Saber fisted his hands at his sides and wanted to roar with rage. He was not being truthful with her, and she respected truth. What would happen when she learned the truth about him? How would she feel about him then?
Elysia walked back to the cottage, pleased that Ashlyn’s grandmother appeared to suffer nothing more than an upset stomach, her love of honey oat cakes being the culprit. Though, she worried she could be wrong and failed to treat Ashlyn’s grandmother correctly. She wished people understood that she didn’t possess Bliss’s healing skills and knowledge. She could only treat illnesses that she had seen Bliss treat. She had no idea what to do otherwise.
People called out to her, bidding her good morning, others cast generous smiles her way. At least her marriage had provided a reason for people to smile. She had caught too often the worry on many faces or the women who fought back tears, fearing they would lose their husbands to battle.
She found the cottage empty when she returned and with clouds gathering overhead, it wouldn’t be long before rain fell. She thought to go to the croft but it was her responsibility to remain here in case someone needed healing. She brewed herself the drink she would take daily until she and Saber decided it was time for a bairn and she also brewed the one for Saber’s throat and left his to keep warm.
She got busy repairing several garments that had been brought to her. Many were from warriors who had no one to tend their garments and some from women who were overwhelmed with chores or had no skill with a needle. It mattered not to Elysia, stitching brought her peace and she loved the time she spent doing it.
She had just finished the brew when a rapid knock sounded at the door and before she could reach it, it swung open, a slim man of fair height and pleasant features entered. She wasn’t familiar with him, though he was dressed in the clan colors. Elysia didn’t care to be alone with a man in the cottage, even more so now that she had a husband. He didn’t seem threatening, though he did appear anxious and she was relieved when he quickly explained.
“I am sorry to disturb, but Rory has been injured. He is in the woods and needs your help.”
She didn’t question the man, assuming he was a clan warrior since he knew Rory. She gathered what she thought she might need and hurried to follow him. It wasn’t until he led her fairly deep into the woods that she began to wonder over the wisdom of following him without question.
Instinct told her to turn around and return to the village and the sudden realization that the plaid he wore was slightly different than her clan’s colors made her decision easy. She slowed her pace and began to lag farther and farther behind him. Until a chance presented itself and she hurried to duck behind an immense holly bush, the prickly leaves poking at her.
“Elysia!” the man called out when he stopped and turned and saw she was nowhere to be seen. He called out her name a few more times, then stopped and let loose with a laugh. “You are wiser than I was told. I was told you would follow me without question, being kindly and more trusting than most. I should have known better. Women are never who you think they are. Come out and let us see this settled.”
Elysia remained silent, not moving, frightened the slightest sound would alert him to her hiding spot. She wondered what he spoke of. Someone had sent him to abduct her? Why would anyone do that? She was no one of importance. One thing this taught her was that Bliss had been right. Elysia trusted blindly and that was not wise.
“I am going to find you. You won’t escape me,” he called out.
She had to squint her eyes and stretch her head to get a glimpse of him through the holly branches and she watched as his eyes scanned the area. There was no way she could avoid being spotted if she tried to run. She had to stay put and not move and hope he would not find her.
“You don’t know what you’ve done, woman,” he warned.
What she’d done? What was he referring to?
“Be wise and show yourself. I won’t hurt you,” he cajoled.
Somehow she didn’t believe him.
“Bloody hell, woman, show yourself,” he roared, his yell ringing throughout the woods and causing birds to take flight.
Elysia took advantage of the moment and crept away under the cover of the squawking birds. She kept her steps light but quick, needing to put sufficient distance between her and the man before the woods turned silent again.