"We were readying for a battle with the enemy MacCromars and the man who called himself Red Holme, in truth an enemy MacKillican. Four dozen of them marched from the wood and lined up next to Bearach Castle. Their many archers nocked their arrows. Most infuriating of all, they had a hostage, Lady Kristina MacQueen. And Red Holme MacKillican held a dirk at her throat."
Much muttering and grumbling from the crowd ensued. Kristina was humbled that so many of the men were willing to stand in her defense.
"The outlaws were trying to force her sister—the lovely, talented Lady MacDonald—from the castle. I decided I had to rescue Lady Kristina. Six strong, loyal men went with me," Colin continued. "Tom and Patrick—may they rest in peace—along with Warton, Rusty, Ethan and Lawrie."
A renewed sense of regret filled Kristina that two men had lost their lives protecting her. She had not even known them, but she felt their absence and grieved with their families. Before she had left Bearach, Neacal and Anna had accompanied her to their graves, to take flowers, pay her respects and express her gratitude for their sacrifice.
"We slipped from the castle in two small boats and circled around behind the enemy," Colin said, his strong voice echoing over the hall. "The battle had already started when we stole through the bushes toward Holme on horseback. Warton grabbed his right arm, while Rusty grabbed his left. When Lady Kristina slid from the grips of the knave, I caught her in midair and spirited her away from the battle raging around us. The enemy blocked our return to the castle, so the seven of us secreted her away to a cave in the wood."
Several people clapped and whistled.
"'Twas obvious to me within a few minutes of meeting Lady Kristina, the daughter of the former MacQueen chief, that she was an astonishing woman of great kindness, compassion and strength. She and her sister are survivors who endured great hardship and abuse at the hands of Blackburn MacCromar and Red Holme MacKillican, two men who have gone on to the hereafter, where they must face their evil deeds. I have to admit, even from that first day, Lady Kristina captured my attention and my heart. I knew I would never be the same again. I am the luckiest man on earth, for she has agreed to marry me."
A great cheer went up, which surely rattled the rafters.
Tears sprang to Kristina's eyes. Humble gratitude filled her that his clan would accept her so easily, even with her many flaws.
Colin helped her stand, then kissed her cheek. She laughed and blinked against the tears.
When the clan grew quiet, Kristina curtsied. "I feel most fortunate and honored to be wedding your chief and joining your clan."
The crowd applauded yet again. After they sat down, many toasts followed, along with clansmen and women congratulating them.
Then, the storytelling resumed. Warton told of the battle in the cave against Red Holme and his men. After this, Cyrus detailed how they had caught up with Colin and helped him rescue Kristina. Each person who was involved told a portion of the story, filling in details Kristina hadn't known about, for she'd been knocked out. Often, they described things she'd been unable to see.
Oh, how she loved these true stories. She was glad the clan could know the details of what they'd gone through.
Once they finished, she felt as if she'd relived the whole episode. She had been through a lot with Colin and was grateful to him for helping her so much.
After this, Anna sang a beautiful love ballad for them. Based on the silence in the great hall while she was singing, she held the crowd spellbound, as she always did. After the last note hung in the air a long moment and the music stopped, enthusiastic applause ensued.
"The crowd is having fine entertainment this eve," she said to Colin.
"Indeed. How are you feeling? Are you tired?" he murmured. She savored his intimate tone.
"Nay, I have been sitting here, resting. I love the way you told the story of how we met."
"Och. I did not do it justice, in truth. I wish my words were more elegant, but I never claimed to be a poet or bard."
"It sounded perfect to me. But then, everything about you is perfect for me."
"I wish I could kiss you right now," he whispered hotly into her ear.
She grinned and her face heated. "I wish the same thing."
"You'll have to let me know when you're ready to retire for the evening. Then, mayhap I can steal a kiss when I'm carrying you to your chamber."
That sounded wonderful, and she was eager to get some private time with him. "I'm certain I will grow tired before the dancing starts."
A few moments later, the minstrels started playing a lively jig that no crowd of revelers could resist. Wood clunked and dragged against the floor. She was thrilled, for she knew the clansmen were dismantling the trestle tables and placing them against the wall, along with the benches, clearing the dance floor.
Kristina forced out a fake yawn and covered it with her hand. "I'm afraid I've grown very tired," she said, loud enough for those around her to hear. "Would you mind escorting me to my room?"
"I would be most honored," Colin said.
"I'll come with you," Anna announced.
"Very well," Kristina said, hoping her sister didn't prove a strict chaperone.
