Penetrating blue-gray
eyes stared out from the cocoon of dark wool that enrobed the woman. The cheeks
on her porcelain-white face appeared tinged with a splash of pink. Her natural
berry-red lips were turned up in a welcoming smile. “Grand Master.” She dipped
a well-executed curtsy.
Fendrel’s healer was
much different than the old crone he had anticipated. This woman was regal and
beautiful. The gleam in her eyes was calm and comforting. He had a strange
sensation, which made no sense at all, that he had known her for a long time.
At ease with her, he allowed himself to relax and returned her open smile with
one of his own.
“This is Ellyn of
Brodgar,” said Fendrel. “She has been our healer for the last year. Our
situation was grave. It was her healing skills that kept us alive. I would like
you to accept her into our clan.”
The knuckles on Ellyn’s
hand turned white from grasping her staff firmly. Her head whipped around at
Fendrel.
Max observed, fascinated
the elder was oblivious to the daggers the woman’s eyes flung at him. So,
Fendrel hadn’t told her of his plan and if Max wasn’t mistaken, she wasn’t
pleased.
“Thank you, Fendrel,”
said Ellyn. “Your request is a great honor. I will be your healer for as long
as I am with you.” She turned to Max, her face serene. Her iron grip on the
staff relaxed.
Fendrel sputtered.
“You are welcome into
Fendrel’s clan for as long as you see fit to stay with us,” said Max. He was
certain he saved Fendrel from getting his head bashed with the staff the woman
carried. “Brodgar is in the Orkneys. You are far from home.”
“I go where I am
needed.” Her voice was soft—her tone evasive.
Max gave her a benign
smile. She was tall and graceful. Loose tendrils of curls softened her face.
Dark lashes swept down against her cheekbone. She gazed at him with bright,
intelligent eyes. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He sensed her
trying to press in on his mind and blocked her attempt so fast she winced in
pain. He’d made his point. She would not try that again.
“If you will excuse me.”
She turned to leave. “I would like to look in on Dimia and the baby to make
certain they’re settled in for the night,” she said to the new father.
“Of course, Ellyn. I
will see you back to camp.” Fendrel approached the two men. “Thank you, Grand
Master. Doward. We will see you tomorrow.” He and Ellyn went back down the
small rise.
“Interesting girl,”
remarked Doward after they were gone. “You didn’t have to be rough on her. She
was only curious.” Doward chuckled.
Max stared after her.
She wasn’t at all what she seemed.
