Chapter Seventeen
Sorcha
Sorcha and Cailean, always a favorite.
A group of Ramsays make the trek to visit Alex to make sure he’s healing.
Fortunately, Alex continues to improve…
“Nay.” Sorcha was so wrapped up in her own troubles, she hardly noticed the people who had entered the hall until the newcomers were almost upon them.
She jumped to her feet as Uncle Alex made his way over to a cushioned chair by the hearth, assisted by Connor. “Uncle Alex! ‘Tis so good to see you.” She waited until he was seated before rushing over to kiss his cheek.
“Good eve to you, lass. Maddie sends her apologies as she’s in her night rail. In truth, Connor is better at supporting me. From time to time, I still falter.” He motioned for his youngest son to take a seat next to him.
“How do you feel?” Sorcha asked.
“Much better. I’ll not be swinging my sword yet, but I’m improving every day.”
She couldn’t help but smile. His condition was so much better than the stories had inclined her to believe.
His voice was as booming and authoritative as ever, and his body was clearly well on its way to recovery.
“We have not stopped worrying since we heard the news. I feared the worst, Uncle Alex. I thought…Pay me no mind. Connor, you’re almost as tall as your sire. ”
Uncle Alex chuckled. “He’s trying to beat his brothers.
Neither has surpassed my height, but Connor insists he will.
He’s convinced he has some growing time left.
We shall see.” Connor grinned and nodded his head in agreement.
“I hear you had a difficult journey and there’s a lad in the healing chamber who is in rough shape. ”
“Aye, a mudslide caught my horse, but Cailean went over the side with me.”
Her uncle arched his brow at her.
“He was on a different horse, but his mount was right next to mine. He tried to stop me from going over the embankment—instead, we both toppled over it. He protected me.” She wrung her hands, caught up in the entire event again. She’d never been so frightened in her life.
“Any good Ramsay warrior would do as he did. Your sire was not close enough?”
“Nay, he was in the front, leading us through the section.”
“He was lucky Cailean was close by.”
She leaned in closer and whispered, “Uncle Alex, would you mention that to him, please?”
Her uncle gave her a wide grin. “Your sire does not wish to admit you’re a woman grown? ‘Tis tough for us old fathers.” He tipped his head toward Kyla. “I suppose I’ll be forced to go through the same myself soon.”
Kyla said, “Oh, Papa, you know I’ll pick someone you’ll like.”
Connor chuckled, looking at his father. “But will he be good enough for you? I imagine you’ll want to test his sword skills.”
Sorcha rolled her eyes. “Papa already tested Cailean’s skills.”
“And did he pass?” Alex asked.
“Aye, or he wouldn’t have been allowed to come along.” She scowled, thinking again about the trials the poor man had been forced to endure just to travel along with the other Ramsay guards.
Just then, Sorcha’s sire stepped out of the solar, closing the door behind him. A wide grin spread across his face as he moved to join them at the hearth. “Alex, you’re looking much better.” He stood by the big man’s side, clapping a hand on Alex’s shoulder.
“Aye, I’m improving. My thanks for getting my sister to my side so quickly, Ramsay.”
“I doubt ‘twill be long before you’ve got your hands on that sword again. Your son here can help you the first time. He’s growing into a fine lad, I see.”
“Do not worry. I’ll be back.” He shot a wry look at Kyla. “If for no other reason than to test the skills of my daughter’s suitors, just as you did, Ramsay.”
Her father smirked at her, but then turned back to Alex. “He passed. The poor lad took a rough tumble after that, but he’s a Ramsay warrior. He’ll survive. You’re welcome to join us, laird. I need to confer with your sons and your brothers to see what’s been transpiring in the Highlands.”
Alex shook his head before nodding to Connor. “Nay, I’ll leave all to the new lairds. Connor will help me back to my chamber. I’ll sit with Maddie for a while.”
With one last nod and grin, Sorcha’s sire left for the solar. Kyla bolted out of her chair as soon as Alex started to lift himself up. “I’ll help you, Papa.”
“Nay, daughter. Stay and enjoy your cousin. Connor will come back to the solar in a few moments.”
They watched the two cross the hall to Alex and Maddie’s new chamber before they continued their conversation.