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“It makes no sense to me,” Shade said, and it hadn’t since the day she heard about it.

“The devil. I tell you it’s the devil that has control of him,” Angus insisted. “I pray what I heard isn’t true, for if The Monk has joined forces with Lord Torrance, then I fear Clan MacLeishwill suffer a bloodbath.” Angus glanced at Quint. “You’re quiet. I find that those who have come across The Monk rarely say a word about him.”

“Odd you should say that, Angus,” Shade said. “My step-da is one of the men who helped bury the eight monks. He saw the one they now call The Monk and the only thing he said was that he never wants to be in his presence again.”

“Aye, I have heard the same myself. Pure evil is how those who have met him describe him,” Angus said and again glanced at Quint. “So, did you meet The Monk? You would know if you did. He would be alone, no one dares go near him. He is weighed down with heavy scars and a deep scowl, and there is a raging madness in his eyes.”

“Who concocted that description?” Shade asked. “Or did The Monk spread it himself to frighten people away?”

“How can you think it is nothing more than a tall tale when your own step-da refuses to say any more about The Monk?” Angus asked. “The only way I could tolerate the man would be if he fought for Clan MacLeish.”

Shade didn’t want to hear any more about The Monk. Whether mad or the devil himself, she didn’t want anything to do with the man who had taken her friend’s life.

“How soon is this battle expected?” she asked.

“Talks continue between the clans but many believe the talks are nothing more than a ruse so the two clans can build their troops and form plans. Chieftain Ryland is wise when it comes to battle, but Lord Torrance is not a man to be trusted nor is his word,” Angus said. “They will meet on the battlefield there is no doubt about that.” He looked down at his arm. “Will I have the strength to fight?”

“Nothing feels broken, I believe it is nothing more than a bad bruise that will heal and not rob you of an ounce of strength. Iwill soak it with a special brew, then give you some salve to rub on it at night until the bruise is well faded.”

“I knew you could help me, Shade. You always do. Some warriors I know told me the arm was rotting and I would die. So, I came straight here to you to get the truth.”

“I am glad you did, Angus. You are welcome to stay the night if you wish,” Shade offered.

“I appreciate that, Shade, but I have plans to meet a few warriors not far from here who go to join Clan MacLeish. Whoever gets there first will make camp and wait for the others.”

“At least let me give you some food to take with you, for yourself and to share if you wish,” Shade said.

“You are too kind, Shade,” Angus said and reached into the folds of his plaid and withdrew a coin and laid it on the table.

“I cannot take that, Angus. It is too much for the little I have done for you,” she insisted.

“Nonsense. Besides, it will serve for any future ailments I may bring to you.” His brow puckered. “I recall your friend Ula wed a MacLeish warrior, and I know if she asked for your help you would go to her. I only ask that you tend to any wounds I receive or,” —he let out a heavy breath— “if I should linger painfully in death that you will end my suffering quickly.”

“I will do as you wish, Angus,” Shade assured him.

He smiled. “Now I can battle in peace.”

Quint stepped outside while Shade tended to Angus’s arm. He didn’t like what he heard. There was no reason Shade had to go to Clan MacLeish. No doubt they had their own healer, and she would not be needed there. But if her friend requested that she go there, Shade would not turn her down. This was none of his concern, yet he could not help but feel it was. Besides, he had his own mission to see to, and he had delayed seeing to it long enough. Why then did he feel that Shade’s safety needed to come first?

It wasn’tuntil they nearly finished eating supper that Quint made mention of the possibility that Shade might be summoned to Clan MacLeish. “It is too dangerous for you to go to Clan MacLeish while battle rages or after the battle is done.”

“If my friend, Ula, or her husband, Caleb, need me, I will go.”

“It is a full day’s journey from here. It would not be wise of you to travel there alone, before, during, or after battle.”

“I will not leave a friend in need,” Shade said, wondering why it should matter to him.

“Clan MacLeish probably has a healer.”

“I am sure she would welcome another healer especially during battle.”

Quint was ready to forbid her to go, but it wasn’t his place. So how did he stop her? And why would he bother to? He decided it was better to leave the matter for another time, though in the end, he would make certain she did not go to Clan MacLeish.

He waited a bit before saying, “Your step-da has met The Monk?”

“Rawlin, my step-da saw him as did the other men there who helped bury the monks, though none spoke to him. I believe Rawlin said nothing more about it to me because I was friends with one of the monks.”

“A healer friends with a monk? That’s an odd friendship.”