Page 14 of Highlander the Conqueror

The flutter in her stomach faded and was replaced by a twinge to her heart. He probably regretted his words, but why say them in the first place?

With a few sorrowful expressions and many shocked ones that she received from the warriors as she walked past the campfire, she assumed she looked even worse than she thought. There was little she could do about her appearance except wash the dried blood off. Time would heal the rest.

With a soft moan, she lowered herself to the ground at the edge of the narrow creek. Her body ached from the hard fall she had taken and riding all day on a horse had not helped. She still had the second sleeve Slayer had given her and she soaked it in the creek. A shiver raced through her from the biting sting of the chilled water, and she hurried to rub what blood she could from the cloth and rinse it so she could use it to wash the dried blood off her face.

She gasped and her shoulders cringed when she placed the wet, cold cloth on her face and another shiver ran through her.

The cloth was suddenly snatched out of her hand as Slayer dropped down beside her. His hand slipped under her chin to turn her head toward him, then he proceeded to gently wipe the dried blood away.

“You should have told me how exhausted you are instead of moaning and gasping,” he admonished.

“You heard me?” she asked with a small gasp. “I did not mean for anyone to hear or know of my discomfit.”

“Well, I did,” he said, though did not bother to clarify that it was not because he had heard her but that he had seen it in her uneasy movements. “Now be still and let me clean your face.”

Sky’s eyes drifted closed as he gently scrubbed her face, rinsing the cloth a time or two before he continued. His tender ministrations relaxed her tense and aching muscles, and she wished she could linger in his gentle touch.

Slayer never tended to a woman before Sky. He could not recall a reason why he would or perhaps he never paid heed to it before now. Though most likely he was seeing to her care because it was his duty to keep her safe. Whatever the reason, he did not seem to mind. An odd thought for him since women were not a priority to him. Their purpose was minimal and yet that was not the way with Sky. She had been utmost in his mind since meeting her and her protection grew more important to him by the day.

He ran the cloth lightly over her lips even though they were clean as was the rest of her face. She required no more tending and yet he could not take his focus off her lips. There wasn’t anything different about them, except they seemed rosier than most and he wondered if rosy lips would taste any different to kiss.

Kiss?

What was he thinking? Why had he let his thoughts wander? That would not do. He controlled his thoughts. They did not control him.

Her eyes fluttered open when she no longer felt the cloth on her face. She was sorry it ended since his touch had comforted her. “I am most grateful for your help.”

He stood and reached down to take both her hands and help her to her feet. “Food will be ready soon. You can eat then rest. Tomorrow will be a long day since I wish to reach our destination before nightfall.”

Sky easily got to her feet with his help. The strength in his hands alone was remarkable, but the way the muscles in his arms shifted and tightened demonstrated an even greater strength. He could easily protect and just as easily cause harm, just like the various animals in the woods she befriended. So, she would be wise to come to know him and befriend him since that would be far better than fearing him.

CHAPTER5

Sky stood staring.

It had taken an entire day and into the late afternoon of the following day to arrive at their destination. Slayer had ordered two stops yesterday so she could rest, which delayed their arrival as planned. But they were finally here, and she could not be more relieved or surprised.

She continued to stare, not believing what she saw as Slayer spoke to a few of his warriors. Amidst a lush forest, nestled among towering pine trees and surrounded by a carpet of moss and wild ferns, sat a charming cottage. Its thatched roof, weathered by years of rain and sun, sloped gently downward almost touching the ground. The walls were wattle and daub made with interwoven sticks covered with mud or clay. A green vine weaved its way through the wattle and daub along one side and over the top of the lone window.

A narrow footpath wound its way to a thick wood door that needed a lovely spring wreath to greet visitors, though a large, iron latch warned all to knock. Fairy flowers bloomed profusely. Their rich blue violet color was in stark contrast to the white anemone that also grew in abundance around the cottage. A bench worn by time and use but still sturdy sat beneath a large oak and another bench sat under the cottage window. The scent of woodsmoke had her glancing again at the roof to spot smoke curling lazily from the hole in the roof fashioned for that purpose.

It was the perfect place for refuge and peace, and she could live there happily for the rest of her days. Whoever it belonged to was blessed to have such a lovely home.

“You may go inside, Sky,” Slayer said, having watched her smile grow as she stared at the cottage.

“I don’t wish to intrude on anyone,” she said.

“You won’t. It is home for the next few days, possibly weeks,” Slayer said.

The news overjoyed her. She would be quite comfortable here on her own. She would make friends with the forest animals and hunt for berries and silverweed, something she enjoyed doing and missed. It was so deep in the woods that no one would find her, though Slayer would no doubt leave warriors to watch over her. She finally felt free, and she was overjoyed.

Sky hurried inside eager to make herself at home and what a lovely home it was. It was a considerable size, larger than most cottages, yet cozy and inviting. The fire pit sat in the middle of the room and a bed that could fit two people, depending on size, was tucked in a corner and dressed in fresh bedding. A chest sat at the foot of the bed with an extra wool blanket folded on top of it. A sturdy wooden table sat to the side of the fire pit with two benches tucked beneath it. Shelves lined one wall that held jugs and covered crocks. Sitting on a bench beneath the shelving were buckets and baskets, most empty but one held bramble leaves and another cowslip. The bramble leaves would make a delicious fruit-flavored tea. Lastly, she was happy to see that fresh rushes covered the earth floor. This cottage was perfect, and she looked forward to her time spent here.

She stepped outside and walked around to the side of the cottage and spotted the remnants of a garden. She would start a new garden just as she was starting anew herself. There was a worn path behind the cottage and standing quietly, she was able to hear the gentle flow of a stream. It could not be more perfect. She would gather a couple of buckets of water and give herself a good scrubbing and wash her garments as soon as she got a chance.

With lazy steps, her focus more on the forest and the treasure it held for her, she circled around to the front of the cottage. That Slayer had not stopped her from wandering told her that he had warriors stationed close by and watching her every move.

She smiled when Slayer headed her way, the last warrior disappearing into the woods. “I am going to enjoy it here.”

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