She took several chances she normally wouldnt, but her grandmother had often told her that if it looked like there was no chance at all, to take all the chances you could.

She gave James a concoction that healers rarely used, since it wasnt safe. It would either make him sleep deeply for hours or kill him. But she had little choice. With the work she had to do on his arm, he could never have tolerated the pain, and she needed him very still; the potion guaranteed both, and alleviated his misery over losing his arm, which she knew could still happen.

As she worked on James, she was aware that Artair came and went from the cottage. He was not the only one. There were also women who came to ask advice about injuries they werent sure how to handle.

Meanwhile, a fresh group of warriors arrived from the keep, while those warriors who could, returned home. Another group was sent out after the remaining marauders, to make certain they didnt terrorize other villages.

Addie arrived when Zia was nearly finished.

When the news arrived at the keep, I thought you could use some help and more healing supplies and a change of clothes, she said, holding up two baskets.

Youre an angel, Zia said with relief.

No, mlady, you are, Neddie said with a tear in her eye.

Im a healer, Zia said, as if it explained everything, then returned to st.i.tching Jamess arm.

It wasnt until hours later, well past nightfall, with James safely tucked in bed and Addie arguing with Zia that she must sleep, that Artair entered the cottage.

Zia was prepared to argue her point that James needed her nearby if there was a problem with the wound.

Your wife is not reasonable, Addie said to her son.

That she isnt, Mother, Artair said.

James may need me, Zia insisted.

There is no more you can do for him except get some rest and be refreshed when he does need you, Artair said, walking over to where she stood by the table.

But"

You can do no more, Zia, he reiterated.

Theres always more"

Not this time, Artair said. You have spent hours on him. What will be will be.

Zia felt tears threaten her eyes, felt her limbs go numb, felt her overworked body giving out, and when he opened his arms, she gratefully fell into them.

He scooped her up, and she dropped her head to his shoulder. I dont want him to die.

That isnt up to you. You must think of yourself and the others who need you. Mother will look after James and fetch you if needed. All warriors rest after battle, and you have battled bravely today.

Her eyes began to close. I am no warrior. I am a healer.

That you are, dear wife. That you are.

Chapter 23.

A week after the battle, Artair and a group of men saw to bringing the last of the wounded men home. Zia hadnt allowed the seriously injured to be moved until she felt they were able to make the brief journey.

He had not only worked beside her that week, but watched her work, and as usual was amazed with the way she gave the injured hope and how her generous smile made even the most downtrodden break into a grin. It wasnt only her healing skills that helped; her enthusiasm for life lifted the spirit and lightened the heart. He could easily understand why so many would deem her a witch. The envious and ignorant would claim she used magic, spells or potions, and that worried him.

He didnt believe that Zia was now safe, and he intended to remain vigilant. Sooner or later news would arrive from the church council. It was inevitable, and hed be prepared to do whatever was necessary to save her. He would not see her denounced as a witch or burned at the stake, and with an eye toward protecting her, was determined to make her his wife, and sooner rather than later.

But how?

That was the question.

He barely had time to talk to her, and when they fell into bed together, they were so exhausted that sleep claimed them immediately. However, now that they were home with more helping hands, Artair planned on having Zia to himself for a while.

Dont count on it.

Artair turned with a befuddled look from where he stood on the steps of the keep, a strong autumn wind blowing, to see his brother Cavan cracking a smile as he approached.

Cavan laughed. It takes a married man and one in love with his wife to know what youre thinking even without seeing your expression, though once you turned around I knew I was right. You havent had your wife to yourself lately.

Neither have you, Artair challenged.

Cavan continued laughing. Yes, but Im laird so I can command.

It was Artairs turn to laugh. You never have nor will you ever command Honora.

d.a.m.n, you cant even let your brother keep his fantasy.

Talk suddenly turned serious as Cavan placed a firm hand on Artairs shoulder and spoke low so no one else could hear. Your wife works miracles.

Which could prove fatal for her, Artair replied, voicing what Cavan would not.

No one in the village speaks poorly of her, Cavan a.s.sured. All are grateful for her healing skills, especially James.

Artair nodded. He continues to improve, and Zia keeps his hopes high, though she is honest with him, letting him know that she isnt certain if his strength will fully return to his arm.

I think James is feeling good because your wife informed him that she sends for that pretty la.s.s he favored in her village to help look after him.

Artair chuckled. James did brighten considerably when Zia told him she had sent for Mave to help.

Considerably? He nearly jumped out of bed.

The brothers laughed, though it came to an abrupt halt when they spotted their mother running toward them and waving frantically.

The two ran to her.

Honora. Honora. It was the only thing a breathless Addie could utter.

Artair helped his mother as Cavan took off toward where Addie pointed.

Artair and Addie followed him in the same direction and came upon a hectic scene as they entered the cottage of one of the healing warriors. Honora had been visiting with him when she was struck with pain. Everyone in the cottage was upset, especially Cavan, who held his wife in his arms as she groaned.

Lachlan entered and began yelling, Do something for her! Do something!

Artair took over then. He directed Lachlan to find Zia, while Cavan insisted upon carrying his wife to the keep. Interceding, Artair made him understand that it was better for her to remain in the cottage until Zia could look at her.

Shortly afterward, Zia arrived to take control of the situation. Following a brief examine, and asking questions, she said that Honora had no more than an upset stomach. Zia ordered her to bed and then began to prepare a special brew.

It wasnt until Artair was alone with her as she brewed the potion that Zia confessed to more concern than shed let on. In fact he had suspected as much, having seen the look on her face earlier, during her examination.

Im not sure she will carry much longer, Zia said.

If she delivers sooner, what of the babe? he asked If I can manage to keep her from going into labor too early, then I believe the child can be saved.

And Honora?

Im not worried about her; its the babe that concerns me.

Should you speak to Cavan about this?

Honora will see his worry.

Artair nodded. Youre right. What do we do?

I will speak with Honora.

And Cavan?

That will be up to his wife, Zia said.

If it were you, I would want to know, Artair said.

Zia placed a gentle hand to his cheek. I would confide in you, for you would do what was necessary. Cavan, however, is madly in love with his wife and fears losing her.

Artair almost grabbed his chest, the stab was so sharp. Zia had no idea how he felt about her. But then why should she? He hadnt made his feelings known; hed only just realized them himself. And if he claimed them now, she wouldnt believe him. What was he to do?

Show her you love her.

The voice in his head was clear, and it sounded just like Bethane, but then, the older woman did give good advice.

Artair took hold of Zias hand. Handle this as you will, but later make time for us. He leaned down and, before kissing her, whispered, You are so beautiful.

Her breath caught as he stole a quick kiss. Then he walked off. He had to or he would have dragged her upstairs to their bedchamber and kept her there for the rest of the day and night. They hadnt made love since the battle"no time, no chance"though desire was there, and not only his. He could sense it in the way Zia leaned heavily against him when tired, the way her arm went around his waist to hug him, the way her lips found his at the oddest times, and how she whispered in his ear when least expected, I want you.

Zia was more of a woman than he had ever expected. And now that he had her, he wouldnt exchange her for anyone else in the world. She was his and he loved her.

He hurried up the stone stairs to Cavans bedchamber and entered through the open door. His brother sat on the bed beside his wife. For a moment Artair thought of placing his hand on Cavans shoulder, but realized if he did that, his brother would know something was wrong.

Zia will be here in a minute, he said, walking over to the bed and seeing that his mother sat on the edge of the chair in the corner. How are you feeling, Honora?

Better, she said with a weak smile.

He noticed how her eyes darted to the open door, and knew that she waited for Zia.

Why dont we leave the women to handle this? Artair said to his brother. Im thirsty for an ale or two.

Make that three or four, Lachlan called from the doorway. Are you feeling better, dear sister?

Honora waved to him from the bed. Much better, thank you. Now take this husband of mine off to drink with you while I tend to womans work.

You heard her, Lachlan said, waving at Cavan.

Cavan didnt budge. He looked to his wife. Are you sure"

Go, Honora said, shooing him away. Your mother is here, and Zia will be here shortly.

Cavan left reluctantly and with a promise to return soon to see how she was feeling.

Artair hoped they wouldnt pa.s.s Zia on the way to the hall, but they had no such luck. They met her on the way down as she was on her way up.

My wife? Cavan asked anxiously.

Is fine, Zia said, and Artair knew she answered honestly. He only hoped that Cavan would not ask about the babe, and was relieved when his brother simply nodded and moved on. Her answer was enough for now, though Artair didnt think it would suffice for long.

He lingered behind his brothers, wanting a moment with Zia, if only briefly. Reaching out, he brushed his fingers along her arm. She couldnt respond in kind, since she had a steaming cup of brew in her hands, but he felt her response. It was a sensual shiver that rippled through her body and along his.

Later, he whispered with urgency, and with a wide smile she nodded vigorously.

He followed his brothers down the stairs, wishing he and Zia were going up the stairs to their bedchamber. Shaking the thought from his head, he kept a quick pace behind them.

Zia entered Honoras bedchamber with her mind far from where it should be. Artair had been in her thoughts far too often. And she found that she wanted to be with him far more often than shed ever imagined possible. She sighed, knowing she had no time for such thoughts. But later she would She smiled as she approached the bed in which Honora lay.

Tell me, Honora demanded sharply, and caused Addie to jump out of her chair.

Zia took charge, handing the brew to Honora. Drink slowly and well talk.

Honora followed her directions, Addie slipping back into her chair, waiting.

The two women were like family to her. She couldnt say when that had happened. Perhaps from the start shed felt close to them because of Artair. Whatever the reason, she wanted to alleviate their fears while alerting Honora to potential problems.

You need to rest, she said.

Why? Honora asked fearfully.

From experience, Zia knew that many women blamed themselves when something went wrong with their babe, so she answered carefully. The easiest way for me to explain it is that the babe is restless.