Page 105 of My Notorious Highlander

"Indeed," Keegan agreed.

Though she had hoped they would talk more, to take her thoughts off her dark fears, they didn't. Did they suspect that Torrin wouldn't be alive when they arrived?

She bowed her head and tears dripped from her eyes. Please God, keep him alive.

As late afternoon approached, Jessie could not believe how tired and sore she was. It had been a long time since she had ridden a horse for more than a few minutes. She feared she would be unable to walk once she dismounted.

A glistening loch reflecting the blue sky came into view in the distance as they rode carefully down a rocky incline.

"'Tis Loch Assynt," Dirk said.

"We are close?" she asked.

"Aye."

Her heart rate sped up and her stomach knotted. Pressing her eyes closed, she said another prayer.

Minutes later, they arrived at a smoother trail by the loch's edge and kicked their horses into a gallop, her heart pounding at the same quick pace.

A castle came into view in the distance. That had to be Munrick. As they approached, she saw that the gray stone castle had three towers and sat on a small island in the loch. 'Twas a beautiful, magical setting with the green hills in the background.

She imagined Torrin inside the walls. Would he be better or worse?

As they drew nearer the guard house and drawbridge, the men riding in front of them moved aside, allowing Dirk and Jessie to approach first.

Sim was one of the first people she recognized.

"Chief MacKay, Lady Jessie! Am I glad to see you," he greeted, his eyes wide with excitement. "Lower the bridge," he told the other guards.

"Are you certain?" one of them demanded, frowning and eying Dirk suspiciously.

"Aye, these are our allies, and they're here to help the chief."

"How is Laird MacLeod?" Jessie asked.

"He's alive but ailing something fierce. Thank the saints you've come. You can help him recover as you did last time."

"I hope so." She blinked back the tears burning her eyes once again.

The gate opened and the drawbridge was lowered. She, Dirk and the rest of the MacKays proceeded across into the walled cobblestone bailey.

Jessie quickly dismounted, her legs and derriere so sore she could hardly move. But she forced herself to walk stiffly toward the entrance. Where was Flora? She stopped and turned, seeing that one of the men was helping her dismount. The healer, completely unaccustomed to riding a horse, waddled forward. "I'm coming, m'lady," she said, carrying her satchel.

"Lady Jessie! Thank the saints."

She turned to find Iain standing in the portal.

"Come inside." He offered his hand to help her up the steps, then helped Flora. "Torrin needs you and your healer now more than ever."

"Is he bad?" Jessie asked.

Iain frowned. "Aye. I'm afraid so."

Please, God, don't let him be too far gone. She followed Iain along one end of the great hall and up a narrow turnpike stairwell, Flora and Dolina trailing behind. At the end of a short corridor, Iain opened a door and motioned her inside. "Let me know if you need anything. I'll send a maid to assist you."

Jessie rushed into the bedchamber. Torrin lay in a large four-poster bed with his eyes closed, his skin was so pale. "Saints!" She touched his feverish brow. "Torrin?"

His eyelids fluttered and then he moved his head. "Jessie?" 'Twas naught more than a breath.