Read Online A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) by Brenda B. Taylor - Free Book Online Page B

his men rose to plague him. “How do
the other lads fair?”
    “They were taken to their homes and most are mending well,”
his sister answered.
    “And Randal? How goes it with the lad? I was wounded trying to
save him from a Cameron battleax, after a MacKenzie sword sent him to the
ground.” Andrew winced at the pain when thinking about the ax meant for Randal’s
head coming instead to his stomach, breaking through the chainmail, and cutting
a gash across his abdomen before Gavin made a quick thrust with his claymore
into the Cameron’s back.
    Davina didn’t answer but continued to search his eyes. He saw
pain in the depths of her deep brown orbs. “Davina, how fairs Randal?”
    His sister took one of his hands again, and held it tightly.
He knew the answer before she spoke.
    “He died, my brother. Not long after he was brought into Fàrdach
Castle.” She kissed his fingers. “I’m so verra sorry.”
    “So am I, Sister, so am I,” Andrew managed. Thoughts of the
young warrior filled his mind. Randal was brave and loyal. He always fought
hard, giving his best to any assigned task. Newly married, he and Anne were
expecting their first bairn.
    “Davina,” Andrew took his hand from hers. “Tell Gavin to bring
Anne into the castle this day. She can help Nellie. Anne and the bairn will
lack for naught.”
    A smile brightened Davina’s face. “I shall, Brother. Thank you.
I’ll find him soon as I help with your bandages.”
    Andrew looked at Maidie who stood quietly between Seumas and
Tavish. “No need to stay. Madam Munro has plenty of help.”
    Davina kissed Andrew’s cheek and then turned to leave. She
stopped in front of Maidie. “Take care you treat my brother kindly.”
    Maidie curtsied, “Yes, M’Lady.”
    After Davina left, Maidie, Tavish, and Seumas gathered around
Andrew’s bed. He hated the thought of anyone touching the wound, but it needed
the healer’s attention if he wanted to get up and around soon. He would relax,
if possible, and enjoy her tender touch. She cut the old bandages with a dirk.
Tavish pushed Andrew forward to take the bandages from his back. White heat
flashed through his belly. The wound had an angry red look about it. Maidie shook
her head but said nothing, then took plantain salve from a small jar, and with
long graceful fingers spread it over the stitching. The ointment stung like a
thousand bees, but soon the stinging subsided. A feeling of winter ice took its
place. Angus had never treated any of Andrew’s wounds with such a potion. The
physician’s treatments usually hurt worse than the injury.
    Tavish pushed Andrew forward once more while Seumas and Maidie
wound a new bandage around his middle, then Tavish pushed Andrew’s chest back
against the pillows.
    “Tavish,” Andrew said to the warrior. “You aren’t the most
gentle of helpers.”
    A look of angst crossed the lad’s face. “Sorry I hurt you, M’Laird.”
Tavish bowed his head and then backed away from the bed.
    “Dinna fash yourself, lad. Thank you for helping the lady.”
Andrew shifted and then winced with pain. “Do you ken your duties in watching
Madam Munro? Did the tanist tell you what they are?”
    “Yes, M’Laird. He did. I’m to stay with her and stand guard at
her door while she is in Fàrdach Castle.” A smile crossed the young warrior’s
face.
    Maidie cut the bandage from the roll. “I dinna need such
watching, and I’ll be returning to my home today.” She looked at Andrew with
deep blue eyes, now darkened with ire. “I’m needed in the village to care for
the wounded. I should replenish the supplies of my lost bag.”
    For some unknown reason, Andrew disliked the idea of the lass
leaving the castle. He enjoyed her soothing touch and desired more of the feel
of her hands on his body. Has the injury to his belly affected his head? He
couldn’t let himself get attached to this woman. She only cared for his wound.
Mayhap letting Angus tend him would solve a lot of the