The Silent Highlander by Donna Fletcher

Chapter 4

Apleasant shock ran through Elysia at the taste and strength of his lips. The sweetness of the bramble berry syrup on his lips and the strength and confidence in his kiss melted something inside her and she responded impulsively.

She wanted him to kiss her and she wanted to kiss him, and she did. Her insides quivered, warmth spread through her, and she felt as if her body was slowly waking from a long, deep sleep. She eagerly returned his ardent kiss with more confidence than she believed she possessed. It felt natural, as if she had kissed him many times.

A tiny gasp caught in her throat when the tip of his tongue caressed her sealed lips, bidding entrance. Instinct, desire, curiosity—whatever it was—had her opening her lips slightly in invitation.

His tongue darted into her mouth and once again a pleasant shock took hold and grew in intensity along with the kiss. She didn’t know when she had dropped the spoon and her hand had gripped Saber’s shoulder or when she had moved closer to him, her knee now resting between his legs and feeling…

Elysia pulled her mouth away and hurried off his lap. “You should go.” She didn’t want him to go, but he had to go. Their kiss had aroused him and the bulge between his legs—hard and large—could prove dangerous, especially since she had not stopped him from kissing her, but had encouraged him once he did.

Saber stood slowly and Elysia’s eyes followed as he stretched to his full height, his chest expanding as he drew back his shoulders. He was a size, at least compared to her small frame. Perhaps it was better they did not wed, and yet—how would she ever forget his kiss?

She knew now, staring at his bold green eyes, that the sparks she had seen there were passion and they still lingered there. She had not been wrong. He had wanted to kiss her. What else did he want from her? And what did she want from him?

She walked around the table to plant it like a shield between them, not that it would do much good if he decided not to leave. He could easily push the table aside. There was no way she could defend herself against him and he had given her no reason to think it necessary. He had not stopped her when she had pulled away from him—he had released her without hesitation. So was it the fear of her own desire for him that had her keeping her distance?

Saber walked to the door and stopped, turning to her. The word slipped easily from his lips. “Tomorrow.”

Elysia stared at the closed door a moment, then hurried to sit, her whole body feeling as if it was ready to crumble. Her fingers went to her lips. They were plump and sensitive to her touch and they ached—ached for the return of his lips.

She shook her head. This was not good. Saber’s kiss had branded her lips. It would forever be there, his sweet taste and the strength of him. She would never be able to kiss another man and not be reminded of Saber’s kiss and not long for his lips as she did now.

Whatever was she going to do?

* * *

The overcast skyonly added to Elysia’s dismal thoughts since waking early this morning. She missed her sisters more each passing day and worried over the both of them, more so than she did for herself. It was too soon to hear from either one of them, but she wished one of them would get word to her.

She disliked living alone with no one to talk with, to share the day’s events, to share comfortable silence, to share laughter, and to share problems. She could use her two sisters’ support and advice right now, since she was perplexed with her situation.

She sighed, something she had done frequently this morning. She could not take another minute of worry. She had work to do. She picked up the stone she had been using to shape the thin slice of bone that eventually would be turned into a needle and continued with the task. She always made sure she had a sufficient supply of stitching needles. Many broke easily and she did not want to be caught without the needles to finish her many stitching projects.

Annis often helped her, trying to create a sturdier needle, and Elysia had been pleased with many of her efforts. If Annis was only half as successful in finding the witch in the hills as she was with creating stitching needles, Bliss would be saved from the curse.

“That is quite a skilled hand you have there.”

Elysia almost jolted, caught by surprise with Tavish’s sudden appearance and offered a pleasant smile with her response. “Skilled from many years of experience.”

“Many years of dedication,” Tavish corrected and sat on the bench opposite Elysia at the table outside her cottage.

That was one thing Elysia did not like about warriors. They never requested, they did as they pleased. She had not invited Tavish to join her, he simply did as he pleased. That was a good indication he would do as he pleased once wed, with no regard to his wife.

“You are an accomplished woman, Elysia,” Tavish said. “Your stitching is sought by many and you also have healing skills.”

“I am no healer,” she said, wondering over his scar that ran partially through his beard along the right side of his face. No doubt it was from battle and while battle seemed to be inevitable with disputes and claims among the clans, she did not want a husband whose sole purpose was to take up a sword in endless battles.

“I believe you are, and both your skills would serve a warrior well.” He rubbed his scar. “Your fine stitching skills would probably have spared me this scar.”

She almost cringed at the thought of stitching flesh, though she had seen Bliss do it, though only to very deep wounds, never to other wounds.

“I know this cannot be easy for you, Elysia, having to choose a husband from men you barely know.”

He sounded sincere, but was he? His features were pleasant enough, his long, dark hair well-kept and he cast no odor. He was of good size with broad chest and shoulders, though not overly thick, and he was tall, but then most men seemed tall compared to her wee size. None of the three men, she realized, were as tall as Saber.

“I do not wish to wed,” she said, though it did not seem to matter to anyone no matter how often she said it.

“Sometimes we do not see what is best for us so others—wiser ones than ourselves—make the necessary decisions for us.”

A bite of anger fell along with her words. “You think me unwise?”

He shook his head, though smiled. “Nay, but when it comes to marriage you need some guidance.”

“And I suppose your wife will need guidance as well?” she asked.

“It is a husband’s duty to guide his wife wisely and to protect her. I will do well by you and guide you in your wifely duties and I will always keep you safe.”

She asked what she asked Bram. “Will you be a faithful husband?”

“I need only one woman… as long as she gives me no reason to roam.”

Elysia chuckled. “And, of course, you will decide if your wife gives you reason enough to roam.”

“A wife would not know, would not understand, and some women do not mind if their husbands roam.”

Elysia recalled something Bliss had told her and Annis once. “That is true. It would be a great relief to some women since some men fumble and lack the skill to pleasure their wives.”

Tavish’s eyes went wide. “How would you know something like that?”

“You should understand since you said it yourself. I am a healer and a healer hears and sees much with the women and men she heals.”

“You will be healing no more men once you are my wife,” he ordered.

Elysia shook her head. “I do not think Chieftain Emory would agree, especially if he took ill or if his warriors needed tending. You might want to think twice about your offer to marry me.”

He leaned closer, causing Elysia to lean back away from him. “Chieftain Emory offered fine coin to a warrior who would wed you and take you in hand and help get your sister Annis wed when she is found and returned. Bram, Rory, and I were the only ones to step forward. No others wanted to deal with Annis when she returned. I want that coin and it is obvious you want no demanding husband. I will strike a bargain with you. Wed me and I will leave you be to do as you please within reason, and I will see that Annis is free to choose her own husband.”

That he offered a bargain gave Elysia thought.

Tavish stood suddenly. “What do you want?”

Elysia did not have to turn to know who Tavish spoke to. There was only one person who could put a touch of fear in someone—well maybe two people but Annis was not here—it had to be Saber.

“Answer me!” Tavish demanded.

Elysia did not bother to turn around to see if it was Saber. She did not need to. His pleasant woodsy scent wrapped around her like a gentle hug. “He cannot answer you. He has suffered an injury to his throat and is here for healing.”

“I will remain while you tend him,” Tavish said.

To Elysia’s ears it was an order. “No. You will go and leave me to my work.”

Tavish looked ready to argue.

“Show me now that you are a man of your word, Tavish,” Elysia challenged.

Tavish kept his eyes on Saber as he asked, “You have tended him before?”

“I have and he has conducted himself more respectfully than most.” Elysia almost winced at her lie, though she had returned his kiss making her as responsible as he was for their unacceptable behavior yesterday. And she had to make certain it didn’t happen again.

“Then I trust your word and will leave you to our work with a reminder to give thought to my proposition,” Tavish said, and with a nod to Elysia he took his leave.

Elysia had planned to remain outside to administer the brew and syrup to Saber, but the sudden sprinkle of rain had her gathering her things and moving inside. The sudden thunder warned it was not a passing shower.

Saber took his seat at the table while Elysia brewed the concoction for his throat. He had debated with himself about coming here today and lost. It had been a foolish debate since he had every intention of coming here. The healing Elysia offered was helping his throat, but it was Elysia herself that brought him here and even more so since he had kissed her yesterday.

He had let hours pass after the kiss before he ate or drank anything. He did not want to lose the taste of her lips on his and how she eagerly responded to him. The kiss had branded itself not only on his lips but in his memory. He could not forget it, nor did he want to. He liked it lingering there where he could recall it and every time he did, it stirred a passion he had thought long dead.

That should have been warning enough for him not to return here and yet it had been the very reason he did return to her. He could not stay away. He did not want to stay away. And God help them both for the chance he was taking.

“I truly believe this healing schedule we have established will return your voice to you,” Elysia said. “Of course, it is thanks to my sister since it is her knowledge that heals you. I tell people my skill is stitching not healing but none will listen.”

Saber listened to her talk. He loved hearing her talk and it did not matter what she spoke about. Her voice was soft and unassuming like her nature. There were few, if any at all, women like her. She was kind and often too trusting, though he was surprised to hear her challenge the man she called Tavish and he wondered over it. He hoped she would tell him about their conversation. She had confided much in him and he liked that she did. He only wished he could do the same.

Elysia sat after handing him the brew. “Tavish, the man who questioned your presence here, is the last of the three men who have offered marriage. He bargained with me to choose him.”

Saber’s brow creased in question.

Elysia detailed the bargain Tavish had offered her, finishing with, “I should give it careful thought. After all, Bliss sacrificed to keep me and Annis safe. It is now my turn to sacrifice to keep Annis from a forced marriage.”

Saber shook his head, annoyance deepening the grooves in his scrunched brow.

“I should not consider it?” she asked, the sudden thought that he may have changed his mind about marrying her quickening her heartbeat.

The words rushed from his lips. “Do not trust.”

Elysia smiled that his words flowed easily, but her heart took a blow that he offered her no alternative. “Your voice heals well and you are right. I do not know if I can trust him. His offer is appealing, but whether he will keep his word is another thing.”

Saber agreed with a firm nod.

“I do not know what to do, Saber. I do not wish to wed any of the three men but what choice do I have? If I do not pick one, then one will be picked for me. But you did not come here to listen to my problems.”

“Friends listen,” he said with little struggle.

Elysia smiled again. “I am glad we are friends and I will always cherish our friendship.”

He nodded and patted his chest, letting her know he felt the same.

“The syrup, you can’t forget to take the syrup,” she said only this time she placed the crock of syrup and the spoon on the table in front of him. “Fill the spoon.”

He did as she said.

“I miss my sisters,” she said, after returning to her seat and casting her eyes to the tabletop. She did not want to see the spoon slide into his mouth and be reminded of yesterday, especially since her lips ached to kiss him. “I miss talking with them.”

He coughed after placing the spoon on the table so she would look up at him. He tapped his lips with his finger, pointed to her, then to himself.

She understood his gestures as if he had spoken aloud. “Aye, I enjoy talking with you, but you visit for only so long. I miss my sisters always being here, always having someone to talk with or simply their presence. Silence does not have to be lonely if you share it with someone.”

Saber savored her words. He had not realized how his self-inflicted solitude had turned into loneliness until he met Elysia. He had begun to understand that forced isolation would not help him, but allowing himself to care for Elysia would do him no good.

Saber snapped his head toward the door and Elysia stood, by now knowing Saber sensed a knock before it came.

She was almost to the door when the knock came and Saber stood close behind her when she opened the door.

“Bram,” Elysia said.

Bran’s glance went to Saber. “As soon as you are done with the big fellow, I am here to take you to the keep. Chieftain Emory wishes to speak with you.”

“About what?” Elysia asked, her stomach roiling, worried he would demand an answer now to who she would take as a husband.

“He did not say and I did not ask, though I gladly obeyed his order to fetch you. And I would hurry if I were you. The sky looks ready to unleash a storm and light raindrops already fall.”

His glance at the sky had Elysia glancing up as well and the dark clouds did not look promising. The gloom of the impending storm would only grow worse since it would force her to spend the rest of the day alone in the cottage. At least, though, she would not be bothered by Bram, Tavish, or Rory—hopefully.

“I will not be long,” Elysia said and closed the door and turned to Saber. The concern she saw in his eyes touched her heart. “I will see you tomorrow.”

He nodded and stood staring down at her.

Something in his eyes held her captive. She did not move, did not want to move. A heaviness settled in her chest, almost as if their breath was one and if they separated one would not survive without the other. A foolish notion, but yet a strong one.

His hand went to her face, his thumb skimming her lips.

She responded without thought, her lips parting slightly and he groaned just before his lips came down to claim hers. His arm shot around her waist and lifted her effortlessly off the ground to bring her up to his height and her arms went around his neck, holding tight.

This was what she had wanted since they entered the cottage, his lips on hers. The berry syrup lingered there just as it had with their first kiss, but this time there was no uncertainty, no waiting. Their mouths opened without any coaxing and their kiss deepened and demanded and they both surrendered to it.

A crack of thunder ended their kiss before it truly could get started, though they continued to cling to each other, Elysia resting her brow against his.

It took every ounce of sound reasoning that Saber had to place Elysia on her feet and let her go when he ached to continue kissing her. But that would prove dangerous, since kissing her was not the only thing he wanted to do.

Elysia thought to say something, though words failed her and when Saber grabbed her cloak from the peg, draped it around her, and reached to open the door, she knew no words would be exchanged between them.

Saber followed her out, gave her a nod, and said, “Tomorrow.”

She did not watch him walk off. She feared showing any interest in Saber in front of Bram.

“His voice doing better?” Bram asked as they made their way to the keep.

“It is improving every day,” she said with a forced cheerfulness and hurried to change the conversation. “You have no idea why Chieftain Emory summons me?”

“Nay, though he did not look too happy when he ordered me to fetch you,” Bram admitted. “But now that I have you to myself for a bit, tell me if I lead in your choice of a husband.”

Elysia eagerly told him of Tavish’s proposition.

Bram laughed. “And you believed him?”

“So Tavish is not to be trusted?”

He laughed again. “What man is or what woman for that matter is to be trusted? People do what is best for them, nothing more.”

“I do not believe that,” Elysia said.

Bram stopped as they reached the bottom of the keep stairs and took her hand. “Then, my dear woman, you will spend your life being disappointed.”

Elysia squeezed his hand. “Nay, Bram, it will be you who spends his life disappointed for you will never allow yourself to truly trust any woman and, therefore, you will never know love.”

Bram stared at her as she walked up the stairs, her words stinging more than he expected.

Elysia entered the Great Hall and walked up to the dais where Chieftain Emory sat with several of his warriors gathered around him talking. She was not surprised when Bram joined them. She almost took a step back when Chieftain Emory turned and looked at her, his dark eyes filled with anger.

“Where exactly did Annis go?” Chieftain Emory demanded.

She spoke the truth, seeing no reason to hide it. “She went to search for the witch in the hills.”

Chieftain Emory brought his fist down on the table, the sound like thunder rolling through the Great Hall. “What is the matter with that woman? The witch in the hills is a myth. Annis goes on a senseless quest.”

“One she felt she had to make,” Elysia said.

“And one I fear she will never return from, since she has been gone four days now and no trail of her can be found. She is either lost or has been taken by a band of thieves and if that is so, she would never survive them.”

“I don’t know about that,” Bram said with a laugh. “The thieves might pay to get rid of her.”

The other warriors laughed, though it ended abruptly when Chieftain Emory turned a heated glare on them.

“Annis is on her own, Elysia. I cannot spare my warriors to search for her any longer. Another clan threatens the Clan MacBridan and my warriors need to be ready to go when called. Prayers for your sister’s safe return is all I can offer now. Be grateful you are here and that I keep you safe.” He waved her off. “Go, that is all.”

Elysia gave a respectful bob of her head and left. She stopped once down the keep’s steps and took a deep breath. A crack of thunder had her moving as did the rain that began to fall. Prayers for Annis fell from her lips along with a smile as she rushed through the village to her cottage. Her sister had successfully avoided the warriors Chieftain Emory had sent after her and she was no doubt well on her way to finding the witch in the hills.