Page 13 of Highlander’s Burning Touch

“Allyth?”

It was a few hours later. And Niven’s voice cut through the opened window where Deva hovered outside, speaking to Allyth.

“Allyth?” Niven called again from indoors.

“I willnae be long,” Deva replied and then blushed as Allyth’s eyes flashed over to hers in question.

It had been the first name that she could think of. And before she could change her mind, it was already out of her mouth. Now it was too late to tell the truth.

But still, every time that Niven said ‘her’ name, Deva found herself looking around for her maid. So, it was just as well that the real Allyth was about to leave for a while. Otherwise, things might become very complicated.

“Psst, Allyth?” Deva called furtively to the real Allyth. She moved a little way from the window before speaking further.

Allyth turned to her, her pale eyes widening with concern.

“Miss,” began Allyth unsurely. Inwardly, Deva steeled herself for the inevitable lecture. Clearly, Allyth was not going anywhere until she had unburdened herself.

“Aye,” said Deva, her eyes flickering. “Go on…”

“Miss, I just think ye should exercise caution wi’ this laddie, I mean….”

Allyth’s pale face pinkened, sending an involuntary stab of guilt over Deva. She knew what she was about to say.

“I mean we dinnae ken him from Adam, do we? He seems awful nice, but I--I am nae happy about leaving ye here on yer own.” Allyth’s voice trailed away, leaving Deva looking at her in concern.

“I ken,” conceded Deva quickly. She watched carefully to make sure that Niven was not around before continuing. “But my father needs to ken what is happening, or rather, what definitely isnae happening,” she said.

Once again, Deva’s conscience pricked her, but she steeled herself to continue.

“The fact is, there’s nae choice, an’,” she hesitated, “An’ I’m a big lass an’ can look after myself…”

And with that, Allyth had simply nodded before riding away, leaving Deva in no doubt that she did not approve.

* * *

“Watch out, Allyth, there’s loads o’ poison mushrooms around here!” Niven’s voice called over to her in the forest clearing.

A few days had passed. This was the first time that Niven had left his sickbed, and a wretched feeling told Deva that he would soon be on his way.

“Allyth, be careful; they look just like the others,” he warned her. But Deva just laughed.

“Och, nae fash. I ken the difference alright!” said Deva, emerging from the undergrowth. Brushing the leaves from her hair, she straightened down her dress and surveyed the fungi in her pannier. “Look, all edible, an’ nae will kill ye!”

Smiling, she capered out into the clearing where Niven was waiting. Beside him, his jet-black stallion harrumphed impatiently. Deva had discovered since riding out together that he was barely tamed. Short walks were certainly not his thing, and he was happiest going fast—a bit like his owner.

Niven’s honeyed eyes connected with hers, a smile warping the corners of his cheek.

“Aye,” said Niven cheerfully and made his way over to the center of the forest where she was, “An’ there’s even more a little further on …”

He glanced at their horses, tied up at the edge of the road. Deva smiled. She could see he was desperate to go further, do more, maybe even ride all the way home and leave her forever.

And she knew, one day, soon, she would have to let him. But not today. Looking uncertainly at the steep ride ahead, Deva’s brow pulled into a frown.

“Yer nae ready,” she said, firmly, “Ye’ve only just got up an’ around again, wait until yer back on yer feet again…”

Deva brought her eyes up to look at him and held them there. There was something compelling in their hazel brown centers, forcing her to look. Even when she tried, she found she could not tear her eyes off him.

“Ach, nae,” he said, but gently, with the faint imprint of a grin, “Ye’ve nursed me so well, wi’ all yer potions, an’ lotions, nae to mention the hearty broses ye’ve made…”