Chapter Twenty-Five
The Scot’s Legacy
Eli and Alaric
Chapter Seven
Brenna chats with Alaric about Els and his father, but the news isn’t good.
Fortunately, Dyna entered, ending their conversation. But Eli was glad to know Wenna’s interest. She would observe Wenna and Tevis along the way. This would prove interesting.
“Are ye ready, lasses? We’re off to the Borderlands. Douglas says the English in Berwick Castle are starving and restless. He fears they’ll be out in search of food soon. We’re to go patrol along with Douglas and his men. There’s a large area to cover.”
“Does he think the English will be traveling as a larger group?” Eli asked. “We only met up with those few who tried going to market in Edinburgh last year. Mayhap they have gone elsewhere too.”
Dyna shrugged. “Edward isnae sending any rations. Douglas said word reached him they’ve killed horses for food. They’re in a desperate situation, for sure. They must send more out to search for provisions, but we dinnae know if they’ll go in force or small bands.”
Eli led her horse outside, grabbing some dried meat to take along, something they often kept in a bin for the stable lads.
Food was still scarce after the famine last year.
Clan Ramsay got by, as did most of their allies, but times would be tougher this year.
Better to take a few provisions along than count on finding anything as they traveled.
Once outside, she nodded to Alaric. “I see ye are joining the patrol again, Grant.”
“Aye. I hope we are successful. Even with our small group, we should be able to take any marauders down.”
Aunt Brenna surprised her by coming out to greet those coming from Clan Grant. “Will ye come inside for a meal? I’d like to hear about yer sire, Alaric.”
Maitland stepped in behind Alaric, joining the conversation. “Good morn, Aunt Brenna.”
“Greetings, Maitland. I’m anxious for a wee update, if ye please.”
Alaric replied, “We are stopping on Cameron land so we cannae stay, but I’m happy to update ye.
My da is healing well now that Aunt Jennie has helped Mama set his leg.
He sprained his wrist, and it will take time for him to be up and about, but he’s adjusting.
Magnus and Finlay move him, though he’s no’ the best patient when he’s confined to a chair.
But he’s accepted his fate for now. I’m sure someone will be coming for that contraption Ysenda used, but he doesnae need it yet. ”
“And Elshander? I heard he had a severe head injury, Alaric.”
“He has not awakened yet, Aunt Brenna. He’s got a large swelling on his head. It has just begun to shrink. Think ye he has a chance at this point? I would love to hear yer opinion.”
The look on Alaric’s face struck Eli. His pain washed through her as if it were her sister Ysenda hurt again. When Ysenda had broken her leg in the avalanche, Eli had been distraught, but at least a bone could heal. Elshander’s situation sounded much more serious.
“He took a bad fall?” she asked, wondering why she hadn’t heard the news. Or had she? So worried about her grandmother, she hadn’t paid much attention to anything else. She chided herself for being too focused on one thing, promising herself to pay better attention to those around her.
Dyna explained. “Uncle Jamie and Elshander both. Their horses fell coming down a slope slick with rain. Els landed on his head. The blow knocked him out, and he hasnae awakened yet. Uncle Jamie landed on his leg and is healing.”
Aunt Brenna took Alaric’s hand and squeezed it.
“I’ve seen similar head injuries many times.
There have been situations when the injured is out for a sennight.
One was out for nearly a fortnight, and he still awakened.
He lost some of his thinking ability, but he came to and was able to speak just fine.
But some never awaken either. I pray that Elshander will awaken and be hale. ”
“Thinking ability?”
“Much like an apoplexy, an injury to the head can cause some strange things to happen. He could have trouble talking. He could lose some memories or just not be able to work out puzzles as well. Sometimes physical abilities will be affected as well. I dinnae understand how the brain works, but with time, some of the loss can sometimes return. For others, the loss can be permanent. But remember, Elshander could awaken tomorrow and be perfectly fine, especially since he’s a young man in his prime.
Ye must have faith. Give my love to my sister when ye see her, please. ”
Aunt Brenna gave Alaric a tight hug and returned to the keep, stopping once to turn around and say, “Godspeed to ye all.”
Eli was sobered by the news, especially for Alaric.
“I’m sorry to hear about yer brother and father, Alaric.
’Tis a most difficult situation.” Two in his close family were stricken.
For her, just the incident with her sister had upset her terribly.
And now her grandmother was ailing. Would it never cease?
She couldn’t stop thinking about her grandmother, and her situation wasn’t nearly as bad as Alaric’s brother or father. How was he handling everything so well?
“My thanks,” Alaric said, a heavy sigh telling her exactly how he felt. “I’m going to believe Els will awaken. ’Tis my hope.” Alaric mounted and turned his horse toward the path, the others following.
Little as she liked him and even less the idea of marrying him—no matter what her grandsire said—this sad turn of events changed her whole demeanor toward Alaric.
She’d have to be kind to him.
She’d rather tell him to kiss her arse.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Gwyneth’s knee is badly infected, and nothing seems to be helping. Eli talks with Aunt Brenna about her grandmother’s outlook.
Alaric and Eli hurried across the great hall to the healing chamber. She opened the door and stuck her head around the corner looking for her aunt. “Aunt Brenna? May we come in? I would like to speak with ye about Grandmama.”
“Come in, both of ye. And I hear ye have handfasted. Congratulations. Any Grant is welcome as a spouse here.” She gave them both swift hugs before leading them to the small table in the center of the chamber.
The walls were lined with pallets and cots.
“I’m happy someone is keeping Quade’s and my legacy going.
A match between two powerful and wonderful clans.
But I see the concern on yer face, Eli. Sit and we’ll talk about Gwyneth. ”
Once they settled, Eli began questioning her aunt. “Is there no’ something more ye can do for Grandmama?”
“I’ve tried everything. Nothing seems to be helping her at all. I’ve tried elderberry, wild sage, and chamomile. Jennie and I had made a nice mix of the three, and I’ve been using that. I dinnae know what else to do for her. Sometimes, there is nothing more I can do.”
“What about Aunt Jennie? Can she no’ come and try some of her treatments?
Should I go ask her for help? There has to be something more we can do.
” Eli let go of Alaric’s hand and was now rubbing her cheek so furiously that he thought she might tear the skin from her palms. He reached for her again and set her hand on his lap, using his thumb to draw circles in her palm in the hopes of calming her down.
Eli was a strong woman, but losing a grandparent was most difficult. When he’d lost his grandfather not long ago, he’d cried his heart out because it had hurt so much. He’d do anything to keep Eli from having to deal with loss just at this moment, on top of her first battle and their handfasting.
“Why do we no’ go to visit Aunt Jennie to see if she’s learned anything new,” he suggested. “’Tis possible, is it no’? I’ve heard the monks receive news from traveling monks about treatments and new methods from Europe. True?”
Aunt Brenna’s eyes lit up. “Aye. Aye. They do. In fact, ’tis where Aedan got her medicinal text long ago. They could have learned something new.”
He looked to Eli for approval. “We could leave at first light on the morrow. I’d like to visit Els within a sennight. We could stop along the way and see if Aunt Jennie has anything to help yer grandmother.”
“And if she does?” Aunt Brenna asked.
“If so, we’ll return. We can escort Aunt Jennie back or bring ye whatever herbs she thinks will help. Then we’ll go to Grant land.”
Eli threw her arms around Alaric with enough force that she nearly knocked him off the stool.
“Thank you, Alaric,” she said into his ear.
She turned back to the healer. “As much as I want to leave right now, I’m too tired to get back on a horse until morning.
Is there a place where Alaric and I can sleep alone and no’ be bothered?
Can we sneak out the back and sleep in some cottage without Grandda noticing? ”
“Lass, if ye handfasted with him, Logan willnae bother ye. He’ll want ye to spend time alone.”
Eli frowned and rubbed her cheek. “But in my chamber, I’ll feel odd,” she whispered. “And Ysenda is next door.”
Aunt Brenna said, “Aye, I understand. I believe I have just the place for ye. Follow me. I’ll tell any who asks that we are going for herbs, and I’ll lead ye to a lovely cottage.”
Aunt Brenna led the way, and to Alaric’s surprise, no one questioned where they were headed, all too busy listening to Tevis’s description of the Battle of Skaithmuir. He had to smile—he guessed he would be doing the same when he reached Grant land. Everyone loved hearing about battles.
When they stepped inside the cottage, Alaric waited to see what Eli thought of it. It didn’t matter to him where they slept as long as she was in his arms. He had a strong need to be with her, to caress her, share thoughts on all that had happened.
He didn’t want anyone’s opinion but his wife’s.
His wife.
Eli said, “’Tis lovely, Aunt Brenna. Many thanks.”