He approached her where she was helping one of his soldiers drink the tea containing poppy to help ease his pain.
"Did Colin and Kristina return?" Anna asked in a rush before he'd even reached her.
"Not yet. I've sent out several men to search the wood for them, plus the MacKenzies and others are searching."
Disappointment engulfed her.
"I thank you for helping the injured," Neacal said.
She gave a brief nod. How could she not help them? She was part of the reason they'd been injured, though none of them seemed to blame her. She was grateful for that.
"Don't wear yourself out," Neacal murmured. "You went through an ordeal today."
"It helps to stay busy."
"How is your head feeling?"
"Better."
Tavia called to Anna. Neacal watched her rush to the healer's side. Saints, how he admired Anna and loved her. She would make an amazing lady to the clan. She already cared about so many of them and was willing to work hard to help them in their time of need. He wanted to marry her now, but he would have to be patient.
There was much to do after such a battle. The injured had to be nursed back to health and the dead had to be given proper burials. The dead from the enemy clans were left where their kin could claim them. He had seen some of the MacCromars taking a boat out to the island to retrieve Blackburn's body.
Now, if only Colin would show up with Lady Kristina, both in good health, most everything would be resolved.
***
An hour later, all the injured men were resting as comfortably as possible and everyone else was eating. Tavia had checked Anna's head and determined she would be back to normal soon. And in truth, her head no longer pained her.
Shamus had brought Maili inside from one of the galleys which had arrived later. They sat with Neacal and Anna at the high table, but Anna could hardly force down a bite. Her stomach still knotted with worry for Kristina.
She tried to distract herself by focusing on Neacal's sister and her new husband. Maili was a beauty with the same dark hair and pale blue eyes as Neacal, but she more resembled a pixie with a sweet charm and friendly personality. Shamus, handsome and tall with dark hair and dark brown eyes, smiled often, especially when he looked at Maili. 'Twas clear the two shared a deep and joyful love.
"I cannot believe you came, Maili, when you knew there would be a battle," Neacal said, then sipped his ale.
"I told her not to," Shamus grumbled.
"Our galley stopped off in Glenuig when we saw the storm coming," Maili said. "I wasn't going to stay back at the MacKenzies' castle. I had to make sure you and the clan were unharmed."
"Thanks to you and the MacKenzies we are. I'm glad for your gift of second sight," Neacal said.
Maili gave a wee, affectionate smile. "You're the first of our family members who has said that. Most of them are ashamed of me… or terrified of me."
"Aye, well, I'm proud of you. I count myself fortunate to have you for a sister."
"I thank you." Maili blushed, her amused gaze darting to Anna and back to Neacal. "I'm glad to see you've found someone to make you happy, brother."
Neacal glanced at Anna, intense love shining in his eyes, then lifted her hand and kissed it.
Anna felt her own face burning as all of them stared at her.
"I've asked Anna to marry me and she's accepted," Neacal announced.
"Already?" Beaming, Maili leapt up, moved behind their chairs and embraced them both at once. "I'm thrilled for you two. And I'll be glad to have you as a sister, Anna."
"I thank you," Anna said, glad Neacal's family was so welcoming. "It will be wonderful having you as a sister, as well."
"I ken you're worried, Anna." Maili reclaimed her seat and Shamus placed his arm around her.
