The Brightest Star in the Highlands: Jennie and Aedan (Clan Grant Series Book 7) by Keira Montclair Page A

blow for sure, but not before the warrior swung his sword and knocked Aedan clear off his horse.

 
    Chapter Six
     
    Word had come back to the castle that Aedan had fallen. Jennie ran to the great hall to locate Lady Cameron, who anxiously awaited her son’s return.
    “Lady Jennie,” the older woman said in a hushed voice. “Will you see to Aedan’s injuries when he returns?”
    “Of course, Lady Cameron. Please send a maid to me so I can arrange for everything I need.”
    “Aye, ‘tis done.” She grasped her arm in both her hands. “Please heal him. I could not bear to lose him. Please?” Tears misted in her eyes.
    “I’ll do the best I can, but I must assess his condition before I can make any promises. He is a strong man, my lady. He will fight to live.”
    Lady Cameron paced in front of her, clutching her skirts. “I understand, but please let me know if there is aught else I can do.”
    Ruari burst through the door.
    “Are there many injured men? Have you heard?” Jennie asked.
    “There are a few, but only Aedan is doing poorly,” Ruari answered. “I should have gone in his place.”
    Lady Cameron paced. “Lady Jennie, This is my second son, Ruari. Mayhap you have not met yet. Aedan should not have gone, but he is a stubborn lad, much like his father. Och, but he makes me wring my hands.”
    “It would be helpful if you lined up the injured warriors in the great hall. Have someone clean their wounds of any visible dirt, and set out plenty of water and clean linen strips. Do you have someone who can tend to them?”
    “Aye, I will see to it. But I must do something else first.” She twisted the fabric of her skirt in her hands. “Pardon me, but I must go to chapel to pray for our clan’s well-being. Then I will return to complete your requests.”
    Ruari ushered his mother out the door. “I will take care of everything, Mama. Go to the chapel.” Once the door closed, Ruari turned to Jennie. “I am responsible, though they do not believe in me. I will see to your requests, Lady Jennie. We have healers to take care of the minor injuries, and the report I received was that all injuries are minor. The only concern is Aedan.”
    Jennie nodded to Ruari. “I know how difficult it is to be the youngest in the family, though I am not a lad. Your time will come.”
    “I have waited patiently,” Ruari said as he squared his shoulders. “I have done all that is asked of me and more, but both my mother and my brother choose to ignore me. I can be of use, Lady Jennie. Someday, I hope they will take notice of my abilities.”
    “They will, lad. Continue to improve and be aware of all that transpires. There is a young lad at our keep who has proven his mettle over and over, but sometimes, his methods are not the best.” Jennie smiled when she thought of young Loki, Brodie’s adopted son, and all he had done for their clan.
    “Truly?” His face lit up.
    “Aye. Loki knows all, and shows up when ‘tis naught but a surprise. Be alert and wise, and you will reap the rewards.”
    “My thanks, Lady Jennie. These are difficult times, and I worry for my family.”
    She gathered her skirts and headed up the stairs to ready Aedan’s chamber.
    As she headed down the passageway, she arranged her necessary tools in her mind. Today she wasn’t offended by the request for her talents. This was appropriate—since she had tended to Aedan’s wound in the first place, she was compelled to see how bad his further injuries were.
    Why? What had changed? She quickly denied the possibility that she cared for him. She cared for all her clan members, but she hadn’t wanted to continue her healing work there. The maid opened the door and waited for Jennie to address her.
    “My lady? How can I help?”
    “Some linen strips and a couple of basins of fresh water, if you please, Aggie.”
    Aggie bowed her head and left the chamber. Moments later the door burst open and a disgruntled Aedan entered, pushing at the hands of