Page 81 of My Notorious Highlander

Fear flashed through Jessie. "Why? Is she hurt?"

"She fainted while she was watching the battle and hit her head. She feared Chief Dirk had been hurt or killed."

"Saints." Jessie ran toward the laird's chamber, praying Isobel was not injured too badly. In the corridor, she found Nannag and her two helpers.

"Please go to Laird MacLeod's chamber. He is severely injured and has lost a lot of blood."

"Aye, m'lady," the ancient healer said. Carrying her medicine satchel filled with herbs and no telling what else, she and her two younger helpers quickened their pace.

While Jessie wanted to go with them immediately, she also needed to check on Isobel.

Upon bypassing the guard and entering the room, she found Isobel sitting before the hearth, Seona beside her.

"Were you injured badly?" Jessie asked.

"Where is Dirk?" Isobel demanded, leaping to her feet and rushing forward, her eyes red.

"He was right behind me. He is well."

"Oh, thank the saints," Isobel whispered, pressing a hand to her chest and looking much relieved. "I saw him fall. After the guard brought me to my chamber, he wouldn't allow me to leave."

"And Keegan?" Seona asked, standing beside Isobel.

"Thankfully, he was unhurt, too. But Torrin was badly injured. He's out cold and has lost a lot of blood."

"Och, nay! I am sorry," Isobel said. "And here I have held you up."

"I wanted to see that you were well. I'll be in Torrin's room," Jessie said, dashing out the door.

When Jessie entered the crowded room, Torrin growled, his eyes closed, his teeth clenched in pain. Thank the saints he had awakened.

"Everyone out," Nannag ordered Torrin's men, and Iain. How could such a strong and commanding voice come from such an aged and tiny woman? The men obediently filed out, but when Nannag found Jessie still standing by the door, she said in a gentler tone, "You too, m'lady."

"I will help."

"You can help by going to fetch Flora for me. And tell her to bring some hot water." She smiled sweetly, then rushed back to Torrin's bedside. "Cut his doublet and shirt off," she murmured to one of her helpers.

What if Torrin died while Jessie was out of the room? Nay, he cannot die!

Praying the whole way, Jessie did as Nannag asked and retrieved Flora.

Back at Torrin's chamber a short time later, Jessie waited outside the door with Iain and Struan, though she felt uncomfortable doing so. She did not know the men well, and they sent her inquiring glances. Did they know how close she and Torrin had grown? What had he told them?

A pain-filled growl echoed from beyond the door and Jessie wanted to rush inside. Instead, she paced and clasped her hands together. A needle-like pain shot through them and she examined her palms. They were scraped raw from where she'd held onto the rocks. She would have to rub some salve on them. Her shoulders were also sore from being near wrenched from their sockets.

"Torrin is tough as a cliff-face," Iain said, his voice rough. "I'm certain he will be up and around in no time." Although, with that worried frown, Iain didn't look convinced.

Jessie nodded. "I hope you're right."

A string of loud male curses issued forth from the room. Saints! He had to be in horrible pain. She wished she could do something to help ease it.

During the ensuing half hour, Dirk and Isobel, and several others stopped by to see how Torrin was faring, and then left. All she knew was that he was in agony, given the noises emanating from inside the room. Soon, all grew quiet.

Too quiet.

Fear flashed through Jessie. She knocked at the door, then barged in.

"How is he?" she demanded, rushing to the bedside.