He was so calm Caitlin found herself remaining calm also, even in the presence of one who could "weave" from one place to another!
Caitlin rubbed her temples with her fingers and looked about.
"Oh, Uncle Wabi, I hardly know where to start! I left Skye hoping to keep you safe from Thomas and his friend, that awful lord. And then I took care of some soldiers who had malaria, but most of them died. And the father of one of them a Commander Campbell, accused me of witchcraft and threatened to burn me! So I left there and moved to a cave just south of Inverness, and started caring for the wounded there. Uncle Wabi, there were so many of them! All coming from Culloden. It was a blood bath for both sides I do believe." She stopped just long enough to get another breath and started again, rattling off information so rapidly that Wabi had trouble keeping up.
"Then the commander found me in my cave and attacked me. Willie, my wolf, held him off and I fled as fast as I could! Willie gave him quite a wound and he's bound to be most angry about that. And, I'm trying to get to the MacKinnon lands, in the upper Highlands. They've offered to help me and I couldn't think of anywhere else to go!"
Taking her hands, Wabi tried to comfort her.
"Ah, Cait, dear girl. I've always been at your fingertips, you just never would see it. Hopefully, you can see there are some things that are possible even though we may not understand them. I know I have taught you that and repeatedly so over the years. However, we all come to our understandings in our own good time. Your time is now."
Millie didn't know whether to run or try to sneak away quietly. Who were these strange people? This old man appeared out of a blinding snowstorm that had come upon them, or was it a tornado? She had pulled the baby as close to her bosom as possible and stood staring at the young woman who had helped her through a most trying experience. Was this woman a witch as the soldier had thought?
Millie decided to address the situation in her usual straightforward manner.
"Caitlin, What's happening here? Who is this old man? And, for that matter, who are you?" she exclaimed. Too many unexplained events were beginning to frighten her.
Caitlin saw the stricken look on Millie's face and understood exactly how she felt. She, too, was reeling with coming to grips with this whole situation that was unfolding. The only thing she knew that Millie didn't was that Uncle Wabi's purpose on the earth, as he had explained it to her early on, was to care for others and do what he could for the betterment of mankind. So even though she may not have expected him to have these particular powers, she was unafraid and trusted him implicitly. Somehow she must reassure Millie they were all safe.
"Millie. Please don't be afraid. Uncle Wabi will help us and he has never harmed anyone in his life. Please just trust that he will know what we must do. You and I, and your babe, are safe with him."
"Come, Millie, come over here and meet Uncle Wabi."
Caitlin watched as Wabi stepped forward and touched Millie's shoulders with both hands, sending an instant outpouring of warmth. She saw Millie's expression of relief.
"Madam. It is with pleasure that I meet you. Please don't be alarmed. All will be well, and we'll find shelter. Come. Let's put our heads together and see what choices we may have."
As he removed his hands, Caitlin knew that Millie's fears had been allayed, probably as Uncle Wabi had planned, she guessed. She could see Millie was almost sorry to lose his touch.
* * *
Alex heard voices through the woods, one of which sounded like a male's voice. The soldier was awake? He listened for a moment then started back to the clearing where he had left Caitlin. He decided the commander's horse must have run off as he could not find him. When he got back to the clearing, he was surprised to see her talking to an old man. He walked a little closer, Willie still by his side. Alex was aware the wolf had not sent out any warnings, so the old man must not be a danger to them. So, he came to stand next to Caitlin. Was this old man a friend? Or was he going to have to do battle with a very old man who might be after Caitlin also?
"Alex, this is Uncle Wabi. Uncle Wabi, this is Alex MacKinnon. He has offered to take me to his home in the upper Highlands as he feels there is greater safety for me there."
The two men shook hands, and a look of understanding passed between them, a look that said "she's important to me."
* * *
So, this was the gentleman Owl had told him about, thought Wabi. Quite a large fellow. And, according to Owl, he was intent on making Caitlin a part of his life. Well, then, I must get to know him better.
The only member of the party that Wabi hadn't met was Willie. Wabi got on his knees and Willie walked over to him. The old wizard put his hands under the jaws of the creature and looked at him, and the two recognized each other for what they both were, travelers from many times and places. Willie quickly licked Wabi's hand and lay at his feet.
"Whatever is that about?" Caitlin asked. "He acts like he has known you forever!"
"Well, yes, maybe he has." The old one straightened up and walked along beside Caitlin. "Owl has told me a bit about your troubles, but not everything."
"Owl told you? Oh, yes, perhaps he did." She was still most uncomfortable with this knowledge, that the Owl could talk.
"So, now. Tell me about this soldier." Wabi saw the man's body lying on the ground and could see that he was unconscious. However, someone had applied fresh bandages, and Wabi was sure a healer had done that.
"This is Commander Campbell I told you about, the soldier who accused me of killing his son. He was wounded by Willie. Apparently he found a healer to help him and he's tracked me. I don't see a horse, but I don't think he could have walked very far with his wound. But, of course, I stole his own horse when I fled the cave. It seemed the only way to get away from him as quickly as I could. So, that probably infuriated him even further. And, what a fine horse he is!
"The commander found me earlier today, and after a frightening ordeal with him, he's lost consciousness. But I'm so afraid when he regains consciousness he may harm one of us! But we can't just leave him here to die, can we?"
Wabi walked over to the man, bent down on one knee and put both his hands on the man's head, almost like a priest "laying on hands." The old wizard bowed his head and murmured some words that Caitlin couldn't understand. In just a few moments he released the man's head and stood back up, then walked over to where Caitlin had sat down near Millie. He looked at her with his riveting eyes and began.
"Caitlin, this man cannot be saved. Perhaps in body, but his soul is as black as night. He's pure evil through and through. I know it's difficult for a healer to understand, but some people are not worth saving, and this man is one of those."
"But I must try, Uncle Wabi. You taught me to preserve life, even in those we may think are unworthy of saving. I clearly remember you saying 'the Creator believes all people have self worth and should be treated accordingly.' I don't recall you saying 'except for some.' I must try to help him."
"Yes, I did teach you that. But, just know your efforts could well be in vain. We'll take him with us, but you must understand he'll still wish to dispose of you, so we'll have to watch him at all times."
Alex had remained quiet. Where had the old man come from? How did he get here? He wasn't here when Alex went to find the horse. Obviously he's Caitlin's uncle and the wolf is as ease with him, but being Alex MacKinnon, he would get more facts before he formed an opinion. So, for now, he would watch and listen.
Wabi and Alex lifted the soldier and draped him over the horse, his own horse actually. The horse shied away as if he would rather not carry this load. Animals have a very good memory and Wabi sensed this animal was afraid of the soldier. Stroking the horse gently, Wabi whispered, "Hey, handsome man. Just carry him for a short way, then we'll relieve you of him."
"And, which way are you all headed?"
"Oh, Millie has family in this area. She thinks it isn't too far now and we should get there by nightfall."
"Do you
think your family will mind that we come with you? And what about this soldier? He may prove to be a real problem for all of us before this is over."
"My family will welcome me and anyone I bring with me. As for the soldier, let's just keep him tied up on his horse and when we get there the local law enforcers can have him." Millie was not sure that was the right thing to do, but she wanted to be on their way again. She must take care of her babe at all costs.
"I agree. We'll secure him on his horse, maybe tie him up, although from the looks of him, that's probably not necessary." Wabi responded.
Chapter 42
The moon provided some small amount of light, and they could see their destination was a short distance away.
"Are you sure this is the right place?" Caitlin asked.
"Yes. There's a moat. It was one of my favorite places to play when we visited them. I would place flowers in it and watch them float down the stream."
Wabi rode Caitlin's horse with Campbell draped over the back. Caitlin doubled with Alex and Willie walked along beside them, and occasionally ran off to the woods briefly, but always returned when Caitlin whistled for him. Millie had fashioned a sort of carrier for the babe. It was a blanket that tied across her breast and went up around her neck. It certainly made the ride much more comfortable than trying to hold the child in her arms. But uncomfortable hardly described her feelings.
Caitlin's arms were wrapped around Alex and she felt safer than she had in such a long time. Here she was with an old man whom she had loved all her life, and another one she thought may be important in her future.
They eventually found the drawbridge. And, lucky for them, it was down. Of course, the days of using drawbridges were pretty much over. Most of these estates had been in the same families for generations and were not used as fortresses anymore.
As they entered the bailey, it was eerily quiet. There were no night sounds, no birds, no critters moving about, and certainly no sign of people. The entire area looked as if everyone had just dropped what they were doing and left. Tools were about on the ground, baskets of grain were turned over and upended, and fruit was left in heaps on the steps, as if every person had left in a hurry.
"Are you sure this is the right place, Millie?" asked Caitlin once again, looking about and feeling something was not quite right.
Wabi helped Millie down and she stood upright slowly.
"Yes, this is the place. I've been here many times, but it looks deserted. I haven't heard from Aunt Moira for several years now, and both she and Grandmother would be getting on in years. But surely some of the servants would be about."
Alex and Wabi told the ladies to stay outside with Willie while they went up the steps to the main entrance. The large doors were heavy, but with some real effort, Alex was able to pull one of them open. Why had they not been locked? Looking around and listening closely, he heard nothing. Again, that same deafening silence was in the castle as well.
Wabi could feel in his bones something had happened here, but he didn't know what. He walked through the great room then went up a flight of stairs that led to the upper chambers where the family would have slept. At the top of the stairs, he came into a large hallway with rooms off either side. All the doors were open to the rooms except one toward the rear of the castle. Wabi turned the handle on the door, which was not difficult, then leaned his weight into it causing it to come open. It apparently had been stuck awhile, but just a little push opened it readily.
Looking about the room, Wabi noted a feminine touch throughout the room. The linens were of a very fine fabric, and there were silver-backed brushes on the dressing table. Clearly, this was a woman's or girl's bedroom. As he was about to leave the room, he caught glimpse of movement in his peripheral vision. He turned just in time to observe a peregrine falcon land in a window that had been left slightly open. Below the window was a window seat, one that had been appealing to the falcon, apparently, as she had created a wide, but shallow nest on it. She looked at Wabi briefly, standing very still, and decided there was no danger from this man. So, she went about her business of scratching around the edges of the nest, getting it just right then settling down and ruffling her feathers in the process. Wabi knew falcons were territorial, especially when they were incubating eggs. He walked over just a bit closer. She was such a beautiful creature, thought Wabi. And he knew that falcons, like owls and several other birds, mated for life. So, he was fairly sure another falcon, a male, was probably close by as well. As he left the room, he closed the door again. No need to bother this beauty as she went about her work.
Across the hallway was another room, just a bit larger and with a small fireplace in the far wall. The fireplace was laid with logs and kindling, as if ready to be lighted at any moment. Wabi nodded in the direction of the fireplace and flames immediately raced up the chimney. This would keep some of them warm for the evening at least. There were two beds in this room, and both had very nice linens also, but not as eloquent as the first room. He went back downstairs to the great hall, looked about the enormous room, and saw the rear wall held a very large fireplace. It, too, was ready for use with several large logs already laid. Another nod to this one and the flames were licking at the logs within moments.
Alex went through the rooms downstairs, and he heard Caitlin as she entered the castle. Or maybe he just sensed her. Wabi instructed Caitlin to take Millie and the baby upstairs to the room where he had started the fire. He had asked Caitlin to stay outside, but just smiled when he saw her.
Meanwhile, he and Alex went back outside and carried the commander up the steps to the great hall and laid him on some blankets close to the fire. The room was large and cold at the moment. The soldier was still unconscious and lay unmoving on the floor. Wabi tried to make him as comfortable as possible, but the man was not aware of anyone or anything at this time. Alex loosened his wrist ties, just slightly, as the man's hands had swollen considerably from hanging over the horse for so long. Wabi covered him with another blanket and went about exploring more o the building.
He entered another room behind the great hall. Apparently, this was the kitchen. And, again, the room seemed to have been deserted. There was a basked filled with dried apples, another with pears, wheat that had been ground but not put in containers, and potatoes, carrots and some dried beans had been sorted and left laying on the counter. At the rear of the kitchen was a shorter door. Wabi opened the door and had to bend down to enter the space. He found himself looking down into a cellar of some sort. He lit a candle and held it aloft to light the way, carefully taking the steps one at a time.
"Bless the Creator! A wine cellar!" Wabi exclaimed. He did enjoy fine wines, which were not always easy to come by. And this cellar was rather large and well stocked. So, he chose a wine he recognized and particularly liked, and went back up the steps whistling as he went.
As Wabi was trying to come up with vittles for everyone, Millie went upstairs and entered the room with the fire going where she and the baby could rest and stay warm. She was past exhaustion, and only wanted to lie down before she fell down. The bed linens were beautiful, and the bed felt like heaven to her. She snuggled under the blankets with the babe, holding her close against her breast, and watched as the little one started rooting, looking for her next feeding.
Meanwhile, Alex had taken the horses to the stable where he had spent several nights over the years. The Cameron mistresses were generous to any travelers and often allowed one to sleep in the stable if they needed to rest before moving on. Shortly, Caitlin came in behind him and helped him find stalls for the tired horses.
There was a large open-mouthed well inside the stable, and someone had used it recently as all the stalls had a pail of water. There were a few other horses here, and all the stalls had an abundance of hay, and a bucket of oats was already hung at each one.
Caitlin took the time, even though exhausted, to brush the horses. Commander Campbell's horse was quite a beauty and Caitlin never regretted s
tealing him.
Alex found blankets for the horses and helped Caitlin wrap the animals. The night would be cold and the creatures would likely be glad to have them. They worked side by side, and after Alex finished securing the last ties on the blankets, he turned and took Caitlin's chin in his hand, gently, sending a quick streak of shivers up her arm.
"Caitlin, I'm not asking for explanations. But there's a lot I don't understand. I've looked for ye for such a long time, and ye must feel how much I wish to be with ye. It is just my imagination, or are ye feeling anything close to the same?"
Without any words, and certainly no explanations, Caitlin put her arms up around his neck. She had to stand on her tiptoes and even then, it was almost impossible to reach him.
"Alex MacKinnon, you have become more important to me than you can ever know. I have felt you in my dreams, and I knew you would find me. I don't understand a lot of what is happening either. But, somehow, when you are with me, it feels like I have come home, that all is as it should be."
Then no more words were necessary as Alex pulled her closer and bent down and kissed her. The kiss was ever so gentle — not demanding — but with promise of delights that she had no understanding of as yet.
"Yes. Yes. This is what I want. This is WHO I want," she whispered. Alex made no other remarks, but was slow to break their embrace.
After they finished with the horses, they went back to the castle and returned to the great hall to warm by the fire for a moment. Caitlin headed upstairs to check on Millie.
After she assured herself that Millie and the baby were comfortable, she came back down the stairs, and the aroma filling the great hall made her mouth water. Uncle Wabi was known for creating the tastiest meals ever, even when he had very little to work with. She found him in the kitchen, whistling some tune she had heard before, and stirring a pot he assured her would be delicious potato soup. And, she could smell bread baking in the over. How had he ever gotten all this going in such a short time? There was also another aroma which really grabbed Caitlin's nose, some sort of fruit, or maybe more than one fruit.
Highland Healer Page 20
