Page 27 of Bride of the Mad Laird
Smiling, Lyra proffered her hand in greeting, noting that the woman’s fingers were stained green.
“How dae ye dae, me lady. Me name is Eilidh, and I am the castle healer.” She gestured toward the infirmary. “This is where I stay.”
“I am pleased tae meet ye, Healer Eilidh. I am Lyra, from Morvern. I have been admiring the herb garden. Is that yer work?”
Eilidh nodded. “Aye, I am the grower of the herbs and the maker of the herbal salves and tisanes I use in me healing work. Sometimes I walk the cliffs and shores hereabouts fer grasses and seaweeds also.”
Lyra sighed. “I should enjoy doing such useful and important tasks.”
“During yer stay at Dùn Ara mayhap ye can accompany me in me foraging.”
Another sigh as Lyra considered her situation and shook her head. “Thank ye. Mayhap one day.”
Eilidh’s auburn hair in the last of the sun’s rays shone copper and gold, streaked with silver. Lyra studied her features. Her angular features were not classically beautiful, yet her face was one that would always draw attention.
“I should like tae hear about ye, Lyra. What brings ye tae this place so far from yer own clan lands?” Eilidh gestured toward the small gravel path between rows of herbs. “Come, walk wi’ me and tell me yer story.”
Lyra hesitated. “There is little tae tell. Me life until now has been lived in the Priory at Iona.”
“With Maither Una?”
“Ye ken the Maither Superior?”
Eilidh gave a soft laugh. “Ah, yes. I once contemplated taking the veil and spent some time with the good sisters. In the end, I came to understand that such a life wasnae fer me. I’ve found solace from the death of one I loved in this wild, windswept, place among the healing plants and remedies, tending tae the sick and wounded.
Lyra nodded. It was not difficult to understand how such a life could itself be a healing from grief and sorrow.
“Dùn Ara is far distant from the Priory, Lyra. How is it that ye came tae this far-flung place? Are ye looking fer solace, seeking a new life?”
“I have nae had the time tae decide what new path me life will take now that I have left the sisters. I am here because there is someone who wishes me ill and yer laird rescued me from grave peril and brought me tae Dùn Ara.”
“I see.” Eilidh nodded without asking further questions. “If ye wish tae talk with me about what troubles ye, I listen well.”
The two walked together, Eilidh naming each of the plants in the growing beds. She described how each of them had a special use, whether from their leaves, their flowers, their roots. Some of them were used to heal a wound, others could take away pain, there were plants that could staunch the flow of blood or even send a person to sleep.
Her mind rolled back to the poison that had almost taken Sister Morag’s life that was meant for her.
“And if someone is poisoned? Is there an herb that can be used tae save them?”
“Aye. There are special concoctions that can help. First the person must be purged and there are herbs that help with purging. Then there are mixtures of herbs to make tisanes that will clear the poison from the body.” Eilidh gave Lyra a curious look. “D’ye ask because ye’re giving thought tae poisoning?”
Lyra laughed softly. “Nay. I asked because someone was poisoned in me stead. It occurs tae me that the poisoner might try again.”
Eilidh listened gravely. “In that case I shall make sure the herbs that work as an antidote tae poison are in the infirmary.
“I would like very much tae learn about the healing ways of the herbs and how they were made into salves and creams.”
As she spoke Lyra fel, that she could be useful as she had been in the priory, instead of a pampered woman and guest. She voiced as much to the healer.
“While ye stay at Dun Ara I would be happy tae teach ye. Ye’re welcome tae visit me in the infirmary at any time. There is much work tae dae and I would welcome another pair of hands tae assist me, if the laird daesnae mind.”
At the mention of the Laird, Lyra swiveled, eager for the Healer’s opinion of Tòrr. Although she’d only known Eilidh for a short while, her quietly confident manner, and her knowledge shone through, so that Lyra believed she was someone whose opinion was to be valued.
“Is the laird a good man?” Lyra’s heart thumped. “I’ve heard he is called The Mad Laird and I ken he is a strong and fearsome warrior from experience, but I have found him tae be kind also.”
“He is a great warrior.” Eilidh nodded. “He is tough, ‘tis indeed true, yet he is fair in his judgments. He is a relentless foe tae those who wish him ill, but his loyalty tae his clan and those he cares fer is beyond question. Yes, he can be kind, and kindness can compensate fer any sins. If he has promised tae protect ye, then ye can trust his word.”
Lyra smiled. “Thank ye, Eilidh. Yer words bear out the opinion I had formed fer meself. Mayhap he is someone I can trust after all.”
