Uradech merely shook his head and chuckled.
Lachlann’s blood began to boil. “Do ye find humor in that?”
“Yer jealousy? Aye.” Uradech stood, his shoulders back and his double chin jutting out. “Ye show yer weakness,pilgrim.”
“I have no weakness.” Lachlann struggled for composure at the slight, his rage simmering just below the surface. “Nor do I force myself on women who have no interest in me.”
“Ho, ho, is that it then? Can ye not find yer own women?”
That challenge released the dam holding back Lachlann’s anger. He got in Uradech’s angry face, but the man kept his belligerent stance so he punched the fat man squarely in his arrogant jaw. “Ye’d better guard her well.”
As he growled the warning, Aldred yanked Lachlann’s arms behind him. He strained so hard against the restraint a sharp pain stabbed his side. “Damn ye!”
Niall shoved Uradech out of harm’s way. The newly sharpened blade dropped to the ground between them.
“Let me test yer mettle, Uradech,” Lachlann yelled over Niall and ignored the annoying hand he started waving in his face. “If ye’re found wanting, ye’ll have me to answer to.”
“Lachlann!” Niall yelled. “Aldred, let him go.”
Before Aldred could respond, Lachlann jerked his arm loose to wipe at the sweat dripping against his tunic. Instead of water, blood smeared his hand. His knees buckled slightly. “What the hell?”
“He’s injured ye,” Niall said.
“I dinna mean to. It was an accident.” Uradech’s whining protest was as muffled as Niall’s voice.
“Ye stay put!” Niall shoved the fat man, who dropped to the ground.
Aldred yanked at Lachlann’s tunic. “He didn’t lie. He does know how to sharpen a blade.”
Niall assessed the wound. His hand came away bloody.
“It’s nothing.” Lachlann’s voice came from far away.
“Ye need to staunch the flow.” Uradech ripped off his own tunic and shoved it at Niall. “Here.”
Niall pressed the material firmly against Lachlann’s side. “’Tis not that bad.”
“What is amiss?” Domelch came from within the cave, Finn just behind her, and hurried to her brother. “Are ye hurt?”
The blood dripped down Lachlann’s leg to puddle on the ground. His world darkened around him as he slumped to the ground. “Not as hurt as he soon will be.”
Ethne’s concerned expression as she ran toward him was the last thing he saw.
Chapter 17
Lachlann was burning up. Try as he might, he couldn’t seem to remove himself from the fire. Loud voices carried to him, knocking against his brain, and someone groaned.
“Whisht.” A woman’s voice.
He knew without opening his eyes that she was lovely, and the sound of her voice soothed his aching head.
“Drink this,” she said.
When he moved to raise his head, pain shot up his side.
“I’ll do the work.” She supported his head with a cool hand under his neck. The bitter taste against his lips and the foul smell had him coughing uncontrollably.
“Easy now. Just a bit. ’Tis all ye need.”
