Finally Alex spoke. “We have not discovered their origin or their purpose, though the few we have caught have told us they wish to dominate as much land as they can. None will discuss their leader.”
“Alex, please.” She folded her hands in front of her on the table, hoping it would give weight to her plea. “Can we not end our part in this? We need to be at peace. I can’t handle this pain.”
“I do what I must. I’ve vowed to protect my clan and my neighbors, Jennie. I’ll not go back on my word.” Alex reached over and squeezed her hand. “My apologies, lass, but our help is needed and welcomed.”
Maddie entered the hall with Nicol’s two lads and two bowls of porridge. Once they were settled at a separate table, she told them, “Here, lads. Eat up and have some goat’s milk.” She pattedeach tousled head and made her way to the dais. “I couldn’t help but overhear, Jennie.”
“Maddie, do you not agree? In a few years, it could be Jake and Jamie going off to battle. This needs to stop. Alex loves to fight too much.”
Alex growled, but he held his tongue as they all waited for his wife’s response. Though he was laird of their clan, capable of making decisions for all of them, Maddie was the one person whose wishes and thoughts he never ignored. Jennie should have thought of this tactic before. Maddie would definitely agree with her. She held her breath and waited for the set down his wife would surely give him.
Maddie reached for Jennie’s hand and held it tight in hers. “Jennie, I don’t agree with you. I don’t want these invaders to come any closer to our home. I’m sorry that men are hurt, but ‘tis exactly why Alex and your brothers require the guards to train in the lists for days on end. They must be able to protect themselves and their clan. ‘Tis not just their job, but their duty. They must protect the young, the feeble, and the infirm.”
“But Maddie, have you not seen the blood and gore that has come through that door lately?” Jennie could hardly believe her ears.
“Aye, I have. There has been an occasional injury, but you’re very talented and can heal the men. ‘Tis your gift. My husband’s responsibility is to protect this clan, all of us, and he does what he thinks is best.”
Jennie stared at Alex for a long moment and then turned her attention to her other two brothers. “Do you not agree with me, Brodie?”
Brodie shook his head. “If you saw the deranged attackers, you wouldn’t ask such a thing. I protect my clan, my family, and most importantly, my wife and sons.”
Her gaze turned to Robbie, but he nodded before she could ask him. “Lass, you don’t have weans as we do. Now that Brodie and I have bairns, it changes everything.”
“It shouldn’t.” Tears welled in her eyes. “You should not enjoy killing others.”
Alex’s booming voice shook the rafters. “Who said we enjoy it? You mind your tongue, lass. Do not insult us when we fight so hard to protect you and everyone else here.”
Jennie jumped to her feet, tears now running in rivers down her cheeks. “I appreciate all you have done for me, Alex. You’ve been like a father to me, but I can’t condone this violence. I wish to be taken to Lochluin Abbey.”
“What?” Robbie asked, his eyes wide.
“I cannot continue on here as the clan’s healer. Please arrange for my escort to Lochluin Abbey.”
Maddie gripped Jennie’s shoulders. “You know not what you ask, lass.”
“Aye, I do.” She spun around to face Maddie. “I need to get away from here. I want no part of battling, of wounds, of bandages. I am finished with this. Do you hear me? Finished!”
Alex whispered, “And what if one of your brothers is wounded, lass? Will you turn your back on them, as well?”
Jennie closed her eyes, unable to believe what she asked. Perhaps she was wrong to leave. They were her family, her clan. Even if her nightmares persisted, and the pain in her head worsened, she needed to stay to heal her family. “All right, I shall stay. Alex, do all you can to end this. Please, I can’t handle it much longer.”
Alex stood and moved to her side, wrapping his arms around her and tucking her head under his chin. “I promise to do what I can to end this. I wish it were that simple. We need your talents during such times.”
“I know.” Tears drenched Alex’s tunic.
His finger lifted her chin. “Is there naught you can do for your head pains and your nightmares?”
She shook her head. “I know not what to try. ‘Tis hopeless, Alex, but I will stay.”
Chapter Nine
Jennie struggles to find her purpose, causing strife between her and her beloved brothers. Here she is forced to leave Cameron land and learns the meaning of Alex’s words the hard way.
They traveled until dusk, stopping only for necessaries. Brodie found a clearing and set up a tent of furs for Jennie. After they ate roasted rabbit, Jennie headed off to the stream with some linen, intent on washing her face and taking care of her needs.
As soon as she was ten feet away, a booming voice echoed behind her. “Jennie!”
She turned to stare at Alex. “Aye, my laird?” she ground out through clenched teeth. He would not even allow her some time alone.
