Highland Healer

by Florence Love Karsner

  They set up a place for Ian and his "bed" next to the fire. He was too exhausted to carry on much of a conversation, but just seeing Da and smelling the scents that were still left there by his mother's numerous dried flowers and pots of potpourri, he smiled and went right to sleep.

  Da, still nursing his broken collarbone, was distraught when he saw what had happened to Ian. But, living in the Highlands, you always had more than enough difficulties to deal with, and he would deal with this one as well. He was glad that his Alice had been spared this tragedy, for Ian had been her baby boy, no doubt. He smiled just remembering how excited she was, even at her advanced age, to have another bairn on the way.

  Hector stirred his stew, listening to his brother's plan to go back to the cave. However, as he was listening to the brothers discussing Alex's intention, he heard what Alex was telling Jack, "paying our debt . . . " and knowing he might be doing that, but Hector knew most of all Alex needed to see the healer, Caitlin, was safe. There was no doubt in Hector's mind Alex was very taken with this woman. And, she was about as hard-headed as Alex, so this might prove to be interesting! He laughed aloud remembering her ordering them all about. She would indeed be a challenge for Alex and something about that just tickled him Just thinking about it. That small woman telling "big brother" to get back to his business! Ha!

  CHAPTER 20

  Caitlin, so frightened she could hardly move, eased up to the horse tied in the trees. He had actually snorted to her when she came out of the cave. It had been her plan to keep to the woods, along with Willie, wearing her disguise of boy's clothing and the cloak. She hoped to escape being seen by anyone, most especially a soldier intent on doing her harm.

  But, as she walked past the tree, a horse made a neighing sound and snorted at her as well. She stopped, thinking again.

  "Caitlin, my girl, you can make a lot more time on horseback." She hadn't been on a horse since she was a child, so was unsure how this might turn out. She had a pony when she lived with her grandparents, but as she got older, she preferred to walk as that way she could gather her herbs and plants when she went about the forest and countryside.

  Giving Willie the "stay" command, she eased up closer to the horse. She was afraid Willie might spook the animal, and now that she had access to him, she wanted to make sure he didn't dash away.

  She walked slowly and quietly towards the animal. "Hey, now, big fella."

  She hoped he was a gelding, but feared he may be a stallion as that would probably suit Commander Campbell better; it certainly would be in keeping with his personality. But, the horse just shook his withers and lowered his head for her to stroke his face.

  "Well, now, maybe you and I could become friends. You can be sure I'll treat you better than that soldier did." She could see lash marks on his hind quarters, and rubbed them gently, speaking softly to him. The horse leaned even closer to her, as if enjoying her soothing touch.

  "Well then. Now let's bring Willie over. He's a good friend to have around, so don't let him frighten you." She was speaking to the four legged animal as if he were a person. And, so far, all was well. Caitlin was well aware of the fact that horses and wolves don't usually get along very well, but she had seen how Willie was able to get close to other animals without spooking them. She knew Uncle Wabi would say that Willie "talked" to them.

  "Willie, come." The wolf trotted over and stood close to Caitlin.

  "Willie, this fine fellow is going to go with us. So, you make him welcome, and let's get going here."

  Willie nudged the horse behind his knees and the horse stamped his feet, but not in anger, just acknowledgement. Caitlin was just a bit taken aback with this behavior.

  "Well, Uncle Wabi may have known what he was talking about. You two do seem to understand each other. But, Gees! I'm beginning to sound like him!" Caitlin said aloud.

  She adjusted the stirrups as best she could and climbed on, noting it seemed a lot farther up when she looked down!

  He was indeed a rather large horse, very muscular, and a beautiful red color. She smiled when she thought about that. So, with some help from the horse, she felt she might get to the higher part of the Grampians before being found by Commander Campbell.

  Off they went, with Caitlin trying to find a rhythm with the horse. She could remember a few things about riding, something about going with the horse, finding his gait, changing lead, and giving him his head. At the moment, she was just content to not fall off.

  Still staying with her original plan of keeping to the woods, Caitlin wasn't sure exactly which way to go. She recalled what Alex had said, "Go north and ask where the MacKinnon land is, and we'll find you." Well, she could tell which way was north and headed that direction, riding all day and staying away from any villages she came close to. There was enough food in her bag for a couple of days, and she found the Commander had also brought some supplies with him, something an experienced soldier would do. She wouldn't allow herself to even think about how angry he would be, finding his horse gone, and her as well.

  "Well, he'll have quite a headache to deal with first, and I'm quite sure he's not going to enjoy getting his throat stitched up!"

  After two full days of keeping on a northerly path, Caitlin had seen no one and heard no one. This ability to hear well was really paying off and she was sure she would know if anyone was following her. But what had changed her hearing? She had always been aware of her keen sense of smell, but now, having this extraordinary hearing too? Why? She wished Uncle Wabi were about as he would have an explanation. He had an explanation for everything. She was sure he would mumble something like,

  "Caitlin, my girl, don't look a gift horse in the mouth . . . just be thankful." How many times had she heard him come out with something along those lines?

  On the evening of the second day, Caitlin found a place to water her horse and let him graze in the grass nearby. Willie had taken off into the woods looking for his supper, which she probably didn't want to see. But, he always managed to eat well and she was glad to see him still running about, letting her know the wound the Commander had given him had not left any long-lasting effects. She cringed every time she thought about that man. How could he be so obtuse in his thinking? She knew if she could just get out of his reach for some time, then his grief would subside enough for him to come to his senses.

  "Why can't I get you out of my mind? You don't deserve this much attention from anyone! Especially from one who detests you as much as I!" Caitlin exclaimed.

  Suddenly it hit her. "Oh! That smell! Henbane! Why do you think he would smell like henbane, Willie?" She had taken to talking aloud to her companion, probably as a way to forget about how alone she really was.

  "Henbane is a type of poison, an herb that has been around for many, many eons. It doesn't grow everywhere, but it can be found if one searches diligently. Most healers know about it and know to be careful when using it. It can relieve toothache, arthritis, gout and a number of other ailments. But, it's not to be used lightly. I've made a tincture out of it as it can help relieve pain, especially surgical pain, and help one to sleep. But, it would be used as a last resort, only if I had nothing else to give. It's been known to create some serious mental problems if one takes too much. But, for the Commander to reek of it? That means he must have some ailment that he thinks to treat with henbane, but it can kill him. The healer that gave it to him told him that, surely." Her companion listened, his ears flicking about, but made no comment.

  Caitlin had settled down for the night, if you could call it that. She had only her cloak to lie on, and her plaid to keep her warm, plus Willie, who brought a great deal of warmth to her feet. Another thing she found amusing was wearing these "pants" that had belonged to Ian. What a surprise! Riding a horse wearing these was so easy. There were no petticoats to wrestle with, no skirts billowing up, and they were very warm to boot.

  She realized she could pass for a boy, so she was hopeful that if a situation presented itself, she could do jus
t that. As it was, she was planning to go to the edge of the next village and ask about traveling to the McKinnon lands. Perhaps she was getting closer.

  "And just what will you do when you get there, Miss Caitlin?" she asked herself. She actually didn't have a clue about that, but refused to think about that issue just now.

  "Take one problem at a time, Caitlin." Uncle Wabi did have some good sayings sometimes. She wished she could talk to him, just to let him know she was all right, well, sort of. But, that thinking could wait, too. Right now she lay back and looked up at the trees, trying to calm her mind and drift off to sleep. Just as she began to feel drowsy, she heard a "hoo hoo," and there, just above her head in a large pine tree, an owl sat looking down at her.

  "I swear that's the same owl that was at the cave!" Knowing that was impossible, Caitlin closed her eyes and drifted off, knowing Willie would stand guard all night and alert her to any danger.

  CHAPTER 21

  It had been two days ago that Millie had made her decision and left Warwick Castle. She had packed her provisions and tucked in a small velvet pouch in which she carried her Mother’s jewels and her own. She may need these. She waited until darkness had settled over the land. She quietly walked to the stables and spoke to the young stable lad who bowed quickly.

  "I'm just out for a stroll, Malcolm, you need not wait up for me," Millie said to the young man. He was relieved to hear that and off he ran to the front of the stables where he slept in the loft.

  As soon as he was out of sight, Millie saddled one of the older geldings, an Arabian named Dillon, who was sure footed and large enough to carry her and her babe. Together they were a bit of weight for any animal. Millie had ridden all her life, and knew this horse was dependable, and she had been on his back many times. He neighed to her as she approached him.

  "Hey, old man. How goes it? Huh? Think you can carry the two of us for a ways?" He shook his withers and stamped his left front foot. "Yeah, I'm sure you can." She led him out the back door of the stable and found the bundle she had hidden there in the edge of the woods. Bringing Dillon up next to a tree stump in order that she might get on a bit easier, she eased herself up and settled into the saddle. Not an easy task, but she managed.

  "Well, then, let's get moving. It will take some time to get to Grandmother's home in Scotland, but we'll get there and we'll be most welcome." She talked to Dillon as if to keep him informed of her plans. The night was dark, with not even a sliver of moon to show the way. But, Millie could hear numerous birds about, calling to each other in the darkness. "It's almost like having a candle to light the way," she said to herself. She could still name every sound and attach it to the proper winged beauty.

  CHAPTER 22

  The only person left in the cave the next morning was one lone soldier, one with a most painful headache. Commander Campbell tried to lift himself up from the floor, but fell back down rather quickly. The pain that was taking his head off seemed to know no bounds.

  "Good God! What happened to me? Where am I?" exclaimed Commander Campbell, reeling as a new wave of pain registered in his muddled brain. As his vision cleared somewhat, he realized he was in a small room that was very dim. His brain tried to make sense of his surroundings, and he slowly tried to get up again and was successful this time.

  "My God my head is killing me! What's wrong with my throat? It's on fire!" he yelled, reaching to touch his latest wound. Even more painful than his head, his throat felt like someone had poured hot oil down it. As his hands reached his neck, he felt a thick, sticky substance still seeping from the wound. He had seen enough wounds in battle to realize this was no small problem and he must get help.

  As he started to move back toward the cave entrance, he began to recall some of the events from the night before. He remembered finding the witch, huddled back in a corner of the cave. But after that it was all just a blur of fuzzy shapes, sounds and memory of terrible pain — at his throat! He walked a step closer toward the light. The dog! Yes, the dog. In his mind's eye the animal came out of nowhere and was the biggest dog he had ever seen! But wait — that was not a dog. That was a wolf! What was the witch doing with a wolf? To Campbell, that was just more evidence of her connection to the wicked ones.

  "So, she travels with a wolf does she? Well, then he'll burn, too!"

  He slowly ambled back through the cave, picking up his knife that was laying on the floor. He was thinking how quiet it was and figured out the healer was no longer here.

  "No matter. I'll chase her until I find her again. She's just a woman and not a very smart one at that. If she were smart, she would have killed me!"

  He looked about the cave trying to find something to bandage his neck. There were a few scraps of cloth, but he could find no medicines anywhere, which meant she was not planning to return.

  "So be it. She can't have gotten very far, walking through the woods, trying to hide and keeping company with a wolf."

  Then he discovered his pistol was missing. "Damn her! I need that gun!"

  And, he had one more surprise waiting for him. When he came outside into the bright sunlight, it was almost blinding. He closed his eyes again, waiting for them to become adjusted to the brightness. As he looked about, seeing no one and hearing nothing, he tried to remember something. Where had he tied his horse? Ah, yes, he had hidden him well, back behind that rowan tree, when he came and waited for the witch to come home. He had indeed seen her and his plan should have worked well. How was he to know she had a wolf protector? Well, he did know now, so he would be prepared for that this time. He stooped, going under the limbs of the tree and walked around behind it, but the animal was nowhere to be seen. This was surely where he left his horse. He was positive.

  When it dawned on him what had transpired, he cursed vehemently and shook his fist at no one in particular. No one was watching anyway.

  "That witch will not get away with this! She's pushed me way beyond my limits!" He stomped around a bit, and then realizing he had no choice, began walking toward the nearest village. He would get another horse, have someone tend his wounds, and then he would resume his search for her.

  Just as he walked back under the rowan tree, something smacked him on the back of his head causing him to stumble and lose his balance. He watched in disbelief as a great horned owl soared straight toward the sky and screeched to bloody heaven!

  CHAPTER 23

  Uncle Wabi was not happy with the latest report from Owl. But, all in all, Caitlin was coming into her own. When time was of the essence, Owl and Wabi communicated through mental images sent to each other across a vacuum of time and space that Owl did not especially enjoy. But, there were times when this was the only way.

  "Master, I know you want information about Caitlin, but I can only be in one place at a time!" Owl had stated to Wabi.

  "So, if we must, then we'll use this method, but please keep it brief for my sake. It ruffles my feathers, Master!

  "Now, as to Caitlin, she thinks too much and tries to figure things out, rather than just trusting her intuition and going with it."

  Uncle Wabi also thought too much, sometimes. He had always known Caitlin was a "called one," or else he wouldn't be here. But, she always kept her thoughts pretty much to herself and, even though he could have, he had never entered her mind to see what was going on in there.

  "Yes, my wise old friend, she has been taking quite a long time to exercise her special talents. But, she's slowly coming along. Let us continue to be patient. I must say, she has been quite resourceful so far. She stole his horse! Hee Hee! What a shock that must have been to him!" He threw his head back and laughed aloud, then walked away with his dog following behind headed to the forest for more training.

  Owl had made his report, so went back to his station, keeping his eyes and ears open.

  CHAPTER 24

  Alex took the morning to ride about the farm. Raising sheep took a lot of hard work, and the more hands, the better. But with the three older brothers having
been off fighting for the last months, and then young Ian being gone the last few weeks, the entire place was beginning to look a bit run down. It was just too much for Da, even with Uncle Andrew and old Jamie doing what they could. Those two were even older than Da, and both were sound in mind, but age had a way of taking a toll on even the best of men. This land had been in MacKinnon hands for decades now, having been passed from one generation to the next, each building on the accomplishments of the ones before. It was good land, even in the Highlands, but sheep farming was not the easiest way of making a living. When lambing season came, every available hand was needed, plus some. He could always take on some local hands, as he often did, if things got to be too much for them. Of course, Da always got steamed up when Alex resorted to this measure. But, he would keep it in mind.

  Stopping at the small stone wall and dismounting, he sat there for a moment, looking out over the land. Alex thought about Mam, how she so loved tending the new lambs, especially the ones who were too wee to even suckle from their mothers. She would make a straw bed for them in a small pen and place it just outside her kitchen door. That way she could keep an eye on them and go about her business of feeding a house full of hungry men. Quite a full time job it was.

  Alex recalled hurrying through the kitchen door on a cold afternoon, the wind ushering him through the door with a blast, and he forgot to wipe his feet.