"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."
