Page 55 of Intrigued By A Highlander

“Aye,” Dru admitted.

“Foolish. You could have died,” Mave scolded.

“I couldn’t chance entering the village without a warning to those who know me.”

“I’ll see that they know you’re here—as Dru—and I’ll see you healed by morning.”

Dru smiled. “How about sooner.”

“It’s your own fault for overdoing it,” Mave admonished and gave a nod over her shoulder before she sat on the edge of the bed and took hold of Dru’s hand. “He’ll be back soon. I sent him to fetch water.”

Dru squeezed her hand, looking for reassurance from a friend. “I had no choice but to wed him.”

“And you’ll have no choice but to stay wed to him,” Mave cautioned, offering reassurance with a firm squeeze of her hand.

“What do you mean?” Dru asked anxiously, not seeing how that could be possible.

“It’s a marriage you’re in and a marriage you’ll stay in.”

“How?”

Mave shrugged. “It is what Fate tells me, and I don’t ask her to explain, nor do I argue with her. But you have more pressing problems than that. I heard about how others seek this bounty offered to Knox alone. Land is precious. Land means wealth. The village has fallen on difficult times since your mother’s passing. Lord Torrance does not see to its care like his father once did even though the land belongs to him. If this continues, the faithful may not remain so.”

“It has crossed my mind,” Dru admitted. “But the few people remaining here who know my true identity, also know how evil Lord Torrance’s father could be and it is known that Lord Torrance is far worse than him. I don’t believe anyone here would ever trust his word.”

“There is truth to that,” Mave agreed.

“What brought you back, Mave? You were set on leaving and not returning.”

“Fate told me I was needed here, so here I am,” Mave said, brushing several strands of Dru’s hair off her cheek.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Dru said and smiled softly. “I’ve missed you.”

“Go on with you,” Mave said playfully. “How can you miss an old woman who thinks she knows everything?”

“You do know everything, but it is your generous heart that makes you so special.”

Both their heads snapped to the side, hearing the front door open.

“Be careful, he’s observant,” Dru whispered.

“It’s he who needs the warning,” Mave said with a grin. She stood and turned toward the door just as it opened, and Knox entered. “It took you long enough.”

“You failed to mention the creek was a distance away,” he said and wondered why he was explaining himself to her.

“So, you can’t walk faster?” Mave admonished. “Leave that water here and get a fire going in the other room but not before you clean the dust away and get the cauldron cleaned out. And you’ll need to fetch more water.”

Knox stepped forward, a slight scowl on his face.

Mave stepped forward as well with a look that challenged. “Do you want her healed or not?”

Knox looked past the old healer. “Do you trust her, Dru.”

“I heard she was an excellent healer. So, aye, I trust her.”

Knox stepped closer to Mave. “See that you heal Dru and watch your tongue with me, old woman. I can be a heartless bastard.”

Mave shrugged. “You are neither heartless nor a bastard, so I have nothing to worry about. Now hurry and get that cauldron going with water so Dru can have a peaceful night’s sleep.” She turned away, then stopped and turned back. “And don’t think you’ll be sharing the bed with her tonight.”

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