Chapter Seven
Dunn headed up the hillside towardClachan nan Sìtheach.
Why would Anna be up there, in the standing stone circle?
The dog woofed low, trotting amongst the rocks and low-growing heather plants. Neacal dismounted, and looped the horse's bridle loosely on a bush. He drew his sword and followed. Dunn could've caught the scent of something else… a highwayman perhaps. The dog wasn't terribly riled as he would be if he'd smelled a wolf, but he did seem keen to search out whatever it was. He ran ahead, up the hill and underneath a stand of prickly gorse bushes. Neacal detoured around them.
A brief scream echoed through the gloaming.
Was that Anna? Neacal raced up the hill.
Dunn woofed low again and a short female laugh resounded. "Get off me, you great beast."
Anna's voice, thank the saints!
"Och, you're eating all my food!" she yelled.
Neacal rounded a boulder and found her trying to drag a satchel from Dunn as he nosed through it, wolfing down something.
"Dunn, come," Neacal commanded as he moved forward.
The dog immediately bounded to his side, happily licking his lips and wagging his tail.
Anna held an apple in each hand. "What? You don't like apples, Dunn?" she grumbled.
"God's teeth, Anna." Neacal took her arm and helped her rise to her feet. The cowl had slipped off her head and her blond hair was disheveled, half fallen down from its knot, but she had never looked more beautiful. And he had never been happier to see her. Still, he had to make her see how reckless she was being.
"Why did you leave the castle?" he demanded.
Looking perturbed, she brushed off her skirts, picked up her satchel and crammed the apples back inside. "'Tis a long story. How did you ken where to find me?" She avoided his gaze. What was she trying to hide from him?
"I questioned a few people who saw you leave."
"Blast!" she hissed beneath her breath.
"Why are you out here? Especially after what happened in the shed? You know 'tis dangerous."
Her gaze darting to him and then away, she pressed her lips tight and clamped them between her teeth. Why was she being so stubborn?
"Regardless, I must get you back to the castle where you'll be safe," he said. "There are outlaws and highwaymen about."
"Nay!" She covered her mouth, then slowly lowered her hands. "Pray pardon, but I cannot go back there now."
"Why not?"
She glanced north, in the general direction of the castle. Tension emanated from her and worry lowered her brows. She appeared to be squirming in her slippers.
"Did someone mistreat you? Insult you? Attack you?" If they did he would see them punished or banished.
"Nay. 'Tis for personal reasons," she said.
"What about your band of traveling minstrels? Surely they cannot play without your beautiful song."
"Of course they can. Harriet has a wonderful voice."
"Aye. But you're the main attraction."
A hint of a smile ghosted over her face along with a blush. "I thank you, but I'm sure they can get on without me." Dunn nosed at her hand and she petted him.
