Highland Healer

by Florence Love Karsner

  "Let him go, Willie. He can't hurt us now. I understand you want to finish him off, but let's just get away from here. Come." Willie held on for another minute, then finally responded to his master's command, but continued to stand over the man's crumpled body.

  Caitlin was shaking, but quickly felt for the commander's pulse. It was there, so he was unconscious, but not dead. A part of her wanted to finish him right there, but the healer had a most difficult time killing anything, especially a person, even this man who was her enemy.

  She knew she would have to flee once again. She called to her wolf and he came to her side. As she reached down to him, hugging his closely, she felt a wetness on his underside.

  "No! He's wounded you! Come, Willie!"

  She quickly ran to the large room where her supplies and medicines were. She tried to pick Willie up, but he had gotten so heavy that she couldn't. At that point, she just placed him on the floor and a made a quick assessment of his wound. It appeared he had only been cut once, but it was quite a deep, long gash that required stitches, which she made short order of as she knew they must leave as quickly as possible. Willie lay on his side without a whimper as she bound him up and grabbed her staff, her medicine bag, a small packet of food and took the long, hooded cloak with her. At the last minute, she picked up the bag of clothing that had belonged to Ian and opened it. Inside there was still a pair of pants, a shirt, and thick woolen leggings as well. She made a rash decision, Uncle Wabi would have said. But, time was of the essence, so she made her decision and got on about it. She quickly removed her dress, her petticoat and thin stockings. She kept her camisole on and then she put on the warm stockings. Over the camisole, she pulled on the warm shirt belonging to the young lad. Then she donned the woolen leggings and pants and, lastly, put her boots back on. She didn't have a full-length looking glass, but she knew if she had one she would have seen a young lad looking back at her, which is exactly what she hoped for. She fashioned her hair into one long braid falling down her back and pulled on the dark brown tam she had found in Ian's bag. All the clothing was a dark brown, including the tam, which should help keep her hidden in the dark, along with the long, dark, hooded cloak. She grabbed her staff and medicine bag. Then she picked up the soldier's pistol and stuck it in her bag and made a quick exit from the cave, once again homeless and on the run.

  "This is becoming quite a habit, and one that needs to be broken!"

  She spoke to the wolf who was so close to her she could hardly walk. He still sensed danger and would stick to her like glue until they were in a place of safety. Caitlin was again so grateful to have this most competent protector and stopped long enough to put her arms around his neck, her forehead on his, and sent thanks to whomever had sent him her way. As they passed the rowan tree she looked up and the owl was nowhere to be seen. Caitlin remembered seeing him fly into the cave along beside her and hoped he was able to find his way out.

  CHAPTER 18

  Lady Millie had reached the end of her very long rope. No longer could she stay in this place, Warwick Castle. Her husband's castle. Not even one more night! Having survived her entire life living with a beast of a man for a father, one would think that living with a husband who was cut from the same cloth would be easy enough. However, Millie knew she must get away from the man and quickly. His rages and fits of anger were becoming unbearable and, had she only to think of herself, perhaps she would just continue on as she had for the past three years.

  She had been given to Lord Warwick by her father, as payment for lands that Lord Sinclair wanted in order to increase his holdings. Neither of these men ever considered asking her for her consent. Her father had thought no more of this exchange, his daughter, than trading for a horse. This hardly surprised her, however, as she had seen early on that her mother, the former Louise Cameron, probably had no say in her marriage either. It was most definitely a joining of families for political purposes that worked in her father's favor.

  However, as it was, her situation had changed some months ago when, to her surprise, she discovered she was with child.

  "Oh, dear God! No!" she had exclaimed to her reflection in the looking glass. "This can't be!"

  So, now with more than just herself to consider, she had been making plans to escape from both these men, her father and her husband. At the moment, they were both traveling to London for a great meeting of other landowners, lords, and probably the King himself! She knew that if she was going to go through with her plan, then it must be now. But, it was a bit more complicated than just sneaking away in the dark. Millie was not far from delivery time, and she moved rather slowly and was unwieldy to say the least. One of her serving ladies would certainly help her if Millie asked. But after thinking on it a bit, she decided that she would not involve anyone in her scheme. Then, when she was found to be missing, no one could accuse her serving women of helping her escape. But, of course, that meant she would have to do everything for herself, pack food, a wrap for warmth. And yes, the thought, I will take one of my husband's horses.

  "He'll not care that I'm gone, but he will be most angry that I have taken one of his horses," she spoke again to her reflection. The irony of this was almost too painful to give much thought to. She turned away from the mirror to avoid seeing any tears that might have trickled down her cheek.

  She had been living in Warwick Castle for the past three years, the three longest years of her life. Living with her husband, Edward, a man some years older than she, was even more difficult than she had imagined it would be. When he imbibed too much of his fermented mead, he was a physical brute, just as her father had been. But even without the drink, he was a mentally cruel man, given to unexpected bouts of depression, followed by periods of unbridled exuberance when he was almost unbearable. But, even in those times, he seemed to delight in stomping about the castle, yelling at the servants, and belittling her, convincing her that no other man would ever have looked at her, much less have wanted her as a wife. She had been used as payment for land, and that had positioned him as son-in-law to one of the wealthiest lords in the country. Lord Warwick had never truly wanted her as a wife, and he forever reminded her of that fact.

  She never wondered that he would be distraught over her leaving him. He cared nothing for her, and only wanted this unborn child because even more properties would come his way upon the birth of his first-born son. Again, the child would be used as just another pawn, just as she had been.

  "Well, I so hope that it's a girl and then you'll not get more of your precious land!" The chamber maid had walked in and turned to her.

  "Beg pardon, milady?" Millie just shook her head, not really wanting to speak to anyone.

  The maid went on, and Millie returned to thinking this situation through. She must be prepared to travel many days, alone, heavy with child, and with winter about to set in. She knew exactly where she would go, but had never traveled there alone, so was not real sure how to proceed. But, she had an exceptional sense of direction, having learned from her father as a child how to watch the sun, look for mountain ranges, and to pay attention to landscape and trees. She had gone with him many, many times when he would fly his beloved falcons. Watching them soar high into the sky, she often wished she could do that too. She loved watching these marvelous birds as they climbed higher and higher and always got their prey. Of course, they returned to Lord Sinclair's hand and he covered their heads, limiting their view of the world, much as he had hers.

  The most exciting part of going out with him came at the end of the day. He would allow her to find her way back to their castle, which she loved to do, and not once had she failed to do so. She had no idea this would be invaluable training at the time. It would certainly help her as she undertook this escape, and finding her way to her destination may not be as trying for her as it might be for some.

  Millie wandered about her chamber and then went downstairs and out into her garden. This was the only place where she had felt she could be at peace. Warwi
ck had scoffed at the idea of her planting a flower garden, but in the end had not made a fuss about it. So, she had turned her green thumb loose and as a result, there was usually something blooming at most every season. The English winters, however, would put a screeching halt to that, but she would keep her seedlings and place them in the room she used as her hothouse along with her most treasured flowers, her orchids. Even through the winter, she would keep them, along with the help of her gardener, Robbie, whose thumb was almost as green as hers. She would miss this one place of solitude.

  As she wandered about, she thought about Dorothea and how she wished she were here with her right now.

  When her father had informed her she would wed Lord Warwick, Millie was at a loss for words. Apparently, the decision had been made by her father and Edward, Lord Warwick, without her agreement, and she was to have no say in the matter. These conniving men made their deal and informed Millie of it just a day before the ceremony was to take place. Knowing she had no choice but to marry Lord Warwick, she thought at least to have some say in how the even took place. '

  "But Father! I want a real wedding, with a beautiful dress, a reception, and relatives from Scotland. Every girl wants her wedding to be special!"

  But, there was no celebration, no dress, no bridesmaids, and no relatives to come to visit. Instead, the ceremony was conducted by a local vicar, and she was to be taken away immediately to live in Warwick Castle.

  * * *

  As Dorothea packed Millie's clothing and items that she would need in her new home, she hoped her mistress would find life a bit more enjoyable with her new husband, but somehow she had great doubts about that happening. Lady Millie's new lord was a sullen man with few words for anyone, and certainly none for someone of her station, a nursemaid. She had learned to stay out of his way, just as she had Millie's father. The two men had many like characteristics, and Dorothea wished that were not so. But, no matter, she would take care of Lady Millie as she always had, and she would be content to do so.

  Lord Warwick had sent a coach from his castle to collect Millie and her personal belongings. So, she and Dorothea had everything ready and stood outside, Millie ever scanning the air for whatever creatures may be soaring the area. She could recognize a hawk, a falcon, a kestrel, an eagle, or even an owl from a far distance. Each bird had its own way of gliding or soaring, or flapping its wings. And, most interesting of all, each had its own call, or as Millie thought of it as a child, its own language. She delighted in learning to make the various sounds of all the birds and would call to them when she went riding through the woods around the estate.

  Millie heard the coach coming around the gate, its wheels grinding over the cobblestones that led up to the front of the castle. She was still angry over what had transpired, but knew that she, a woman, had no choice but to obey and do her best to make a life as best she could, given her circumstances. Dorothea was quiet, but she stood next to Millie, looking up at her and smiling.

  Dorothea was quite small, especially standing next to Millie. They had made it through many struggles over the years, living in this home, so they would survive this move also. Dorothea made a short quick nod as if to say, "Yes, my Lady Millie, together we will make it work," which was what she always said when faced with a difficult situation.

  The coach pulled up with the horses snorting and pulling at the reins. The coachman jumped down and loaded several trunks onto the top of the vehicle. As he opened the door of the coach, holding out his hand to assist Lady Warwick, he gently lifted her arm and helped her settle into the seat. He turned back to Dorothea then and announced,

  "I am told that Lady Warwick will travel alone. Another coach will be sent to take you back to Scotland and your family." With a quick nod and jerk of his chin, he closed the door and began to climb back up on his seat atop the coach.

  Millie, unable to hear the coachman, looked out and saw Dorothea with a stricken look on her face.

  "Whatever is it, Dorothea? Come, we must be going."

  "Oh, milady. It seems I am not to go with you. The coachman says I am to return to my family in Scotland. Lord Warwick is sending a coach for me." Tears were streaming down her cheeks, and her entire body was beginning to tremble. Both women watched in disbelief as the coach rumbled away.

  That seemed so long ago now, thought Millie. She had written to Dorothea at her family's place in Scotland, but had never had any return letters. At least she had never seen them if they were indeed sent. Her life had been totally managed by Lord Warwick and now she had decided he would NOT control her for even another minute.

  CHAPTER 19

  "Whadda ye mean yer going back? We just got here and now ye want to go all the way back down the mountains to check on that witch!" Jack was beside himself listening to Alex's plan that he had sprung on them within just a few hours of them reaching their home.

  "I'll thank ye not to refer to her that way ever again!"

  Alex stood up and looked Jack in the eye. Jack may be a little taller, but Alex knew how to use his voice to command when he needed. He never had particularly liked being the eldest, but when he needed to, he would exercise his right of first born.

  "She's the reason young Ian here is still with us and mighty glad of that we are, even ye, ye big oaf!"

  With that, he gave Jack a quick slap on the back of the head, smiling as he did so. He could see that Jack was just a bit ashamed of himself then as what Alex had said was right, the healer was responsible for keeping their young brother alive.

  A bit taken aback, Jack began to speak.

  "Aye, brother. I'll not repeat it again and I'm glad she made our Ian well enough to travel. He'll mend now that we're home again."

  "Then I'll start out early morning and head back to her cave. Something tells me she can get herself into a whole lot of trouble without even trying. As it is, she has no one to help her and we most certainly have a debt to her. I aim to pay it whether she likes it or no."

  Hector was busy in the kitchen doing what he liked best, cooking. At the moment he was making a big pot of stew. The large room was very comfy mostly because of the big fire Jack had made the minute they got here, and the warmth of the fire, plus just the pleasure of being home, had everyone in a good mood, even Jack.

  During the several weeks since Ian had left the home place, Da had taken a spill trying to catch one of the new lambs that had just been born. He could see the small kid was not nursing much and wanted to bring it back to the house so he could hand feed it. That was a common enough way to handle the situation on a sheep farm, and usually the little one would eat well and grow up to be just as large as the others. But, when he went to catch the small kid, he stumbled over a large limb that had fallen during a storm a few days earlier. He had been meaning to clear it away, but what with having only old Jamie and a couple of farm hands to help him, he was just a bit behind on a number of tasks that needed to be done.

  As he picked himself up, he seemed to be pretty much alright, until he started to lift the small animal. Then, pain in his right shoulder shot through his entire arm, causing him to almost drop the wee lamb. What now! He began to feel around his arm and shoulder and when he touched the bone coming from his neck and going out to the edge of his shoulder, he yelped in pain and knew he had most probably broken his collarbone.

  "Well, now, this I could do without!"

  So, doing what he thought was the proper thing, he put it in a sling and went about his business as best he could. But, glory! It was painful! Mam would have known how to take care of this, but she wasn't here anymore, so this would have to do. But, it greatly hampered his ability to get things done and was still very painful.

  As he was closing the gate on the pasture near the house, Da heard what sounded like a herd of horses thundering down the lane. He walked out into the path to see what was going on. It was getting on to being almost dark, so he had to strain his eyes a bit to see what was causing such a racket. The sight he saw was a most welcome on
e. His sons. All of his sons. Safe they were. And lifting his eyes to the heavens, he murmured quietly,

  "And thanks be for their safety" — a prayer he had uttered every day since they left.

  When he had discovered Ian was gone, he knew immediately where the boy would be off to. That lad so disliked being left at home while his brothers went to fight for the "cause."

  "Fighting for the cause . . . my arse!" Da said to himself.

  As long as he could remember, there were wars for one reason or another, and he was certainly at the stage of life where he wanted no more. With the death of their mother, his sons were even more important to him. And, proud of them he was, but now it was time they were home for good.

  There had been a reunion, MacKinnon style, with a lot of loud talking, laughing, and hugging all around. Da, and old Jamie, were there to greet them. Uncle Andrew was usually there, but had gone down to Edinburgh to research records in the kirks and government offices. Jack had built a roaring fire the moment they came into the house. Winter had come early to the Highlands, and the fire was welcome. Then Hector, taking over the kitchen again, was in his element. Some hearty food would be welcome. They had sustained themselves fairly well on the trip home, but they were all ready for something that would stick to their bones a little better and fill their bellies better than brose and bannocks had.