The men laughed again.
"You're all too kind. I thank you," Kristina said.
After Colin had carried her for another quarter hour, Warton said, "I'll take a turn, if the lady will permit it."
"I hate to ask it of you, Warton," she said.
"Nonsense. 'Twill be an honor and a pleasure."
"Don't enjoy it too much," Colin warned as he allowed Warton to take her from his arms.
Warton chuckled, then whispered, "He's smitten, m'lady, I vow."
Heat consumed Kristina's face. Was it true? Well, she had to admit she was also intensely drawn to Colin. But she did not think anything could come of it. She refused to think of it now. She was simply grateful to be alive and away from Holme.
Warton carried her for a quarter hour, then Rusty took over. After this, Fraser and Cyrus each took a turn. She could not believe the chief of Clan MacKenzie was carrying her. She had assumed he would order one of his soldiers to do it. Although he was a stern man with a hard voice, she sensed he was friendly and caring. And he was obviously just as physically strong as Colin.
Soon it was Colin's turn to carry her again, and she was glad. She could relax against him more easily than any of the others, and she found herself drifting in and out of sleep.
Sometime later, Warton announced, "Bearach Castle, thank the saints!"
She tried to wake up, despite the pain in her head, because she could hardly wait to embrace her sister again. But at the same time, the unnatural drowsiness dragged her back down into sleep.
***
As Colin carried Kristina across the sandbar causeway toward Bearach Castle, he glanced down at her swollen face. "Kristina? Are you well?"
Her only response was a murmur. What was happening? Was she getting worse?
The clanging of the portcullis being raised quickened his pace, as did his concern over Kristina. Soon the healer could see to her.
Anna ran toward them in the bailey, her green eyes wide, Neacal behind her.
"Thank God, you've returned!" Anna said. "How badly is she hurt?"
"She's had a head injury and, though she was more alert earlier, she's fading in and out. She's in great pain," Colin said.
"Anna?" Kristina whispered.
Anna took her hand. "Aye, I'm here. Let's get you into a bedchamber and Tavia will see to you."
"Let me take her up." Neacal held out his arms, his expressive blue eyes saying he knew how tired Colin was.
Although Colin was fully capable of carrying her up the stairs, he didn't argue. His good friend wanted to help, and he could probably maneuver up the familiar narrow stairs faster.
Colin followed them up to the chamber. Neacal laid her on the bed and moved back beside him, while Anna smoothed Kristina's hair back and kissed her forehead. The healer, Tavia, and her helper hastened into the room with their supplies and satchels, while a maid brought hot water.
"Go get yourself something to eat, Colin," Anna said, taking his hand. "Make certain he eats, Neacal."
"I'll eat," Colin assured her, but he couldn't take his gaze off Kristina, for she was pale and far less alert than she had been that morning.
Suddenly, Anna threw her arms around him in a fearsome embrace. "I thank you for bringing her back to me." Just as quickly, she released him and strode back to the bed, leaving tears on his doublet.
"Tavia is very skilled," Neacal said. "If she could save my life, she can save anyone."
"Aye." Colin knew that Neacal had been far worse off than Kristina after he'd been captured, tortured and then rescued by his clan. Many had thought he wouldn't survive it.
"I'm glad you arrived before supper. I'm sure you must be starving."
