Page 80 of Highlander’s Evil Side

“I had never met anyone any sweeter than ye.”

Fraser unsheathed Kenneth’s sword and stalked towards Finnegan. He needed to get Beitris behind him. If Finnegan smacked her, he could do far worse. If he wouldn’t give up on his revenge, Fraser suspected he would take it out where he saw fit.

“I did this so I could marry ye, Beitris,” Finnegan said, his voice cracking and his eyes wild and crazed like a wolf caught in a trap. “Ye think I would give ye up? Ye think I would permit ye to marry my brother? When he’s already had everything given to him?”

“Let her go,” said Fraser warningly. “Let her go now.”

Finnegan cackled and unsheathed a small blade from his boot. He pointed it at Beitris’s neck. “If I cannot have ye, Beitris, then nae one will.”

Beitris shrieked as she tugged at his hand, trying to be rid of him. Fraser saw the blade coming down. He ran to her, but before he could get to her, Helga ran between them, shoving Beitris to the ground. She cried out, clutching at her shoulder, at the blade sticking out of her.

“Mother!” shouted Fraser, watching as she fell to the ground, clutching at her wound while crying out in pain. Beitris went to his mother, stroking her hair away from her face and holding onto her hand.

“Foolish woman was in the way,” Fraser heard Finnegan say bitterly.

Fraser jerked towards his brother, holding out his sword. Finnegan smiled cruelly while unsheathing his sword—his father’s sword, the one he had stolen from Fraser.

“Why are ye doing this? Ye do not need to throw everything away for yer revenge.” Fraser shook his head. "Don't do this.”

Finnegan scoffed. “I would watch the world burn for my revenge.”

Finnegan swung, moving fast. Fraser clenched his jaw, feeling the brunt of Finnegan’s sword vibrating through him. He shoved Finnegan off, sidestepping another lunge. Gasping, he blocked another attack. Finnegan was well trained, his strikes quick and strong. Fraser could barely dodge, could barely swipe. He didn’t know how much he could hang on. His gaze flew to his mother, weeping on the ground, the blade still sticking out of her.

“We are brothers,” Fraser shouted while lunging forward, taking Finnegan by surprise and shoving him against the wall.

Finnegan leaned forward. “We will never be brothers.”

Fraser swiped his sword, but Finnegan dodged, stepping forward and striking again. He laughed as he moved, but Fraser dodged a strike, twirling around and stabbing his blade through Finnegan. Finnegan choked, blood spilling from his lips. His eyes widened as he slowly fell to his knees. Fraser pulled his sword out of Finnegan, watching him fall backward onto the floor. His eyes stared up at Fraser, shocked, before lowering and becoming lifeless.

Fraser threw down his sword and ran to his mother. Beitris moved out of the way as he crouched low, taking his mother’s hand in his. Helga smiled up at him, her breath coming out in pants. “I am quite alright.”

“Call for the healer!” Fraser shouted over his shoulder. “Now!”

“Please, Fraser,” Helga murmured, drawing his attention back to her. “Please, forgive me. Please, I beg of ye.”

“Of course I forgive ye, Mother.” Fraser glanced at Beitris. “Ye saved the love of my life.”

* * *

Fraser stared at Beitris sitting on the bed next to his mother. His gaze lingered on her bruise, hating how dark it looked and how it took up most of her cheek. He wanted Hamish to have a look at it, but Beitris insisted it was fine. Fraser’s gaze shifted to Hamish looking over the bandage wrapped around his mother’s shoulder. Helga winced, biting back a cry as his fingers worked deftly. Fraser bit back his worry, fidgeting from side to side while grasping his hands together.

“Will she live, Hamish?” Fraser asked, his tone worried.

Hamish nodded. “Aye, she’ll live. The wound will leave a scar.”

“That’s quite alright, Hamish,” said Helga while sitting up in the bed. “I am no longer a young, bonnie lass. A scar or two is quite acceptable so long as I live to see my grandchildren.” She gave Beitris a knowing look, which brought a smile to Fraser’s lips.

Beitris turned away, pressing a hand against her mouth to hold back her laughter as she met Fraser’s gaze.

“I’m just happy to know ye will be fine,” said Fraser while stepping closer to his mother’s side.

“She may have a fever,” said Hamish while gathering his things. “I will keep an eye on her for the next few days.”

“Thank ye, Hamish,” said Helga.

“We should go,” said Beitris while rising. She strode towards Fraser and took his hand, tugging him towards the door. “Yer mother will need her rest if she is to get well.”

Fraser frowned. “Ye will let the servants know if ye need anything.”