She turned away and appeared to be staring down at her broken fingernails. "I find I must… get away from the other minstrels."
What on earth had taken place back at Bearach? It must have been something terrible, considering the way she wished to flee. "What happened? Did the piper make advances toward you?"
"Nay." Vaguely, she shook her head. "I cannot tell you."
Annoyance rammed through him. "Well then, why should I take you anywhere if you don't trust me?" he demanded. Damnation, he wished he could better control his tone of voice before the words blasted from his mouth.
"I do trust you." Her gaze connected with his, and he felt her sincerity. The honesty and faith in her mossy green eyes near took his breath.
"You contradict yourself," he murmured, wishing he could comprehend the mysteries of the female mind.
"I ken it. I am daft," she said, her voice breaking. She perched on the edge of the bed and burst into tears.
Saints! What on earth had befallen her? He inhaled a deep breath, praying for patience and understanding.
He stepped forward and knelt before her. "Anna." He stroked her arms. "You must tell me what you're so afraid of, else I cannot help you."
"I'm sorry. You must think me unbalanced."
"Well… maybe a wee bit," he said in a light tone. "But so am I."
A hint of a smile peeped out as she dried her tears.
"In truth, lass, it may not be safe here. I cannot leave you here, nor can I stay. I must get back to the clan. Let me take you with me. As soon as we arrive back, I'll send the visiting clans on their way. You need not associate with them."
With watery, reddened eyes, she searched his. "Do you promise?" she whispered.
This was what she wanted so badly? He'd been right, then. She obviously knew one of the visitors. After the other clans left, he would try to convince Anna to tell him who or what had so terrified her.
"Aye, of course, I promise," he said.
"I thank you. I owe you more than I could ever repay."
"You owe me naught." Beyond anything, he wanted to kiss her but he needed to take her away from here immediately. He arose and stepped back. "If you'll collect your belongings, we'll leave forthwith. My horse is being saddled."
She rushed about the room and gathered her things into a sack.
"You have not yet eaten," he said.
"I still have some apples in my sack."
"I'm sure Korbin has a couple of freshly baked bannocks or scones. Wouldn't you prefer that?"
"Aye." After putting on her cloak, she tossed the sack over her shoulder. "That is… if you trust him not to poison us."
Neacal frowned, thinking of the food he'd eaten. "I ate a large breakfast and I feel fine. I don't think he wishes to kill either of us."
"I'm glad."
He took the sack from her and opened the door. She headed out and down the stairs while he followed.
Korbin stood in the common room as they approached, his eyes again wide as he observed Anna. "M'laird, your horse is saddled and ready. Mistress, surely you are not leaving us, too."
"Indeed. Unfortunately, I will not get to stay."
"Do you have some fresh bannocks or a couple of scones Anna could take to break her fast?" Neacal asked.
"Eh… aye, I believe I do. Wait here." He trotted into the kitchen.
