Rescued by a Highlander(11)
At the end of the tunnel, Brodie went ahead to make sure all was safe. Getting the clear sign, Alex carried a sleeping Madeline to his horse. Whether she was asleep or passed out from pain, he did not know. He set her on her side on the ground while they readied the horses and she never moved.
When he picked her up, she woke briefly and said, “Where are you taking me?”
“Away, my lady, to a safe place,” Brodie answered. He nodded at Alex, a grin on his face, “I’ll take her. She is a bonnie lass.”
Alex gave his brother a hard look.
“She rides with me.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Alex and Brodie caught up with the guardsmen and rode furiously for several hours. Madeline slept with an occasional squirm in the saddle. Alex kept her leaning on her side to protect her back. She was dead to the world, her pain tolerance must be incredibly high. He had pulled the tattered remains of her gown up to protect her skin, but blood still seeped through the rough material. His mother would not have allowed such tender skin to be inside such coarse threads. Her ability to sleep while riding with open wounds told him how exhausted she must be. He had no idea how many lashes she had endured, but even one was too many. How could her own kin treat her in such a manner? Alex’s jaw clenched every time he thought of Kenneth MacDonald.
He glanced at her face as she slumbered. Bruises, whippings, what more had she been forced to endure from her own stepbrother? Clearly, the man did not respect his own kin. What could she possibly have done to warrant such treatment? She looked so innocent, bonnie indeed! He vaguely remembered the MacDonald family visiting a few years ago. His wee sister, Jennie, had clung to Madeline. Alex recalled a thin, quiet, plain girl with yellow hair. The endless legs and the pale golden hair were still the same, but much had changed in between. Her curves felt wonderful in his arms, as if she belonged there. Gone was the awkwardness of the young girl he remembered, the softness brushing against him now was all woman.
They rode off the path into the forest seeking a stream. It was still dark, but it was time to wake Madeline and cleanse her wounds. The horses needed watering and he hoped to eat something before they continued their journey to his keep. He didn’t think they were being followed, and they were now far away from the regular path.
After they halted, Brodie reached for Madeline and she awoke with a start. After a quick glance around, fear crept into her eyes. “Put me down,” she snapped at Brodie as he lowered her to the ground.
“As you wish, my lady,” Brodie replied, stepping back.
“Where am I?” she asked, staring at Alex and Brodie. Their guardsmen filled in the periphery as she gaped.
Alex motioned for Brodie to back away. “We are but half a day away from your stepbrother’s keep. You don’t remember last night?”
Maddie shook her head. “I recall going to see my stepbrother.” She winced as she turned away from Alex. “My back!” she exclaimed. She stared at him as her memory filled in the missing pieces. “You took me from Kenneth’s chamber into the tunnel. Who are you?”
“I am Laird Alexander Grant as I told you last night, my lady. We received a missive from your stable master saying your life was in danger. We are trying to help you. Your stepbrother is cruel.”
Maddie shook her head in disbelief. “’struth? I am away from my stepbrother? You will not return me to him when he searches for me?”
“Nay, he will never touch you again, I promise you that, my lady.” Alex reached up to brush a leaf from her hair. He wanted to do more, to wrap his arms around her and hold her tight, but he also was sure she would bolt. For good reason, caution ruled her every movement.
She bowed her head slightly toward him, “Forgive my manners, Laird Grant. I thank you for rescuing me from my stepbrother’s hands. I don’t know if he would have stopped this time. But where are you taking me?”
“I think it best to return to our keep where you will be safe. My sister, Brenna, is also a healer. She can help you with your injuries. ‘Tis all we need to decide for now,” Alex stated. “I think it best we wash your wounds so they do not fester, my lady. There is a stream nearby you may use.”
Alex led Madeline to the stream. “You have much dried blood on your back. Do you wish my assistance? You have my word that I will act honorably.”
The lady stepped away from him, staring at him with eyes so blue they almost took his breath away. “Nay. I thank you, but I can manage. If you will allow me privacy, please? Send your men in the other direction?” Madeline stood by the water with her chin held high.