"Blackburn MacCromar. Where is Anna Douglas?" He glanced about the room, finding it empty.
The young lady's eyes widened. "Oh, you're Anna's husband!"
"Aye."
"I'm Constance Gordon, the one who sent you the missive, letting you know where she is."
"Aha. I'm glad you did. 'Haps you can help me further by showing me where she is now."
"I've been locked in here for days, so I'm uncertain." She stepped into the corridor. "But we'll find her. You must promise me something first, though."
"What's that?"
"That you will take your wife away and never allow her back here."
"Of course. That's my plan exactly."
"Good. I would wager she's in Neacal's bedchamber."
"Bedchamber?" Blackburn growled, rage burning over him. "I'll kill the bastard if he survives the battle."
"Even better." Constance smiled and rushed along the corridor.
He followed, his anger growing with each step he took.
She paused at a corner. "Wait here," she whispered. "I'll see if Neacal left a guard."
Blackburn nodded. "Tell her that her sister, Kristina, has been brought into the great hall," he said in a hushed tone.
"'Tis a great idea." The lass stepped around the corner out of sight.
"How did you escape your chamber?" a man yelled, further along.
"Leith, I must see Anna Douglas immediately," Constance said in an urgent tone.
"Nay. This door is not to be opened until the chief returns."
"But her sister has been brought into the great hall!" Constance shouted. "And… and she's injured. She's asking for Anna."
Blackburn grinned. What a talented liar the lass was. Listening carefully, he heard a door being unbarred and opened.
"What? Kristina is here?" 'Twas Anna's voice echoing along the hallway. Victory surged through him and he could hardly contain his eagerness. He'd been searching for her for so long, and now what he wanted most was almost within his grasp.
***
Anna gripped the hilt of Neacal's dirk, her quick heartbeat thumping in her ears.Oh, dear God, Kristina."I must go see her, Leith! Come with me."
"Nay, m'lady," he said. "The chief said you are not to leave this room until he returns. I'll have someone bring her up to you."
"If she lives that long." Constance shrugged and strode away. "I was only trying to help," she called back, then disappeared around the corner.
Anna glared at Leith, blocking her path with his massive bulk. "Let me pass! I must see my sister."
"M'lady…"
"Aye, let her pass or you shall find a dirk in your back," said a sinister male voice behind him.
Leith spun, drawing his own dirk and striking out. Then Anna saw the man behind him—Blackburn.
