Finding My Highlander Read Online Free PDF Page B

“How fares Lorne?”
    “Nae well. His fever still burns and he hasn’t moved through the night. The lass gave him a few of her tablets again, but I dinnae ken if they help him.”
    Struan grunted, “Mayhap you should not allow her continued ministrations. Mayhap she gives him poison.” Glancing quickly about the cave he asked, “Where has your first aid banshee gone, then?”
    “Outside. She needed a moment of privacy. And nae, she gives him no poison. Each time she gives him the tablets she takes a few herself. It is obvious she means to help.”
    Kendrick stood by the fire, but kept an eye on the front of the cave, his thoughts drifted for a moment. At nine and twenty, he had been laird of their clan for a few years due to his father’s deteriorating health. Constant skirmishes with rival clans, stolen cattle, poor crops, winter approaching with barely enough stores to provide for his people, and all the other inherent responsibilities his title inferred, weighed heavily upon him.
    Unbidden, his father’s constant refrain: “Ye need to provide the clan with heirs,” rattled to the surface of his thoughts. God’s teeth! Why was he thinking about that now? Oh, but he could guess. The thought didn’t please him that well, because he was thinking about a particular woman, a Sassenach and a Cameron, no less. A lass with beguiling, green eyes and auburn-streaked hair. How could she be a Sassenach and a Cameron? Nothing about her made any sense.
     
    Rabbie banked the fire, adding smoky peat and strips of wood. Then he went to the horses to search the saddle packs for their remaining dried meat, figs, and oatcakes. Kendrick didn’t miss Rabbie’s quick, furtive glances cast between him and the cave entrance, his cousin’s smirk more telling than words. They’d always read each other’s thoughts easily, a habit Kendrick found exceeding annoying at the moment. It would be inadvisable for Rabbie to begin speculating about a potential liaison between him and the lass. He never missed an opportunity to niggle Kendrick to find a new wife. But he didn’t want a wife. He might never be ready for another marital alliance.
    Rabbie glanced at the front of the cave, “Have you learned anything aboot the woman? Did she say why she was in the forest alone and injured? When I doubled back last night, I found no evidence of anyone following us or searching for her. Only our tracks marred the ground.”
    “Humph. That tells us nothing.” Struan interjected joining them.
    “Mayhap, mayhap not. Who can say until she tells us something aboot herself?” Rabbie kicked a loose coal back onto the low flames.
    Kendrick continued to watch the cave entrance and didn’t answer for a moment. Both men stared at their leader. Rabbie shook his head, the corner of his mouth lifting in amusement until Kendrick shot him a warning scowl.
    Rabbie ignored the rebuke. Stuffing a bite of food in his mouth, he continued, “Though her clothing is unusual it is made from verra fine fabrics, those leather boots, and that cape especially. Did you notice the intricate embroidery of Celtic symbols? Mayhap our wee woman of mystery piques your interest, cousin.”
    Kendrick glared at Rabbie and snapped, “Isn’t it time you get out and scout the area? Did you set any snares last night? We could use some fresh meat.”
    “Aye, I did. I’ll leave shortly to see if any redcoats or Cormag’s men still roam the area and check my traps while I’m out.” Rabbie took another bite of food.
    “I’ll join you on your forage,” Struan said. “I could use a break from this...this...” he sputtered and flailed his hand toward the front of the cave where Andra had disappeared, then abruptly changed the topic. “Besides, ‘tis certain we cannae move Lorne for a few days, and we need food. What say you Kendrick?”
    “Good.” Kendrick only briefly turned toward his men. “Good,” he repeated, with a distracted tone, “I will tend Lorne and see what