The Healer by Allison Butler Page B

into his brother’s face, William eased his hold. ‘Forgive me, lad.’
    ‘Nae, Will. It’s my own fault I need to be carted about like a bairn.’
    ‘Aye, it is. But as long as you know it, I’ve nae reason to lecture you.’
    ‘Really?’
    An unbidden smile curved William’s lips. ‘Aye. Really.’ His chest tightened as his brother relaxed in his arms.
    Dear God. He’d do anything to see Edan dashing about, creating mischief again. Anything. Including swallowing his pride, for a time, to allow a healer within Closeburn’s walls.
    Leaving the stairway at the third level, William marched along the torch-lit corridor and swung right into Edan’s chamber. Thankfully, the room stood empty of maids or servants with superstitious dread clouding their eyes. One of the two large wooden tubs Closeburn boasted sat before the flaming hearth, steam rising from its centre.
    Gently depositing his brother upon the cushioned chair nearby, William inspected the water level, pleased to see it was shallow enough not to cover Edan’s injuries, but deep enough to chase the chill and mud from his body. Several pails of water, some hot, some cold, stood ready for use.
    Mary came into the room, huffing and puffing from scaling the stairs and carrying the extra load of fresh drying cloths in her arms. She dumped them on the wooden stool beside the tub, and rested her hands on her ample hips.
    William approached his brother and carefully removed the hide draping Edan’s form before dropping it to the floor. He turned back to Mary. ‘There is an English woman accompanying Donald.’ Mary’s eyes flared with curiosity. William ignored it. ‘I trust the chamber across the way has been as efficiently prepared as this one?’ The older woman gave a curt nod and William continued. ‘Good. Please take her there. She is wet, cold and no doubt hungry and will appreciate your aid. I’ll see to Edan.’
    He turned back to his brother, dismissing Mary. But she was an inquisitive woman and her years of faithful service allowed her some latitude. She held her place.
    ‘Please close the door as you leave, Mary.’
    Commanding Mary in such a way was discourteous, but William was tired and wet through and he didn’t care to relive all the happenings of the last few days. Not right now. He needed to tend his brother to ensure his haste to reach home hadn’t caused Edan more suffering. God knew guilt for not protecting his sole surviving brother from harm ate at his heart relentlessly.
    Edan’s eyes reproached him for his ungentle treatment of Mary, but thankfully the lad held his tongue. At this moment, the last thing he needed was a fourteen-year-old abrading him for his ill manners. He’d mentally castigate himself for it later. After he’d seen to his brother.

Chapter 9
    THE slashing rain ceased battering Lynelle’s head and shoulders as her escort tugged her into the lighted entrance. Her ears buzzed and her upper body felt numbed from the incessant downpour. A muddy puddle stained the flagstones where she stood, and as she adjusted to the rain’s absence she watched the pool of water grow, her dripping garments adding to its size.
    Voices penetrated her soggy thoughts. She heard Donald’s and another she didn’t recognize. Pushing strands of her sodden hair from her face, she spied a short, elderly man, his large brown eyes flicking from Donald to her.
    She couldn’t hear their softly spoken words, but it was obvious they were discussing her. Clutching the moist fabric of her cloak tighter, she pretended indifference and studied the stone walls of the entranceway.
    ‘Lynelle,’ Donald said, coaxing her forward with a wave of his hand. ‘This is Malcolm, Closeburn’s steward.’
    She swallowed, took a small step closer and bobbed her head in acknowledgement. The steward returned the favour.
    ‘Malcolm’s wife will be along soon to see you settled,’ Donald said. ‘I must go.’
    Lynelle didn’t want him to leave her alone