Chapter Eighteen

"Murderer!" Sleat yelled over the harsh gale wind bombarding the mainland. He thrust his sword.

Neacal dodged out of the way. "'Tis on your own head!" Spiked targe on his left forearm and dirk in his left hand, Neacal shoved the targe toward his opponent's face, but Sleat leapt back. "You brought him here to sneak in and ambush us during the night."

The cold rain blew in sideways from the loch. Neacal traversed until the wind was at his back, giving him an advantage. Sleat turned to face him, squinting and blinking against the rain pelting his eyes.

Neacal made a feinted slice toward the other man's shoulder. When Sleat lifted his targe to block the blow, Neacal switched direction, his blade cutting into Sleat's thigh. The man howled out in pain and gritted his teeth. His next thrust was clumsy. Neacal easily blocked it with his targe and feinted another strike to Sleat's injured thigh. When his targe came down, Neacal shifted, his blade flying toward his opponent's shoulder. Sleat was too slow on the defense and Neacal's blade met its mark, but the leather armor prevented it from going deep.

Neacal lunged, his left leg propelling his body forward. Landing on his right foot, he aimed his blade arrow-quick toward Sleat's gut. It penetrated the leather armor and drove deep. Sleat struck out with his blade but Neacal caught the blow with his targe. Withdrawing his sword, he pulled back. Sleat dropped to his knees, his teeth bared.

Well out of reach of his opponent, Neacal surveyed the fighting going on around him, but a small boat out on the loch caught his attention. Blackburn was the man rowing it away from the castle. Why the devil was he leaving? Wait… someone lay in the boat in front of him, wrapped in a plaid, twisting and squirming. Who was that? Could it be Anna? "Nay," Neacal growled in denial, even though he knew it must be. How had Blackburn gotten inside the castle to her?

Running footsteps reached his ears. Neacal forced his gaze toward the person approaching. Sword raised over his head, Titus MacRankin advanced, shouting a war cry. His wet, blood-spattered face pulled into a snarl, he leapt forward and chopped his blade downward. Neacal dodged out of his path and, in the same motion, swung his sword around to slice it across MacRankin's abdomen as he turned.

Neacal had to defeat this bastard quickly if he intended to see who Blackburn was rowing away with and stop him. He blocked every thrust of his opponent's blade. He feinted a slice toward his enemy's ear, then swiftly switched direction to cut the man's calf. He yowled and limped back.

Breathing hard, MacRankin bared his teeth in a vicious grin. "This is for Lady Aislinn!" He struck out with his sword.

Neacal caught the blade on his targe. "I didn't cause her death," he shouted over the wind.

"I couldn't marry a woman who had been used by you, Scots traitor," he spat. "No doubt she carried your bastard!"

Neacal shook his head, for he hadn't lain with the lass. 'Twas just as he'd suspected. "You killed her! You shoved her from the tower!"

Several more strikes were delivered and blocked by both men.

"No choice!" MacRankin said, breathing hard. "She betrayed me! Tried to convince me you were nay a spy for the crown."

What? Neacal was momentarily thrown off-kilter. "She did?"

"Of course. You bastard! You turned her against me. She wanted naught to do with me after you finished with her."

Aislinn had been highly intelligent; she'd figured out what Neacal was about, spying for King James. And he'd always thought Aislinn had betrayed him to MacRankin.

"Who told you I was a spy?" Neacal asked.

"He did." MacRankin nodded to where Sleat lay unmoving in the mud and rain.

Damnation! All this time he'd blamed the wrong person for his capture.

"You didn't have to kill Lady Aislinn. She was an innocent."

"Ha! I trust your word about as much as that of a viper. And I couldn't break the betrothal contract." MacRankin lowered his body and charged, blade directed forward.

At the last second, Neacal jumped out of the way. MacRankin barreled forward, tripped over a large rock and fell. Neacal quickly returned for a counter attack while the man was down. He got in two slices before his opponent leapt to his feet.

The sideways rain drove harder against Neacal, the water in his eyes making it difficult to see. The ground had become muddy and slippery. Moving again, he put the rain at his back so his opponent would be forced to change position to face him. MacRankin charged him again and Neacal blocked several of his blows.

"Neacal!" a female shouted from several yards away.

"What the devil?" Neacal glanced briefly toward the castle to see who approached. He hardly recognized Constance with the cowl of her dark cloak over her head. "Get back inside, lass! 'Tis too dangerous out here!"

MacRankin rushed toward her, surprising Neacal. Realizing the danger his cousin was in, he raced after MacRankin.

"Run!" Neacal yelled to her.

But 'twas too late. MacRankin ran her through with his sword and sliced her throat with his dirk. He kicked her to the muddy ground.

Heart in his throat, Neacal growled, "Nay!"

MacRankin turned, bloody blades raised. Neacal thrust his broadsword through the leather armor and into his gut. With the dirk in his other hand, he cut the man's throat, giving him the same death he'd given Constance. Only inches away, MacRankin's icy gray eyes stared into Neacal's as he realized he was a dead man.

"Why the hell did you kill my cousin?" Neacal snarled. Constance had been a menace, but she was still his kin and he would've never wished her dead.

"Cousin?" MacRankin gasped as his eyes rolled back. He dropped to the ground beside Constance.

MacRankin must have thought Constance was Anna. 'Twas the only explanation that made sense.

Why the devil had the idiot lass run out in the midst of a battle? Feeling gored, Neacal shook his head.

Damnation, he had to find out if Anna had been on that boat with Blackburn. He raced down the beach, the pounding rain and wind trying to shove him backward, stinging his skin and eyes. He ran past the large galleys toward the end where two small boats clunked together in the wind. After sheathing his weapons and tossing his targe into a two-oared wherry, he untied it, pushed it into the water and jumped aboard.

The loch was as rough as the sea, but he had no time to worry over it. Something told him Anna had been wrapped in that plaid. There was no one else Blackburn would abduct and try to escape with… unless it was Kristina. But he was near certain Colin had spirited Kristina away some time ago, at the beginning of the fighting. Either way, whether Blackburn's captive was Anna or Kristina, Neacal had to rescue her.

In this weather, Blackburn couldn't have gone far. What if the other boat had already capsized? Saints! Neacal glanced around over the rough surface of the water but saw no sign of another craft.

He rowed more forcefully than he'd ever rowed before, ignoring his cuts and injuries. At the moment, he felt no pain. To save Anna, he would fight until his last breath.

The small vessel rocked and tossed about upon the loch's turbulent water. The ferocious wind, blowing in off the ocean from the west and along the length of the loch, made gaining any distance difficult. Gritting his teeth, he focused on the two oars propelling the boat through the water. He glanced back, squinting against the wind.

A fearsome wave approached. Damnation! He held his breath as the wave smashed into him, toppling the boat sideways. Neacal flew overboard into the water. Letting go of the oars, he pushed himself through the water using his arms and legs. His plaid and weapons were a slight hindrance but there was no time to remove them now. Besides, he would need his sword and dirk soon.

Glad now for all the swimming he'd done over the past several months, he quickly reached the small island. Once his feet were on solid ground, he hurried along the shore.

The boat Blackburn had used sat ashore on the back side of the island. A surge of triumph blasted through Neacal, quickening his steps. Anna was still alive; she had to be. He was glad Blackburn had enough sense to know to get off the loch and out of the gale. No doubt he'd planned to hide out here until the storm was over, then take the boat further along the loch, until he was out of sight of the castle, and go ashore on the mainland at some point.

Neacal raced toward the only structure on the island, an old byre, left from when sheep and cattle used to graze here. Trying to stay out of sight, he slipped to the side of the doorway and peered through. The high winds prevented him from hearing anything and 'twas dark inside.

Knowing the byre was too tight of a space to effectively use a sword, he took out his dirk and rushed in, hoping to surprise Blackburn. A tall, dark form advanced on him. Neacal kicked him in the stomach, sending him sprawling against the stone wall. He wanted to make sure the knave was Blackburn, and that Anna was his captive, before he knifed him.

A string of growling curses erupted from the man's mouth as he shoved to his feet. Neacal recognized his voice.

"Who's your hostage, Blackburn?"

"She is not a hostage. She's my wife! You're the one who steals other men's wives and fiancées."

Neacal's eyes gradually adjusted to the dimness, allowing him to see the dirk the other man held at the ready.

"Do you want me to recite the atrocious deeds you've done to her? You murdered her first husband." Neacal slashed with his dirk.

"A lie!" Blackburn leapt out of the way and countered.

Neacal dodged back. "You murdered her unborn child. You beat and abused her." Neacal kicked toward the back of the other man's ankle, causing him to stumble. "You blinded and scarred her sister." He sliced the other man's arm. "If you think I'm going to let you take her from here, you're daft. In a matter of moments, you're going to be dead and she's going to be a free woman."

Blackburn, now closer to the exit, turned tail and ran out into the storm. What the devil? Was this some kind of trick? "Anna? Where are you?" Neacal glanced around the tiny one room structure.

Silence.

"Anna! Damnation!" He searched through the darkness at the back corner of the byre. His hand traced over wool material and someone lying still. 'Twas her. "Anna?" He touched her face and placed his finger beneath her nose. When he felt her warm breath puffing against him, his eyes burned. "Thank God." Leaning closer, he stroked her face gently. "Anna, my love. How badly are you hurt?" He needed to move her into the light but was afraid he would worsen her injuries. He kissed her forehead. "Anna, please wake up."

"Hmm?" She turned her head. "Neacal?"

Relief surged through him. "Aye, talk to me. Did you hit your head?"

"Aye… hurts," she breathed.

"That bastard Blackburn," he growled low.

"Where is he?"

"He ran." Neacal needed to chase him down and kill him but Anna was far more important to him. He hoped Blackburn's boat would capsize in the loch. "What did he do to you?" Neacal asked.

"We fought. He knocked me down and I hit my head on a stone."

"Whoreson," Neacal said through clenched teeth. "Are you going to be all right?"

"I think so… but it hurts."

"I'll be right back. Stay hidden. I'm going to see where he went."

"Nay!"

"I have to."

"Please be careful! Promise me."

"Aye. I'll be back in a few minutes." Neacal rushed to the doorway. Outside, the bushes shifting in the wind blocked his view of the shore, the loch and the castle. He ran out, headed for the shore, when a sword blade arched at him. He dove to the ground and stabbed Blackburn in the thigh with his dirk. Rising again, Neacal withdrew his broadsword from the scabbard.

The severe wind and rain slamming him, he whipped around and lashed out at Blackburn. Their swords clanged. Neacal blocked several of his strikes, giving Blackburn time to tire himself. He sent a feinted slash toward Blackburn's injured thigh. When he lowered his blade to block it, Neacal stabbed the man's upper chest with the dirk. Though the studded leather armor absorbed some of the force, the blade slid into muscle. Blackburn roared in pain and staggered back. He turned and ran back toward the byre.

"Nay, you bastard!" Neacal chased after and dove for him, barely catching the other man's plaid as he entered the doorway. Both of them fell. Neacal stabbed his dirk into the man's calf. Blackburn kicked, connecting with Neacal's jaw, jarring his head and sending him rolling.

Muttering curses, his head dazed, Neacal pushed to his feet, but Blackburn had disappeared. He picked up the sword he'd dropped and rushed into the byre. He made out the gleam of a sword blade and halted.

Blackburn squalled and growled like a wild animal, then dropped his sword. "I'll kill you, bitch!"

What the hell was going on? Neacal rushed forward, running Blackburn through. But he saw this was unnecessary as Blackburn fell to the ground. The man's throat had been cut and blood gushed from the wound. Neacal watched him for a moment to make sure he would not move again.

"Anna?" Neacal glanced around to find her kneeling upon the dirt floor, a small bloody knife lying in front of her. He knelt beside her and drew her into his arms.

"He was going to kill you," she sobbed, her body shaking. "I wasn't going to let him kill anyone else I love."

"Och, my sweet Anna. You did the right thing."

She nodded against him. "For you, I will do anything."

"You amaze me. I didn't ken you were such a fierce warrior."

He held her many long minutes, until she stopped shaking. She was so dear to him he could not even comprehend the depth of his feelings. He'd not known it was possible to feel such intensity for someone.

By slow degrees, the wind and rain quieted outside.

"I need to get you back to the castle," he said. "But first, we'll look across the loch to see if the fighting has ceased. Come." He lifted her into his arms, stepped over Blackburn's body and left the byre.

"Where is Kristina?" Anna asked. "Did you see her?"

"Nay, I think Colin snatched her from Blackburn's guards."

"But you don't know for certain?"

"I would trust the man with my life. If he says he's going to do something, he'll do it."

Her worried frown eased a bit and he kissed her forehead.

The wind was only a mild breeze now, and the rain a slight mist. He carried her along the trail through the bushes a few yards until they reached the other side of the tiny island.

He set her to her feet, examining her reddened eyes and mud-streaked face. "How do you feel?"

"My head still pains me, but…" Tears filled her eyes again. "Is it wrong of me to be glad I killed Blackburn?"

"Of course not, my love." Neacal drew her into his arms. "'Tis what he deserved. He can never hurt you or your sister again."

"Aye. Now I can live my life in peace instead of always looking over my shoulder. I thank you for helping me."

Neacal lifted a brow. "It didn't appear that you needed much help."

"I did. If you hadn't come when you did, I could've never bested him alone."

"You're a strong woman." Neacal kissed her, slowly and softly, his affection knowing no bounds. He drew back a few inches to look into her eyes. "I love you."

"I love you more," she whispered. The love shining in her green eyes made him feel as if someone had punched him in the chest, and at the same time, as if he could conquer the world. Now, she could well and truly be his.

Glancing up at the parting clouds and the glimpse of blue sky above, he thanked God he'd gotten to her in time.

They looked out toward Bearach Castle in the distance. He could see no men fighting. Some were carrying the dead and injured toward the castle walls. He prayed that he and his allies hadn't lost too many of their own men.

"Looks like the skirmish is over. We'll head back," he said.

"Will you look for Kristina and Colin?" Anna's eyes pleaded with him.

"Aye, if they don't return soon, I'll take Dunn out and search for them."

"Where is Dunn? Is he safe?"

"Aye, I locked him in the kennel before the battle."

"Oh, thank the saints. I feared he'd followed you beyond the walls. I've grown attached to the scamp."

***

The severe gale had moved east, and though the water of the loch was calm, Anna was anything but. She sat anxiously in the boat while Neacal quickly rowed. His back facing the direction they traveled, he watched her, glancing back occasionally to guide his movements. She could stare into his gorgeous blue eyes all day, but worry for Kristina nagged at her. She could not wait to see her little sister. It had been months since they'd last visited. Anna prayed she was unharmed.

Upon landing, Neacal leapt off, splashing into the shallow water, and dragged the boat onto the sand. He then lifted her and carried her toward the slope.

"I can walk," she said, though she was still a bit woozy from hitting her head.

"Aye, but I want to get you inside quickly. You never know when one of the enemies could still be hiding behind one of the rocks. Or wake after being knocked out."

"Oh, I just remembered—Gegrim is the traitor."

"Indeed?" Neacal frowned.

"Aye. He helped Blackburn escape through the postern gate with me. No doubt he allowed him inside, too. Constance also helped him by luring me out of the chamber."

"Damnation! In that case, she paid for her treacherous deeds. She was killed by MacRankin." An intense combination of anguish and fury glinted in Neacal's eyes. "She ran into the midst of the fighting."

"Oh, good heavens. So many dead," Anna whispered, glancing about as he carried her along the trail among the stones, heather and grass… and soldiers killed in battle. Of course, she'd seen dead men before, but she felt the tragedy of each one, even if they were enemies. Some of these men looked familiar, for they were MacCromars. Growing dizzy and nauseous again, she closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her stomach.

"Once you get inside, put on dry clothing so you don't catch an ague," Neacal said. "Also have Tavia check your head."

"I'll be fine until she helps the worst of the injured soldiers."

"Very well, but I'll make sure she takes time for you, too," he said as they passed through the postern gate, guarded by four soldiers.

"Thank the saints you've returned, chief," one of the guards said. "We didn't ken where you'd disappeared to."

"Helping the lady escape Blackburn. His body is on the island across the loch."

As they crossed the bailey, she saw that several MacDonalds and their allies, both dead and injured, lay everywhere. Despair near overcame her and tears filled her eyes. "'Tis my fault," she whispered.

"Nay, lass," Neacal said. "Only Blackburn and his men were after you. Sleat and MacRankin attacked because of me. Don't fash yourself over it."

"But your clansmen… I didn't want anyone in your clan to be killed or injured because of me."

"I ken it." He carried her up the steps. "And I'm praying we didn't lose many. But you must promise me you'll go to your chamber, change out of these wet clothes and dry your hair. When I have news of your sister, I'll send someone after you."

"Very well. But please hurry. And stay safe."

"I will." In the great hall, he set her to her feet, then kissed her forehead. "Now, go."

Neacal watched Anna head toward the stairs, turning twice, her lingering gaze upon him. He wanted to follow her, but he had to deal with the losses. He found Tavia caring for the injured and asked her to check Anna's head injury, then he returned to the bailey.

Upon seeing Matthew, Neacal said, "How many men did we lose?"

"Far as I know, six MacDonalds, and three Camerons. I don't think any of the MacKenzies were killed. Several from all three clans are injured."

"Which MacDonalds and Camerons were killed?"

Matthew told him their first names—including Gegrim.

"Gegrim was a traitor," Neacal said.

"Damnation. I wouldn't have guessed." Matthew led him to where their bloodied bodies lay in a row.

At a loss for words, Neacal crossed himself. It gutted him to see any of his clan or allies dead. They had given their lives to protect him and his clan. 'Twas times like this he felt unworthy, for each man was special and precious to his family. They were sons, fathers, husbands, brothers and friends.

Regret weighing heavily upon him, he shook his head. "Where is Colin?"

"I've nay inkling. After he and some of his men slipped out and around the back of the MacCromars, they vanished. After the battle, when Chief Cyrus MacKenzie learned what happened, he and his brother Fraser took some men from all three clans and went to search for Colin and the lady."

***

After Anna changed clothes and dried her hair by the fireplace, she descended the stairs to the great hall. Neacal had wanted her to remain in her room but she could not bear it. She had no patience when it came to her sister. She had to know if she was all right.

Many of the injured MacDonalds and their allies had been brought into the great hall, including Leith, the guard who'd been stabbed.

Anna ran to him where he lay on the floor. "Leith! I'm so glad you survived Blackburn's attack."

"Aye, m'lady. Glad to see you're unharmed, too."

"Do you need anything?"

"Nay, I thank you. Tavia has helped me."

Anna scanned the room and saw the healer busy seeing to another man's injuries. Approaching her, Anna said, "How can I help?"

Tavia glanced up from where she was kneeling, stitching the soldier's sword wound. "I'm thankful to see you're well, lass. They said you were taken hostage by that Blackburn knave."

"Aye, but he will never trouble anyone again." Anna could hardly believe she'd been able to kill him before he'd had an opportunity to kill Neacal. It weighed upon her soul to take any life, even one so evil, but she was glad she'd stopped Blackburn's slaughter of innocent people.

"Good, then. You're well free of the blackguard."

"I'm not a healer, but mayhap I could assist you in some way here," Anna said.

"Indeed. I thank you. Can you help bring in more supplies?" Tavia motioned to a servant. "Grace will show you where they are."

Anna followed Grace, then worked beside all the women to help get the injured warriors' wounds cleaned and stitched as quickly as possible. After the other women showed her how, she blended herbal teas and helped the men drink them. She mixed poultices for wounds. She did not know how much time had passed when she noticed Neacal entering the great hall, Dunn beside him.

He approached her where she was helping one of his soldiers drink the tea containing poppy to help ease his pain.

"Did Colin and Kristina return?" Anna asked in a rush before he'd even reached her.

"Not yet. I've sent out several men to search the wood for them, plus the MacKenzies and others are searching."

Disappointment engulfed her.

"I thank you for helping the injured," Neacal said.

She gave a brief nod. How could she not help them? She was part of the reason they'd been injured, though none of them seemed to blame her. She was grateful for that.

"Don't wear yourself out," Neacal murmured. "You went through an ordeal today."

"It helps to stay busy."

"How is your head feeling?"

"Better."

Tavia called to Anna. Neacal watched her rush to the healer's side. Saints, how he admired Anna and loved her. She would make an amazing lady to the clan. She already cared about so many of them and was willing to work hard to help them in their time of need. He wanted to marry her now, but he would have to be patient.

There was much to do after such a battle. The injured had to be nursed back to health and the dead had to be given proper burials. The dead from the enemy clans were left where their kin could claim them. He had seen some of the MacCromars taking a boat out to the island to retrieve Blackburn's body.

Now, if only Colin would show up with Lady Kristina, both in good health, most everything would be resolved.

***

An hour later, all the injured men were resting as comfortably as possible and everyone else was eating. Tavia had checked Anna's head and determined she would be back to normal soon. And in truth, her head no longer pained her.

Shamus had brought Maili inside from one of the galleys which had arrived later. They sat with Neacal and Anna at the high table, but Anna could hardly force down a bite. Her stomach still knotted with worry for Kristina.

She tried to distract herself by focusing on Neacal's sister and her new husband. Maili was a beauty with the same dark hair and pale blue eyes as Neacal, but she more resembled a pixie with a sweet charm and friendly personality. Shamus, handsome and tall with dark hair and dark brown eyes, smiled often, especially when he looked at Maili. 'Twas clear the two shared a deep and joyful love.

"I cannot believe you came, Maili, when you knew there would be a battle," Neacal said, then sipped his ale.

"I told her not to," Shamus grumbled.

"Our galley stopped off in Glenuig when we saw the storm coming," Maili said. "I wasn't going to stay back at the MacKenzies' castle. I had to make sure you and the clan were unharmed."

"Thanks to you and the MacKenzies we are. I'm glad for your gift of second sight," Neacal said.

Maili gave a wee, affectionate smile. "You're the first of our family members who has said that. Most of them are ashamed of me… or terrified of me."

"Aye, well, I'm proud of you. I count myself fortunate to have you for a sister."

"I thank you." Maili blushed, her amused gaze darting to Anna and back to Neacal. "I'm glad to see you've found someone to make you happy, brother."

Neacal glanced at Anna, intense love shining in his eyes, then lifted her hand and kissed it.

Anna felt her own face burning as all of them stared at her.

"I've asked Anna to marry me and she's accepted," Neacal announced.

"Already?" Beaming, Maili leapt up, moved behind their chairs and embraced them both at once. "I'm thrilled for you two. And I'll be glad to have you as a sister, Anna."

"I thank you," Anna said, glad Neacal's family was so welcoming. "It will be wonderful having you as a sister, as well."

"I ken you're worried, Anna." Maili reclaimed her seat and Shamus placed his arm around her.

"Aye," Anna said. "I simply wish Kristina were here to celebrate with us."

"She will be soon," Neacal said. "Right, Maili? Are you picking up anything with your gift?"

"I'm sorry. I've not had a vision of them. If I do, I'll be sure to let you know."

"You need to eat more," Neacal said to Anna, his concerned blue gaze delving into hers. "I told you that all will be well. Why do you not believe me?"

She forced herself to take another bite of the stew and tried to put all her trust in his word.

When Matthew entered and strode across the great hall, Anna's heart leapt and she held her breath.

At the high table, he stopped and leaned toward Neacal. "Two of our men saw Colin and his men take Lady Kristina from Blackburn's war leader, Red Holme, near the start of the fighting. They disappeared into the wood near the cliffs."

"'Tis what we figured. Colin knows that area as well as I do. We used to play there as lads. We've been over every inch of it."

"Has anyone seen them since?" Anna asked.

"Not yet, but around twenty men are looking. The MacKenzies took their tracker. I have a feeling if Colin Cameron does nay wish to be found, he won't." Matthew grinned.

"He's a master at hiding and covering his tracks," Neacal agreed, a spark of anticipation and hope lighting his eyes. "One time he disappeared in the midst of a whole clan who was in pursuit of him in the mountains. They walked right past him."

"How is this possible?" Anna asked.

"He hid beneath the peaty water of a stream while breathing through a reed. In another instance, he concealed himself among the bracken and rocks on the side of a hill. He is brilliant, I'm telling you."

Anna relaxed, finally allowing a bit of the tension to drain away. If Neacal said Colin was gifted at hiding, she believed him. She had to have faith as he did.

She nodded, allowing a small smile to reassure Neacal she trusted in him and his word.

Once Matthew left, Neacal took her hand and kissed it. "You should go up and get some rest."

"Aye." Anna wanted to ask him if he would soon join her, but remembered Maili and Shamus just in time. Her gaze darted to them.

"Come, I'll help you." Maili arose from her seat. "You must be careful on the stairs because of your head injury."

Neacal leaned over and whispered in her ear, "I'll be up in about two hours. By then, I should have everything taken care of."

Anna blushed and nodded.

"I had the housekeeper prepare the green chamber for her," he told Maili.

"I'll show her where it is."

***

After Anna left the table, Neacal stood and told Shamus, "Unfortunately, I must speak to the elders about an important matter."

Shamus gave a knowing grin. "Then, I wish you the best of luck, my friend."

A few of the elders were already abed, but most of them, including Sir Hugh and Uncle Bhatar joined him in the library.

"You have proven yourself a great chief this day, lad," Uncle Bhatar said. "Your father would be most proud of your leadership and battle skills in defeating not one but three enemies."

"Aye, well, I didn't do it alone. Thanks to the Camerons and MacKenzies." He looked Hugh straight in the eye. "Two strong allies we can count on."

Hugh glanced away and squirmed a bit in his seat.

"Do you have anything to say to the lad?" Bhatar asked.

Hugh cleared his throat. "Aye," he said gruffly and finally met Neacal's gaze. "You are to be commended for your successes today."

"And?" Bhatar prodded.

"I was wrong. You are a strong and wise chief," Hugh said.

Neacal, stunned speechless, almost fell off his seat.

"Aye." Bhatar smiled. " Am mac mar an t-athair." Like father like son.

The other elders murmured their agreement.

"Well, I thank you all for your confidence in me," Neacal said. "It means more to me than I can say. And since you feel this way, I ask you to grant me a boon. I've asked Lady Anna Douglas to marry me and she has accepted."

Bhatar's grin widened. "She's a widow and a chief's daughter. I don't see anything wrong with this match."

"Will we at least seek an alliance with either of her clans?" Hugh asked.

"Aye," Neacal said. "From what she told me, her first husband had a young heir, a nephew, who will no doubt become chief now that the murderer and thief, Blackburn, is out of the way. I'll contact him. Hopefully, we can have a friendly association, at least."

"What about her birth clan?" Hugh asked.

"The MacQueens," Neacal said. "She's said the current chief and baron is a distant cousin of her father and that he wants naught more to do with her. Probably no alliance there."

"Ah well." Bhatar shrugged. "It matters not. Given that they're so far away, we'll likely never have contact with them anyway."

Hugh nodded.

"So, all of you support me in this?" Neacal said. "I don't want someone coming up three weeks hence and saying they changed their mind." Neacal looked pointedly at Hugh.

"You have my complete support," Hugh said in a more amiable tone than Neacal had ever heard him use, and his eye contact didn't falter.

Bhatar nodded. "The clan already loves the lady because of her kindness and beautiful songs. I have nay doubt she is the best lady for our clan."

Finally, Neacal felt he was truly the chief of the clan with the full acceptance of the elders. "You have my undying gratitude."

***

Two hours later, as promised, a soft knock sounded at the door of Anna's new guest chamber. 'Twas a fine and well-appointed room with a large oak four-poster bed.

Thankful that Maili and all the maids had gone and Anna was alone, she opened the door a crack to peer out. Finding Neacal standing outside, holding a candle, she pulled the door wider. He slipped in and closed it.

"I don't think anyone saw me."

"I'm certain they would be shocked." She smiled.

He set down the candle, then kissed her. "Aye, we'll be the scandal of Bearach Castle."

She led him to the cushioned settle by the fire. After he sat, he pulled her onto his lap, surprising her.

She grinned and gave him a quick kiss on the lips… which turned into a longer kiss and swiftly threatened to seduce her.

Neacal drew back a tiny bit and looked deeply into her eyes. "Anna, you're the only light in my bleak and desolate life. I thank you for accepting my proposal of marriage."

"I thank you for asking." She leaned in and kissed him. "You're the strongest, bravest and most handsome man I've ever met. And I'll be honored and thrilled to be your wife."

"You do flatter me."

"Do you think the clan council will ever accept me?" she asked.

"Aye. In fact, I just had a meeting with them. They have every confidence that you will be a great lady for the clan."

"Oh, I'm so glad." She smiled, tears blurring her vision, for she'd feared they would never accept her.

"But even if they hadn't, I would still marry you and still give you this." A hint of a grin crossed his lips as he took her hand and slipped a sparkling ruby ring onto her finger.

"Oh, good heavens," she breathed. "How lovely!"

"'Twas my mother's and always meant to belong to the next chief's wife."

More tears filled her eyes. "Neacal, you have made me the happiest woman alive. I never thought I could feel this way. I truly thought all happiness was in the past, until I met you. I love you."

"I love you more. You are my life."

***

Next, look for… Colin and Kristina's story.