Page 14 of A Fierce Archer

Although they were not of the elite class, it was still not customary for a single woman to be in a man’s bedchamber. However, in the case of healers and caring for the sick, it was overlooked.

By the healer’s disapproving expression, he was not of the mind to overlook the fact that Catriona had been in there alone.

Surprising him, Catriona went to the doorway and called to a maid, giving instructions to bring the necessary items. Then to make matters worse, she rounded the bed and came to the other side.

Her gaze lifted to the healer in challenge. “I understand that the bleeding is expected. Do ye plan to stitch it closed? I had the maid boil some herbs so that the wound can be cleaned out.”

The healer nodded in approval. “I have heard that many in the southern regions are using different herbal mixtures boiled in water for medicinal purposes. I plan to travel soon to learn more about it.”

As Catriona and the healer continued the discussion, tonic was poured down his throat, his wound was washed and stitched together. By the time they wrapped his midsection, Ewan was in pain and very sleepy.

The healer and the maid walked out, and Catriona lowered to a chair that she’d pulled close to Ewan’s bed.

“Ye do not have to stay here,” Ewan said, annoyed at how hard it was becoming to keep his eyes open. “I will probably sleep until last meal.”

Catriona’s lips curved. “I doubt that it will be that long.”

“I do not wish to take any more of whatever that was. It’s not only vile, but also the room is swaying.”

Instead of responding, she leaned back in the chair, seeming comfortable. The fact she remained in the room with him was astonishing. Just a few months earlier, she’d barely speak to anyone. She’d spent months locked in her bedchamber, unable to leave and now the same woman sat in a chair alone with him.

“How was yer visit to the village?” Ewan asked, forcing himself to remain awake.

Catriona gave a barely visible shrug. “I enjoyed seeing my parents and sister. She has five children.”

“Five,” he repeated.

“Yes,” Catriona replied. “Four boys and an infant daughter.”

“Do ye wish to have children one day?” The moment he asked the question, Ewan realized what a mistake it was. The unspoken, but very real reality of Catriona’s tragedy surfaced, bubbling over the edge like a pot of boiling water.

Catriona jumped to her feet. “I should go and allow ye to rest.” Her wide eyes met his. “I will send someone later to ensure ye do not need anything.

She would not return, nor speak to him again unless he said or did something then. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind.

Ewan tried to get up, but his recently cleansed and stitched side injury protested, and he groaned.

Rushing to him, Catriona pushed him down on the bed. The action made her arm fold under her weight until she fell flat against Ewan’s chest.

Her reaction was the opposite of what Ewan expected. Instead of withdrawing or jerking away, she froze like a small animal attempting to gauge which way of escape proved lifesaving.

“Ye have some very sharp elbows,” Ewan said to break the awkward silence.

“I-I...” Catriona broke off and shuddered.

Ever so slowly, Ewan took her by the shoulders and helped her to straighten. It wasn't until she sat in the chair next to the bed that she finally let out a long breath.

“Tis best I go.” She got to her feet and stopped, seeming to consider if she could indeed walk.

“Be with care,” Ewan replied and yawned. “Please consider traveling north.”

Chapter Four

The walls of the corridor closed in and Catriona stretched her arms out to ensure the walls were not moving. Despite the familiarity of the great room, the path to the stairwell was not clear and she stopped just past the entry.

A few people mingled about, most seeming content to sit and talk and did not seek time with the laird.

Laird Fraser, along with Keithen and the new constable, sat at the head of the room, listening to a pair of farmers. Whatever the men’s issue was would be dealt with. One problem solved only to be replaced by another person or people presenting a new one.