Chapter 7 Chapter Six

With clear blue skies, gentle breeze, green mountains and babbling streams, in the middle of this picturesque valley sits a gray stone house with a thatched roof.It's like heaven on earth.A cry interrupted Liane's contemplation.A tall, thin man stood on the doorstep of the hut, and greeted the Brendan soldiers with a wide smile. Di Liang carried Alex into the hut.Birdie, already dismounted, reached out to Liane to help her off, and she slid into his arms.The eyes of the two met at that moment, and she stared at this man who she didn't know well but trusted with all her heart.His sharp eyes seemed to be able to see through the secrets deep in her heart, and she tried hard to put aside that stupid idea.He's just a man and needs a shave.His cheeks and jaw were covered with tawny stubble, and she had a wild urge to touch his cheek.

why are you staring at meshe asked. Same reason you're staring at me, girl. She saw a look of misery in his eyes, but she was neither capable nor knew how to flirt.She pushed away his hand on her waist and took a step back.Why do we stop here?Who was that person standing at the door just now?Alex shouldn't go in first He interrupted her.Alex was safe with Di Liang, and it would be deeply insulting to him to know that you didn't trust him. But I really don't trust him.She lowered her voice so that the other soldiers could not hear.I don't know anything about him. You don't know me either, but since you have decided to trust me, you must trust what I say.My soldiers will die to protect Alex.He said sourly, implying that he would not discuss the subject again.

I don't have the energy to fight with you. Then don't, it's no use arguing with the Bruce people.You can't win, because we Bryce never lose. She guessed he might be joking, but wasn't sure, so she didn't laugh.He either has a weird sense of humor or is very arrogant. Come on, we're wasting time.He took her hand and walked towards the cabin. Are we going to spend the night here? No, we'll be on our way after Annie finishes nursing your arm. I don't want to bother. She will be honored to heal you. Why? She thinks you are my bride. How could she think that way?I only lied to the Down soldier.

He laughed out loud.The news spread like wildfire, and everyone knew that Tang's people couldn't keep their secrets. God!I got you into a lot of trouble, didn't I? No.he answered. When she reached the door, she leaned close to him and asked in a low voice: Do you trust these people? He shrugged.I only trust the Bruce people.Du Kaiwen's sister married one of my soldiers, so he is also a relative.Nothing you say in front of them will leak out. Di Liang introduced for her.Annie, who was pregnant with Liujia, was about the same age as her.There was a long table and six chairs in the center of the room, apparently frequented by visitors.The air was filled with the smell of freshly baked bread, and Lian imagined that after she fell in love and got married, she built such a warm and comfortable home.Don't be stupid, she thought.Her current life was full of worries and there was no time for daydreaming.

Your visit is our great honor.Kevin said to her, but she noticed that he was looking directly at Birdy. Annie spread a piece of cloth on the table and suggested that Lian should sit down at the table and let her check the injury. Liane rolled up her sleeves and undid the bandages.The injury is not serious, but a bit inflamed.She didn't think her arm was so horrible, but Annie turned pale with fright when she saw it. God!You must be in pain. Boddy and his soldiers stepped forward curiously to find out.Alex ran to stay next to Liane, looking terrified. Where did these injuries come from?Di Liang asked.

I made it myself. The wound must be incised and cleaned.Anne said.Lord, you must stay here for two days.She is a lady, and I must use palliative remedies. No, I can't stay that long.Liane protested. How would you treat her if she was a man?Boddy asked. Cut the wound, draw out the pus and blood, and pour down the mother's fire.That special potion is amazingly good, but it's very, very painful. I've seen quite a few warriors howling and screaming as Anne healed her wounds with the Mother's Fire.Kevin said. Birdy waits for Liane to decide which therapy to use.She thought the Dus were exaggerating, but that didn't matter.She couldn't afford to waste her precious time avoiding a little bit of pain.Birdy seemed to know what she was thinking.

Did those fighters stay for a few days after receiving the mother's fire treatment, or did they leave immediately? After I finished applying ointment to the wound, they left.Annie answered. They mean those who stand up.Kevin chimed in. After seeing Lian nodded slightly, Bodie said: Use warrior therapy to heal Lian, she will not make a sound when you are healing.She is from Bruce.He seemed to think that last sentence would explain everything. I will not speak, lord?she asked, amused by his annoying arrogance. He replied solemnly: Yes, you will not. She suddenly wanted to scream aloud to anger the haughty man, but she did not, for fear of frightening good Anne and young Alex.When she was alone with Boddy, she was going to remind him that she wasn't from Booth, which was a good thing she wasn't, because Bucky's were a little too self-righteous.She noticed that every one of his soldiers nodded in agreement when Boddy said she would not speak.

Anne leaned close to her husband and whispered to him.Lian could only understand a few words, but she guessed that Anne wanted Kevin to agree to let her drug Lian to sleep.While Kevin asked Birdy for permission, Anne was busy preparing the necessary supplies.Liane said before Bodie could answer: I don't want to be stunned.Thank you for your concern, but I must stay awake in order to travel.Birdie nodded, but Liane wasn't sure if it was Kevin or her that he was agreeing to.I am not kidding.She emphasized again.Don't drug me. Alex tugged at her sleeve.What's the matter, Alex?She asked, looking down, watching Anne mix brown powder into a glass of wine out of the corner of her eye.

I'm hungry. Wait a minute and we'll find something for you to eat. Kevin brings a few glasses of wine.Lord, may I offer you and your bride a glass of wine? But I'm not Liane speaking. Bodie interrupted her.Can. She frowns at him, wondering why he doesn’t clear up the misunderstanding, but decides to wait until he asks for an explanation. Kevin puts one glass of wine in front of her and puts the other glasses some distance away.Can I ask the other soldiers to come in and have a toast? Birdy went to the door and whistled, and the rest of the soldiers filed into the house.Liane helps pass wine glasses to everyone.After everyone had a drink, Kevin raised his glass to toast.I wish you a long life, a happy life, and a full house of children and grandchildren.

cheers.All the soldiers said in unison. Everyone waited for Lian to take a sip of the wine before finishing their glasses.Birdie nodded to Annie, pulled out a chair and sat across from Liane.He motioned for her to hold out her hand, and took her hand.She knew it was to prevent her from holding back during the treatment. Di Liang went around behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.Lauber, take the boy out. Alex hurriedly hugged Lian's arm.I want to be with you. You can stay, but don't get in the way. good.Alex said, and leaned against her. Annie stood beside her and did not make a move.Ma'am, are you feeling a little drowsy?she asked cautiously.

No.Liane replied.She noticed Kevin yawning violently.Annie, would you please tell your husband to sit down? Kevin blinked hard a few times.Why did you tell me to sit down? lest you stumble. Two seconds later, Kevin suddenly fell forward.Fortunately, Oehlen reacted quickly enough to catch Kevin's head before it hit the corner of the table.Ma'am, you switched glasses, didn't you? She stunned Kevin?Lauber grinned. Liane stared at the table with hot cheeks, trying to figure out how to apologize to Kevin's wife.Annie looked at the lord in bewilderment.Bodie shook his head in disappointment, but his eyes were filled with joy.It seemed that Kevin had knocked himself out.Oehlen, throw him on the bed.Annie, hurry up, we have to hurry. Annie nodded, and tremblingly took out the knife.Birdie gripped Liane's wrist, and she felt the blade cut the skin of her arm.At first she thought he was overreacting, but once Anne probed the wound, she was thankful to have his grip.It was instinctive to pull back, but Birdie wouldn't let her move.The treatment was not as scary as she had expected, but the pain from the swelling was relieved after the wound was cut open. Alex crawled under her right arm in fear and hugged her.Does it hurt? Won't.she answered calmly. Her composure dispelled his fear.He asked curiously: Does it hurt as much as when that person hit you in the face? Someone hit you?who?Anne had been cleaning the wound with a clean cloth, and Alex's words made her ask in horror. There was a sudden dead silence in the room as everyone waited for her answer.It doesn't matter who it is.She shook her head. No, very important.Di Liang said, and the others echoed. He is English.Alex blurted out. I knew it was English, I never heard of a Highlander beating a woman.Annie grumbled. Several soldiers nodded in agreement.Alex volunteered to report as if encouraged.he's drunk. Alex, no one wants to hear Lian speak. No, we all want to hear it.Birdie's gentle tone belied his true feelings.What kind of lunatic would bully weak women and children?He decided to get all the details before dark. The man knocked her to the ground with his fists and then kicked her repeatedly.Alex said.I was terrified and I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't stop.I may have cried.Then I threw myself on Leanne, but she pushed me away and rolled over and hugged me, putting her arms over my head so I wouldn't get kicked. Then what?Lian En asked. She patted me and told me to keep quiet.She didn't let anyone hurt me, and I never got kicked. Liane wanted to put her hands over Alex's mouth.Everyone was staring at her in horror, which was very embarrassing for her. Was there only one Englishman who was rough on her?Lauber asked. Another guy hit her too.Alex turned to Boddy.Do you know what she did after she was beaten?She deliberately smiled to annoy him. Annie put the cloth aside and put a thick towel under Liane's arm.Lord, the wound has been cleaned. Boddy nodded.The child is hungry.If it's not too much trouble, give him a slice of bread. Maybe drizzle some honey on top.Alex suggested. Annie smiles.Drizzle honey of course. Go out and eat.Boddy ordered.Lauber will watch over you so you don't get into trouble. But I want to be with Leanne, Uncle Birdie.She needs me, she may be lonely. I will be with her.Robert?Birdie called, and Lauber stepped forward. Alex immediately hugged Lian.She leaned forward and whispered to him.I will call you if necessary.She had to reassure him before he believed that she would not disappear during the few minutes he was gone.Then he snatched the bread from Anne's hand and ran out, forgetting to thank her in his haste. He'll thank you later.Liane said to Anne.Thank you for your patience with him.He was still young and suffered a lot. But you helped him out safely.Di Liang said behind her back, putting his hand on her shoulder again.She didn't know if he was praising, comforting her, or preventing her from escaping. After a while, Annie took out a flat iron pan from the kitchen. Inside the heated iron pan was a potion with an unpleasant smell.She dipped her finger into the potion to test the temperature.The potion won't be very hot, ma'am, but it will be very painful when poured on the wound.if you want to call She won't make a sound.Birdie repeated in a firm tone. Liane was a little annoyed by his dominance.It was up to her to decide whether to be brave or not. Why did he think he had the right to decide for her? Birdie nodded to Annie who was still hesitating, and Annie poured the potion on the wound Lianne had cut.The piercing burning pain in her spine immediately swallowed Lian.Her arms seemed to have been flayed and soaked in lye, her skin seemed to be on fire.Immediately, she felt stomach upset, dizzy, and her vision blurred.If she hadn't been held down by Di Liang and Bo Di, she would have jumped up from the chair long ago.The excruciating pain showed no signs of abating.After the first wave of pain, her skin began to throb, and her arm seemed to have hot coals lodged in the wound.With her back against Di Liang, she gasped, closed her eyes tightly to hold back the tears, gritted her teeth to prevent herself from screaming, and grabbed Boddy's hand with all her strength. She looked to him for help, and his cold and composed expression brought her back to herself.Even if he only showed a little sympathy, she could not help crying.Finding herself against Di Liang, she forced herself to straighten her back.But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't let go of Birdy's hand.Just when she was sure she couldn't take it anymore, the pain began to ease. The worst part is over, madam.Annie sounded like she wanted to cry too.I'll put some ointment on the wound and bandage your arm.Has the pain lessened? Liane couldn't speak, so she nodded stiffly.She stared at the wall behind Boddy, praying she didn't pass out. Annie quickly applied the ointment, but it took some work to bandage it, because Leanne still wouldn't let Birdie's hand go.When the pain was no longer unbearable, she became aware of his thumb rubbing her palm.His expression remained the same, but the subtle caress made her feel embraced by him.After bandaging, Lian took a deep breath and finally withdrew her hand from Boddy's grasp. All right, said Annie.Keep the wound away from water for the last two days. Lian nodded again, thanking her in a hoarse voice.Excuse me.She stood up slowly.Di Liang reached out to support her.She leaned against him, then slowly straightened up, nodding to Anne before walking out of the cabin.Every soldier bowed as she passed.She knew they were all watching her at the door, so she didn't want to run and hide in the woods.Alex was playing by the stream.Luckily he didn't see her go the other way, or hear her sobbing in the woods. Lian En frowned and looked at her back, then turned to Annie.Is there any mother fire left? There are a few drops left.she answered. Lian En walked to the table and drew out a dagger to cut a small wound on his forearm.His friends knew what he was up to, so no one was surprised, since Liam was the skeptic among them.He put his forearms on the thick towel.Pour some potion on this wound so I can know what it feels like. Annie didn't dare to talk too much, and obediently dripped the remaining medicine into Lian En's wound.Lian didn't respond.Curiosity satisfied, he nodded to Anne and walked outside.Boddy and the others followed, surrounded Lian En and waited patiently for his report.When he finally spoke, the husky voice made Oehlen smile. It hurts, he whispered.Don't know how she can bear it. Lauber joined them with Alex on his shoulders.Alex's laughter stopped abruptly when Liane was not there.He crawled back to the ground with a face full of panic, and screamed Lianne's name at the top of his throat. Lauber put his hand over his mouth.Don't panic, Alex, she's in the woods and will be right back. Alex ran to his uncle crying, and Boddy picked him up.I forgot that you were young and Lian did not leave you. Ashamed of his panic, Alex buried his face in Birdy's neck.I thought she was gone. Has she ever left you since you've known her? No but sometimes I'm afraid.He admits quietly.I didn't before, but now I do. It doesn't matter.Boddy sighed.You're safe now, and I won't let anything happen to you. Leanne said that too.He stared up at Birdie.You must take care of her, because she is just a weak woman. Bodie laughed.I don't see a trace of weakness in her. But she sometimes cries behind my back.I told her she needed you and I didn't want anyone to hurt her again. I won't let anyone hurt her.He promises.Don't worry, and lead the horse with Lauber.We'll be on our way as soon as Liane gets back. Lian came back with red eyes ten minutes later.Boddy took her into the saddle and sat behind her.Tormented, she slumped against him.He suddenly had a strong desire to protect her, to comfort her.He wrapped his arms around her tenderly, and she fell asleep in no time.He rode forward and moved her into his arms.Her long hair brushed against his thigh, and he stroked her angelic face with the back of his hand.He finally gave in to the longing that had haunted him since they met.He leaned down to kiss her soft lips, and saw her wrinkle her nose and sigh, making him smile. His mind kept telling him to be sensible.She's from England, who knows how much?Can't stand anything about England.In his youth and foolishness he had traveled to that hateful country in search of a bride as ideal as Maien's wife, Julie, but that futile journey had taught him a lesson, for Ian had found England's only rare treasures.Birdy had always been that sure, but he wasn't so sure when he met Leanne. You have extraordinary courage, he nodded.I admit it. But that's all.