Finally, she found a crock, the scent and look familiar to her. She believed Bliss mentioned something about the wild carrot family as she referred to it. Satisfied with her find, she set to making a brew.
A knock sounded at the door and she was surprised to see Moray there a cloth wrapped around his hand.
“I am glad you’re here, Elysia. I need your help,” Moray said.
“Come and sit,” she said, standing back for him to enter.
Moray sat at the table and rested his wrapped hand on it. He loosened the cloth to expose a wound that ran along the side of one of his fingers.
Elysia was glad to see the bleeding had all but stopped, the cloth soaked with it. “It is good the bleeding has nearly stopped. I’ll fix a yarrow paste to put on the wound and wrap it. That should heal it nicely for you, though you need to keep watch on it.”
“I am glad to hear that,” Moray said, looking relieved.
“You are always so careful when making your bow and arrows. What happened?” she asked while gathering the items she needed.
“You have not heard?” Moray asked and shook his head. “No, you probably didn’t since the news has barely been made known. “We’ve all been aware that the Clan MacBridan has been having difficulty with another clan. Lord Fergus, leader of the Clan MacBridan, told Chieftain Emory to be ready with his warriors to help him battle if necessary. Word was received that the dispute has worsened and battle may be imminent. Chieftain Emory wants his warriors ready and all men of fighting age as well. Only a few men will be left here to see to the clan’s safety.”
Elysia’s stomach churned, fearful that her husband would go off to fight. “Is there nothing that can prevent it?”
Moray kept his voice low. “Some believe that if his cursed son, Odran, returned, the matter would be settled, since he is so feared. I heard tell he is the fiercest of warriors, killing without thought as he did to his brother. He ran a sword threw him on the battlefield.”
Elysia shivered. How could brother kill brother? She could never do harm to her sisters.
“Perhaps it will settle without battle,” Elysia said hopefully and with a silent prayer.
“Chieftain Emory is sending Bram and Tavish along with him, to see if he can help settle the dispute. He has a smooth tongue and can talk most anyone into anything.”
Having spoken with Bram, she could see him capable of that and offered prayers for his success.
“I hate battle, but I am an archer and have no choice but to go,” Moray confessed.
“You are a useless archer until that wound heals well and that will be at least two weeks if not more. I will tell Chieftain Emory if necessary. You will do him no good otherwise,” Elysia said.
Moray looked relieved. “If necessary, I would appreciate you telling him.”
Elysia saw that dusk was near when she went to the door with Moray. Not sure how long her husband would be, Elysia set supper to cooking. She harvested a batch of kale and wild onion from the garden and set a stew to brew. She drank the brew she made as she prepared bread and left it to cook on the stone kept hot by the fire.
After all was done, she went to the door and looked out to see if her husband was near and saw that night was not far off. She hoped he wouldn’t be gone much longer. After all, it was their wedding day. She moved back inside, thinking how strange the day had been. She had always imagined her sisters at her side when she wed, smiles and laughter—a celebration. There was none of that, and sorrow jabbed at her.
Life was proving to be nothing like she thought it would be.
The door opened and she jumped startled, then calmed when she saw her husband enter. She was reminded of his size every time she watched him enter the cottage. The doorway didn’t seem big enough for him and the thought of coupling with him sent a sudden fright through her.
She hurried to speak and chase the thought from her mind. “Since it was growing dark, I made supper for us. It might be better for us to stay the night here.” Why she suggested that, she didn’t know. Was it that she felt safer being surrounded by other cottages instead of being alone at his croft with no one nearby?
To her surprise and relief, he nodded, agreeing.
After removing his cloak and hanging it on a peg, he pointed to the tankard in front of her, and raised a questioning brow.
“Aye, I’m drinking the brew, since it’s later in the day we should be cautious until tomorrow or the next day.” Why was she relieved and disappointed at her own suggestion?