As they crossed the bailey, she saw that several MacDonalds and their allies, both dead and injured, lay everywhere. Despair near overcame her and tears filled her eyes. "'Tis my fault," she whispered.
"Nay, lass," Neacal said. "Only Blackburn and his men were after you. Sleat and MacRankin attacked because of me. Don't fash yourself over it."
"But your clansmen… I didn't want anyone in your clan to be killed or injured because of me."
"I ken it." He carried her up the steps. "And I'm praying we didn't lose many. But you must promise me you'll go to your chamber, change out of these wet clothes and dry your hair. When I have news of your sister, I'll send someone after you."
"Very well. But please hurry. And stay safe."
"I will." In the great hall, he set her to her feet, then kissed her forehead. "Now, go."
Neacal watched Anna head toward the stairs, turning twice, her lingering gaze upon him. He wanted to follow her, but he had to deal with the losses. He found Tavia caring for the injured and asked her to check Anna's head injury, then he returned to the bailey.
Upon seeing Matthew, Neacal said, "How many men did we lose?"
"Far as I know, six MacDonalds, and three Camerons. I don't think any of the MacKenzies were killed. Several from all three clans are injured."
"Which MacDonalds and Camerons were killed?"
Matthew told him their first names—including Gegrim.
"Gegrim was a traitor," Neacal said.
"Damnation. I wouldn't have guessed." Matthew led him to where their bloodied bodies lay in a row.
At a loss for words, Neacal crossed himself. It gutted him to see any of his clan or allies dead. They had given their lives to protect him and his clan. 'Twas times like this he felt unworthy, for each man was special and precious to his family. They were sons, fathers, husbands, brothers and friends.
Regret weighing heavily upon him, he shook his head. "Where is Colin?"
"I've nay inkling. After he and some of his men slipped out and around the back of the MacCromars, they vanished. After the battle, when Chief Cyrus MacKenzie learned what happened, he and his brother Fraser took some men from all three clans and went to search for Colin and the lady."
***
After Anna changed clothes and dried her hair by the fireplace, she descended the stairs to the great hall. Neacal had wanted her to remain in her room but she could not bear it. She had no patience when it came to her sister. She had to know if she was all right.
Many of the injured MacDonalds and their allies had been brought into the great hall, including Leith, the guard who'd been stabbed.
Anna ran to him where he lay on the floor. "Leith! I'm so glad you survived Blackburn's attack."
"Aye, m'lady. Glad to see you're unharmed, too."
"Do you need anything?"
"Nay, I thank you. Tavia has helped me."
Anna scanned the room and saw the healer busy seeing to another man's injuries. Approaching her, Anna said, "How can I help?"
Tavia glanced up from where she was kneeling, stitching the soldier's sword wound. "I'm thankful to see you're well, lass. They said you were taken hostage by that Blackburn knave."
"Aye, but he will never trouble anyone again." Anna could hardly believe she'd been able to kill him before he'd had an opportunity to kill Neacal. It weighed upon her soul to take any life, even one so evil, but she was glad she'd stopped Blackburn's slaughter of innocent people.
"Good, then. You're well free of the blackguard."
"I'm not a healer, but mayhap I could assist you in some way here," Anna said.
"Indeed. I thank you. Can you help bring in more supplies?" Tavia motioned to a servant. "Grace will show you where they are."
Anna followed Grace, then worked beside all the women to help get the injured warriors' wounds cleaned and stitched as quickly as possible. After the other women showed her how, she blended herbal teas and helped the men drink them. She mixed poultices for wounds. She did not know how much time had passed when she noticed Neacal entering the great hall, Dunn beside him.
