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“I thank ye for yer help, Elaine. It is greatly appreciated,” the older man said kindly.
“I ken, I’m nae exactly liked around here,” she shrugged, “but I refuse tae let my pride get in the way o’ helping those that need it,” Elaine replied, her hands deep in the water in front of her.
“I ken it is nae an easy thing tae do, lass, but I can only advise that ye try nae tae pay any attention. They are only being petulant and small-minded. If the laird desires ye tae be here, then it is nae any others business.”
Samuel had kind eyes. And now, as he was not overly stressed in dealing with the large task before him, he appeared to have warmed a little, his demeanor far nicer than the decisive way of talking to her earlier. He had not been rude, and yet, neither had he been welcoming. But then, Elaine supposed his mind was on far more important things than appeasing her and making her feel comfortable.
“I wished tae ask ye about Connor MacDougall,” Elaine began.
“Och, aye. A dreadful situation.” The older man nodded with a solemn expression. “He is a fearless man, with a loyalty that cannae be matched by many.”
“Aye, he talked about readying himself for further battle when he had healed and yet…” Elaine shook her head in confusion, wringing out her cloths and hanging them over the back of a nearby chair.
“Yer wondering how he hasnae figured out his injury?” Samuel said, looking at her with interest.
“Well, I suppose I am.”
“The body is a strange thing, Elaine. Even stranger when it comes tae having tae lop parts of it off. I’ve seen this before and like ye, the first time it happened, I could hardly understand it either. Yet, for some, it feels as though the limb is still there. They even feel pain in the area that has been cut from the body.”
“Nae,” Elaine gasped, looking entirely bewildered at such a thought.
“Aye, I tell ye nae lie. I certainly cannae explain it, but I ken it tae be true.”
Samuel looked exhausted as the two of them collapsed onto a nearby bench. Judging bythe dark shadows beneath his eyes, the man had clearly worked all night.
“Perhaps it is time for ye tae get some rest, Samuel. Ye cannae give from an empty bowl.”
Samuel smiled widely. “I cannae say I have heard that one before, and yet, I dae believe ye’re a wiser woman than ye let on, Elaine.” He let out a huge sigh and nodded his head. “Perhaps a few hours rest will dae me nae harm, but I dinnae want tae leave these men alone.”
“I’ll stay and look after them,” Elaine offered. “It’s the least I can dae.”
Samuel frowned a little at her words, and Elaine suddenly realized that they would make little sense to him. They made perfect sense to her, given what she knew of the attack. But she quickly gave him a weak explanation. “Well, ye ken. Everyone is busy doing something. It’s only right that I dae the same.”
Samuel eventually left, assuring Elaine it would not be long before he returned. She tried to convince him to rest a little longer, but the older man had only smiled. She knew he would be back when he said he would and therefore did not try to convince him any further.
For several more hours, Elaine saw to the needs of those who could not see to themselves. Between bringing food and water, as well as calming those who became alarmed, she found herself quite run off her feet. As she was carrying yet another empty bucket of water to replenish it, she saw Finn walking toward her.
With a heavy frown upon his brow, he looked about him before returning his gaze to her. “Elaine, what are ye doing? Ye look quite worn out.”
“I’m helping, Finn. These men need care. Some of them are badly injured and likely will nae be the same again. I cannae just sit idly by and watch them suffer.”
“I can see that, Elaine, but I hardly think such a job is fitting for the mistress of the laird.”
His words were neither harsh nor demeaning and by his concerned expression, she knew he meant well. But she did not agree with him. These men had battled for the protection of the clan. In fact, they had defended everyone in the castle.
“I think it is the very least I can dae, Finn. If it were nae for these brave souls, Lord kens what would have happened last night.”
“I did hear,” he smiled slightly, “that these men were nae the only ones defending the castle.”
Elaine dropped her gaze, for she was not proud of her actions yesterday. Yes, she was indeed skilled with a sword. But if she had come forward and told Duncan the truth, perhaps none of it would have happened in the first place.
It didn't take away the shame she felt when she saw what had happened to those who had fought; some of those with the most horrific wounds would never fight again. And Connor MacDougall's life would never be the same again.
“I did what I had tae dae,” she said in a lackluster tone.
“Who would’ve thought,” Finn said, his fingers softly grazing against her cheek, “that such a beautiful woman could be so dangerous,” he grinned.
He was trying to lighten the mood and Elaine could only shrug and smile. “I wouldnae let Duncan find ye doing that,” she said with a smirk. “I dinnae want a repeat of last time.”
