Chapter 9
While the crew carried Darack off the ship and onto the docks at Inverness, Mairiana's stomach knotted. Heavy gray clouds overcast the whole area, as far as the eye could see. She had only visited Inverness once before, when she was much younger, and knew little about the town.
"I'll see if my friend Hamish MacIves has a room at his inn, m'lady," Captain Madding said, striding away.
"I thank you." Mairiana prayed there was a spare room, though if they had to stay several days she didn't know how she would pay for it, unless the owner would extend her credit. "Captain," she called. He turned and she hastened to him. "If there is a question about payment or credit, tell him my brother is the chief of the MacKerricks. He will send payment for any debt."
"Aye, very good, m'lady." The captain rushed toward a building of pink sandstone while she walked alongside the men carrying Darack, still knocked out.
Her brother might not be happy with her now for the decisions she was making, but it could not be helped. She had to help Darack in any way she could. Beneath the sign that readThe Rose Inn, she held the door open wide while the men carried Darack into the dark interior of the public room. Ale, beer and roast beef scented the air. Though her stomach ached, she could not tolerate the thought of eating anything.
"Indeed, m'lady, my friend does have a room available," Captain Madding announced, coming toward her again.
"Oh, I thank you for your help, sir."
"My pleasure. And I pray your husband recovers quickly." He bowed and exited.
Hamish MacIves, the short, jovial owner of the coaching inn, introduced himself, then showed them to the room up one flight of stairs. Mairiana followed the crewmen who carried Darack. The chamber was small but clean, with a view over the harbor crowded with boats and ships.
"Master MacIves, do you know a healer or physician nearby?" she asked.
"Aye. I will send for her. And please, call me Hamish. 'Tis an honor to have the sister of a chief staying with us."
"You have no idea how much I appreciate your help."
"'Tis my pleasure." He bowed, then exited.
When the men lay Darack on the bed, he stirred and opened his eyes a crack.
After she thanked the men and they left, she rushed to the bedside and clasped Darack's hand. "Are you awake?"
"Aye," he whispered, wincing. "Where are we?"
"Inverness, at the Rose Inn. The owner has sent for the healer. How do you feel?"
"Not too bad." Darack hated to lie to Mairiana, but he didn't want that worried frown of hers to grow more intense. In truth, sharp pains shot through his head, his arm and his abdomen.
"Are you telling me the truth?" she asked.
He forced himself to stop clenching his teeth. "I have felt worse, but I could use some whisky."
She nodded and leapt up. "Will you be all right alone until I return?"
"Indeed."
Her brows lowered even more. "I'll hurry." She rushed out and closed the door behind her.
He must have drifted off, for it seemed only a moment later the sound of the door opening woke him. Three people entered—Mairiana, a short round man and an older woman.
"This is the healer, Mistress Gillespie," the man said, motioning to the woman.
"I thank you for coming," Darack said, feeling dizzy, his mind still in a fog and pain lacerating his body.
"Can you send up some hot water and cups?" Mistress Gillespie said to the man.
"Indeed. Let me know if you need anything else."
Mairiana nodded and poured whisky from the bottle she carried into a small cup.
