Page 48 of Beyond Dreams
Next Duncan heard the sound of Graeme dismounting, followed by a scrape of metal as he drew his sword. He’d have done the same, with naught but an abysmal bird call and a briefhereto identify himself. But he didn’t want to shout or speak any louder and wake Holly, though likely she’d be roused soon enough.
It was not pitch dark, and Duncan’s eyes were well adjusted to the night so that he was able to follow Graeme’s progress as he came, noting how he took in everything in a glance and then let his frowning gaze settle on Holly in Duncan’s arms.
“Are you alone?” Duncan asked.
“I’ve got a dozen lads with me,” Graeme answered, sheathing his sword, coming down on his haunches. “We’ve been out since the big black returned without you.”
“Take her,” Duncan said. “She’s exhausted. Send one of the lads for me.”
Graeme threw his thumb over his shoulder, toward the meadow and the dead bodies. “MacHeths?”
Duncan shook his head. “I dinna ken so.”
“Is she injured?”
“Her wrist is bruised. Otherwise, just exhausted. I’ll tell you about it on the morrow. Saved my life, I reckon.”
Graeme nodded and reached for Holly. “Fine wife you have there.”
“She’s a warrior, Graeme,” Duncan was proud to tell him. “A bluidy warrior.”
Chapter Fourteen
She dreamed she wasbeing carried away from Duncan but for the life of her couldn’t open her eyes to protest this. Until she was jostled a bit, lifted higher and then settled against something warm and she began to move with speed.
No, not her. The horse upon which she was held.
“No,” she objected weakly, her fatigue overwhelming. “Duncan?”
“Is right behind us, lass.”
She struggled to open her eyes. “Graeme?”
“Aye,” was his reply, tightening his arm around her middle, holding her securely as they rode with careful speed through the dark night. “A wee fright you’ve had, lass, but all is well. Thallane is just ahead.”
“Duncan needs a doctor,” she recalled. “A medicine woman,” she amended, unable to conceive thatdoctorwas a known word in this time. “Graeme?”