Highlander Unbroken (Highland Adventure Book 8) (23 page)

Colin frowned. "Who was shooting at you?"

"Mistress Douglas was attacked. 'Tis a long story. I'll tell you later. We need to get her back to Bearach as soon as possible. The ruffians will come back, certain sure."

Neacal lifted Anna to the pillion cushion behind his saddle, then mounted. He tugged her arms around his waist and they were off.

***

"I'm glad you're looking far more recovered than I expected," Colin said to Neacal when they stopped to water their horses an hour later. Eating the apple Colin had given her, Anna sat on a large rock a short distance away where Neacal could keep an eye on her.

It had been more than a year since he'd seen Colin. Neacal had not been able to do much more than walk at the time, and he'd been near skin and bones.

"I refused to give up."

Colin nodded. "I'm glad. You're a strong man, my friend. I'd heard you were the new chief and that your clan suffered a great loss at the hands of the MacKenzies."

"Aye. I was away at the time." If he'd been at Bearach maybe he could've talked some sense into his older brother and prevented so much loss of life.

"I was making ready to visit you when your messengers showed up," Colin said.

"I appreciate that."

"Shall we gather forces and retaliate against the MacKenzies?" Colin asked.

"Nay. 'Tis all settled now and we have an alliance with the MacKenzies. Maili chose to marry the younger brother of the chief."

"Ah." Colin quirked a brow. "Is that a good thing?"

"Aye. You see, Elrick captured a MacKenzie man, beat him and held him for ransom. That was the cause of the conflict."

"And Elrick was killed in the siege?"

"Aye. He had no cause to hold the man hostage except for his own greed in wanting some MacKenzie coin."

"Well, I'm glad that conflict is over."

"As am I. And glad to have another strong ally."

"So… what's her story?" Colin nodded at Anna, then gave Neacal a devilish grin.

Feeling a rush of heat and excitement, Neacal blew out a breath. "I'll have to fill you in later."

***

Though exhausted, Anna forced herself to stay awake during the entire ride behind Neacal. Though she loved holding onto him, she felt self-conscious doing so, because of Colin and the other men. Still, she was thankful Neacal was safe, and she enjoyed every moment she could touch him or be near him.

'Twas after dark when the torches at Bearach Castle came into view in the distance. The light reflected off the loch, revealing the galleys waiting there. It appeared none of the visitors had left as of yet. Although she felt a moment of anxiety, she reminded herself they didn't matter now. Blackburn knew exactly where she was. The important thing was that she and Neacal could take refuge behind the high, thick walls. And they had lots of help here.

When they entered the courtyard, Neacal leapt to the ground, then lifted her down.

"I thank you." She smiled up into his eyes and wished she could continue to stare at him all night. But she felt the attention of many people upon her. Glancing around, she noticed curious eyes and people whispering as word quickly spread that their missing chief had just arrived with the singer.

"Chief," someone called out.

"Go, find something to eat. And rest," Neacal told her.

Avoiding the curious onlookers, Anna hurried around the side of the castle and entered through the kitchen.

The room was a beehive of activity, for someone had informed them the chief had returned at the end of supper with a large entourage of soldiers. They were scrambling to ready more food quickly. She grabbed a slice of bread and passed through the room before anyone truly noticed her. Though she was hungry enough to eat a whole loaf of bread, this piece would do for now. She bit into the warm, chewy goodness. Her first priority was to wash up and change out of her muddy clothes.

On the servant stair, she came face to face with Tavia.

"Where on earth have you been, lass?" she exclaimed. "Good heavens, I've been worried sick about you and Neacal both. He was with you, aye?"

Nodding, Anna chewed the bite of bread as quickly as she could. "Indeed… um… 'tis a long story. I must find something clean to put on."

Tavia glanced down over her clothes. "I'll help you." After sending one of the chamber maids for a pitcher of warm water for a sponge bath, Tavia followed her up to her chamber. It was empty, thank goodness. She didn't want to have to explain anything to Harriet. Talking to Tavia would be a hard enough task.

The healer was her friend and she had no reason to hide the truth from her anymore. After all, Blackburn might show up here in a day or two and attack. Then everyone would know the situation.

"Did you and his lairdship leave together?" With Tavia's blunt and to the point words, heat rushed over Anna.

"Nay. He followed me and rescued me."

"Why did you leave? Where did you go and who did he rescue you from?"

Anna explained the situation as briefly as possible, including the fact that, in the eyes of the law, she was likely considered Blackburn's wife. By the time she was finished, Tavia's mouth hung open.

A knock sounded at the door and they dropped silent. "Enter," Tavia finally recovered enough to say.

The maid carried in the steaming pitcher of water, poured it into the basin, then exited.

Anna had left out the part about the intimacy she and Neacal had shared on their journey. She wanted no one to know about that. But she was afraid Tavia already suspected, for her eyes gleamed with mischief. Anna had also left out the part about Neacal impulsively proposing to her at the inn. So many secret details. She hoped she could keep them all straight.

"So, the young ladies have not left?" Anna asked, removing her muddy
arisaid
.

"Nay, their fathers have been arguing incessantly, each man adamant that Neacal is the only husband for the daughter in question."

Anna shook her head. Knowing Neacal as she did now, 'twas clear to her the men were wasting their time.

"But I suspect Neacal is off the marriage market for good now. Am I right?" Tavia smiled.

"I have no inkling," Anna said innocently, though her heart rate increased. She sincerely hoped he would not marry one of the girls.

Tavia snickered, taking a seat by the fire, her back to Anna. "You do not fool me."

"Did you not listen to my story? In the eyes of the law, I'm likely already married." Anna did not wish to discuss her attraction to Neacal. She lathered the rag and hastily began washing the mud from her skin.

"And do you think that will stop Neacal?" Tavia prodded at the fire with a poker then added more peat. "It sounds like an illegal marriage anyway. Have no fears; he will deal with the miscreant."

A cold shiver passed through Anna, and it had naught to do with the water cooling on her freshly cleaned skin. "I do not want them fighting! Blackburn is a ruthless murderer."

"Neacal can be ruthless to his enemies when he chooses to be."

"I know." Anna well remembered the dead bodies Neacal had left around the burned cottage. "He is a highly skilled warrior, but I don't wish him to put himself in any more danger because of me."

"You are extremely worried about him." Tavia's tone was cheerful, as if Anna's worry pleased her.

Anna glared over her shoulder but her friend still worked at the fire. "Of course, I am. I worry about anyone who faces Blackburn on the field of battle. He takes no prisoners."

"Colin brought many men with him, so I reckon the odds have shifted into the MacDonalds' favor."

"I hope you're right," Anna said softly. 'Twould simply kill her if anything happened to Neacal because of her. She would never forgive herself.

In the torch-lit bailey, Neacal motioned to his sword bearer and war leader, Matthew, then waited for him near the thick stone wall so they could talk privately.

"I'm glad you've returned, chief," Matthew said. "I sent out two parties of a half dozen men each, searching for you."

"I thank you, but there was no need. Are they supposed to return soon?"

"Aye, tomorrow."

"Good. We'll need all the men we can get for the upcoming battle."

Matthew frowned. "Is Sleat on his way?"

"I have no inkling about him. 'Tis Blackburn MacCromar and his men."

"Who's that? We've never had conflict with them before."

Neacal glanced toward the kitchen doorway where Anna had disappeared. "The man who thinks he is married to Mistress Douglas."

"Thinks?" Matthew looked thoroughly confused now.

"Aye, 'tis an illegal marriage. MacCromar forced her to marry him against her will." Neacal explained the whole situation as quickly as possible. "If he gets his hands on her, he'll beat her and abuse her as he has done in the past."

Matthew's assessing eyes searched his, then he nodded. "We've added several soldiers over the past few weeks, and Colin brought dozens with him."

"Aye." Neacal was not concerned now that Colin had his back. "What about Parlan, Roy and the other three clan traitors? Have you discovered more?"

"Nay. When you disappeared, I thought they had something to do with it, so I locked them in the dungeon."

"I'm glad. When Blackburn shows up, I'll need to trust all the men fighting beside me."

Matthew nodded. "I don't know if I rounded up all the traitors or if there are more. But I figured we couldn't risk them running around free."

"'Tis something we'll have to figure out as we go along. If you hadn't already locked them up, I would be forced to now, anyway."

"What if this MacCromar chief should inform the king you've taken his wife hostage?"

A new spark of anger lit within Neacal. "Then I shall send a missive to the king, telling him the truth. Or pay him a visit." Neacal would not be deterred in this. Brutes like Blackburn had to be stopped. And he was just the man to do it. "Inform the men. Make sure all our weapons are repaired, sharpened and ready."

"Aye, chief." Matthew gave a decisive nod and strode away, while Neacal headed toward the entry steps.

He was glad he'd gotten Anna behind these castle walls where he and his clan could protect her properly. Even though he missed having her by his side now, he hoped she would eat and go to bed early. She needed the rest. As for him, he had a lot to do before he could retire for the night, and even when he did, he doubted he would be able to sleep. Too much was at stake and he had to deal with these problems head on. He thought of his father often, hoping Da would help guide him in making the right decisions.

After entering the great hall, Neacal proceeded across the crowded room to the high table where the three visiting chiefs, along with their wives and daughters, sat finishing their supper and sipping ale. Most of the conversations around him quieted.

"A good eve to you." Neacal nodded to his guests, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible. His gaze scanned those seated around the table. "Ladies, I apologize for my disheveled appearance and for interrupting your meal, but I need to meet with your chiefs in the library forthwith."

The women stared in wide-eyed shock, taking in his muddy clothing, while the men frowned.

"Now?" Hamilton asked.

"Aye. As soon as you're finished with your meal. I'll await you there." Neacal proceeded to the library and added peat to the fire. He wished he'd had time to bathe and change his clothing, but what he had to say to them was far more important. And it wouldn't take long.

Once the three men filed into the library, Neacal closed the door and motioned for them to sit.

"Where have you been the past few days?" Observing him with speculation, the ginger-haired Chief MacGill took a seat at the table.

Neacal held no fondness for the man and wished he had already vacated the place. "I had some unforeseen business to attend to. I'm sorry I was unable to be here. Before my absence, I enjoyed your company—all of you—but now we're expecting trouble, perhaps even battle. For the safety of your ladies and your retinues, I have to ask you to return to your homes."

"Battle?" MacRury asked. "With whom?"

"The MacCromar clan."

"They're from the east, far from here. What is your conflict with them?" Hamilton asked, his dark brows lowered.

"I cannot discuss it. Nor do I want you to get involved. If our castle is attacked, your ladies could be in danger. 'Tis best you leave as soon as possible. We expect them to come overland."

"When will they be here?" MacGill asked.

"In a day or two." Neacal did not know for a certainty how long it would take the survivors of their skirmish to reach Blackburn and report they'd located Anna and that the MacDonalds sheltered his estranged wife. But Neacal wanted the chiefs and their daughters gone from here forthwith. "I suggest you leave at daybreak in the morn."

"Aye. I'll have my servants start preparing." Chief MacGill leapt up and hastened out of the room.

Thank the saints, Neacal didn't have to convince him.

The other two chiefs glared at each other and then fixed their eyes on him. "I've met MacCromar," Hamilton finally admitted. "'Haps I can act as a go-between so you can avoid violence."

Neacal frowned, remembering that Anna had said she was trying to prevent Chief Hamilton from seeing her when she'd left because he had visited Blackburn. "You're a friend and ally of his, are you not?"

"Nay, neither," he said gruffly. "But I've had dealings with him."

Suspicious, Neacal ground his teeth. "Tell me what you know about him."

"In truth, he is malicious. He has a large garrison. And if I were you, I would not want to cross him."

Neacal's hackles rose. If Hamilton didn't wish to cross Blackburn, then he would never be on the side of the MacDonalds.

"Then you are his ally," Neacal said.

"Nay," Hamilton said, but the flare of panic in the man's eyes was obvious.

"'Tis clear to me you fear him. You'll do me no good. 'Tis best you leave in the morn." Neacal knew he was calling the man a coward, but the truth was the truth. He was not one to mince words.

"What is your quarrel?" Hamilton demanded, a scowl on his face.

"As I said, I cannot reveal this."

"Not only will I stay and fight beside you, I'll send for reinforcements… if you'll agree to marry my daughter afterward," Hamilton pressed his case.

"Nay," Neacal said with calm confidence.

"Are you…" The man snapped his mouth closed, his face reddening as his words hung in the air.

"Mad?" Neacal asked. "Aye, most likely. And I have no need of your help."

"I'll help you, lad," Chief MacRury stated with quiet self-assurance. "With or without a marriage to my daughter. Your da often helped me. I owe it to him and to your clan."

Hamilton glared at him.

Neacal held a new respect and fondness for MacRury. "You have no idea how much I appreciate that," Neacal said. "Hopefully, we can maintain the alliance of friendship that my father began."

"This is lunacy," Hamilton muttered, then shoved back from the table and left the room.

"I hope I have not made two enemies in them," Neacal said. He already had enough enemies.

"I wouldn't worry over it." MacRury arose from the table. "I'll send some of my men south for two dozen more of my soldiers. They should arrive within a couple of days."

"You're most generous. I'll owe you a grand favor."

"Nonsense. I owed your father a favor from many years back."

"You're a good man," Neacal said. "I can see why my father considered you a genuine friend."

"Well, I believe in doing the right thing. Do you truly think the ladies will be in danger?"

"We intend to stop the MacCromars before they breach the walls. With the help of your clan and the Camerons, I trust we'll be successful."

MacRury nodded. "I'm glad to hear it. Can you at least give me a hint as to what this is about?"

Neacal didn't want to tell him, but if the man was going to assist him, he deserved to know. "How do you feel about men who abuse women?"

"I detest them. Why?" MacRury growled.

"How do you feel about a man who would force a woman to marry him against her will by holding a dagger to her sister's throat?"

MacRury's face reddened. "He deserves a dungeon… or death. He is no man of honor, that's a certainty."

"That's the conflict. And the abused woman in question is a guest here at the castle, Anna Douglas."

"Are you related to her?"

"Nay. I've made her cause my own. She's a good woman, an honorable lady, and she deserves to be protected."

"Of course. Any woman deserves protection."

Neacal nodded. "I'm glad we see eye to eye. She has no male relatives still living willing to help her, and Blackburn MacCromar murdered her first husband. I intend to help her."

"You're much like your father, lad. 'Tis very admirable of you."

"I thank you." Neacal gave a brief bow. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go speak to my foster brother, Colin Cameron, about a plan of action."

"I'll send my men south on a swift galley in the morn." MacRury shook his hand as they exited the room.

"I appreciate your help more than you could know." Neacal just hoped the reinforcements arrived in time.

On his way through the great hall, Neacal asked the housekeeper to send the kitchen maids with supper for him and Colin to the solar. He needed to talk to him and didn't wish any eavesdroppers.

He had told Colin a few things during the ride, but nothing detailed with Anna and so many of his soldiers listening.

Once he'd asked Colin to come in from the courtyard where the men were preparing for battle and the maids had served their supper, they sat down at the small table.

"What is your plan in dealing with Blackburn MacCromar?" Colin asked between bites.

"I'm going to kill the bastard," Neacal said in no uncertain terms.

"Ah. Don't you feel you're being a bit too lenient?" his friend asked drily.

Neacal smirked. "Aye. He deserves torture worse than I suffered, but I'll spare him." Neacal chewed and swallowed a bite of the venison. "I have no doubt he'll show up here."

"What if he wants to negotiate?"

"Negotiation happens when there is a hostage. Anna is here of her own free will and I won't hand her over to him. Of a certainty, she won't choose to go with him. I expect that he'll grow hostile and attack once I tell him
nay
. 'Haps we should await him along the cliffs."

"'Twould give us the advantage. He won't ken how many men are lurking in the wood. He might become cocky and attack. Then we thrash his garrison."

"Hamilton and MacGill are leaving, but MacRury is going to stay and help us. He even said he would send for more of his men in the morn."

Colin frowned. "Don't tell me you agreed to marry his daughter."

"Nay. He said he owed my father a favor."

"'Tis great to have allies like that."

They ate for a few moments in silence. Neacal hadn't realized how hungry he was.

"Do you intend to marry Anna?" Colin asked, mischief lighting his eyes.

"Of course."

Colin chuckled. "Damnation. You've become decisive of late."

Neacal felt a faint smile slip out. Something he was not in the habit of doing. "I've always been decisive."

"What on earth happened to her?"

"At knifepoint, Anna was forced into marriage with the murderous whoreson."

"Marriage?" Colin frowned, pausing in his eating.

"Aye. Blackburn MacCromar murdered the previous MacCromar chief, his cousin, Anna's first husband."

"Saints!"

"The marriage is not legal but I'm certain he won't give up. 'Tis why I'll have to either take the matter before the king or kill Blackburn. In a fair fight, of course."

"Of course." Colin eyed him closely in the firelight. "You love her," he charged.

Neacal focused on eating. He didn't enjoy discussing such raw and intense emotions. Aye, he most likely did love her, but that didn't mean he wanted to talk about it. 'Twas all so new and personal. He hadn't even told her yet.

"Do you not?" Colin grinned.

"I am drawn to her."

His friend snorted. "You used to be
drawn
to a lot of women… before. But this is different."

"Anna is different," Neacal admitted. "She gives me peace as I've never had."

"Are you certain 'tis peace? Or a raging storm of desire?"