Page 71 of Highland Flame

Chapter Nineteen

Cam shot across the courtyard at a run as soon as he saw Yvaine take a tumble down the stairs. His friends were right behind him.

“Yvaine!” shouted Cam, throwing his body on the ground next to her, cradling her head in his arms. “God’s eyes, what happened?”

“She fell down the stairs. It’s my fault, I’m sorry,” said Brother Gillies. “I never meant to hurt her.”

“I should run my damned blade through yer heart right now,” Cam ground out.

“Cam, stop it,” said Nash. “We need to concern ourselves with Yvaine.”

“I’ve lost my baby, Cam.” Yvaine looked up to him with sad eyes. “I ken I did.”

“Everyone, get back,” said Davita, pushing the men away with her words. “Someone, fetch the healer, quickly.”

“Sister Edna is a healer,” said Gillies.

“I’ll get her.” North turned and ran toward a group of nuns standing just outside the church.

“Dammit, how did this happen?” asked Cam, angrier than all hell. He’d been keeping a close eye on Gillies during the prayer session, but the man was too smart for his own good. He must have known something was up, because he managed to dodge Cam and his friends and leave the church without them knowing it. “I canna believe ye, her own brathair, is responsible for somethin’ like this.”

“Oh, Cam. I’m so frightened. Ow! I am in so much pain.” Tears streamed down Yvaine’s cheeks making Cam feel helpless right now.

“If you all hadn’t been up to something, I wouldn’t have become suspicious and followed Sister Edna up here in the first place,” spat Gillies.

“Stop it! All of ye,” shouted Davita, holding Yvaine’s hand. “Canna ye see ye are just upsettin’ her more? We need to move her to a bed.”

“Take her up to her room,” instructed Gillies, standing up.

“Nay. No more stairs.” Cam scooped up Yvaine, holding her securely in his arms. He could see the big bloodstain on the front of her gown. It didn’t look good at all. He wanted to remain positive, but he felt it in his heart that she had already lost her baby, just like she’d told him.

“Let me through, let me through,” said Sister Edna, pushing her way to the front of the crowd. She gasped and held her hand to her mouth. “I was just with her. Oh, how did this happen?”

“Dinna ask,” growled Cam.

“Someone, fetch my medicine bag. Quickly.” Sister Edna waved a hand through the air.

“I’ll get it,” offered Nash. “Where is it?”

“I’ll show you,” said another nun, leading him away.

“I’m bringing her to my room.” Cam didn’t wait for anyone to object. He headed to the catacombs with Yvaine in his arms. It didn’t feel right, since this was the place of the dead. But he wanted her to be comfortable and away from everyone else. At least here, he could keep a good eye on her.

“I’ll light torches so we can see in the catacombs.” Gavin ran ahead of them.

“I’ll help him.” North followed.

“Cam, this wasna supposed to happen,” said Yvaine in a soft voice. “I’m so sorry. I’ve ruined all our plans.”

“Here is yer bag, Sister.” Nash ran up and handed it to her.

The group entered the catacombs. Cam was careful not to drop Yvaine as he made his way to the secret room. North got there first and opened the door. Sister Edna and Davita entered, lighting candles. Cam followed, stopping and turning to talk to the others. “I think it’s best if the rest of ye wait outside the room for now,” he said in a soft voice.

“I agree,” said Gavin. His other friends nodded.

“I want to enter. This is my priory and she’s my sister,” objected Gillies.

“Even more reason for ye to stay behind right now,” Cam answered. “That is, unless ye feel like riskin’ yer life by enterin’. I’m very angry with ye, as we ken, and I canna promise I’ll be able to control my temper.”