Falling for the Chieftain: A Time Travel Romance (Enchanted Falls Trilogy, Book 3)

by Keira Montclair

  “What’s wrong with him?” Brann asked.

  She looked at Taran. “You said he had red throat before?”

  “Aye. But ‘twas at least a sennight ago. He got better.”

  “He has it again. We call it strep throat where I come from, and it can cause serious damage to a person’s insides.”

  “I’ve seen red throat kill people, yet others heal. Why?” Taran asked.

  “It’s hard to explain. Why don’t you help Lachie drink and use the cool water on his forehead while I go to my chamber? I have something to help him feel better.”

  Taran took over, so she headed down the passageway back to her room, Brann right behind her. “Can ye fix him?”

  “Yes,” she said as she stepped into her room. “I can give him something to stop the fever, and I’ll get rid of the red throat, too.”

  She opened the chest and pulled out her plastic bag of treasures. Spreading her items across the coverlet, she located the naproxen, taking one pill out with care, then found the amoxicillin pills.

  “Ye’re giving him those?” Brann looked at her strangely.

  “Yes.” She held up the single pill and snapped it in two. “This will stop the fever for half a day.” Lachie was big for an eight-year-old, closer to a ten-year-old in her time. She picked up the other bottle and opened the cap, pulling out a tablet and breaking it in half, but he stilled her hand.

  “Ye said ye were saving those for yer sisters.”

  “I know, but Lachie needs them.”

  “Mayhap he’ll not need those. Just give him the one ye have plenty of, the one that stops the fever. He may not need the other. Ye can still save yer pills.”

  “No. Strep throat could kill him. He already has what we call scarlet fever. Strep throat is caused by a nasty bacteria that will keep multiplying and attacking his body if it’s not stopped. It starts at the throat, but then moves inward to the skin and the heart, even to the kidneys. I must stop it now. It’s already causing serious damage to him, and he may not improve for a sennight. He needs a full round of this, at least seven days of medicine, or the bacteria could kill him.”

  “Lass, I dinnae know what to say. I respect what ye’re doing, but I know how important it was for ye to save it for yer family. I thank ye from the bottom of my heart. Will it work for certain?”

  “Yes. Let me give him this now so his fever will stop for several hours. The rest won’t stop for a few days.” She carefully replaced the bottles in the bag and placed it back inside the chest.

  Returning to the small room at the end of the hall, she was surprised to find it empty except for Lachie, but he sat up in bed waiting for her, alert and aware. She sat down on the bed next to him, then filled his goblet and handed it to him. “I want you to take these tiny things. They’re called pills, and they’ll make you feel better in a bit. They’ll get rid of the red throat, too.”

  She told him how to take the pill, but Taran came in before the boy could swallow them. To her surprise, he did a double take and said, “Where did ye get those things?”

  She had no idea how to answer him, so she told the truth. “They’re something I brought from my land.”

  Taran glanced at Brann, who’d just returned, and said, “Our mother had things like those.”

  She had no idea what to say to that. Brann had told her about their mother, of course, but this was the first sign that she might have come from modern times. It brought so many questions to mind that she didn’t know which to ask first.

  But this wasn’t the time to ask.

  Taran quickly said, “Ye are certain these will help Lachie, lass?”

  She nodded, not willing to go into any detail at the moment.

  “Since ye are certain, I’ll head home.” Taran said goodbye to his brothers and said, “I must get back to Shona. My thanks for helping my brother, Allison.”

  Brann said, “Taran, dinnae tell anyone of her special skills.”

  “Ye can be certain I willnae,” Taran replied. “They’d think her a witch.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Two days later, Brann was down in the great hall breaking his fast when Hamish flew in the door. “What is it, Hamish?”

  “The Murray is on his way here with ten guards. Shall we allow him in?”

  “Aye. When he arrives, I’ll see him in my solar.”

  Brann grabbed his bowl of porridge and moved to his solar. He’d left Allison upstairs tending to Lachie so he could give some thought to other pressing issues. He had plenty to think about before the Murray arrived.

  Lachie had improved enough that he’d actually asked for a meat pie last night. Allison had insisted he only have a simple broth with vegetables, and though he’d fussed at first, he’d eaten two bowls. He’d told her how much better his throat felt with the warm liquid on it.

  The lad didn’t know when to listen to someone.

  Just as Brann didn’t know when to admit he loved someone. This had to be love. When he’d seen Allison lying on the ground and not breathing the other day, his heart had nearly stopped. He wanted her in his bed every night, by his side at every meal, and he just enjoyed talking with her. They’d sat in front of his hearth last night and chatted half the night away. And the way she’d so easily given up something she’d been saving for her sisters had astounded him. She was a warm and generous soul, without a doubt.

  He’d even found himself thinking about having a bairn with her. She’d be a great mother, and give him strong sons, without a doubt.

  What the hell was he going to do when she left him?

  He’d have to convince her to stay with him, but he had no idea how to do it.

  A few moments later, Ewan Murray burst into the solar. “We have trouble.”

  Brann couldn’t help but frown. “Sit down and tell me all.” Jinty appeared in the doorway, so he sent her off for some bread and cheese and ale.

  “No ale for me,” Ewan said with a shudder. “Boiled water only, please.”

  Brann couldn’t help but grin at Ewan’s declaration. He wasn’t the only one clinging to Allison’s advice.

  As soon as he sat down, Brann pressed him. “What is it?”

  “I heard that someone is planning to attack yer brother. There are two forces joining. They’ll attack Taran first, then probably me, or mayhap ye.”

  “Sinclair or MacDonnell? Though I doubt MacDonnell would attack his own daughter’s husband.”

  “I dinnae know. I’m guessing Sinclair is one of them. He was mighty upset at the festival when ye ended yer alliance with him. He must have found another to join him. But ye must help yer brother. He doesnae have many forces.”

  “Shite. Does Taran know?”

  “I sent a missive to him. Ye have to do something. We have to do something.”

  “What can we do if we know no’ who’s attacking? People love to tell tales, so ‘tis entirely possible that ‘tis false.”

  “Are ye willing to go to his aid, the way ye should?”

  Brann hopped out of his chair, feeling the sudden need to pace. He couldn’t believe Sinclair would be this bold, this rash, just because he’d become angered at the festival. “My brother doesnae need me. He’s too proud and as stubborn as I am. If I offer, he’ll reject my help.”

  “Ye’re dead wrong about that. I hope ye’ll not lose your brother over this. Tell me ye’ll support my clan if we’re attacked. Ye have the most guards and the best fighters, and the sickness weakened our men. Will ye help me fight agin the Sinclair?”

  “Aye, Ewan. Whoever ‘tis, I vow to help ye in case of an attack. Now, I think ‘tis best for ye to stay at home.” He stood up and led Murray out of the room and then out of the keep. “But ye must promise to advise me if ye hear anything at all. When the attack is imminent, send a messenger to me.”

  When they reached the stables, Brann grasped the man’s shoulder, doing his best to calm him because he was so unsettled. “I’ll come to yer aid if ye need me. Ye only need to ask.”


  “Thank ye, Brann. I appreciate it.” Looking him in the eye, he added, “I hope ye’ll do the same for Taran.”

  With a huge sigh, Ewan Murray left. He took Brann’s peace of mind with him.

  He had no idea what he would do if Taran was attacked.

  Allison came out of the keep shortly after Ewan left. Should he tell her the truth?

  “What is it? Something bad, I can tell,” she said, dropping her voice.

  Hellfire, could the woman read his mind?

  “Not here. We’ll speak inside.” He set his hand on the small of her back and ushered her in front of him, doing his best not to arouse the suspicions of his clanmates, who were busy doing their daily chores—baking, weaving, caring for the horses.

  Once inside the solar, he spun around and held her hands in his. “The Murray was just here. He’s heard talk of two forces combining to attack our area, but he knows no’ who the first target is.”

  “You?”

  “They’re unlikely to come after me first. More likely they’ll attack Ewan or Taran. It must be Sinclair. Ye know as well as I do that he’s greedy for more land. He was upset I cancelled our alliance, so he found someone else to join him. And Taran? I have no idea what condition his forces are in. I know he’s been training them hard.”

  “Well, you have to help both of them.”

  He tipped his head to the side, lifting his chin. “Do I, now? And why is that, my queen?”

  “Don’t give me that shit, Brann. You have to help them.”

  “Cursing again, my queen?”

  “Yes, because sometimes it’s the only way you’ll listen. You better help your brother if it comes to that.” She stepped away from him and crossed her arms in front of her, a stubborn look on her face that nearly made him laugh.

  “I vowed to help Ewan. Does that please ye?”

  “Yes, that pleases me. But what about your own brother?”

  He shrugged his shoulders, crossing his arms in front of him to mimic her pose. “I havenae decided about my brother. I doubt he needs my help.”

  “Either way, you have to offer it, if it comes to that. You’re the eldest. It’s up to you to mend the fences.”

  “‘Mend the fences?’ Where do ye get yer expressions from?” Brann would have to think about it. Before their falling-out, he would have leapt on his horse as soon as he heard the news. He could picture himself yelling at Angus to ready two hundred guards to follow him while he bounded up onto his horse and tore out of his gates.

  He would have moved ten mountains and an army of warriors for him.

  What would he do if it really happened now?

  “Lass, my brother doesnae want my help any more than I wish to give it. I wouldnae be welcome there.”

  “That’s bullshit.”

  He chuckled. “Bullshite? I’ve no’ heard that said with such emphasis before. Ye’re a lass of rare talents, Allison Sutton.”

  “Do not patronize me, Brann MacKay. You’re trying to take me off topic. Promise me you’ll go to him if he’s attacked—and I mean to assist him.”

  He dropped his arms and spanned the small distance between them, tugging her arms down so he could hold her hands. “I cannae do that. I promise to help Ewan, but I cannae promise I’ll help Taran.”

  Her eyes misted and she said, “Please don’t force me to choose,” tears now falling down her cheeks.

  “Choose? What must ye choose?”

  “Brann, I love my sisters. I’d do anything to be with them again. Your brother is here, and he needs your help. He wants to make amends. If you turn him away…I…I don’t think I can love someone who values their family so little.”

  “So ye’ll leave me if I don’t help my brother? Is that what ye’re saying?”

  “Yes,” she said, swiping at the tears still sliding down her face. “I’ll go back. As much as I love you, that love will be ripped from my heart if you deny your brother.”

  “Ye dinnae mean that.” He reached over and hugged her to him.

  Her hands wrapped around his waist, but she still did not relent. “Yes, I do. Even though I’ll want to stay, I’ll return to the pool.” Her tears turned to sobs, and she managed to say, “That I promise you.”

  He had to hope it would never come to that.

  ***

  The next day, Allie brought Smoky for a short walk and then returned to the keep to visit with Lachie. “Smoky,” she said, picking up the little dog, “what would I have done without you in this new world? I fear I may be leaving soon, but I’m uncertain. If I do, please don’t be upset with me. Now that your mama accepts you, you have all your siblings to love, so you understand why I may have to return.”

  Smoky gave a yip as if to tell her she understood. How Allie wished she could ask for her sisters’ advice about the stubborn man she’d come to love.

  She walked through the keep in a daze, and when she reached Lachie’s room, she made her way to the bed and plopped Smoky down next to him. “She’s all finished, Lachie. Tell me how you’re feeling.”

  “Better, but I still get so tired. I went to the kitchens for my porridge and could barely make it back up the stairs. My thanks for bringing Smoky. I think I’m ready for a wee nap, and I like it when she sleeps near me. She likes to cuddle.”

  “If you’re tired, you should sleep. Your body is trying to heal itself, so you must do what it tells you to do. Another day or two and you’ll be up and about as if it never happened. How’s your rash?”

  He lifted his tunic to peer at his belly. “I think ‘tis better. ‘Tis nae so bright and it doesnae bother me at all. Many thanks to ye, my lady Allison.”

  “You’re welcome, Lachie.” She ruffled his hair, but she stopped when she noticed a strange expression cross his face. “What is it?”

  “I thank ye for other things, too. For saving Smoky. I dinnae like it when the mother leaves the runt to die. Ye saved her, and I think ye saved Brann as well.” He dropped his gaze to stare at the puppy.

  “Lachie, I haven’t done anything for Brann. In fact, he saved me from the mob at the corners.”

  “Aye, ye have. Ye just dinnae know it. I wasnae liking my brother before ye came. Ye make him happy. He smiles when ye are around, just as he did before Taran and Shona married. ‘Tis like having my brother back. I hope he never leaves.” In the barest of whispers, he added, “I hope ye never leave us.”

  Allie got so choked up over his comment that all she could do was lean over and hug him. She couldn’t tell the boy she’d never leave, because it might not be true…and she had this odd feeling that her heart was about to be ripped open, never to recover.

  “You take a nice nap and I’ll go check on your brother.” She kissed his forehead, tucked him in, and left before the tears erupted.

  Dammit, these people all tugged at her heartstrings. Why had she let herself get so attached to them?

  She crept down the stairs, not wishing to attract attention, and made her way to the chair in front of the hearth. She sat there for a long time, staring at the flames warming the room, thinking about all the downsides to living in medieval times, but Brann kept popping up in her mind. Memories of their lovemaking washed over her, warming her from the inside out.

  Unfortunately, she only felt more confused than she had before she sat down.

  An hour later, shouts erupted from outside the keep, so she jumped out of her chair and ran toward the door, opening it to sheer chaos. Everyone was congregating outside the stables, so she rushed over to them.

  Brann stood with Angus and Hamish, barking orders. She listened as best she could, though he slipped into Gaelic when he was upset. The stable lads ran in circles, saddling horses as the guards mounted and headed out.

  Allie whispered to the man next to her. “Where are they going?”

  “Clan Murray is under attack, and the chief is sending warriors to assist him.”

  “Who is attacking?”

  “Sinclair and another clan. But there are men at Ta
ran’s, too.”

  “Are guards going to help Taran?”

  The man looked shocked she’d asked. “Nay. He betrayed our laird. He willnae send men there. ‘Tis Taran’s problem.”

  Allie stood there transfixed. How could he?

  She stepped back, moving away from the crowd, and surveyed all that took place around her. Brann, the man she loved, was the most magnificent leader she’d ever seen. Men ran around in confusion until he barked at them to follow orders. Once he raised his arms, the crowd instantly calmed, listening to his every word.

  “Ye will go now under Hamish’s instructions. Ye’ll aid the Murrays against the invaders, whoever they are. I want ten women in the kitchens preparing food for warriors. This will no’ be a small undertaking. Send yer husbands off with a kiss because they head into battle. This is a much larger task than I anticipated.”

  Numerous clan members hurried off to do as they were instructed, but others remained, waiting for him to finish. “Angus, ye will stay here with a force of two hundred to protect what is ours, but be prepared to send more if the attack is larger than expected. I also want a constant patrol on our lands.”

  Brann rattled off a slew of further instructions and men hurried to do his bidding, their chests puffing with pride to be among the most dangerous warriors in the Highlands.

  And Brann? He stood there like a god, his dark hair curling around his collar, a slight sheen of sweat dotting his brow, as he made decisions on the fly without questioning himself. The muscles in his upper arms and his jaw flexed as he spoke, belying his calm demeanor.

  She held her breath, waiting for him to say he would be going to his brother’s aid. Despite what the man had told her, she believed in him. She thought he would do what was right. Instead, he strode over to her and said, “I’ll ask that ye meet with Jinty and get yer supplies together. Yer expert healing will be needed later. Make sure we have enough food, enough boiled water, whatever ye need. I’ll tell Jinty ye are in charge of making us ready.”

  Her heart dropped to her feet. He wasn’t going to say a word about his brother. This man she adored was going to risk losing his brother—and her—forever because of his stupid pride.