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“No more,” Terese protested, her head spinning and her arm already unbearably painful. “Let’s be done with it.
“I’d prefer if we waited until we return to Everagis,” Rowena said. “Piper will have Lachlan and his men running in circles, which will delay their return, giving us time to properly mend you.”
“It’s quite a chance we take sneaking back to Everagis with an arrow through my arm.”
“A necessary chance,” Rowena said firmly. “I have all I need there.”
Terese nodded and while Piper saw to her chore, Megan and Hester, with William’s help, saw to the care of the horses and stowing the weapons.
Just after sunrise, she and Rowena managed to sneak in through the secret entrance the women had installed in the back end of the common house. It was a good thing too since Terese collapsed in a chair unable to bear much more pain.
Rowena opened the wood shutters just enough to peek outside to see a few warriors prowling about. “You were right,” she said, returning to Terese’s side. “Lachlan did leave some men behind.”
“A seasoned warrior would,” Terese said. “That’s why I worry he will return sooner than expected, so we must hurry and remove this arrow and mend me.”
Rowena nodded and hurried to gather everything she needed, and just before she was ready to begin…
The door crashed open, slamming against the wall, and in strode an enraged Lachlan. Megan, Hester, and Piper were forced in behind him by Andrew, Boyd, and Evan.
“I want the tru—” Lachlan’s shout ended abruptly. “What happened?” He was quick to go to Terese’s side.
“What does it look like?” Terese said snappishly and Rowena nudged Terese’s foot with her own.
The warning came too late. Lachlan slammed his fist on the table, causing not only the items there to jump, but everyone in the room. “You will tell me the truth…all of it.”
Terese was in no mood to play nice, especially since he was being so forceful and besides her arm hurt like hell. “And I shall do that now while my arm is turning poisonous?”
After a deep breath he calmed and asked, “How can I help?”
Before Terese could tell him his help wasn’t necessary, Rowena spoke.
“Your strength could be an advantage in removing the arrow. The men must leave and the sisters need to see to their chores.” The three women nodded and hurried to their rooms to change into their own garments.
Terese was about to protest Lachlan’s help when he leaned down and pressed his nose to hers. “Not a word.”
His command hadn’t stifled her objection; it was the suffering in his dark eyes. It was as if he shared her pain and the realization stole her breath, making her gasp.
“What’s wrong?” he asked with an anxious yet gentle hand to her shoulder.
“Nothing,” she said, still feeling breathless.
Lachlan hunched down in front of her. “I am so very sorry that you suffer this pain and that I will cause you more pain removing it.”
Terese didn’t think; perhaps it was the pain, or maybe she just needed to touch him, for that’s what she did. She placed her hand upon his cheek and his warm flesh was the tonic she needed to soothe her soul. And with caution gone, she rested her forehead to his and said, “I need you.”
She felt him ease away from her and say, “She’s delirious from the pain.”
Terese raised her head, shaking it. “No, I’m not.” She then looked to Rowena. “We can’t hide the truth any longer. They are bound to discover it sooner or later and we’ve burdened ourselves long enough with it.”
“What are you talking about?” Lachlan asked.
“First, the arrow,” Rowena advised. “And the others should be here when…”
Terese nodded her agreement. “You are right.” She looked to Lachlan. “Take the arrow out and then I will tell you the truth.” Though she would not reveal her true identity. Never would she tell him her true identity.
Rowena twisted Terese’s long hair up and secured it with two combs. She then ripped the sleeve off and away from around the wound and handed her a piece of wood. “To bite down on for the pain.”
Terese took it with a smile, though she felt anything but brave.
Lachlan spoke quietly with Rowena for a few moments and then it was time. Terese closed her eyes and clamped down on the thick stick with her teeth. She didn’t have to worry, with the first onslaught of intensely burning pain she passed out.
She was stretched out on something hard and her eyes fluttered open; through hazy vision she could make out Rowena standing over her.
“Good timing, I’m all done,” Rowena said.
Lachlan popped into view. “It was better you fainted. The arrow was stubborn and didn’t want to let go of you.”
Terese went to move and a searing pain shot through her arm. She groaned and grimaced.
