It had been more than a year since he'd seen Colin. Neacal had not been able to do much more than walk at the time, and he'd been near skin and bones.
"I refused to give up."
Colin nodded. "I'm glad. You're a strong man, my friend. I'd heard you were the new chief and that your clan suffered a great loss at the hands of the MacKenzies."
"Aye. I was away at the time." If he'd been at Bearach maybe he could've talked some sense into his older brother and prevented so much loss of life.
"I was making ready to visit you when your messengers showed up," Colin said.
"I appreciate that."
"Shall we gather forces and retaliate against the MacKenzies?" Colin asked.
"Nay. 'Tis all settled now and we have an alliance with the MacKenzies. Maili chose to marry the younger brother of the chief."
"Ah." Colin quirked a brow. "Is that a good thing?"
"Aye. You see, Elrick captured a MacKenzie man, beat him and held him for ransom. That was the cause of the conflict."
"And Elrick was killed in the siege?"
"Aye. He had no cause to hold the man hostage except for his own greed in wanting some MacKenzie coin."
"Well, I'm glad that conflict is over."
"As am I. And glad to have another strong ally."
"So… what's her story?" Colin nodded at Anna, then gave Neacal a devilish grin.
Feeling a rush of heat and excitement, Neacal blew out a breath. "I'll have to fill you in later."
***
Though exhausted, Anna forced herself to stay awake during the entire ride behind Neacal. Though she loved holding onto him, she felt self-conscious doing so, because of Colin and the other men. Still, she was thankful Neacal was safe, and she enjoyed every moment she could touch him or be near him.
'Twas after dark when the torches at Bearach Castle came into view in the distance. The light reflected off the loch, revealing the galleys waiting there. It appeared none of the visitors had left as of yet. Although she felt a moment of anxiety, she reminded herself they didn't matter now. Blackburn knew exactly where she was. The important thing was that she and Neacal could take refuge behind the high, thick walls. And they had lots of help here.
When they entered the courtyard, Neacal leapt to the ground, then lifted her down.
"I thank you." She smiled up into his eyes and wished she could continue to stare at him all night. But she felt the attention of many people upon her. Glancing around, she noticed curious eyes and people whispering as word quickly spread that their missing chief had just arrived with the singer.
"Chief," someone called out.
"Go, find something to eat. And rest," Neacal told her.
Avoiding the curious onlookers, Anna hurried around the side of the castle and entered through the kitchen.
The room was a beehive of activity, for someone had informed them the chief had returned at the end of supper with a large entourage of soldiers. They were scrambling to ready more food quickly. She grabbed a slice of bread and passed through the room before anyone truly noticed her. Though she was hungry enough to eat a whole loaf of bread, this piece would do for now. She bit into the warm, chewy goodness. Her first priority was to wash up and change out of her muddy clothes.
On the servant stair, she came face to face with Tavia.
"Where on earth have you been, lass?" she exclaimed. "Good heavens, I've been worried sick about you and Neacal both. He was with you, aye?"
Nodding, Anna chewed the bite of bread as quickly as she could. "Indeed… um… 'tis a long story. I must find something clean to put on."
Tavia glanced down over her clothes. "I'll help you." After sending one of the chamber maids for a pitcher of warm water for a sponge bath, Tavia followed her up to her chamber. It was empty, thank goodness. She didn't want to have to explain anything to Harriet. Talking to Tavia would be a hard enough task.
The healer was her friend and she had no reason to hide the truth from her anymore. After all, Blackburn might show up here in a day or two and attack. Then everyone would know the situation.
