Page 48 of Cherished By A Highlander

“You managed to chase away the foul odor of lingering death,” Quint said, surveying the room.

The room was clean, a healthy fire burned in the hearth, and from what he could see of the bed, the chieftain rested comfortably upon clean sheets with a blanket covering him. No doubt his wife had cleansed the wounds and applied clean bandages. The freshly cut, small pine branches placed aroundthe room had done a good job of repelling what was left of the foul odor.

Quint was impressed though not surprised by all his wife had accomplished and thought there might be hope for the chieftain after all.

“How is Chieftain Ryland doing?” Quint asked.

“He has not escaped death yet, the next week or so will tell us more,” Shade said, not moving away from the bed.

“I will be in the Great Hall with Nug when you are finished. Come and have some food and drink before you rush off to help others,” Quint said and turned to leave then stopped. “Dru is here.”

Shade smiled. “I am so glad she made it safely.”

Quint’s glance lingered on her as if he found it difficult to leave her.

“I won’t be long now,” she said, preferring he stay but knowing it was best that he left.

Quint nodded, then closed the door.

“He is not afraid to show his love for you,” Ula said. “It shines in his eyes when he looks at you. I am glad you got such a brave and loving man.”

“He is a good man and husband and though I have not known him long I feel as though I do.” Shade smiled. “Loving him came easily.”

“Oh, Shade, I am so happy for you.”

A knock on the door had Ula hurrying to it while Shade blocked Caleb from view. Shade couldn’t hear the whispers at the door and worried what the message might be.

“Ena sent word asking for your help,” Ula said. “Word has spread that the healer I have talked so highly of is here and many plead for your help.”

“Then I will go to them,” Shade said. “I have done all I can for Caleb,” —she shook her head— “for the chieftain. I will go and help any others in need.”

“But you have not eaten or rested since your arrival,” Ula said, worried for her friend.

“There will be time for that later,” Shade insisted and hurried to the table to gather what she might need in her larger healing pouch.

“Your husband might not agree. He said you were to eat before helping others,” Ula reminded.

“He’ll understand,” Shade said, her husband knowing how important her healing was to her.

Unfortunately, he didn’t understand.

CHAPTER 15

“You will eat and rest for a bit before you do anything else,” Quint ordered after Shade informed him that she had no time to do either.

“If you were needed, you’d go do what you want without even giving your wife a thought,” Dru said.

“Stay out of it, Dru,” Nug warned.

“Why? Is the truth too difficult to hear?” Dru asked, sending a questioning look to Quint.

Quint wanted to strangle Dru for pointing out the truth.

“A wife obeys a husband, and a husband has a right to do as he pleases,” Nug said.

“Why should I obey a man when he can dismiss me so easily?” Dru argued.

“It is the way of things,” Nug said as if the matter was settled.

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