Page 50 of Fearless Heart
Chapter Fifteen
Heath’s version of slow wasn’t what she expected. Lillia couldn’t wait to get off the horse. Her bottom hurt, her legs stiffened, and she doubted she could stand straight when they finally stopped. Her back throbbed and she rubbed her hips, certain she’d be forever bent over.
By early evening, she’d had enough. Heath took pity upon her and insisted they cease for the day. The men made camp and Lillia hobbled around, trying to lessen the tenseness of her body.
“Are we near Fraser land?”
Heath stood after setting a good amount of branches and twigs on the fire. “We just crossed our border. We’re safe now.”
“I need privacy. May I go and …” She turned and peered at the thick woods adjacent to the clearing, blushing at the reason why she needed to go off.
“Don’t go too far, Sweetness.”
“I shan’t be long.” Lillia crept into the woods. The terrain was hilly and she tread carefully lest she end up at the bottom of a ravine.
After finding the perfect spot to take care of her needs, she crossed a small stream. Parched from the long ride, she drank for several seconds until her thirst abated. A sound came and she thought she heard someone call out. Lillia considered going back for the men but then a shout for help came. It was a woman’s voice, and she was certain it was one filled with despair.
She hastened to the hillside and lay flat on her stomach so she might peer over the edge. The land sloped and it practically went straight down. Queasiness hit her and she swallowed hard at the drop. Her eyes roamed the hillside, but dusk shadowed a good portion of it. Nothing moved and she caught no sight of the person.
“Hello? Is someone there?” She couldn’t locate whoever called for help. “Are you there?”
“Over here,” the voice came.
Lillia turned toward the sound and she spotted a light garment. A woman held onto a loosened tree root. “Oh my. Hold on. I shall toss my tartan to you. Take hold and wrap the fabric around your hand.” When she unfolded the fabric, it was at least ten feet in length. She hoped the makeshift rope would reach the woman. The lady wasn’t too far down on the slope.
She crawled to the spot above the woman and threw her fabric over the edge. “Can you reach it? Take hold.”
“Almost, but not quite.” She woman grunted in her efforts.
A gust of wind fanned out the fabric and the edge caught a branch that stuck out of the hillside. Lilla pulled the length back up and tore a good rend, but not enough to weaken the fabric. She knotted the bottom and tossed the swath back to her and held the other end tightly.
“I have it.” The woman struggled and finally had a good grip.
“Wrap the fabric around your hand and I’ll pull you up.” She waited until the lady gave word she was ready. Lillia began pulling and it took all her strength to get the woman to the top. Her arms shook with the struggle. Winded, she lay back. The woman lay besides her panting.
When she caught her breath, she sat up. “Are you hurt? I should go and get my husband.”
“Nay, please … I thank you, but I am unharmed. Truly.” The woman pressed her hands on her legs and arms. “Nothing hurts. I’ve but a few scrapes is all. I am thankful you came along.”
“I’m Lillia Hunter … ah, Fraser now. Please let me get help. At least let us take you home.”
She smiled, but didn’t agree. Her face quite pretty with perfectly arched brows colored the same as her honey-colored hair. “You’re married to a Fraser?”
“Aye, Heath Fraser, the laird’s son.”
The woman’s eyes widened, but she quickly hid her upset. “I cannot be here … I must go. You see, I’m Fiona MacKintosh. The Frasers are sworn enemies of my clan. If they find out I’m here on their land there will be hell to pay.”
Lillia closed her mouth when she realized it hung open. “Why are you afar from your home? If you need help, my husband would gladly aid you regardless if your clan is an enemy or nay.”
The woman took a deep breath before answering, “I was foraging for penny bun mushrooms. These woods have the best and I am infringing on the land. The Frasers wouldn’t take kindly to that and I’m certain my husband will be wrath. I should go before they look for you.”
“Fear not, I won’t speak a word. Will you be well getting back?” Lilla was concerned for the lady, especially traveling by herself through the woods.
“My escort awaits not too far from here. Nothing hurts. I’m certain I shall be all right. I cannot thank you enough for your aid. If you hadn’t come, I might’ve fallen.”
“I’m pleased you are safe. Now I must go before the men search for me.” Lillia stood and helped the lady to her feet. She picked up the basket the woman dropped when she’d fallen over the hillside and handed it to her. “Be safe on your trek home.”
“Farewell, Lilla Fraser. I am indebted for your aid.”