She could not hide herself away forever or ignore the problem of Clyde. She had to see it done before it turned worse. She could not delay speaking to Chieftain Emory any longer. She hoped to catch him during his morning meal, then hurry through the market before it swelled with people.
Elysia snatched her cloak off the back of the chair and swung it over her shoulders, then grabbed the empty basket by the door and hurried outside. She kept her pace quick and was relieved to see that the market had yet to come to life. If she kept her hasty pace, she could solve two problems today, Clyde being one of them and avoiding Saber the other one.
She entered the Great Hall cautiously, aware that many of the clan warriors partook of their morning meal here and she was not comfortable being around them.
“Elysia,” Chieftain Emory called out and waved her forward. “I was going to send for you.”
She hoped he did not intend to tell her that a union with Clyde would benefit her. She would just have to speak up and remind him about Bliss’s bargain. She kept her chin up and squared her shoulders as Bliss had taught her and approached the chieftain with more confidence than she felt.
“I had hoped to have a few words with you, sir,” Elysia said after stopping in front of the dais and, before the chieftain could say another word, she hurried to have her say. “I will not wed Clyde. He is a mean man, and I will not wed a mean man.”
“I agree with you, Elysia,” Chieftain Emory said.
Shock struck Elysia speechless, though relief sent a shiver through her.
“Your sister Bliss did a brave thing marrying the cursed lord. It put our clan in great favor with the Clan MacClaren and I am grateful to her for that.” His brow narrowed in a slight scowl. “Though I am displeased with Annis for going off on a foolish quest. I have warriors searching for her and I am sure she will be returned home soon, at which time I will find her a husband that will take her in hand and see her kept safe. I will also find you a good husband. It is the least I can do for the sacrifice Bliss made for us all and I did give my word to keep you both safe.”
Elysia did not know what to say. She doubted the warriors would find Annis. She had been intent on learning skills most men possessed, tracking being one of them, and she would easily avoid the warriors. Though, she had no intention of letting Chieftain Emory know that.
However, there was one thing she wanted made known. “I do not wish to wed just yet.”
“Nonsense,” Chieftain Emory said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “It is past time for you to wed. And I have had several men express their interest in having you as a wife. Your kind and gentle nature, not to mention your healing skills and your exceptional talent with a needle are most appealing.”
Elysia spoke up quickly. “I am no healer, sir. I can manage minor ills, but no more than that.”
Once again he dismissed her protest. “Nonsense. You have worked by your sister’s side enough to tend the ill and deliver bairns. You will make a fine healer for the clan and you will have a good husband who will look after you.”
She did not want to anger the chieftain and make her situation worse, so she spoke cautiously. “I do not mean to be ungrateful, sir, but Bliss’s bargain allows for Annis and me to choose our own husbands.”
Chieftain Emory beamed with delight. “And so, you shall, Elysia.” He raised his hand, and casting his glance over her head, he waved someone forward.
Elysia turned and, not one, but three warriors stood and approached the dais. Each one of them towered over her and all were broad-chested. One had good features, the other two fair features. One was missing one of his earlobes, another had a scar that ran through his beard, and another had deep lines between his eyes, a sign that he scowled far too much.
“You can choose a husband from these three fine warriors; Bram, Tavish, and Rory,” Chieftain Emory said, nodding from his left to his right.
That made Bram the one with the missing earlobe, Tavish the one with the scar, leaving Rory the scowling warrior.
“You are a kind and obedient woman so there will be no reason for any of them to raise a hand to you. Your healing skill will be of great help to any of them after battle and in turn you will have a warrior husband to see you kept safe,” Chieftain Emory announced with a smile, pleased with his offering.