The Silent Highlander by Donna Fletcher
Chapter 2
Elysia had kept much to herself since making a fool of herself three days ago by asking Saber to marry her. She had tended a few minor ills in that time, but she was not a skilled healer like her sister. She had to speak with Chieftain Emory and make him understand she could not replace her sister as the clan’s healer. She also intended to make it clear that she was free to choose her own husband and that she would not marry Clyde, and she intended to do that today.
The problem with her plan was that it was market day in the village and Saber usually attended and she did not want to see him. And she did not think he wanted to see her, since he had not come to the cottage to drink the soothing brew or take the syrup for his throat as he had been doing faithfully for several days. It was a shame since both aided in healing his throat. What troubled her even more was that she missed seeing him. Even though he could not speak, he had managed to engage her in talk, not that it took much to get her to talk. She had found it quite easy to talk about many things with him, though she had done all the talking. Most of all, she missed the comfort of their friendship. Seeing him again, knowing he did not feel for her as she did for him, would only remind her of the sting of his rejection.
She could not hide herself away forever or ignore the problem of Clyde. She had to see it done before it turned worse. She could not delay speaking to Chieftain Emory any longer. She hoped to catch him during his morning meal, then hurry through the market before it swelled with people.
Elysia snatched her cloak off the back of the chair and swung it over her shoulders, then grabbed the empty basket by the door and hurried outside. She kept her pace quick and was relieved to see that the market had yet to come to life. If she kept her hasty pace, she could solve two problems today, Clyde being one of them and avoiding Saber the other one.
She entered the Great Hall cautiously, aware that many of the clan warriors partook of their morning meal here and she was not comfortable being around them.
“Elysia,” Chieftain Emory called out and waved her forward. “I was going to send for you.”
She hoped he did not intend to tell her that a union with Clyde would benefit her. She would just have to speak up and remind him about Bliss’s bargain. She kept her chin up and squared her shoulders as Bliss had taught her and approached the chieftain with more confidence than she felt.
“I had hoped to have a few words with you, sir,” Elysia said after stopping in front of the dais and, before the chieftain could say another word, she hurried to have her say. “I will not wed Clyde. He is a mean man, and I will not wed a mean man.”
“I agree with you, Elysia,” Chieftain Emory said.
Shock struck Elysia speechless, though relief sent a shiver through her.
“Your sister Bliss did a brave thing marrying the cursed lord. It put our clan in great favor with the Clan MacClaren and I am grateful to her for that.” His brow narrowed in a slight scowl. “Though I am displeased with Annis for going off on a foolish quest. I have warriors searching for her and I am sure she will be returned home soon, at which time I will find her a husband that will take her in hand and see her kept safe. I will also find you a good husband. It is the least I can do for the sacrifice Bliss made for us all and I did give my word to keep you both safe.”
Elysia did not know what to say. She doubted the warriors would find Annis. She had been intent on learning skills most men possessed, tracking being one of them, and she would easily avoid the warriors. Though, she had no intention of letting Chieftain Emory know that.
However, there was one thing she wanted made known. “I do not wish to wed just yet.”
“Nonsense,” Chieftain Emory said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “It is past time for you to wed. And I have had several men express their interest in having you as a wife. Your kind and gentle nature, not to mention your healing skills and your exceptional talent with a needle are most appealing.”
Elysia spoke up quickly. “I am no healer, sir. I can manage minor ills, but no more than that.”
Once again he dismissed her protest. “Nonsense. You have worked by your sister’s side enough to tend the ill and deliver bairns. You will make a fine healer for the clan and you will have a good husband who will look after you.”
She did not want to anger the chieftain and make her situation worse, so she spoke cautiously. “I do not mean to be ungrateful, sir, but Bliss’s bargain allows for Annis and me to choose our own husbands.”
Chieftain Emory beamed with delight. “And so, you shall, Elysia.” He raised his hand, and casting his glance over her head, he waved someone forward.
Elysia turned and, not one, but three warriors stood and approached the dais. Each one of them towered over her and all were broad-chested. One had good features, the other two fair features. One was missing one of his earlobes, another had a scar that ran through his beard, and another had deep lines between his eyes, a sign that he scowled far too much.
“You can choose a husband from these three fine warriors; Bram, Tavish, and Rory,” Chieftain Emory said, nodding from his left to his right.
That made Bram the one with the missing earlobe, Tavish the one with the scar, leaving Rory the scowling warrior.
“You are a kind and obedient woman so there will be no reason for any of them to raise a hand to you. Your healing skill will be of great help to any of them after battle and in turn you will have a warrior husband to see you kept safe,” Chieftain Emory announced with a smile, pleased with his offering.
Fear gripped Elysia, twisting her stomach. She would not—could not—marry a warrior, a man who spilled endless blood.
She forced herself to respond. “I am grateful for your generous offer, but I do not wish to wed.”
Chieftain Emory’s smile faded. “Did I not make myself clear, Elysia? I owe your sister to keep you safe. I have presented three fine warriors for you to choose from, which fulfills Bliss’s bargain that you be allowed to choose your husband. And so you shall choose one of them. I will give you two weeks’ time to come to know each one, then you will choose one to wed. You may take your leave now.”
His dismissal left no room for further protest. Elysia bobbed her head respectfully and turned to scurry past the three warriors and out of the keep. She took only a few steps before she stopped and pressed her hand to her chest, fearful her heart would burst from it, it beat so rapidly.
She jumped when she felt a hand on her arm and sighed with relief to see Lendra, a servant in the keep and a good friend to Bliss.
The woman kept her voice to a whisper. “You should speak with Saber.”
Elysia felt the fool saying, “I did.”
Lendra shook her head. “He turned you down?”
“He did,” she admitted and felt the hurt all over again.
“I do not understand,” Lendra said, still shaking her head. “Bliss told me how he looked at you and tongues wag about how he protected you against Clyde. It makes no sense.”
“It does not matter. He does not want to marry me,” Elysia said, the thought continuing to sting.
“At least you have three good men to pick from, though I would stay away from Rory. He smiles little and drinks too much. Bram has some pretty bad scars. I know I have seen them. Tavish might be your best choice. He is the more even-tempered of the three.”
“I do not want to marry any warrior,” Elysia said. “They have blood on them more times than not, drink too much, and are not faithful to their women.”
“You are right about that,” Lendra said. “Bram has had his share of women.”
Elysia caught the hurt in the woman’s voice. “You care for Bram.”
“I do, fool that I am. But Bram cares for Bram and no one else.”
“Then why does he claim interest in me?” Elysia asked.
“He loves to win and you are a prize to win.”
Elysia was far too close to tears and she did not want anyone to see her cry. “I need to go. Thank you for your honest words, Lendra.”
“I am here to help any way I can,” Lendra said and gave Elysia’s arm a comforting squeeze before turning and hurrying back inside the keep.
Elysia wanted nothing more than to run home and cry, but she would not let herself. She could not keep giving into tears or her fears. Neither would do her any good, though how she would avoid marrying any of the three warriors worried her.
She pinched her cheeks, knowing she must look pale after learning what Chieftain Emory had planned for her and made her way to the village and the market. At least her problem with Clyde had been solved or she hoped it had. She did not think he would be pleased when he discovered what Chieftain Emory had decided.
Elysia made sure to keep a keen eye out for Saber as she bartered for a few quail eggs, offering her skill with a needle, that was quickly accepted. Relieved she saw no sign of him, she continued on. There was a bone with little meat on it, but adequate for her alone and the bone would make fine needles. She was able to secure it in exchange for tending a cut that was close to turning putrid. There were honey oat cakes that appealed to her grumbling stomach. Unfortunately, they were selling quickly for coin which meant the merchant would not be interested in a barter.
“It is good to see you out and about.”
Elysia turned with a smile to greet Moray. “I could not miss market day.”
“It is one day that brings everyone out and about,” he said with a nervous chuckle.
Moray was the clan arrow maker and a skilled one at that. He was quiet and humble, and her sister Annis once suggested that Elysia should consider marrying him. Though tall, his height did not overpower her, and he was slim. He had good features and kept himself presentable. He did possess attributes she preferred in a husband and she wondered if she should give the idea thought. Moray certainly would be a preferable choice to the three warriors.
Moray cleared his throat before saying, “I wanted to let you know that if you need anything, any help of any kind since you are alone now, you only need ask me.”
“That is very kind of you, Moray.” She took advantage of the moment to spend more time with him and see if a marriage to him might fit her. “I was about to return home. Would you be so kind as to walk with me?”
A broad smile captured his face. “I would be pleased to do so.”
He offered his arm and Elysia slipped hers around his.
They took only a few steps when a shout stopped them.
“Get your hands off Elysia. She is to be my wife.”
Elysia cringed hearing Clyde’s threatening voice and she did not blame Moray for hastily stepping away from her.
Clyde continued to threaten, swinging his fist as he approached them. “You want me to break your nose again?”
Elysia did not hesitate, she stepped in front of Moray. “I am not now nor am I ever going to be your wife. I would never marry a brute like you and Chieftain Emory agrees.”
Clyde’s face flushed so red, he looked like he would explode.
Elysia did not like that they had drawn the attention of the crowd, though she was glad she did not see Saber among the curious people.
Clyde finally spoke, his words filled with anger. “We will see about that.” He took quick steps to Elysia, his hand out, ready to grab her arm.
“Touch her and you will find yourself on your arse.”
Clyde turned and backed away at the sight of Bram and kept backing away as Bram walked toward him.
“You are not among the three men Elysia is to choose from for a husband. Keep your distance from her or you will answer to me and it will not only be your nose I will see broken,” Bram warned.
“I am going to speak to Chieftain Emory about this,” Clyde threatened as if it would make a difference.
Bram laughed. “By all means go and waste your time.”
Clyde stomped away, muttering beneath his breath.
“Return to your business,” Bram ordered, sending a menacing glance at the crowd.
Elysia stepped closer to Moray who appeared frozen in fright. “Moray is walking me home.”
“Not anymore,” Bram said, turning a scowl on the trembling man.
Moray shook his head and ran off.
“That was not very nice of you,” Elysia scolded.
“And it was not nice of you making the man think he had a chance with you,” Bram said and offered his arm to her.
Elysia ignored the gesture. “I will decide who I wed.”
“You have three choices, no more. Chieftain Emory made that clear to you. Do not be foolish and cause an innocent young man to suffer for your stubbornness,” Bram accused.
Elysia’s breath caught in her throat for a moment, though it seemed longer. It was almost as if a hand was at her neck squeezing the life from her, waking her to the truth of her situation. Chieftain Emory had issued an edict. She would be forced to wed one of the three warriors. Nothing would stop it. Nothing would change it.
“I see by the shock on your face that you finally realize your fate is set,” Bram said and nodded to his arm for her to take it. “I will walk you home so we may talk and come to know each other, since I intend to be the warrior you pick for a husband.”
Elysia shook her head. “I prefer to be alone.” She hurried away from him only to be grabbed roughly by the arm and brought to an abrupt halt. A spark of anger had her saying, “You dare touch me without permission.”
He let go. “Be careful of your words with me, Elysia, and remember when you are my wife, I won’t need permission to touch you. A good wife submits.”
“You are right. A good wife submits to her husband,” she said. “But I will not need to submit to you since I will not choose you to be my husband.”
Bram took a step back and what he did surprised her. “My apologies. I have been rude and have not considered how upset you must be with all that has happened to you and your sisters. Let me walk you home so that we may talk, and you can discover for yourself that I would make you a good husband.”
Elysia recalled what Lendra had told her about Bram. Bram cares for Bram and no one else.He loves to win and you are a prize to win. That meant he would do anything to win, including lying to her.
She decided it was best to appease him. “You may walk with me, but I will not take your arm.” She caught a spark of annoyance on his face, but he complied.
“What would you like to know about me?” he asked as they walked.
A question came quickly to her. “Will you be a faithful husband?” Her own question surprised her but it evidently shocked him, since his steps faltered and he looked as if he searched for a response. “Your delay in responding is answer enough.”
He laughed. “You caught me off guard.”
“A poor excuse,” she chastised.
“My fine features make it difficult to be faithful to any woman,” he teased with a smile that was meant to cajole.
It worked. Elysia could not help but smile at his self-praise.
“See my humor makes you smile, and it is good to have a husband who makes his wife smile,” he touted proudly.
“Humor is good in a husband, but so is faithfulness,” Elysia said.
He grinned. “Keep me happy and I will not be unfaithful.”
She did not smile when she asked, “Does that work for me as well? If you do not keep me happy, I can find a man who will?”
He rushed to stand in front of her, bringing her to an abrupt halt. “A wife that betrays her husband deserves to be punished harshly for it.”
“Then a husband who does the same to his wife deserves the same harsh punishment.” Elysia did not wait for his response. She stepped around him.
“You think strangely,” Bram said, taking quick steps to keep pace with her.
“I think wisely,” she corrected. “And I will keep our conversation in mind when making my decision.”
She rounded the curve to her cottage and was so shocked to see Saber standing in front of the closed door that Bram caught her off guard.
He grabbed hold of her arms and yanked her toward him. “Remember this as well.”
His lips came down to claim hers and she turned her head to avoid them while struggling to free herself. She gasped as she was abruptly ripped away from Bram, shoved aside, and stumbled to remain on her feet.
Saber moved so fast Bram had no time to avoid the punch that slammed into his jaw and sent him flying backward to land with a solid thud on the ground.
Saber turned, glared at Elysia, and pointed to the cottage.
She stubbornly stayed where she was.
Saber gritted his teeth and struggled to speak. “NOW!”
Her eyes turned wide, shocked by the strength of his voice. It was like thunder to her ears and she turned and walked away, though she did not go all the way to the cottage.
Saber turned to Bram who had gotten to his feet. He stepped close to him and she could see Bram was talking and appeared none too pleased. Silence seemed to fall after Bram stopped talking, then suddenly Bram nodded, turned, and walked away.
She wondered over what she saw. Bram was a warrior and Saber a farmer. Why hadn’t he gone back at Saber?
Saber turned, his glare having deepened to anger, and he walked toward her.
“I do not need your help and—oh!” She gasped as Saber grabbed her arm.
He forced her to walk so rapidly to the cottage that her feet barely skimmed the ground. When he reached the door, he kicked it open, shoved her inside, then followed her in and slammed the door shut.
