Now he was on the defensive as he shuffled backwards, trying to reach for the club he discarded in his arrogance. He knew then he had underestimated his opponent because the head knock had him struggling to keep balance.
Naomi dropped her quarterstaff and ran straight at him again. Using his body as a ladder she stepped onto his thigh, then shoulder, and head and lunged for the rafter above. She swung her body up like a pendulum and with all her might kicked him with both feet right in the center of the chest. The impact caused him to fly backwards until he hit the ground with a loud thud. He lost hold of his spear in the process.
Naomi said, “That is also for my husband.” She dropped down to the ground and strode towards him. She saw genuine shock register on his face. Not only was he stripped of his weapons, but he was also on his back in a vulnerable position and fighting the earlier knock to the head. Naomi did not hesitate. Before the Immortal could regain his footing, in a quick succession of moves, Naomi picked up his spear and went in for the killer blow.
Kieran watched his beloved wife shout, “And this is for my father!” just as she slammed the spear into the attacker’s neck. Kieran heard the crunching of bone and the last death rattle.
He wanted to laugh at the irony. Death died.
Kieran was relieved Naomi was safe. Now he could peacefully die knowing she survived. His tongue was swollen. He tasted blood while wheezing. Kieran wished he could tell her how proud he was of her. How much he loved her, but no words came out.
Naomi collapsed beside him, urging him to stay awake. He smiled weakly, then closed his eyes to rest, embracing the darkness.
“Kieran, my love, no, Kieran!” Naomi shouted. She was covered in blood, having fought death itself and won. But none of it mattered because the man she loved lay dying in her arms. Tears were streaming down her face as she kept screaming, trying to staunch the bleeding. “Please, lord, no. Please dinnae take my husband from me. Please.”
That was how Beiste MacGregor and Dalziel found her. Clutching tight to Kieran and screaming in anguish.
***
Chapter 16
One Month Later - Glenorchy
Kieran MacKenzie pickedup the axe and was preparing to get stuck into chopping through a load of firewood. It had been a long road to recovery, but he was finally feeling like his own self again. Amelia MacGregor had worked a miracle, saving him from the brink of death.
Naomi had remained by his side day and night, praying for him and helping to nurse him back to health. She also explained about the life she led in the abbey and the secret order she and Yesenda belonged to. Kieran was amazed. He finally felt empathy for Iain, Yesenda’s husband, knowing they now shared something in common. Either way, the threat from theBrotherhoodhad passed.FitzOsbern had gone to ground, although Kieran and Naomi remained vigilant and alert.
The clan rallied to make sure he and Naomi had all the provisions they needed as he healed.
Kieran realized he was a blessed man, and he was not about to waste a single moment languishing in his sick bed any longer. It was time for him to take responsibility and do his part for the clan. Then maybe Naomi would allow him to make love to her. The one thing he missed the most was being intimate with his wife. But she would not hear of it, not until Amelia cleared him for strenuous activity.
Kieran grinned because he had a surprise for Naomi. He was just lining up the piece of wood when he heard, “Kieran MacKenzie, put that axe down or I’ll hit you over the head with it.”
He grinned and replied, “Bloody hell, can’t a man do some chores without being nagged to death?”
“Not if I’m his wife. He can’t. Now put that down. Rory said he will be over in the morn to see to it,” Naomi replied as she walked up to him and brushed her lips up against his.
