"Aye," Anna said. "I simply wish Kristina were here to celebrate with us."
"She will be soon," Neacal said. "Right, Maili? Are you picking up anything with your gift?"
"I'm sorry. I've not had a vision of them. If I do, I'll be sure to let you know."
"You need to eat more," Neacal said to Anna, his concerned blue gaze delving into hers. "I told you that all will be well. Why do you not believe me?"
She forced herself to take another bite of the stew and tried to put all her trust in his word.
When Matthew entered and strode across the great hall, Anna's heart leapt and she held her breath.
At the high table, he stopped and leaned toward Neacal. "Two of our men saw Colin and his men take Lady Kristina from Blackburn's war leader, Red Holme, near the start of the fighting. They disappeared into the wood near the cliffs."
"'Tis what we figured. Colin knows that area as well as I do. We used to play there as lads. We've been over every inch of it."
"Has anyone seen them since?" Anna asked.
"Not yet, but around twenty men are looking. The MacKenzies took their tracker. I have a feeling if Colin Cameron does nay wish to be found, he won't." Matthew grinned.
"He's a master at hiding and covering his tracks," Neacal agreed, a spark of anticipation and hope lighting his eyes. "One time he disappeared in the midst of a whole clan who was in pursuit of him in the mountains. They walked right past him."
"How is this possible?" Anna asked.
"He hid beneath the peaty water of a stream while breathing through a reed. In another instance, he concealed himself among the bracken and rocks on the side of a hill. He is brilliant, I'm telling you."
Anna relaxed, finally allowing a bit of the tension to drain away. If Neacal said Colin was gifted at hiding, she believed him. She had to have faith as he did.
She nodded, allowing a small smile to reassure Neacal she trusted in him and his word.
Once Matthew left, Neacal took her hand and kissed it. "You should go up and get some rest."
"Aye." Anna wanted to ask him if he would soon join her, but remembered Maili and Shamus just in time. Her gaze darted to them.
"Come, I'll help you." Maili arose from her seat. "You must be careful on the stairs because of your head injury."
Neacal leaned over and whispered in her ear, "I'll be up in about two hours. By then, I should have everything taken care of."
Anna blushed and nodded.
"I had the housekeeper prepare the green chamber for her," he told Maili.
"I'll show her where it is."
***
After Anna left the table, Neacal stood and told Shamus, "Unfortunately, I must speak to the elders about an important matter."
Shamus gave a knowing grin. "Then, I wish you the best of luck, my friend."
A few of the elders were already abed, but most of them, including Sir Hugh and Uncle Bhatar joined him in the library.
"You have proven yourself a great chief this day, lad," Uncle Bhatar said. "Your father would be most proud of your leadership and battle skills in defeating not one but three enemies."
"Aye, well, I didn't do it alone. Thanks to the Camerons and MacKenzies." He looked Hugh straight in the eye. "Two strong allies we can count on."
Hugh glanced away and squirmed a bit in his seat.
"Do you have anything to say to the lad?" Bhatar asked.
