A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1)

by Taylor, Brenda B.

  A hand reached out to stop Maidie. “We dinna need your help, Cameron. We can manage without your black magic.”

  Maidie looked into the narrow eyes and set mouth of a face filled with animosity. The woman’s hand clenched Maidie’s arm until it hurt.

  The maid washing Anne’s face looked up. “Leave her be, Gilda. She’s a healer and Anne needs more help in this birthing than we can give her.”

  Gilda continued to hold tightly to Maidie’s arm. “Nae, we dinna need her black magic. She’ll kill Anne and the bairn. She’s a Cameron and out to kill all Munros.”

  The woman washing Anne stood and faced Gilda. “I say leave her be. Anne needs more help than we can give. The bairn canna come forth, ‘tis turned wrong in her womb.”

  Another spoke, “Aye, Gilda, leave her be and let her tend Anne. We’re here to see she uses nae black magic.”

  Gilda held tightly to Maidie’s arm, causing the limb to ache and burn. Maidie tried to pull free, but the woman squeezed tighter. All eyes turned to Anne when she screamed with a piercing sound then whined pitifully.

  Another maid joined the one facing Gilda. She spoke in a loud voice, “Leave her be.” The woman began prying Gilda’s fingers from Maidie’s arm. The other standing close by slapped Gilda on the face with a ringing blow. Gilda’s head snapped backward and her hand released Maidie’s arm.

  The injured maid put both hands to her face yelling, “You’ll pay for this, you hussies. I’ll get every one of you.” She turned and went to her sleeping mat, lay down, turned her back to the crowd, and cried. She yelled between sobs, “I’ll get you, Sheena, I’ll get you.”

  Sheena turned to Maidie. “Dinna fash yourself over Gilda. She’ll get over it. I’ve had to slap her before. There’s nae reasoning with her. Come now, Anne needs your tending. Her bairn canna come forth.”

  “I must wash my hands before touching Anne. Is there a basin nearby?” Maidie asked.

  “Aye, follow me, but make haste. Anne’s in a bad way.” Sheena turned with Maidie following, and walked to the end of the large chamber where a small door stood ajar. Sheena held the door open. Inside Maidie found a privy and basin supplied with a pitcher of water, soap and towel. She quickly washed and dried her hands. The water was cold, but would have to suffice for the present.

  Maidie quickly walked with Sheena back to Anne. “I’ll need hot water. Please fetch some from the kitchen. I need a stool also.”

  Sheena motioned to one of the maids standing near, who quickly left in the direction of the kitchen. She motioned to another who retrieved a three-legged stool from a corner. Sheena, the head maidservant, seemed capable of managing the others.

  Anne writhed in pain, her hair wet and clinging to her face. Maidie moved the stool close to Anne, pushed her legs and gown up then began to examine the laboring mother. She felt the bairn’s buttocks in the birth canal. Anne’s labor was too far along to turn the wee one. She would have a breech birth. Maidie wished she had examined Anne before her labor began, but Anne didn’t ask for her and may not have let her close after Randal’s death at Cameron hands.

  Maidie turned and wiped her hands on a towel Sheena pushed toward her. She wiped the blood off Anne then threw the towel into the pile of bloody rags next to the mat.

  Maidie turned to Sheena. “I’ll need a small dirk, boiling water, soap and towel. Find Angus. Tell him I will need a needle and thread for stitching. Also, I need chamomile tea for Anne to drink. It will relax her and help with the contractions.”

  “Aye, Madam. I will find Angus meself, and get the things you need,” Sheena answered and turned to two maids hovering near, “You heard the healer, make sure the water is boiling hot and fetch the soap and towels.”

  The maids scrambled to carry out Sheena’s orders while the head maidservant left to find Angus.

  Nellie entered the chamber in a rush. She hastily went to Maidie’s side. “Madam, you gave us all a scare. Please take me when you leave your chamber.”

  Maidie looked into the pale face of her attendant. “I’m sorry, Nellie, but I felt the need to pray in the chapel and didn’t want to wake you.”

  “I wouldn’t mind, Madam. The chief dinna wish you to be alone in the castle.”

  “How fairs Sven?”

  “He still sleeps. Alan is with him.” Nellie’s fair face wrinkled with angst.

  Maidie patted the maid’s hand and then moved to Anne’s side. She touched Anne’s cheek and the woman turned to face her. Maidie’s heart went out to the lass. Her pretty plump face now distorted in pain, was pale with large black circles under the eyes and wet with perspiration. Maidie took the damp cloth from the maid and passed it over Anne’s face. She flashed Maidie a faint smile, and then cried out in pain. Her cries grew weaker as her strength ebbed.

  Sheena returned with the articles from Angus. The others came with boiling water, towels, and soap. Nellie brought the chamomile tea and gave Anne a drink. Maidie put the small dirk, silk thread, and needle in the hot water until she felt they were clean enough. She removed articles, placing all on a clean towel. She set about washing Anne, but blood seeping from the birth canal could not be completely washed away.

  Anne was losing a lot of blood. She cried out, but now the sounds were weak, without strength. Maidie’s concern for the laboring mother soared. If Anne died, the bairn would be lost also. Maidie took the dirk and cut the perineum to make the birth canal slightly larger. Anne cried with a piercing scream, but it had to be done. The bairn needed more room to enter this world.

  “Go to Anne’s head and lift her up from under the arms, “ Maidie told Nellie. When Nellie had Anne in a squatting position, Maidie told her to push. Anne pushed with the strength remaining in her pain-wracked body. Maidie gave the order time and again. Finally, with a loud scream and a hard push the buttocks of the bairn came from the birth canal. Maidie caught the tiny buttocks and with Anne using all her strength for one last strong push, the wee one came forth into Maidie’s hands. She slapped the buttocks and the bairn cried. Maidie smiled at the red faced, wrinkled infant with a shock of dark hair on his head. She quickly tied, then cut the cord, releasing him from his mother.

  Nellie gently laid Anne back on the mat, and Maidie placed the bairn in his mother’s arms. “You have a fine laddie, Anne. Randal would be proud of such a fine son.” She pushed the new mother’s wet hair from her face.

  Gilda came from her mat to see the new bairn. She watched for a moment, then gave Anne another sip of tea which she drank thirstily.

  “Get some fresh water from the well in the kitchen and give Anne a hearty drink,” Maidie told Gilda. The maid quickly left the room to fetch fresh water. Anne smiled at her son and held him close, while Maidie put a few stitches in the laceration. The other maids gathered around, commenting on the little bairn and congratulating Anne.

  “Do you want to wash your son, Anne? Or would you want me to?” Maidie asked the mother, knowing she would wish to keep the little one close.

  “I’ll wash him with your help.” The young lass watched her newborn son with the light of amazement filling her eyes.

  “Aye, I’ll help,” Maidie said, while moving the warm water, soap and towel close enough for Anne to reach.

  “What will you name this fine lad?” Sheena asked.

  “His name is Randal, like his da’s.” Anne did not hesitate to answer.

  Gilda returned with the fresh well water and helped Anne drink from the cup. “A fine lad, you have, Anne.” She looked around the chamber at the glowing faces of her fellow maidservants. “He won’t lack for mithering.”

  Anne smiled as she set about washing Randal. “Aye, he wanna lack for attention to be sure. His da would be so proud.”

  Maidie reached for Randal’s small hand. Tiny, perfectly formed fingers wrapped around her own large one. Pride and love for the new infant filled her heart. How she wished Andrew were here to welcome the newest member of his clan. He would be proud. But would infant Randal share the same fat
e as his father? Mayhap by the time he grows to be an adult, the clans will live together in peace. Maidie determined in her heart to pray harder for peace.

  Her neck ached, so Maidie rubbed the back of it and straightened to standing as the first pink light of dawn broke through the small slits of windows high upon the wall of the long chamber. The faint rays of light shone on Anne’s damp russet hair. Dust motes danced merrily on the morning beams. When a small bell rang, the maidservants began scrambling to wash their hands and faces, don day clothing, and straighten sleeping mats.

  “I must go and see to Sven, Anne, but I’ll come back and tend you and the bairn later in the day. You must no’ try to rise, but rest.”

  “I’ll be expected in the buttery, Madam.” Anne’s eyes, filled with concern, looked into Maidie’s.

  “I’ll send Nellie to tell the butler about your difficult birth. He will understand.”

  “Thank you, Madam.” Anne smiled into the face of her child.

  Maidie gave the small hand one last pat. “Don’t wait too long to nurse the wee lad. He looks hungry enough. You wanna have any trouble.”

  Maidie left the maidservant’s chamber followed by Nellie. She immediately told Nellie to report Anne’s absence.

  “Nae, Madam, no’ until I see you safely to Alan.”

  The two women walked briskly to Maidie’s chamber. Alan stood at the door. He opened it for Maidie. Nellie related the night’s events and the birth of the new bairn, Randal. Alan smiled broadly at his wife. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Nellie squeezed his arm.

  Ah, such love between the two. Maidie stepped inside longing for Kenneth. Sven still slept. She crawled into bed beside him and pulled her son close, snuggling against his small shoulder. He smelled of pups instead of dirty boy.

  Chapter Twelve

  Snorting, running horses, and shouts awakened Maidie. She sat upright in bed and felt for Sven. He wasn’t beside her. Hot fluid rose in her throat, but then she remembered Alan and Nellie. Alan was gone from the chamber, surely with Sven. Nellie sat on a chair beside the fire with needle and thread, the beautiful blue silk gown in her lap. She put the garment aside and rose to go to the window.

  Maidie jumped from the bed and rushed to the window to watch the return of the warriors. They called to those on the barbican and the wall. Thank you, Lord, they have returned already. She and the others in the castle expected them to be gone several days, mayhap a week. She spotted the tanist’s red hair as the band made their way across the practice field. The chief could not be seen.

  Maidie’s hand went to her throat. She spoke to Nellie who stood beside her, “Do you see the chief, Nellie?”

  “Nae, Madam. Laird Munro seems missing from the group. His gille, Colin, is no’ with them either.”

  “Mayhap the two stayed in the village to assist the people.” She prayed her words were true.

  “Aye, ‘tis probably so.” Nellie’s voice sounded as unsure as Maidie felt.

  “You must help me dress in haste, Nellie. Where are Sven and Alan?” Maidie left the window to find her clothes. Nellie followed.

  “The lad wished to visit the pups this morn. Alan took him to break the fast and play with the dogs. He promised Sven a trip to the stable later in the day.”

  “I hope Alan didn’t promise Sven a ride on one of the horses.”

  “Alan would do naught. He kens you’d be displeased if he took Sven for a ride.” Nellie defended her husband.

  The two had Maidie dressed quickly with a kertch holding her hair. No time to pin the locks up on her head. A knock sounded. Nellie hastily opened the door to a weeping Davina who rushed past the maid into Maidie’s arms.

  “Andrew’s been taken captive or killed,” she sobbed on Maidie’s shoulder, wetting the fabric of her dress.

  “Ach! No’ the chief. How did this come about?” Shock invaded Maidie’s mind. She could not think, only stand and hold Davina.

  “Are any wounded?” Nellie asked?

  “Two, but Angus is with them now.” Davina coughed on the words.

  “Where is the tanist? Is he wounded?” Maidie’s mind finally cleared enough to think of the other warriors.

  “Nae, he escaped injury but allowed Andrew to be taken.” Davina pushed away and looked at Maidie with a spark of anger lighting the depths of her eyes. “He should protect the chief, not let him be taken by the enemy. He doesn’t know what happened to Andrew. Gavin left him to fend for himself, and with his wound not healed.”

  Maidie took Davina by the hand. “Come, we must see to the wounded and talk to Gavin.”

  “My brother kens naught,” Davina said with a voice filled with anger.

  Maidie led Davina out of the chamber and down the passageway. Nellie followed. They paused at Gavin’s door. His loud voice sounded within. A loud thud and thump followed like something being thrown to the floor. Maidie and Davina exchanged puzzled looks. Davina raised her hand to knock, but Maidie held it back.

  “’Tis no’ for us to interfere with the tanist.”

  “He’s my brother. I can interfere if I wish.” Davina removed her hand and knocked on the door.

  Maidie moved behind Davina to stand beside Nellie. She did not wish to be seen as the one who knocked. The large door cracked opened. Erskin came through the portal and then closed the door. He was covered with the filth of battle, his weapons still about his person.

  Erskin bowed his head to Davina. “M’Lady, the tanist is busy with bathing.”

  “You lie. He’s no’ dressing nor bathing. I wish to see him now.” Davina was emphatic.

  A voice came from the chamber. “Let her in, Erskin. I’ve faced her ire once this day, although ‘tis worse than fighting a battle.”

  Erskin opened the door wide for Davina to enter before him. She reached for Maidie’s hand and dragged her along into the ornate bedchamber. Nellie remained at the door. The chamber was furnished with a four-poster bed larger than the chief’s with damask curtains in dark blue hanging from the railings. The smell of whisky permeated the air. One chair and small table lay overturned beside the hearth with a heavy glass flask broken on the floor. Whisky oozed out of the crack.

  Gavin, still covered with dirt and grunge, stood beside the window. He held a pewter tankard and took a deep drink when the two women entered. Tilting his head back to drain the last drop of the contents, he then threw the tankard into the fireplace. Erskin quickly took a poker to retrieve the mug, placing it on a small table beside an upright chair.

  Gavin spoke to his sister, “Lady Davina. What else can I say to you? Your pain is my pain. I have men looking for our brother as we speak. He will be found, I can assure you of that.” Gavin’s gaze fell on Maidie. He bowed his head. “Madam, again you see me not presentable to receive a lady. Please excuse my appearance.”

  Maidie curtsied. “Sir, I am thankful you’re no’ wounded.” She turned to Davina. “I must go assist Angus.” She wanted to run from Gavin’s angry eyes.

  “Angus has assistants to help him.” Davina squeezed Maidie’s hand. The lass seemed determined to argue with her brother. She turned back to Gavin. “I still don’t understand why you left him.”

  “Davina, I’ve told you several times. He could no’ go on after Scara gave him a round and caused the wound to open afresh.”

  “Ach! His wound bled?” The words fled from Maidie’s mouth before she could stop them.

  “Aye. Burning the village was a ploy to get us out of the castle. Seems their plan was to capture one of us. They got lucky and found Andrew before we could get back to him.” Gavin’s voice softened with the sound of defeat. He rubbed eyes, heavy from lack of sleep.

  “Then why are you not with those that are searching, Brother?” Davina asked vehemently.

  Gavin’s face fell. He turned toward the window. “Sister, I explained to you. I came to give orders for taking care of the villagers. Sending more men or going myself is useless at present. I have an idea where he was taken.” Gavin rea
ched into his jacket pocket and brought out a scrap of cloth with Cameron colors. “He was probably taken to one of the MacKenzie castles. They are closer than the Cameron’s, but Cameron is more likely the instigator of the kidnapping.”

  Maidie’s hand went to her mouth. She could not muffle the gasp rising in her throat. Davina grabbed the scrap of cloth from Gavin’s hand, turning it over and over in her own. She turned to stare at Maidie.

  “Your kin have my brother.” Davina grabbed Maidie’s arm. “You can get him back. Go with Gavin. The Cameron will listen to you. Take your son and trade him for Andrew.” Davina released the arm, put her head in her hands, and wept letting the cloth fall to the floor.

  Maidie’s feet became lead weights when Davina’s words penetrated her mind. Blood drained from her head and she wobbled on shaky legs. Erskin rushed to catch her when her knees buckled. He held her under both arms and helped her to sit on the upright chair.

  “Madam Munro, I returned to the castle to receive the ransom note I am sure is forthcoming.” Gavin spoke to her, but his words sounded distant. “Naught has been decided, but once received and the terms stated, I’ll make the decision that needs making for the chief’s release.”

  Maidie could not think. She could only say, “I must go to my son.” She stood and left the chamber with Nellie at her side.

  ***

  The small beam of light made its way through a tiny slit of a window at the very top of a stone wall in the dark dungeon cell. The bottom of the cell remained in the shadows while the light danced along the ancient stone ceiling. Andrew slapped a flea biting his arm. The stench of human waste and stale air took his breath. “Don’t lie on that straw, Colin. It has vermin crawling in it.”

  Colin stood and joined Andrew, who sat with his back to the damp, slime-covered wall. Andrew put his hand under the leather jacket and felt the wet warmth of blood on his léine. Scara had given him a hard round and caused the wound to bleed. He should have stayed at Fàrdach Castle, but had never missed leading his warriors in battle and would continue to do so as long as he had breath. Although his breath may now be taken away at any moment. He anticipated the executioner and the hanging rope for he and Colin, or mayhap torture at the hands of the jailer. The Camerons would probably watch with glee as he was made to pass through the fire or slowly drowned, or some such ordeal. Mayhap they would be gentlemen enough to let him die fighting. He was small game for a warrior of any size and skill now, since the loss of blood had weakened him. Andrew pulled the great plaide tighter around his chilled body. The garment, still damp from the night’s mist, offered little warmth in the cold dungeon.