Page 22

Brenna

Brenna turned in time to see her nephew coming toward her. Connor was the one who reminded her of her dearest brother Alex more than any other. Alasdair was growing more and more like him, but Connor was Alex on some days.

“Connor, what has happened? I was afraid to go back outside from the sounds of the clashing swords.”

“Another kidnapping, Aunt Brenna. Fear not, we’ll handle it. We need your help with Logan. I’m sure you’ve heard. How may I be of use to you?”

“Micheil is already in with him, but I need my bag of poultices. I had the best of the bunch in one of the crates, with my name written clearly on the top. If you could find it, open it, and bring the sack on the top to me, I would appreciate it. It’s wrapped in a Grant plaid.”

“I’ll take care of it. Go help him. He has the fever so badly that he doesn’t even awaken. Gwyneth is losing her will.”

“I will do what I can, Connor. I see you have much more important things to focus on right now. Bairns come first.” She patted his shoulder as he turned to leave.

Connor retrieved her sack while Brenna took in all the tears and sobbing within the hall, something she should concern herself with, but she couldn’t. She was here for Logan, so in to Logan she would go.

She pivoted, holding in her groan from being on horseback for so long, something she wasn’t used to anymore, and her sore bottom reminded her. She opened the door to the healing chamber, pleased to see that Eli kept it clean, well lit, and well stocked, just as she’d taught her.

Gwyneth sat on the bed with her husband, almost lying next to him, her stump clearly in view. Avelina and Micheil each sat on nearby stools, which Micheil promptly vacated to offer to her. “My thanks, Micheil.” He found another one and brought it close.

She leaned over to give Gwyneth a hug. “I’m pleased to see you, Gwyn. We all needed you to stay with us a bit longer. It was a tough decision for you, and I’m sure it was difficult, but I’m glad you are here. He will need you.”

“Will he, Brenna? I don’t know if he’s going to make it. Please help him. Eli ran out of the fever potion, and she needs more poultice for his wound. It’s oozing terribly and I can’t stop it.” Gwyneth had been around Brenna enough times to know what to do for most any injury or sickness.

Brenna waved her hand, her eyes going to the man who had brought her to the love of her life, Quade Ramsay. Logan had been a thorn in her side many times, his gruff exterior often too much, but she still loved him with all her heart.

She took in the pallor of his skin, set her hand to his wound to check for warmth, and peeked under the bandage, assessing the fine stitches Eli had placed.

Then she felt his life’s force pulsing through him, set her ear to his chest to listen to his heart and his lungs.

She poked at his belly, checked his arms and legs for any other wounds, then cupped his cheek and said, “Logan, wake up.”

No reaction.

Her assessment finished, she said to Micheil. “Be prepared. You may have to hold him down.”

Micheil grinned, picking up quickly on her meaning, and said, “I’m ready.” But Micheil also knew his brother well. He leaned forward onto the end of the bed.

Brenna moved closer to his ear. “Logan Ramsay, I’ve come a long way, and I have a sore arse from riding a horse so far, so you better wake up to acknowledge me.”

Naught. Just a wee twitch of his jaw.

Brenna pulled the linen coverlet back and promptly pinched Logan’s nipple as hard as she could.

Logan sat up with a bark. “God’s bones, woman! What the hell are you trying to do to me? Some healer you are. That hurts like hell.”

“More than your wound? Because I hoped it would.” Brenna winked at him.

“You are mean for a healer. Aye. It hurts more than my wound right now. Where did you learn that cruel trick?” He gave her his worst frown.

“Good, I’m glad it hurts.”

He fell back, rubbing his sore spot before closing his eyes, and waved at her in dismissal.

Brenna decided to try a different tactic. She knew exactly how to infuriate her brother-in-law. “I came for my book. The one you stole from me so long ago. Get your arse up out of that bed, Logan Ramsay, and return my dear mother’s book now. You hid it again.”

Logan shot up and glared at her. “I gave you that book long ago, and you know it. I set it at your feet, or have you forgotten already, you old bat?”

Brenna smiled and said, “Greetings, Logan.”

He smirked and said, “Greetings, Brenna. What the hell are you doing here? And can’t you just leave me be? I was sleeping.”

“Nay, no more sleeping. I have your brother here, and he’ll hold you down if I ask him to. You know I will.”

“Shite, Micheil. Why are you here?”

“To help Brenna. Are you faking it, dear brother?”

“Did you see my wound? I’m not pretending.”

Micheil snorted. “Please. Are you trying to convince me that it’s the first wound you’ve ever had? Are you a wee bairn in your old age? Quade gave you far worse wounds before you bedded your first lass.” Micheil let out a roar at his own jest, and Logan chuckled with him, gripping his side in pain.

Gwyneth slapped Logan’s arm. “Sit up or I’ll grab the other nipple, Logan.”

Brenna said, “Here’s how this is going to go, Logan.

And you know better than to argue with me.

You’re going to sit up and drink this potion.

Then I’m sending Lina out to get you some oatmeal, and if we have to feed you with a bairn’s utensil, we will.

You know better. Micheil will hold you down, and Gwyneth will have the pleasure of shoving it down your throat. ”

Gwyneth looked at Brenna and said, “I’ll share the joy with you, Brenna. You and I have had to put up with the Ramsay men for a long time. We’ll take turns.”

Lina giggled.

Logan looked at his sister and said, “I don’t find their humor the least bit funny, Lina. Have you no sympathy for your favorite brother?”

She snorted and said, “Nay! Not under the circumstances, Logan. And I never said you were my favorite. Sit up and get better.”

“Fine. Go get the oats, Lina. Then mayhap this woman of torture will leave me be.”

“Aye, you were injured. Aye, you still have a bit of the fever. But if you wish to lie there and give up, it will kill you. I’m not going to allow that to happen.”

“You always were a surly witch.”

Brenna leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Now that’s better. You have everyone upset enough, and they can’t worry about you anymore. Understood?”

“You always were overbearing. How did Quade stand you?”

She got up to get his potion, but suddenly Logan called out, “You aren’t leaving me already, are you, woman?”

Brenna said, “I love you too. I’m staying.”