.
Tarass looked down at Snow’s hand that had gripped his arm at the news. It was almost as if she were anchoring herself to him, not wanting to be separated from him. And it frustrated him that he liked the thought.
The door to the keep opened and Thaw came rushing out and down the steps barking furiously.
“He would not cease his incessant barking,” Fasta said and, glad to be rid of the pup, hurried to shut the door.
Thaw jumped up against her leg and Snow reached down to pat him, wincing as she did, the pain catching at her shoulder.
“You will see Runa,” Tarass said, giving her no choice in the matter.
“After I see my brother,” Snow said, knowing that arguing with him would do little good.
“The relief on your brother’s face at seeing you as he approaches, shows how much he has worried about you,” Nettle whispered at her side.
Snow was glad to hear Nettle detail the scene for her. It was so difficult not being able to see what was going on. She was learning to adapt as best she could, but there were times she was simply impatient. This was one of those times. She would love to have seen the look on James’s face herself. She didn’t think of James as her half-brother. He was her brother and he cared and protected her as a brother should.
“He is getting off his horse in haste and it appears he is headed straight for you,” Nettle said.
“Enough talk, Nettle,” Tarass snapped.
Snow wanted to tell Tarass to let Nettle be that she helped her, but she was suddenly grabbed in a tight hug. If Nettle hadn’t alerted her to James’s approach, she would have startled in fright.
An unexpected pain stabbed at her side and she assumed her previous wound had suffered in the fall.
“Thank God, you’re safe,” James said. “When the horses returned without you and Finn, I was beside myself with worry. The raging snowstorm didn’t allow for a search. It wasn’t until this morning we were able to start searching. I was losing hope when our tracker picked up a trail beneath the snow that led here. Where is Finn?” He looked around searching for him and met with Tarass’s stern face. “Forgive me, Lord Tarass, I was so relieved to see my sister safe that I failed to greet you properly, though I must say I am in your debt for giving my sister shelter.”
“Lord Tarass rescued me, James,” Snow explained. “I was alone and got lost after Finn died—”
“Finn is dead? What happened to him?” James asked, shaking his head, shocked, and trying to comprehend what he’d been told.
“This shouldn’t be discussed out here,” Tarass said and pointed up the stairs to the keep. “And I’m sure you and your men could do with a hardy drink or two and some food.”
“That’s generous of you, Lord Tarass,” James said.
James went to take Snow’s arm, but Tarass reached out, getting hold of her first.
“Your sister just took a tumble down the steps. I want to make certain she gets up the stairs safely,” Tarass said.
“Are you all right?” James asked, resting his hand on her arm.
“Aye, I am, worry not,” Snow said.
“I’ve done nothing but worry about you since the horses returned.” James kept pace with Snow and Tarass as they climbed the stairs. “We’ve all been worried sick about you. Eleanor had wanted to come with me on the search, but I advised her to remain home in case you arrived while I was gone.”
They entered the Great Hall, James’s small troop following him in, the tables already being set with pitchers of ale and hot cider and bowls of food.
Tarass slipped Snow’s cloak off and went to hand it to Nettle when he saw the young woman pale.
Nettle pointed to Snow’s side. “She’s bleeding,”
Snow went to touch her side, but Tarass grabbed her hand.
“Leave it,” he said. “Nettle, go fetch Runa.”
James got upset seeing the patch of blood. “Something must have stabbed you when you fell.”
“It’s from a previous wound,” Tarass said.
“A previous wound?” James asked. “When? How?”
“While my healer tends her wound, I’ll explain everything to you, James,” Tarass said.
Snow didn’t like that she wouldn’t be present when the men talked. But what did she have to worry about? Tarass didn’t want to wed her so he would make sure to omit many things.
Runa came rushing in and hurried straight to Snow.
“Nettle, take Snow and Runa to Snow’s bedchamber and help her with whatever she needs,” Tarass ordered.
“Aye, my lord.” Nettle reached out and took Snow’s hand, and whispered, “There are many about, it is best I guide you.”
Snow nodded and went with Nettle, Thaw following close by.
They weren’t far away when Snow heard James say, “Tell me all of it.”
“With your wound tearing open and the bump on your head from the fall, you shouldn’t travel home today,” Runa said after examining her.
“Willow’s place is close, I’ll have James take me there, then she can tend me,” Snow said.
“Still, the journey will not be easy with the amount of snow that has fallen. It would be wiser to remain here,” Runa advised again.
“Thank you for your advice, Runa, but I prefer to go home, or at least to my sister’s keep,�
� Snow said.
“I understand and I look forward to meeting Willow one day,” Runa said. “I’ll secure your wound with a thicker and tighter bandage. Hopefully, it will make your ride easier.”
Snow had nothing to gather, the few possessions she had having been strapped to the horse she had ridden when she had left her sister’s home. Yet, strangely enough, she felt as if she was leaving something behind.
Nettle led her down the stairs, Runa following behind her.
“You do well?” James asked anxiously? “Tarass told me how he happened upon you, rescued you from your dreadful fall, and brought you directly here to be looked after until he could contact me.”
“Aye, I wouldn’t have survived if it hadn’t been for him. I am most grateful to him,” Snow said and she truly was, even though he could prove maddening at times. But that mattered little, since she’d probably never see him again. “I am doing well, James.”
“Is this so, Runa?” Tarass asked.
Snow wasn’t surprised he asked his healer to confirm it and she was quite sure Runa would speak the truth to him and even more sure of his response.
“With her wound tearing open and the bump on her head, I advised Snow that it would be wiser she remain here at least one more day,” Runa said.
“That settles it then, Snow will remain here until Runa claims her fit to travel,” Tarass commanded.
Snow had been right about his response and she was prepared for it. “That’s not your decision to make.”
“I’m sure James would agree with me, right James,” Tarass said, turning to him.
“It’s not James’s decision either, it’s mine,” Snow said and before Tarass could say more she continued, “James, I think it would be wise to take me to Willow. Not that Runa hasn’t been a great help, but I’d prefer my sister to tend me.”
“Are you sure you can ride? Willow’s home is close but the snow-covered ground makes the journey a bit more difficult,” James said.
“I could send men to bring Willow here to you,” Tarass said, annoyed she was not only being foolish but stubborn as well.
“That won’t be necessary,” Snow said.
“You’re being pigheaded,” Tarass snapped.
“That right is reserved for you and you alone,” she said with a smile.
“Snow!” James scolded. “Lord Tarass only considers what is best for you.”
“I am capable of considering what is best for me and it is best you take me to Willow.”
“Does she ever listen to reason, James?” Tarass asked, his tongue sharp.
“Far too often,” Snow said and reached out her hand. “Lord Tarass.”
Tarass took her hand, closing his large one firmly around her small one and feeling now that he had hold of her, he wouldn’t let her go. He would make her stay until she was well enough to travel whether she liked it or not.
This would be the last time she would feel his hand wrapped around hers. Why did that thought disturb her? And when had she grown to favor the simple gesture? She pushed the disconcerting thoughts away.
“I appreciate all you have done for me, Lord Tarass. You have been most kind and hospitable, and I am ever so grateful. However, it is time for me to take my leave. My heartfelt thanks for all you’ve done for me.” Tears were close to filling her eyes and she slipped her hand out of his, having to give a little tug since he didn’t easily let go. She quickly turned her head. “James, we should leave now.”
“A good idea, since it will take us longer than usual to reach Willow’s home,” James said.
Snow was grateful her brother agreed, since she needed to leave before the sadness that was rapidly growing in her caused her to spill tears. She didn’t understand it and she needed to be away from here to make sense of it.
“I’ll send a troop of my warriors with you,” Tarass said.
Tarass’s commanding tone left no room for James to object.
“That is generous of you, Lord Tarass,” James said.
Tarass took Snow’s arm to walk down the stairs and she didn’t resist. She didn’t want to. She wanted to feel his protective touch once more before they said good-bye. His hand remained on her arm when they reached the bottom of the steps and she wondered… did he not want to let her go?
His hand drifted off her and she silently admonished herself for such a foolish thought.
“Nettle,” she said, reaching out her hand in search of the young woman.
“Right here,” Nettle said, taking her hand.
Snow pulled her into a hug and whispered, “I will miss you so much.”
Nettle sniffed back tears. “And I you. Life was so good with you here.”
They hugged and Nettle stepped away.
“I’ve come to say good-bye.”
“Twilla,” Snow said, recognizing her voice.
Twilla wrapped Snow in a hug and whispered, “You’ll be back.”
Her words stunned Snow. There would be no reason for her to return here.
“Take care,” Twilla said for everyone to hear.
Snow felt a large presence in front of her and she knew instinctively who it was.
“I would tell you to be good, but I don’t think that’s possible,” Tarass said, keeping his voice low. “Take care and stay well.”
His hands were suddenly at her waist and he lifted her onto a horse, and then he was gone.
Snow held onto her tears until she was sure she was well away from the village. Thaw sat on her lap and licked the tears as soon as they began to fall.
“Snow, what is it? Are you in pain? Shall we turn back?” James asked, his voice frantic with worry.
“No, I’m just glad I’m going to see my sister,” Snow said, using Willow as an excuse, since she wasn’t certain why sadness gripped her heart so strongly.
“If you don’t feel well, you’ll let me know and we’ll stop and rest,” James said.
Snow smiled, though tears ran down her cheeks. “I’m blessed to have you as a brother, James.”
“I am glad you feel that way, since I’m beyond happy to have three wonderful sisters,” he said.
They rode in silence for a bit when Snow suddenly asked. “What of Finn?”
“Worry not, Lord Tarass said he’d keep him until the weather permitted a proper burial.”
“I cannot understand why anyone would want to hurt him,” Snow said.
“Don’t worry about that. Lord Tarass and I talked and we’ll get to the bottom of Finn’s unfortunate demise.”
Snow was silent the remainder of the trip, James having asked her repeatedly if she needed to rest. Though, she could have done with a rest, Snow wanted to get to her sister. She needed Willow and it wasn’t her wound she needed her for.
They arrived mid-morning and Snow fought to keep her tears contained, but as soon as she was taken off the horse and she heard Willow’s voice, she burst into tears and stretched her arms out.
She was instantly wrapped in Willow’s arms and quickly guided up the steps, Thaw keeping close to her side, and hurried into the keep. She was relieved when Willow took her to the bedchamber she had left only two or was it three days ago.
“It’s all right,” Willow soothed. “You’re here with me now. You have nothing to fear.”
Snow couldn’t stop her tears. She remained in her sister’s arms and let them fall. She was grateful Willow didn’t question her. She simply held onto her and let her cry. She hadn’t cried like that since her parents died, and she wondered what was wrong with her.
Finally, Snow’s tears slowed and she eased out of her sister’s arms.
“Are you in pain, Snow?” Willow asked.
It was a pain she couldn’t explain and didn’t understand. “I don’t know.”
Willow took her hand. “James sent word ahead that you were coming here and what had happened, including Finn’s death. We can talk about all that over a hot brew, but first I should see to your wound.?”
“That would be good,�
�� Snow said, feeling tears creeping up on her again.
It didn’t take long for Willow to let her know that her wound did well and would heal if she rested and didn’t do anything too strenuous.
It wasn’t long after that Willow had Snow in a nightdress and tucked in bed, Thaw curled up asleep beside her. “You will stay with me and Slatter until I deem you fit enough to return home. Unless, of course, you wish to reconsider my offer and remain here with Slatter and me. We both would love to have you live with us.”
Snow reached for her sister’s hand, Willow having sat beside her on the bed. “I appreciate it, but I think it best I stay at Macardle keep.”
“If you change your mind, you are welcome here any time,” Willow assured her. “Now tell me what brings so many tears to your eyes.”
Snow shook her head. “I don’t know. I suppose it’s everything. The ordeal of getting lost in the snowstorm, Finn being killed, having to stay with Tarass.”
It wasn’t lost on Willow that her sister didn’t address Lord Tarass accordingly.
“Was he insufferable as usual?” Willow asked.
“He rescued me. He put his own life in danger to rescue me and he saw me kept safe,” Snow said, not realizing she was shaking her head as if she was just comprehending what he had done. “Thaw even made some peace with him.”
Snow was thinking of how Thaw went to Tarass for help when she suffered a nightmare and she wondered what she would do if her nightmare returned, not having Tarass there to soothe her. But she didn’t say any of that to her sister.
“So he treated you well?” Willow asked.
“He did,” Snow said without hesitation and rubbed at the bump in the back of her head. “He even wrapped himself around me as I fell down the keep steps, saving me from suffering far worse than a bump to my head.”
“Who would have thought the Lord of Fire could be chivalrous,” Willow said.
“Maddening as well,” Snow said, but with a laugh and recalled the times he had ordered her about. Her smile was wiped away by a yawn.
“Your body tells you it is time to rest and heal,” Willow said and stood to help her sister stretch out beneath the blankets. “Nap and we will talk again later. You are safe now.”
Highlander Lord of Fire Page 11