Love had done little for his mum and da, though he had to admit he envied what they had shared. He had never seen anyone love with the strength and honor as his parents had. And he sometimes had wished he could find a love with the courage and conviction like theirs. But love such as theirs was rare and did not come along that often.

You’ve already met your future wife.

Twilla’s prediction had him glancing in the direction Snow had gone, and he shook his head. “Impossible. We’d kill each other.”

He walked off, continuing to shake his head.

Chapter 8

“The wound does well as do your other less harmful wounds,” Runa said.

“I appreciate you tending them.” Snow closed the soft wool robe, that had been left on the bed for her, more tightly around her.

“I have heard what a talented healer your sister Willow is, I would love to meet and talk with her.”

“I am sure she would enjoy visiting and learning from you.”

Runa laughed softly. “I would be the one who learned from her. When Lord Winton, Tarass’s father, announced that he and his family would be returning to Scotland, he invited anyone interested in joining him to become part of Clan MacFiere. Tarass had made strong friendships and many young warriors chose to go because of him. while I had no thought to leave my home. The old healer who taught me urged me to go and learn the healing ways of this land, and return with new knowledge. I arrived with the second group who came here. Already I miss home.”

Runa laughed again, a little tinkling laughter and it made Snow wonder over her appearance. From what she could judge, Runa was taller than her, but not by much, and she had a gentle touch and a soft voice. She sounded young and for some reason Snow thought, more sensed, she was pretty.

“I have yet to speak with another healer, which is why I would very much enjoy meeting your sister.”

“Willow will enjoy meeting you as well,” Snow said and was unable to stop a sudden yawn.

“You need to rest and I need to return and see how the new bairn and exhausted mum is doing, the reason for my delay in seeing to you sooner. But you need not fret, as I said your wounds do well.”

Nettle went to Snow as soon as the woman left. “Runa is a pretty one with long blonde hair and a gentle way about her. All the men chase after her.”

Snow wondered if Nettle described Runa for her, since she was blind and couldn’t see the healer. Or if it was just her way about her. She did appreciate a description, it helped to picture the person in her mind when she spoke with them, instead of staring at a blurry shadow.