Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

T hey called in at the armory to get fitted out with helmets, shields, and protective gear before they strode side by side onto the training ground. They squared up to each other and began their practice, their blades clashing, their shields absorbing the blows. Soon, both were sweating and panting with the effort.

Ivy was enjoying herself. She was pleased that, despite the difference in their sizes and the fact she was a woman, Liam was not making things easy for her. He respected her enough to fight her as he would a man, like the proper opponent she was.

Moreover, all the sweating, panting, grunting, and the inevitable proximity as they hung on each other between blows was stoking a strange fire in her belly. Fighting was as natural as breathing to him, and she could not help admiring the way it showed off his wonderful physique. His expression was fearsome, but to her, he was even more handsome and enticing than ever.

The spar ended when Liam flipped her sword out of her hand and grabbed her by the back of her neck, pulling her close and putting the point his sword to her throat. They stared into each other’s eyes, their breathing hard and ragged, brushing each other’s faces, their lips barely an inch apart.

A tremor ran through Ivy’s body. She could not help staring at his lips, thinking how easy it would be to close that gap between them and put her lips on his. She had never kissed a man that way before, but it was something she suddenly wanted to do very much.

She noticed Liam’s eyes raking her face, and she licked her lips. Was it her imagination or did he bend his head slightly toward her, as though about to kiss her?

The spell broke when he suddenly released her and stepped away.

“I think I win that one,” he told her, lowering his sword and shield to his side. “But I must say, I admire yer fightin’ ability, Ivy. Ye’re very quick and light on yer feet, and ye got in a few nasty wee feints as well. I was lucky nae tae be injured.”

While he was talking, Ivy had managed to compose herself somewhat. “Thank ye. That’s a big compliment comin’ from ye. I think I’m a wee bit out of practice,” she admitted, surprisingly happy to be beaten by him. “Maybe we’ll get the chance tae spar again sometime,” she added. They exchanged a glance which said they both knew that was highly unlikely.

“Hey, ye two, break it up, will ye? We cannae have canoodlin’ out on the trainin’ field,” came a loud voice from behind them. They both turned at the same time, to see Laird Steward and Magnus standing a few yards away, grinning at them. The pair were also rigged out to spar.

“She’s a fine wee fighter, is she nae?” the laird said in wonder.

“Aye, she is,” Liam agreed. He and Ivy sheathed their weapons and slung their shields over their shoulders before going over to join the two men. “She had me on the run a few times all right.”

“I’ve never seen a woman fight afore, but now I’ve seen what ye can dae, Ivy, I must say, I’m very impressed,” the laird told her. His admiring look was deeply satisfying to Ivy.

“Aye, Lady Ivy, ye put up a really tight defense there. I’ve kent many a man who cannae fight like that,” Magnus seconded.

“Why, thank ye gentlemen.” She laughed, secretly flattered by their praise. She favored them with a small bow.

“It turns out Ivy is a trained warrior,” Liam explained on her behalf. “She’s been trainin’ since she was young.”

The two men looked at her curiously. “Well, well, who would have thought such a slight, wee lassie could be so good with a sword, eh?” the laird mused.

“I’ve found ’tis best nae tae make assumptions about anyone until ye get tae

tae ken them, man or woman,” Ivy told him.

“Good advice. I’ll remember that,” the laird said, adding, “Mayhap we’ll have a spar together sometime, me and ye, eh, Ivy?”

“I doubt we’ll get the chance,” she replied, “since ye plan on sendin’ me back tae me braither in exchange fer yer peace.”

The laird looked pained. “Ach, Ivy, I’m sorry, lassie. I wish things were different.”

“Aye, so ye say,” she answered, giving him a small, wry smile.

“Ivy, ye have blood on yer face,” Liam suddenly said, scrutinizing her with a worried expression. “Take off yer helmet, will ye?”

She did as he suggested. He bushed her hair from her forehead. “Aye, ’tis as I thought, ye have a wee cut. He examined it, gently touched it with his finger. When he removed it, Ivy saw it was red with blood.

“I didnae even notice,” she said, surprised.

“It looks deep. I think ye need tae see the healer right away. Ye dinnae wany an infection settin’ in,” Liam told her.

“Liam, ’tis a wee scratch,” she protested.

“Ye’re goin’ tae see the healer. Ye promised tae dae as I say, remember,” he argued.

She exhaled sharply. “All right, I’ll go, but ’tis a waste of time.”

“Me wife Effie is the healer here at the castle, Lady Ivy,” Magnus suddenly cut in eagerly. “Ye should go and see her anyway. I ken she’d love tae meet ye, and she’ll take good care of that cut as well. The infirmary’s on the second floor of the south tower. Ye’re bound tae find her there. ”

After thanking Magnus, she and Liam made their way back to the armory to turn in their equipment. Then they proceeded back to the castle, heading to the south tower as Magnus had said, and soon found themselves outside an open door.

They knocked gently on it and were greeted by a tall woman in her late twenties. She was tall and lean, with long, jet-black hair and vivid blue eyes, and she was holding a pestle in her hand.

“Hello,” she said, smiling at them both warmly, her bright eyes enquiring. “What can I dae fer ye?”

“Good day tae ye,” Liam said and introduced himself and Ivy. “Magnus told us where tae find ye,” he explained.

“Well, come in. This is a nice surprise indeed,” the healer exclaimed, beckoning the inside and closing the door. “I’m very pleased tae meet ye both. I’ve heard so much about ye, Liam, from me husband. He’s been singin’ yer praises.”

Ivy had to chuckle to see Liam’s bashful look. Next, Magnus’s wife turned to her, her lovely blue eyes sparkling good-naturedly. “And this is Lady Ivy, is it? I hear they’ve been keepin’ ye locked up, melady.” A small frown appeared on her pale brow. “I dinnae approve of that at all, and I’m very glad tae see ye out of yer chamber at last.” She seemed so sincere, Ivy instantly warmed to her.

”’Tis a pleasure tae meet ye, Effie, is it nae?” she replied questioningly.

“Aye,” Effie nodded, chuckling. “’Tis short fer Euphemia. I cannae stand

the name, ’tis too much of a mouthful. Effie is much simpler.”

Ivy smiled. “Effie it is.”

“Now, how can I help ye?” Effie asked.

Ivy pointed to her forehead. “Liam and me were sparrin’, and I got this wee cut. ‘Tis nae but a scratch, but he insisted I come and see ye about it.”

Ivy smiled up at Liam and nodded her approval. “Very wise of him. Infection can set in even with the smallest cut.”

“See, I told ye,” he said, nudging Ivy gently.

“Come and sit down over here, Ivy, and let me have a look at it fer ye.” Effie took her arm gently and drew her over to sit at a large table in the center of the room. Ivy sat down obediently, feeling perfectly comfortable in Effie’s company.

Liam suddenly said, “If ye’ll excuse me, ladies, I have a few things tae dae. I’ll meet ye back at the chamber when ye’re ready, Ivy, all right?”

“What?! Ye mean ye’re leavin’ me here?” She was genuinely startled.

“Aye. I trust Effie tae keep an eye on ye,” he said, shooting her a half-smile as he went out of the door.

“Ye seem very surprised that he should leave ye with me,” Effie said when he had gone. She gently moved Ivy’s hair aside and examined the cut.

“I am. He’s been stuck tae me like glue ever since I got here,” Ivy said. “Admittedly, mostly because I tried tae escape. I had tae promise nae tae try tae run away again before he would let me out of the room.”

Effie looked at her in wonder. “Aye, I heard about that from Magnus. Ye tied yer sheets together and climbed out the window.”

“Aye, and I would have got away if it wasnae fer Liam there. I got right tae the courtyard too, and I was just about tae run, when I turned around, and there he was, standin’ there waitin’ fer me,” she explained.

“Well, that’s an awful shame, Ivy. It was an ingenious plan. I admire yer courage. I’m nae sure I would have the guts tae dae that,” Effie told her as she began working to clean and dress Ivy’s wound. “Still,” she added, “he seems tae care about ye.”

Ivy shook her head, secretly wishing it were true. “Nay, he only wants tae make sure I’m in one piece so they can hand me back tae me braither in exchange fer a peace treaty.”

“Aye, so Magnus says. I’m sorry about that, Ivy. And yet ye dinnae seem tae hate him,” the healer pointed out, dropping the bloody cloth into the water and patting the wound dry with a clean one. “Hmm, ’tis nae much tae look at, but ’tis surprisingly deep. ’Tis a good thing Liam brought ye tae me.”

Ivy frowned for a moment. “Aye, I should hate him. I’ve tried tae hate him, but fer some reason, I cannae bring mesel’ tae dae it,” she admitted aloud for the first time. “’Tis very vexin’.”

Effie chuckled as she prized the lid off a pot of salve and dabbed it on the cut. “He seems kind, and he’s certainly very braw,” she observed.

“Aye, he is, is he nae? But looks are only skin deep. They say me braither’s handsome, but he’s a monster.”

“So, there’s more tae Liam than good looks then?” Effie asked, standing back to check her work and seeming satisfied.

“Aye. He’s a good man, I ken it. He’s told me many times he hates what he has tae dae. But the laird is his friend, and he willnae let him down.”

“A man of honor as well,” Effie said, popping the lid back on the pot of salve.

“Mmm, but it disnae dae me any good though,” Ivy replied with regret.

“Well, ye never ken how things will turn out. Keep yer hopes up, eh? There, ye’re all done. Keep it clean, and it should heal up as good as new.”

“Thank ye, Effie, I’m very grateful,” Ivy told her, getting up from the chair. “I’d better get back.”

“All right, but dinnae be a stranger, Ivy. Come back and see me as often as ye like, as long as I’m nae with a patient, of course. I’d love tae talk more with ye.”

Ivy had an idea. “I have a lot of time on me hands until they send me back, that is. I could come and help ye if ye would like. I may nae be a healer, but I’d be happy tae make mesel’ useful in other ways.”

Effie gave her a beaming smile and placed her hand gently on Ivy’s shoulder. “That would be grand, lass. There’s always lots of work tae dae. I dae have an assistant, but she’s away visitin’ her family at the moment. An extra pair of hands would be very useful.”

“Then I’ll come tae see ye tomorrow if I can,” Ivy promised. She left the infirmary feeling she had made a friend. In a more positive frame of mind, she ran down the stairs and into their chamber.