"There is some moonlight, but I think 'twould be safer to spend the night here and head out at daybreak," Cyrus said.
"I agree." Though Colin would love nothing more than to rush Kristina back to the castle, they were several miles away by now and it would be highly difficult to traverse the rugged landscape in near darkness. Besides, he was certain the men were exhausted and needed to rest for a few hours.
Cyrus assigned some of his men to take first watch.
"Do you want to rest in the tent?" Colin asked Kristina. Earlier, he'd seen the lone tent out to the side.
"Nay. 'Tis where Holme attacked me."
Colin ground his teeth. Every time that image entered his mind, Colin wanted to smash his fist into Holme's face. "We can sleep here by the fire, then."
He lay down beside Kristina and pulled her into his arms, not caring what the rest of the men thought. Of course, she didn't need his body heat now, since they were beside the fire, but he thought she might feel safer if she could feel him… although he wasn't sure why, since he'd failed her and allowed Holme to abduct her.
"I'm sorry I didn't protect you well and that Holme got his hands on you… and hurt you."
She turned her head toward him. "You were injured and knocked into the river. There was naught more you could've done."
Regret tightened his chest. "'Tis my fault you're hurt."
"Nay, Colin. I'm so thankful you didn't drown in the river. I prayed for your safety."
He kissed her forehead. She was a treasure. "Rest and recover, my sweet. We'll travel back to Bearach in the morn." He prayed Red Holme had left the area and would not be waiting along the trail with bow and arrow.
***
When Kristina awoke, her head pounded as if a rock were smashing against it with every heartbeat. 'Twas the same as it had been when she'd gone to sleep. She pressed her fingers to her temples.
"Are you well, Lady Kristina?" Colin's deep and soothing voice sounded concerned as it reached her in the darkness. He was not lying next to her as he had done for most of the night. She thought it must be after dawn, because she heard the activity of several people moving around her. She smelled roasting fowl, at first uncertain whether the scent was appealing or not. She still felt a bit queasy… but also hungry.
"My head aches terribly." With her fingertips, she touched her swollen cheekbone and eye. Saints! She supposed she should not be surprised by the damage—Holme had fists like giant boulders.
"Rusty just brought some fresh, cold water from the stream. Here, try this wet cloth." Colin touched the icy cloth to her cheek. After the initial pain and shock of it, she found it soothing.
"That feels good," she whispered.
A few minutes later, Colin asked, "Do you think you could stomach some roasted grouse? Some of the men hunted this morn at dawn."
"I think so. I'm hungry."
"That's a good sign."
After she'd washed her face with the cold cloth a few times, her head felt a bit clearer. She started pushing herself up, and Colin helped her sit. He then wiped the wet cloth over her hands, washing them. She could've done it, but she liked that an attractive man wanted to help her. She would not stop him.
She hated the helplessness she felt most of the time now… well, ever since she'd been blinded, in truth, for she could not get through the Highlands by herself. In her heart, she was a strong, independent woman, but none of this showed on the outside.
"Here's a piece of grouse." Colin took her hand and placed the meat, still warm from the fire, into it. The scent was delicious.
She took a bite and chewed, finding it tender and smoky tasting. "'Tis good. I thank you."
Colin brought her fresh water to drink, then explained to her how he and his men had run into the MacKenzies, the MacDonalds and a few Camerons out searching for them last evening. Around twenty men all together. He then introduced her to Cyrus, chief of the MacKenzies, and his brother, Fraser.
"What of my sister, Anna? Did anyone see her after the battle?"
"Aye, she is well," Cyrus said.
"Thank God." Kristina could not wait to embrace her sister again. It had been so long.
After Kristina finished eating, Colin carried her into the bushes so she could relieve herself, then gave her privacy. Once she was finished, she called out to him.
