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turned to see him sitting on
the side of the bed. “I want my clothes.”
    “I have them here,” she said, taking the bundle to the bed and
placing it near Sven.
    She took her son in her arms and gave him a big hug. If she
had her way, he would never know wounds from fighting. She helped Sven to the
floor, slipped the nightshirt over his head, and dressed him in clean clothing.
    “Go see what you can spot from the window while I dress.” She
patted Sven’s back and aimed him in the direction of the window. “Keep your
eyes outside and tell me what you see.”
    He rushed to the window, placing his hands on the sill. “I see
a small goldfinch and a flock of sparrows.” He didn’t say more, but stared
quietly out of the leaded glass pane.
    Maidie hurried with her dressing. “Is that all?”
    “I see the clansmen training for battle.” His voice held the
eagerness of excitement.
    Maidie hurried to the window. Beyond the castle bailey on a
grassy knoll, the warriors engaged in training exercises. Some rode horses and
threw spears at stuffed targets. Several pair swung claymores at each other.
Two sets wrestled in hand-to-hand combat. A small group shot arrows at a wooden
target. Maidie could see bright fabric attached to the middle of the target.
One she recognized as Gavin, sent an arrow flying directly to the kertch. Those
standing around him laughed. She could hear the guffaws and felt the heat of
anger rise to her face for the second time that morn. Of all things, Gavin did
as he said and used her Cameron kertch for a target.
    “Come away from the window, Sven. You dinna need to be
watching the men in training.” She grabbed her son by the arm.
    “But I want to watch, Mam. I like to see the warriors train for
battle.” Sven tried to look over his shoulder, but Maidie pulled on his arm.
    “I need to see about Laird Andrew and you must come with me,”
she insisted.
    Sven followed with a pout on his face. A knock sounded on the
chamber door. Maidie opened it with her free hand. She kept Sven’s arm secure
with the other. Davina, dressed in a plain, navy woolen skirt, white linen
blouse, and embroidered tunic, stood in the doorway. She looked very pretty
with her long, dark hair secured with a blue silk ribbon.
    “Please come to see about Andrew. He isn’t well this morn.”
Davina’s voice and eyes pleaded.
    “I am on my way to his chamber.” Sven tried to break away from
her grip. She turned to give him a blazing stare.
    “Please hurry.” Davina sounded desperate.
    Maidie followed Davina down the hallway with Sven in tow.
Davina opened Andrew’s chamber door and motioned for Maidie to enter before
her. Sven pulled back.
    “I’ll take Sven to play with Effie and Dan in the kitchen
while you care for my brother.” Davina took Sven’s hand and led him away. The
lad left with a smile and a much happier step.

 
 
 
    Chapter Four

 
    Maidie nodded to the servant standing
beside Andrew’s bed. He moved so she could get closer to her patient. The laird’s
cheeks had the pallor of death once more. He didn’t move, not even to bat an
eyelash. Maidie put her ear to his chest. She could barely hear a heartbeat.
Panic rose in her heart. She jerked the comforter back to examine the wound.
The bandages had a small stain of blood, but nothing excessive. She ran her
fingers over his chest and neck. Maybe she missed something—a wound that
now bled. His body felt warm with fever still. The injury may be inside his
body, and she could do naught about such a one. She would have to watch him die
if that were true. She examined his fine, strong legs, but didn’t remove the
cloth wrapped through his legs. No blood stained the cloth. Maidie turned her
attention to his arms. Three small gashes lay on the upper right arm, the one
facing the fireplace. She must have missed the cuts, and stooped to take a
closer look. They were regular, made with a sharp dirk.
    Maidie stood and turned to the servant. “Do you