Page 19

Iver stared down in amazement at the Lady Gwyn who still stood within his arms. He was struggling with what she had done and right before his very own eyes.

Not only was she the stunning mistress of the keep, she was deemed instructor of horseflesh and of sword.

What was now readily apparent was she was a very strong woman and fiercely protective mother.

He knew that if he had not witnessed these events, he never would have believed any of them.

When the young Durell was finally out of sight, Gwyn brought her eyes back to the Highlander who held her.

She understood her injury was not life threatening, but she also knew by the pain and warmth of blood it was a bit more then just a scratch.

In that moment, she wished for the strength to see this through on her own but she recognized she would need some help if this incident were to be kept from her laird.

"Now, my lady, you must allow me to inspect your wound."

"Before you do, you must promise me one thing first."

When Iver gazed at her skeptically and he realized she stubbornly refused to move her hand, he bowed his head slightly in concession.

"No one must know. I will allow you to assist me, but you cannot tell the Laird Errol or anyone else within the keep. And I mean no one must know. Then, when Donnan returns and you are no longer near Durell, you must extract his promise of secrecy. Please, I am begging you!"

Iver stared at the Lady Gwyn in confusion.

He had no idea as to why she would wish to hide this incident and what was clearly an accident.

It was also strange as to why she would she not wish her laird to know of this matter.

Surely, he would have the need to comfort her and ensure she was well.

And he was her husband. How could he not see it at some time and how was her injury to remain hidden from him?

Nevertheless, as she raised her chin and pierced her lips tightly, Iver realized he was not really in a position to judge her.

He understood in that moment he was powerless to do anything but agree to her terms.

"You have my word of honor, my lady. Never will I speak of this to any other. Of course, that is with the exception of Donnan. Now, let me see your wound."

Slowly, Gwyn released her hand from the upper part of her arm. Iver noted the wound was not overly deep but the gash was long and stretched the entire width of her arm. In addition, there was a fair share of blood that still ran from deep within it.

With the injury being as it was, Iver expected her to show her tears or even to swoon, but she did neither. She did not even grimace as he ripped the sleeve of her gown so he could see his injury completely. As he moved his gaze to her face, he was surprised at the resolve she displayed.

"You should probably have this sewn. At least with a few stitches in an attempt to quell the bleeding and keep the edges together."

"Then you will do it."

Iver looked at her in near horror. While it was true he had certainly done his fair share upon the battlefield to help whenever necessary, never before had he touched a woman in this way.

"No, I simply will not."

"Then fetch a needle and a horsehair, and I will do so myself."

"You mean to stitch yourself up?"

"If you refuse and then it means I must. As I stated previously, I will involve no other."

Iver could not believe his ears.

"Stubborn-"

When she challenged him with the darkened green of her eyes, he stilled his words and found he could do nothing but concede.

"Very well then, my lady. Wait here until I can return."

As Iver helped the Lady Gwyn to sit upon the ground and then turned from her to carry out his duties, he was shaking his head in disbelief of all that had occurred. Never would he ever had believed he would find himself in such a situation.

"Iver?"

The Highlander stopped in his tracks almost afraid to turn towards the softly spoken words.

He feared there would be more promises she would attempt to extract.

He found he was helpless and conceded to whatever it was, he would be powerless to deny her anything.

Slowly, he turned and gazed back upon her lovely face.

"Yes, my lady?"

"Thank you."

It was so sweetly spoken it nearly ripped his heart out. He could do nothing but hastily retreat to his horse in his quest to complete her bidding.

*****

It was but a short time later and the Lady Gwyn had been completely tended.

Of course, it was not she who had to ultimately perform the burdensome task of stitching the edges of her skin back together.

Never would Iver have allowed this to happen.

Instead, he slowly took care as he began to bind her wound as best he knew how.

"You must tell me if this pains you in any way. I can slow my actions and pause at any time."

"Please, just complete your task quickly. I will be fine."

Iver was not so certain but he would not argue.

With each careful stitch he made, he watched as she stoically stared forward not showing any emotion nor shedding any tears.

He sadly admitted most of his men would have reacted at least somewhat to show the pain they felt. At least more than what she did.

When he had completed his task and had tied a clean cloth around the upper portion of her arm, she lowered the sleeve of her gown to mask it as best she could.

When she stood, he had to acknowledge that if one had not been privy to all that had just occurred, they would never have guessed there was anything amiss.

That was with the exception of the dark splotches of blood upon her gown.

However, when she threw a light blanket across her shoulders, even then it was masked from everyone.

It was not long before Gwyn found Donnan and Durell rejoining them once again. When her son ran anxiously to her side, he looked up at her with concern in his young eyes.

"Mother? Are you well?"

"Yes I am, Durell. I told you it was a simple scratch and nothing more. Did you show Donnan all you know?"

"He did, my lady. And so skilled! He is going to be quite the Highland warrior some day and you must be very proud of him."

Gwyn could only smile at the compliment as it warmed her heart as much as it had obviously done to her son's. She could not have been more pleased with his response and she knew he had no idea as to the depth of the compliment he had just paid.

It was Iver who spoke next.

"And now, Durell, are you prepared for that ride I promised you last eve?"

As Durell looked quickly up at Iver with wildly excited eyes, there was no doubt to anyone of his state of readiness. He smiled and it was obvious he could not speak as he eagerly shifted his feet in anticipation.

"Then let us begin!"

As Iver took the young Durell's hand within his own and walked away towards his stallion, Gwyn could not have been more relieved.

He had not forgotten of his spoken promise.

For once in his young life, Durell was not to be so easily dismissed nor disappointed.

She never could have been more relieved.