Page 31 of The Eagle

“I am sure he was not,” Cait said with more assuredness than she felt. Her brother was an able fighter and although not knowing him long, she’d grown to care for him. “He is well, ye will see.” Cait stood smoothed her apron and followed Cora out.

Both Cora and Cait stood in the courtyard and lifted to their toes as mounted warriors came through the gates. First were the head guardsmen—which included Torac—followed by two wagons on which injured had been brought. From what Cait could tell there were not many, but enough to keep them very busy.

Torac dismounted and called out orders. Duncan and Gideon also dismounted and began directing warriors and guards.

A group of lads raced to the well with buckets as Greer instructed them to bring the water into the great hall.

Cait looked to Cora. “Are ye to go speak to my brother?”

“There is no time. We must see about the injured.”

It was then she noted that Stuart was helped from the back of a wagon. He hobbled between two warriors that half carried him into the house. His face was swollen, and his tunic shredded and bloody.

“Come, there is much to see about,” Greer who’d come out and stood behind them said. “Cora, ye and Finella help the healer. Cait, ye and I will see about feeding the warriors outside.”

They hurried back to the kitchen. Although Cait was anxious to know how Stuart fared, in a way she was glad not to be given a different task.

Despite being able to use only her left hand, Cait still managed to do limited work. Women from the village arrived in time to help with the cooking and serving, leaving Cait and Greer to see about refilling cups and ensuring everyone had enough to eat.

They would continue working in shifts through the night.

“I do not know why I am so exhausted,” Cait said walking into the kitchen. “I am used to doing more after walking from my home. Last night I was here.”

Greer nodded. “Caring for the injured, while worrying about dear ones being hurt is tiring. I am glad that no one was hurt badly.”

“How is…How is Mister Stuart? I saw him being helped inside,” Cait asked.

The older woman sighed. “He went to his bedchamber and refused to see anyone. Lady Mariel just went up to see about him.”

One of the kitchen maids neared, she looked over her shoulder and then whispered, “I hear the Uisdein slit his own throat in front of him. Mister Stuart’s betrothed, Flora, was there.”

“Betrothed?” Cait blurted.

“Aye,” Greer said waving a hand dismissively. “He was once betrothed to Flora Uisdein, but the betrothal was broken by her father. Then after they held our laird captive, the alliance with them was completely severed.”

Cait closed her eyes. The day had become more and more bizarre. First, Isobel tells her Stuart is interested in courting her and now, she finds out he had a betrothed. Whatever could happen next?

Her mother had always told Cait not to tempt faith by asking “what next?” She shivered at the realization and prayed not to get any kind of horrible response.

Cait remained in the kitchen wondering what she should do. If only she could seek guidance from her mother. However, there was no possible way she could walk all the way home since she would be needed early to help with the injured and the cooking.

“I do not think I can continue on. I am going to lay down for a few moments,” Cait said. After a nod from Greer, she left the kitchen and walked slowly down the corridor toward the servant’s quarters.

Lady Mariel appeared; her face drawn. “Ah, there ye are. My goodness, ye look exhausted. I hate to ask this of ye, but I require yer assistance.”

Without waiting for a response, she took Cait by the wrist and tugged her past the great room, up the stairs, and into a bedchamber.

Stuart was there on the bed. He looked to either be asleep or unconscious.

“What happened to him?” Cait whispered.

With a dismissive wave, Lady Mariel glowered toward the bed. “Cuts, bumps, bruises. He has a rather nasty cut on his left side, just under his ribs.”

“I am afraid I may be too tired to be of much help. I can sit here with him if ye wish,” Cait told her, praying the woman would tell her to leave and return later.

The woman neared the bed and pushed at Stuart’s shoulder. He mumbled something akin to go away, but it was hard to tell.

“The healer’s potion must have been stronger than I thought,” Lady Mariel said frowning down at her son.