Pledged to a Highlander (Highland Promise Trilogy 1)

“I had a large garden at home in the woods. It was difficult for me to leave it.” Wren smiled. “But it would have been more difficult to bid Parlan farewell. He helped me dig up some seedlings to bring along and I must get them planted since they won’t do well much longer in their temporary home.”

“There’s a small section in the kitchen garden where some herbs grow if you should require them and the area can be extended if needed,” Oria offered.

“Bethany offered the same,” Wren said and chuckled. “She told me she has a large patch of comfrey that she had needed more for Raven than Royden and Arran since Raven constantly got scrapes and bruises from climbing trees and doing a number of things that weren’t meant for a lass.”

“That’s Raven all right and curious as well. If she were here now she would be asking you endless questions about the different plants you use to heal.” Oria’s question stirred her own curiosity. “How did you come by all this knowledge?”

“My mum was a healer. Most women in my family were healers. I learned from a young age about the plants and all they could do to heal or to kill.”

“Did your mum have your other skills as well?” Oria asked and realizing the question wasn’t polite of her to ask, offered an apology. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No. You have every right to ask. You have opened your home, accepted me as a healer and not a witch, though I think some are still skeptical of me.”

“I doubt that will last,” Oria said. “The clan members who have returned home with you have had nothing but high praise for your skills and once the others see the truth in those words, there’ll be no more skepticism.”

“I hope so, though I am glad to have Parlan. I feel safe with him. I’ve seen what can happen to healers when fear ravages a village. It’s why my mum chose never to remain long in one clan.”

“You moved around a lot then?” Oria asked.

“We did and wisely so, until my mum grew too old to keep moving. That’s when we settled in the woods. It was where my mum and I knew I’d meet the man I was destined to love.” Wren smiled gently. “Just as you were destined to love Royden and he you.”

A huge smile lit Oria’s face. “I knew it as soon as I met him. My dad teased me about it, but I was glad he also took me seriously and made sure that one day Royden would be my husband.” She caught a strange look in Wren’s eyes. “Is there something wrong? Does something happen to Royden?”

“No. No. All is fine. You and Royden will have many children and share a long life together. My mind drifted for a moment that’s all.”

Oria breathed a sigh of relief and yet she couldn’t help but feel that Wren hadn’t been completely truthful with her. However, something had her holding her tongue and she wondered if it was because she didn’t want to know what Wren didn’t want to tell her.

“Shall we get those seedlings in the ground?” Oria offered.

Excitement replaced the strange look in Wren’s eyes. “You don’t mind helping me?”

Oria held up her hands, wiggling her fingers. “I’ve loved digging in the soil since I was young. It always made me feel so good.”

“The soil enjoys the touch hands bring to it and returns it in kind,” Wren explained. “Now I will show you how to plant with care so that the seedlings feel safe and welcome here, accepting this spot, this soil as their new home.”

Oria enjoyed the time she spent with Wren and listened and learned what Wren taught her about the plants that seemed to take well to the soil.

Wren was planting the last seedling when Royden and his da joined the two women.

“Two more days and it will be done,” Parlan announced, reaching out to help Wren to her feet.

Royden’s arm went around his wife. “Are you sure you and Wren don’t want to remain in the keep, Da? You know how cold the winter can get around here.”

“We’ll be warm enough,” his da said, sending Wren a wink. “Besides, you’re going to need the room for all those grandchildren you’re going to give me.”

“Excuse me, Royden.”

Royden turned to see what Angus wanted. “Something wrong?”

“Two more of our warriors entered the village, not in good shape at all,” Angus said.

Wren stepped forward. “I will tend them. Take me to them.”

“They’re more in need of food right now. I sent them to Bethany,” Angus said.

“Perfect. I’ll tend them in the Great Hall,” Wren said more to herself than anyone else and off she went.

“What have you yet to say, Angus?” Royden asked, seeing an unease in the man’s eyes.