Page 79 of Cherished By A Highlander

“The reason I was about to take my leave when Brother Peter suddenly clobbered the man in the head with a stone, knocking him out. We both got out of there fast enough.”

“Maybe the cleric knows more than he’s saying,” Nug suggested.

“I’m more concerned with why one of Asher’s men is in the area, and if there could possibly be more of his men lurking nearby,” Quint said.

“Lord Torrance could be planning a surprise attack on the clan,” Nug said, worry filling his eyes at the mere thought.

“But if that were so he would still have mercenaries hunting down any MacLeish warriors who may not have made it home yet,” Quint said.

“Knowing Torrance, he’s up to something,” Nug said.

“If he is, he’s keeping it quiet and that’s not an easy task. One word to one person is all it takes for secrets to be revealed,” Dru said. “Maybe Brother Peter knows something since he may have spoken with Lord Torrance.”

“I intend to speak with him after we’re done here,” Quint said. “What we know so far is that Lord Torrance sent word that Clan MacLeish and its warriors and people are to come to no harm. Lord Torrance and Asher are at odds. Asher has, supposedly, gone in search of Torrance’s half-sister, yet one of his men, maybe more, are in the area. And one attacked Brother Peter. We will see what Rufus has to say when he returns with a response to the message I sent.”

“What message?” Dru asked.

“You were gone before we devised a plan,” Nug said.

Quint went to explain when a rapid knock sounded at the door and a servant called out, “Rufus has returned home… alone.”

CHAPTER 24

“Please, Shade, bring him here so I can hear what he has to say,” Caleb pleaded with her after she was informed that Rufus had returned.

“That’s up to Quint, but I will suggest it,” she assured him, relieved he was improving greatly day by day. “And tell your wife,” —she looked at Ula— “that she needs to get out of this room some.”

“Shade is right, Ula,” Caleb said. “You spend endless hours here.”

“When I am sure you are well enough, only then will I leave your side briefly,” Ula argued.

“The bairn needs some brisk autumn air and a good wander now and again,” Shade said.

“What bairn?” Caleb and Ula asked.

“The one inside you that has been growing for three months now,” Shade said with a smile, having discovered it when she had hooked arms with Ula when they had taken a rare walk one day. She had been curious if something else was keeping Ula from eating besides her worry for her husband. “With your thoughts only for your husband, I assumed you didn’t realize it, but it shouldn’t wait any longer. You need to know so you knowwhen to rest and eat and get out of this room now and again for the bairn’s sake.”

Caleb was smiling from ear to ear. “I’m going to be a da. Thank you, Shade, thank you for saving me so I can be here for my son or daughter.”

Ula’s hand had gone to rest on her stomach. “You’re right. I never even gave it thought.”

“It isn’t necessary to bring Rufus here, Shade. I would rather time with my wife right now.”

Tears began to roll down Ula’s cheeks as Caleb patted the spot beside him in bed. “Come. I need to hold you.”

Ula looked anxiously at Shade.

“Just be careful of his wounds. They continue to heal,” Shade advised, and Ula gently got into bed with her husband.

Shade left the room closing the door behind her and sending a silent prayer of thanks for Caleb continuing to heal so well. She stopped abruptly when she rounded a curve on the stairs, startled by her husband’s sudden appearance.

He hurried his arm around her waist. “I was coming to get you. Rufus has returned and I thought you would like to be there when Nug and I talk with him.”

“I heard. I was coming to find you, after hearing some good news.”

“Good news is always welcomed.”

“Ula is with child,” she said, her smile wide with happiness for her friend.

---