“Why was he not brought to me straightaway? I might have healed him!”
“His life was ended back in the woods, Glynnis!” Alainn declared.
The woman touched her hand to the man’s chest and then to his neck. She looked upon the mortal wound.
“Aye, perhaps you are correct!” she whispered in a hollow tone. Her eyes stared off toward her cottage, and Killian looked at the old woman with dread in his eyes.
“She is in the herb chamber?” he questioned.
“Aye!” the old woman simply answered. “I will go inform her!”
“No, you must allow me to do it, Glynnis! As chieftain it is my duty!”
Something in the old woman’s eyes left Alainn curious for she looked at Killian with an odd expression, but then nodded.
“Would you like me to go with you, Killian?” Alainn offered, hoping to give him the support he would surely need to deliver the news of the tragedy.
“No, there’s no need, Alainn. In your condition, you should not be made to be party to such sadness and despair.”
Alainn attempted a half-smile for him, and he gently touched her arm as he started off walking slowly and his dread was evident even in his gait. He motioned to the men around him to remove the body and asked that he be taken to the crypt to be washed and prepared for burial. Glynnis followed behind him.
Riley had now approached with his hunting party and he slowly dismounted and shook his head as he walked toward Alainn.
“My God, I have never seen anythin’ like that. First the wretched horse threw him for no good reason and then out of the brush charged this fierce and raging boar, the wildest I’ve ever seen and I swear he charged toward the man as if that was his sole intent and purpose. No one could prevent it, though Killian’s arrow went through the heart of the beast in mere seconds, the damage had already been done. The man was gored right through the gut. I knew well enough nothin’ could be done for the man, but Killian insisted he must try!”
Alainn clearly recalled Killian’s disheartened expression when she told him she could do nothing, and it filled her with an unwelcome emptiness inside. She glanced up at the noticeably disturbed look on Riley’s face as well. She began to feel dizzy and most unwell, and when a woman’s tortured scream rang out through the cool, autumn afternoon, Alainn sat down upon the steps and began to weep. She could hear the mournful wails coming from the area where Killian had just gone. The young widow surely must be devastated and as much as she had already formed an unfavorable opinion of the young woman, she realized that was somewhat unfair for she’d not yet even laid eyes upon her. Although the woman’s unusual practices with the animals was not to be condoned, and her cruelty most objectionable, many other healers did employ animals’ hearts and such to create remedies.
Alainn empathetically imagined how she would be reacting if someone had just alerted her to Killian’s death. She felt light-headed and nauseous and her head began to reel. She was about to lose consciousness, she felt herself falling. She must have moaned or appeared unusually pale for she felt Riley picking her up and carrying her into the castle.
Chapter Sixteen
It had been months since she’d felt so ill, and months, also, since she had felt the urgent need to spew. And this had been going on for some time now. Though there was nothing left in her stomach, still she retched. As she hung her head over the basin while Eireen held it for her, Alainn’s stomach heaved, yet again. It must have been the horror of hearing the other woman’s grief, the sight of the huge amount of blood or the gruesomeness of the entire scene that had caused her reaction. But never in her life had she had a violent reaction to such sights. There were many horrific occurrences she had witnessed as a healer and they’d not evoked such an adverse result, but then she had not been seven months into her term either.
Riley stood outside the open door of the bedchamber and she saw the concern written upon his face. And Eireen looked distressed herself.
“Eireen, you should go to your stepdaughter, sure she needs you more than me. I can hold my own basin. I’m not even certain why I feel ill, though I admit to being heartsick for Ciara and wee Kale.”
“Aye, it will be a terrible loss, for Will was a good, decent man, and he was a kind and patient man with Ciara, and a loving father to Kale. But, I think my presence will not be welcome or necessary. Glynnis is there, and my husband as well. And your husband was to accompany her to her cottage, also, for she was understandably distraught and she actually fainted I’m told. However, milord decided she should remain at her grandmother’s cottage for it was thought she should not be alone so far off into the country. Sure, I’m not certain where she’ll live now for no woman should live alone without a man when so far distanced from others.”
Alainn watched as Riley gingerly walked into the room.
“Are you well, Alainn? You gave me a fright! You got so pasty white, and if I’d not been there you might have cracked your head open upon the stone steps.”
“I do thank you for assisting me, Riley! I appreciate the gesture, for I think an injured head would not go well with my queasy stomach.
Just then she saw Connor MacLain lean his head in the door as well.
“I heard you were ailing. I ken something must have bin amiss for you’ve not missed wrapping my wounds even once in all the days I have been here.”
Alainn glanced from one man to the other, but clearly Riley suspected nothing, for he smiled warmly at the other man and spoke.
“Aye, you’ll never find a more dedicated or experienced healer than my cousin. And Killian tells me you’re jumpin’ ship and goin’ to be the groom here at Castle O’Donnel. I suspect you’ll be missed for you have a way with the horses. No wonder Killian and Alainn are so fond of you for they like the horses as well, as does my Mary!”
Alainn looked up at Connor and noticed his eyes held a dreamy quality with the mention of Mary O’Brien. She doubted Riley would pick up on that. She had little time to dwell on that for Danhoul Calhoun entered her bedchamber without having asked permission. He headed to the bedside and touched her hand. She pulled it away shocked at the familiarity he seemed to feel he could show toward her. He took her hand once more and closed his eyes, clearly intent on something, though she didn’t know precisely what. Riley was not pleased with this and was about to tell the young soldier to get his hands off of her when Killian came into the room and found it filled with a goodly number of people. He glanced toward Alainn in concern.
“Are you well, Alainn? Has somethin’ happened with you or the babe? Should the midwife be summoned?” He looked at the young man who still sat with his hand clasped through hers.
“No, Killian, I assure you, I am well enough. I simply have a putrid stomach.”
“She collapsed on the steps is what she did, and has been spewin’ nearly constantly ever since! Aye, I think the healer should be called, and maybe the midwife as well!” Riley explained.
“I am not so very concerned about the wretched stomach. But, she is unwell somehow and in danger, in grave danger. She’ll not need a midwife, but a guard outside her chamber,” Danhoul commented.
“And I suppose you’re offerin’ your services for that; are you then?” Killian sarcastically spoke as he went to Alainn’s side.
“No, anyone will do, I suppose, but keep her clear of any animals for I’ve had another vision. Is there a dog anywhere near your chambers?”
Killian’s face registered alarm at this, and he questioned Alainn.
“Where is Wolf, Alainn? Did you put him outside this morning as I asked?”
“Aye! I did, Killian; I told you I would!”
“And what of the bite on your arm?” Her husband questioned further.
“I’m certain it is well enough, I put a potent healing ointment on it, though I have not checked it since this morning.”
Killian went to pull up her sleeve, but Danhoul beat him to it without having been told where the injury was located. All present w
ere noticeably startled to see the inflamed and oozing wound on her arm. The entire arm was now swollen and when the young man touched his hand to it, he cussed.
“Shite, ’tis on fire! When did the mare bite you?”
“Yesterday, but you’ll remember Killian, this very morning it was only a bit bruised and barely open. Sure ’tis because the animals have been charmed with a dark spell that it has caused such a reaction.”
When the man pressed on the wound it began to weep further and Alainn screamed out in pain.
“Get the healer!” Killian ordered Eireen who was standing there with a fearful expression on her pale face.
“No, Killian, I don’t want Glynnis to attend to me, she has no fondness for me and she’s enough to deal with this night in consoling her granddaughter.”
“In truth, I don’t actually give a tinker’s damn what you want at the moment, Alainn. I only want you well, and by the look of your pallor and the condition of your arm, you are most definitely not well!”
“What of the healer at Castle O’Rorke, Riley? Could you bring her here?” Alainn further questioned in hopes of not being made to deal with Glynnis.
“Aye, I would if I could, but she’s oddly disappeared. She’s apparently been at the castle for a number of years now and has been known to be most reliable, but it has been two days now that no one has seen her and her cottage is empty. Her possessions remain, yet she is nowhere to be found!”
“Get Glynnis!” Killian repeated in an even louder tone.
Alainn looked up at Killian and saw he still wore the blood-stained leine he had worn today during the hunt. He had not even time to change his clothes, wash or eat his evening meal, and she looked at how tired he appeared, and very worried as well.”
“Perhaps you might summon my grandfather. He possesses some healing ways.”
“I can heal your wife if you allow it!” Danhoul declared.
“You’re a healer as well then, it’s not so often a male possesses healin’ qualities?” Riley interrupted.
“Aye, once male healers were far more prevelant than their female counterparts, now it is more uncommon, I admit. But I do have some healin’ abilities like your cousin. But I’d rather be left in private to attempt it!”
“I’ll not leave you here alone in our bedchamber with my wife,” Killian stated, “’Tis clearly inappropriate! I’ll stay here as well and then you have my permission to do what you will for my wife, if she is in agreement as well.”
“Aye! Do what you can, Danhoul!” she agreed.
“Are you certain this is wise, Killian? He’s a young soldier and we don’t know him so very well, sure he could end up doin’ more harm than good!” Riley directed the question to Killian, but it was Alainn who answered.
“He is a druid and a healer, Riley. He assisted us at Castle O’Brien when I was ill. He’s a better healer than Glynnis by a long stretch and perhaps as gifted in his healing qualities as I am.” Alainn suggested. “And I believe Grandfather did not employ him to train his army as much as he did to watch over me!”
“Is that true?” Riley questioned the man.
“Aye, I suspect that might be the whole of it!” Danhoul admitted.
“By Christ!” Killian seemed completely displeased about this, but still sent the rest of the people from the room so the young man could work whatever magic he might conjure to heal his wife.
When the man began to unfasten his tunic and then removed it entirely, Killian could not still his tongue.
“What by God’s bones do you think you’re doin’?”
Then they both noticed the scars upon the man’s chest, several narrow slices that were near the middle of his chest. When he pulled his dagger from its sheath, he slit another spot and then poured the blood on Alainn’s open wound. She felt it grow warm, but the pain seemed to leave her almost instantly.
“Why did I feel no pain in this wound? All day I have noticed no discomfort!”
“Sure that is part of the nefarious spell as well. Whoever has decided to cause you harm is capable of strong magic!”
“And can you see who that is?” Killian asked in a voice both weary and anguished.
“Not yet, but I am hopin’ the answer will soon come to me.”
“And why do you cut your chest? I have used my blood to heal others before, but I always have only sliced my palm or my wrist!”
“Aye, well, use caution when you cut near the wrist for healers bleed unusually profusely from the wrist, ’tis how many take their own lives when they are compelled to do so. I find the blood nearest the heart contain the greatest healing powers. But, sure you’d not be wantin’ to cut up your lovely chest!”
He smiled down at her and there was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Alainn blushed and turned from his gaze.
“I’m appreciative for what you’ve done for my wife, but I’d also thank you to remember she’s a married woman, and to take your eyes and your thoughts off her chest. I think maybe you should find yourself a woman and spend a time with her in your bed, before I have to teach your some manners regardin’ keepin’ your eyes and your thoughts from my wife!”
The young man who was most appealing without benefit of his tunic and far more muscular than Alainn might have thought smiled suggestively at Alainn once more, before he spoke.
“When I find a woman as lovely or as appealin’ as your wee wife, then maybe I might actually decide to take a woman to my bed!”
“You’ve never...” Killian began, but Alainn finished.
“Not ever?”
“Well I am just past ten and six, ’tis not as though I’m ancient!
“And why would that be of any interest or concern of yours, Alainn?” Killian reprimanded her in a most displeased tone.
“I’m not interested, merely surprised!”
The young man dabbed at the fresh wound on his chest and Alainn tried to keep her eyes from that very chest, which of course Killian noticed.
“You can leave now!” Killian pointed toward the door.
Danhoul took her arm once more and Alainn noticed the wound was beginning to heal and the bruising and swelling were much improved as well. Killian looked at it with great relief and reluctantly patted the other man on the shoulder.
“I do thank you, most sincerely for attending to Alainn’s maladies. What can I do to repay you, then?”
“You might allow me to stay here at your castle, for ’tis here that I would be most effective in watchin’ over her or seein’ visions if they pertain to her.”
Killian noticed the look the young man wore whenever he looked in Alainn’s direction, and he wanted to both embrace the man for healing her, and beat him soundly for the way he looked at her with such longing.
“I’ll watch over my own wife, Danhoul, but should you see any other visions, I would welcome some warning.”
“Aye, well suit yourself then, O’Brien!”
He winked at Alainn as he left and pulled his tunic over his chest as he headed out the door.
“Keep her away from all animals!” He offered the advice to Killian as he walked past him.
Alainn attempted to stand and was soon overcome with dizziness.
Killian went to her side and steadied her. “Christ, it’s been a horrid day! But, I am thankful you seem to be on the mend. You had me sorely worried, Alainn! You usually heal so quickly. What unnatural power must be in that spell against you and all the animals?”
“Riley told me he believes the animal charged William in a purposeful manner!”
“He spoke to you of what happened then?”
“Aye, sorry I am about it, Killian. It was a terrible tragedy and I am regretful that you had to be there to witness it and that you feel accountable for it! ’Twas not because of you that it happened.”
Killian had begun to remove his soiled garments and went to the stand that held a pitcher and basin. He wrung out a cloth and began washing the blood that was stained on his chest. Alainn slowly stood an
d went to him. She took the cloth from him, looked tenderly into his saddened eyes, and began to wash his broad chest.
“Alainn you needn’t do that. You’re ailing and wounded!”
“Aye, but my wound is on the mend, I think it will take much longer to ease the wound you feel within your heart.”
“Aye, I do feel responsible, in truth I am responsible. ’Twas me who called the hunt, and me who invited him to attend. I did not heed your warning even after you told me what you saw!”
“But, Killian, hunts are commonplace, and the man was thrilled to be asked to attend. You could hardly anticipate what the unruly animal might do, and, as for my vision, it was muddled and mostly unclear. And ’tis not as if all my visions have all been proven true. Over a decade previous I told you your father still lived and that has yet to be proven true. I have had visions for months of you and your cousins dying at the hands of the English and just last week you were all together and much closer proximity to the English than usual and no harm befell you. How can you have any faith in what visions I see?”
“But I do have faith in them and in you, Alainn. I still believe within my heart that my father is alive and because the English did not attack us when last we were together does not indicate it might not occur one day, for I am probably as fearful of that ominous vision as you are. I should have called off the hunt today. I would have if Riley had not been so damn eager and so obstinate about listening to you. But, I am the chieftain of this castle and he should not have influenced my decision in any manner!”
Alainn took a wrap from the stand and gently dried Killian’s chest and then placed a tender kiss on his lips. He responded, but she realized how distracted he was. She leaned his sword and scabbard against the oak night table by the bed where he always kept it while they slept. She recognized the great guilt and torment Killian was feeling, and though she thought it was usual for Killian to take on the pain of his people, something nagged at her at how far he had taken this guilt.
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