The words chimed with what Isabelle already knew of Ban's past. The result was a small flicker of hope.
'He has survived other wounds,' she replied.
'Worse ones, I'll wager.'
'It may be so. If only he doesn't get a fever.'
'We'll worry about that if it happens,' said Nell. 'In the meantime you should get some rest.'
Wearily Isabelle nodded. Then she removed her cloak and lay down on the bed. 'You will wake me at once if there's any news?'
'Of course.'
Isabelle closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Within minutes she was asleep.
* * *
It was evening before she woke. The rest had refreshed her and when she had bathed her face and combed her hair she began to feel a little more like her old self. Her gown was in a sorry state after the adventures of the past two days, but there was nothing much to be done about it. Somewhat self-consciously she ran her hands over the front of the creased and dusty skirt, not liking to appear before her hosts so unsuitably attired. Under the circumstances perhaps they would forgive her. What mattered now was to have news of Ban.
On reaching the hall she found Lord Iain there with his wife and several others whom she did not know. Feeling suddenly awkward she hesitated in the doorway. However, Ashlynn turned at that moment and saw her there.
'Lady Isabelle. Pray come and sit down.'
She crossed the room aware of the curious stares directed her way. What must they think of her? By now the whole of Dark Mount would know who she was and how she came to be there. Furthermore they knew Lord Ban had been grievously hurt in her cause.
Sensing her nervousness Ashlynn smiled. 'You look a little better, though you are still too pale.'
'I am quite well,' replied Isabelle, 'but what of Lord Ban?'
'Meg has drawn the arrow and stanched the wound. His other hurts are not so deep but he has lost a lot of blood one way and another. What he needs now is rest and time to heal.'
'He will be all right, won't he?'
'I pray God he will.'
Isabelle drew in a ragged breath. 'He has been so kind, done so much to help me.' Tears welled in the hazel eyes. 'Now he may die and if he does it will be my fault.'
'I am sure it cannot be your fault,' replied Ashlynn.
'But it is. If it weren't for me he would have returned home unscathed. By rights he should have.'
'Won't you tell me what happened?'
Tactfully she led Isabelle aside and sat her down on the other side of the hearth before drawing up a chair for herself.
'Now you may speak freely.'
She listened with close attention as Isabelle spoke of her father's death, and offered her condolences. When her companion went on to speak of Hugh's murder and the events following, Ashlynn was shocked and horrified.
'Truly this Murdo is a most evil man.'
'I think him capable of any outrage,' replied Isabelle.
Of the origins of her relationship with Ban, she said nothing, being too ashamed to confess it. Nor did she mention their subsequent betrothal. Ban had wished the matter kept secret and she would not break faith with him, no matter how hard it was to remain silent. If Ashlynn guessed she was not being told the whole, she evidently knew better than to try to force a confidence. Isabelle was grateful for it, and for the kind attempt to offer what reassurance she could.
'My brother has a strong constitution and an even stronger will. Once before, when first we came to Dark Mount, he was nigh unto death but he fought it and won.'
'He mentioned that he had been injured at that time.'
'He has a taste for dangerous odds.'
Isabelle's heart swelled. 'I never saw a braver man, or a more skilful fighter.'
'I know of only one man who could best him.'
'Who is that?'
'My husband.'
Glancing across the room at Lord Iain, Isabelle could not doubt the words. Despite his courtesy towards her she held him in considerable awe. A more powerful and charismatic figure would be hard to find, except for Ban of course. Thinking of how much she owed him, owed to both of them, only intensified her guilt. Somehow she had to try to make amends or, if not, to make herself useful at least.
'Ban is going to need careful nursing for a while,' she said. 'I would be glad to help in any way that I can.'
Ashlynn smiled at her. 'That is a kind offer and I am grateful. Meg and her assistants have several patients to look after at present and another pair of hands would certainly ease their load.'
'I'd be glad to do it.'
'Being so near my time makes me feel of limited use. I tire much more quickly than I did.'
Isabelle managed a wan smile. Her companion's swollen belly was a mocking reminder of failure and humiliation. 'That's quite understandable. Just let me know what you need me to do.'
'Bless you. Your help will be much appreciated.'
'It's the least I can do after all that Glengarron has done for me.'
It was a partial truth only. The real reason for her offer was not just about gratitude, though she certainly felt that. Rather it was the need to be with Ban, even if he was unaware of the fact.
* * *
After the arrow was drawn Ban had remained unconscious for some time, being weakened by loss of blood. Meg came daily to check the dressings and look at the wound which, mercifully, remained free of infection, and to administer draughts of poppy and wine to take the edge off pain.
'Sleep is the best thing for him just now,' she said. 'Rest will help the wounds to knit.'
'How long will it take do you think?' asked Isabelle.
'Two weeks, maybe three. Several more after that until he's fully fit again. All the same he was lucky. Another inch and the arrow would have pierced his lung.'
Isabelle shivered inwardly. 'Yes, he was lucky.'
'If there's any change in his condition call me.'
'I will.'
Meg left the room, closing the door behind her. Isabelle surveyed the sleeping figure with misgivings. His flesh was still pale beneath the stubble of his beard, his eyes sunken and shadowed, cheek bones jutting in sharp relief. Bandages swathed his shoulder and torso.
'Don't die,' she whispered. 'Please don't die.'
She no longer felt afraid for herself, only of a future where he was not.
* * *
It was another week before he came to full consciousness. Rising slowly from a well of darkness he looked about in surprise. The room was vaguely familiar yet how he came to be there he could not imagine. In his memory was a confused mass of images: a hill and sky and fighting men. He stirred and then winced as pain lanced through his shoulder.
'Don't try to move yet. You will tear the wound afresh.'
With an effort he turned towards the voice and saw Ashlynn. He managed a faint smile and received an answering smile in return.
'God be thanked,' she said then. 'You have frightened us all, Brother.'
'How long have I been here?'
When she told him his brows drew together as tried to make sense of the information.
'You were unconscious most of that time.'
'How did I-?' He broke off aware of the dull throbbing in his shoulder, and glanced down at the bandages round it. Other bits of memory began to come back. He frowned and his hand clenched on the coverlet.
'Isabelle! Where is she? What happened to her?'
Ashlynn, fearing to see him agitated, was swift to give reassurance. 'She is here, Brother, safe within these walls.'
'Is she well?'
'Very well.'
'I'm glad. There were moments when I feared-' He broke off as other recollections stirred. 'Jock is dead.'
'Yes. I'm sorry.'
'What of his family?'
'Iain has already been to see his wife. She will be taken care of and the children too.'
'Even so they will miss Jock sorely. So will I. He was a loyal friend and a brave warrior.'
'Yes, he was.'
Ban's jaw tightened. 'His death will be avenged, I swear it.' He frowned as another unpleasant thought occurred to him. 'Davy and Ewan? Are they...?'
'They are both well.'
'Thank heaven for that.' He paused. 'What of the traitor, Murdo?'
'Iain had his men conduct a thorough search, but they have found no trace of him.'
'Damnation. As long as the swine's alive he'll remain a threat.'
'His force is decimated and he is injured,' said Ashlynn. 'Surely he can pose little danger now.'
'You don't know him, Ash. He's single-minded in following his purpose, and cares not how he achieves it. He wants Isabelle, and she may yet be in danger.'
There were many questions she would have liked to ask him about that, but knew it was too soon. Already he looked exhausted.
'Isabelle is safe for the present,' she said. 'No harm shall come to her here. Meanwhile, you should try to sleep a little.'
It was testimony to his fragile state that he did not argue. 'Will you come back later?'
'Try keeping me away.'
The door closed softly behind her. Ban shut his eyes. Unbidden Isabelle's image drifted into his mind. She was safe. That was something at least. She is here...within these walls. The knowledge filled him with conflicting emotions: relief, hope, pain. For her he had risked and lost the life of a friend. Or rather he had risked and lost a friend for the sake of his own ambition, his own desires. Ashlynn hadn't mentioned his betrothal and he felt sure she would have done so if she had known of it. Therefore it seemed Isabelle had kept silent. That gave him pause since it would have been very much in her interest to declare it. Why hadn't she? Most other women would. He knew she hadn't enjoyed the clandestine aspect of their relationship yet he had followed his inclination regardless. Looking back he experienced a twinge of guilt and shame.