Highlander Unbroken (Highland Adventure Book 8)

by Vonda Sinclair

  The boat Blackburn had used sat ashore on the back side of the island. A surge of triumph blasted through Neacal, quickening his steps. Anna was still alive; she had to be. He was glad Blackburn had enough sense to know to get off the loch and out of the gale. No doubt he'd planned to hide out here until the storm was over, then take the boat further along the loch, until he was out of sight of the castle, and go ashore on the mainland at some point.

  Neacal raced toward the only structure on the island, an old byre, left from when sheep and cattle used to graze here. Trying to stay out of sight, he slipped to the side of the doorway and peered through. The high winds prevented him from hearing anything and 'twas dark inside.

  Knowing the byre was too tight of a space to effectively use a sword, he took out his dirk and rushed in, hoping to surprise Blackburn. A tall, dark form advanced on him. Neacal kicked him in the stomach, sending him sprawling against the stone wall. He wanted to make sure the knave was Blackburn, and that Anna was his captive, before he knifed him.

  A string of growling curses erupted from the man's mouth as he shoved to his feet. Neacal recognized his voice.

  "Who's your hostage, Blackburn?"

  "She is not a hostage. She's my wife! You're the one who steals other men's wives and fiancées."

  Neacal's eyes gradually adjusted to the dimness, allowing him to see the dirk the other man held at the ready.

  "Do you want me to recite the atrocious deeds you've done to her? You murdered her first husband." Neacal slashed with his dirk.

  "A lie!" Blackburn leapt out of the way and countered.

  Neacal dodged back. "You murdered her unborn child. You beat and abused her." Neacal kicked toward the back of the other man's ankle, causing him to stumble. "You blinded and scarred her sister." He sliced the other man's arm. "If you think I'm going to let you take her from here, you're daft. In a matter of moments, you're going to be dead and she's going to be a free woman."

  Blackburn, now closer to the exit, turned tail and ran out into the storm. What the devil? Was this some kind of trick? "Anna? Where are you?" Neacal glanced around the tiny one room structure.

  Silence.

  "Anna! Damnation!" He searched through the darkness at the back corner of the byre. His hand traced over wool material and someone lying still. 'Twas her. "Anna?" He touched her face and placed his finger beneath her nose. When he felt her warm breath puffing against him, his eyes burned. "Thank God." Leaning closer, he stroked her face gently. "Anna, my love. How badly are you hurt?" He needed to move her into the light but was afraid he would worsen her injuries. He kissed her forehead. "Anna, please wake up."

  "Hmm?" She turned her head. "Neacal?"

  Relief surged through him. "Aye, talk to me. Did you hit your head?"

  "Aye… hurts," she breathed.

  "That bastard Blackburn," he growled low.

  "Where is he?"

  "He ran." Neacal needed to chase him down and kill him but Anna was far more important to him. He hoped Blackburn's boat would capsize in the loch. "What did he do to you?" Neacal asked.

  "We fought. He knocked me down and I hit my head on a stone."

  "Whoreson," Neacal said through clenched teeth. "Are you going to be all right?"

  "I think so… but it hurts."

  "I'll be right back. Stay hidden. I'm going to see where he went."

  "Nay!"

  "I have to."

  "Please be careful! Promise me."

  "Aye. I'll be back in a few minutes." Neacal rushed to the doorway. Outside, the bushes shifting in the wind blocked his view of the shore, the loch and the castle. He ran out, headed for the shore, when a sword blade arched at him. He dove to the ground and stabbed Blackburn in the thigh with his dirk. Rising again, Neacal withdrew his broadsword from the scabbard.

  The severe wind and rain slamming him, he whipped around and lashed out at Blackburn. Their swords clanged. Neacal blocked several of his strikes, giving Blackburn time to tire himself. He sent a feinted slash toward Blackburn's injured thigh. When he lowered his blade to block it, Neacal stabbed the man's upper chest with the dirk. Though the studded leather armor absorbed some of the force, the blade slid into muscle. Blackburn roared in pain and staggered back. He turned and ran back toward the byre.

  "Nay, you bastard!" Neacal chased after and dove for him, barely catching the other man's plaid as he entered the doorway. Both of them fell. Neacal stabbed his dirk into the man's calf. Blackburn kicked, connecting with Neacal's jaw, jarring his head and sending him rolling.

  Muttering curses, his head dazed, Neacal pushed to his feet, but Blackburn had disappeared. He picked up the sword he'd dropped and rushed into the byre. He made out the gleam of a sword blade and halted.

  Blackburn squalled and growled like a wild animal, then dropped his sword. "I'll kill you, bitch!"

  What the hell was going on? Neacal rushed forward, running Blackburn through. But he saw this was unnecessary as Blackburn fell to the ground. The man's throat had been cut and blood gushed from the wound. Neacal watched him for a moment to make sure he would not move again.

  "Anna?" Neacal glanced around to find her kneeling upon the dirt floor, a small bloody knife lying in front of her. He knelt beside her and drew her into his arms.

  "He was going to kill you," she sobbed, her body shaking. "I wasn't going to let him kill anyone else I love."

  "Och, my sweet Anna. You did the right thing."

  She nodded against him. "For you, I will do anything."

  "You amaze me. I didn't ken you were such a fierce warrior."

  He held her many long minutes, until she stopped shaking. She was so dear to him he could not even comprehend the depth of his feelings. He'd not known it was possible to feel such intensity for someone.

  By slow degrees, the wind and rain quieted outside.

  "I need to get you back to the castle," he said. "But first, we'll look across the loch to see if the fighting has ceased. Come." He lifted her into his arms, stepped over Blackburn's body and left the byre.

  "Where is Kristina?" Anna asked. "Did you see her?"

  "Nay, I think Colin snatched her from Blackburn's guards."

  "But you don't know for certain?"

  "I would trust the man with my life. If he says he's going to do something, he'll do it."

  Her worried frown eased a bit and he kissed her forehead.

  The wind was only a mild breeze now, and the rain a slight mist. He carried her along the trail through the bushes a few yards until they reached the other side of the tiny island.

  He set her to her feet, examining her reddened eyes and mud-streaked face. "How do you feel?"

  "My head still pains me, but…" Tears filled her eyes again. "Is it wrong of me to be glad I killed Blackburn?"

  "Of course not, my love." Neacal drew her into his arms. "'Tis what he deserved. He can never hurt you or your sister again."

  "Aye. Now I can live my life in peace instead of always looking over my shoulder. I thank you for helping me."

  Neacal lifted a brow. "It didn't appear that you needed much help."

  "I did. If you hadn't come when you did, I could've never bested him alone."

  "You're a strong woman." Neacal kissed her, slowly and softly, his affection knowing no bounds. He drew back a few inches to look into her eyes. "I love you."

  "I love you more," she whispered. The love shining in her green eyes made him feel as if someone had punched him in the chest, and at the same time, as if he could conquer the world. Now, she could well and truly be his.

  Glancing up at the parting clouds and the glimpse of blue sky above, he thanked God he'd gotten to her in time.

  They looked out toward Bearach Castle in the distance. He could see no men fighting. Some were carrying the dead and injured toward the castle walls. He prayed that he and his allies hadn't lost too many of their own men.

  "Looks like the skirmish is over. We'll head back," he said.

  "Will you look for Kri
stina and Colin?" Anna's eyes pleaded with him.

  "Aye, if they don't return soon, I'll take Dunn out and search for them."

  "Where is Dunn? Is he safe?"

  "Aye, I locked him in the kennel before the battle."

  "Oh, thank the saints. I feared he'd followed you beyond the walls. I've grown attached to the scamp."

  ***

  The severe gale had moved east, and though the water of the loch was calm, Anna was anything but. She sat anxiously in the boat while Neacal quickly rowed. His back facing the direction they traveled, he watched her, glancing back occasionally to guide his movements. She could stare into his gorgeous blue eyes all day, but worry for Kristina nagged at her. She could not wait to see her little sister. It had been months since they'd last visited. Anna prayed she was unharmed.

  Upon landing, Neacal leapt off, splashing into the shallow water, and dragged the boat onto the sand. He then lifted her and carried her toward the slope.

  "I can walk," she said, though she was still a bit woozy from hitting her head.

  "Aye, but I want to get you inside quickly. You never know when one of the enemies could still be hiding behind one of the rocks. Or wake after being knocked out."

  "Oh, I just remembered—Gegrim is the traitor."

  "Indeed?" Neacal frowned.

  "Aye. He helped Blackburn escape through the postern gate with me. No doubt he allowed him inside, too. Constance also helped him by luring me out of the chamber."

  "Damnation! In that case, she paid for her treacherous deeds. She was killed by MacRankin." An intense combination of anguish and fury glinted in Neacal's eyes. "She ran into the midst of the fighting."

  "Oh, good heavens. So many dead," Anna whispered, glancing about as he carried her along the trail among the stones, heather and grass… and soldiers killed in battle. Of course, she'd seen dead men before, but she felt the tragedy of each one, even if they were enemies. Some of these men looked familiar, for they were MacCromars. Growing dizzy and nauseous again, she closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her stomach.

  "Once you get inside, put on dry clothing so you don't catch an ague," Neacal said. "Also have Tavia check your head."

  "I'll be fine until she helps the worst of the injured soldiers."

  "Very well, but I'll make sure she takes time for you, too," he said as they passed through the postern gate, guarded by four soldiers.

  "Thank the saints you've returned, chief," one of the guards said. "We didn't ken where you'd disappeared to."

  "Helping the lady escape Blackburn. His body is on the island across the loch."

  As they crossed the bailey, she saw that several MacDonalds and their allies, both dead and injured, lay everywhere. Despair near overcame her and tears filled her eyes. "'Tis my fault," she whispered.

  "Nay, lass," Neacal said. "Only Blackburn and his men were after you. Sleat and MacRankin attacked because of me. Don't fash yourself over it."

  "But your clansmen… I didn't want anyone in your clan to be killed or injured because of me."

  "I ken it." He carried her up the steps. "And I'm praying we didn't lose many. But you must promise me you'll go to your chamber, change out of these wet clothes and dry your hair. When I have news of your sister, I'll send someone after you."

  "Very well. But please hurry. And stay safe."

  "I will." In the great hall, he set her to her feet, then kissed her forehead. "Now, go."

  Neacal watched Anna head toward the stairs, turning twice, her lingering gaze upon him. He wanted to follow her, but he had to deal with the losses. He found Tavia caring for the injured and asked her to check Anna's head injury, then he returned to the bailey.

  Upon seeing Matthew, Neacal said, "How many men did we lose?"

  "Far as I know, six MacDonalds, and three Camerons. I don't think any of the MacKenzies were killed. Several from all three clans are injured."

  "Which MacDonalds and Camerons were killed?"

  Matthew told him their first names—including Gegrim.

  "Gegrim was a traitor," Neacal said.

  "Damnation. I wouldn't have guessed." Matthew led him to where their bloodied bodies lay in a row.

  At a loss for words, Neacal crossed himself. It gutted him to see any of his clan or allies dead. They had given their lives to protect him and his clan. 'Twas times like this he felt unworthy, for each man was special and precious to his family. They were sons, fathers, husbands, brothers and friends.

  Regret weighing heavily upon him, he shook his head. "Where is Colin?"

  "I've nay inkling. After he and some of his men slipped out and around the back of the MacCromars, they vanished. After the battle, when Chief Cyrus MacKenzie learned what happened, he and his brother Fraser took some men from all three clans and went to search for Colin and the lady."

  ***

  After Anna changed clothes and dried her hair by the fireplace, she descended the stairs to the great hall. Neacal had wanted her to remain in her room but she could not bear it. She had no patience when it came to her sister. She had to know if she was all right.

  Many of the injured MacDonalds and their allies had been brought into the great hall, including Leith, the guard who'd been stabbed.

  Anna ran to him where he lay on the floor. "Leith! I'm so glad you survived Blackburn's attack."

  "Aye, m'lady. Glad to see you're unharmed, too."

  "Do you need anything?"

  "Nay, I thank you. Tavia has helped me."

  Anna scanned the room and saw the healer busy seeing to another man's injuries. Approaching her, Anna said, "How can I help?"

  Tavia glanced up from where she was kneeling, stitching the soldier's sword wound. "I'm thankful to see you're well, lass. They said you were taken hostage by that Blackburn knave."

  "Aye, but he will never trouble anyone again." Anna could hardly believe she'd been able to kill him before he'd had an opportunity to kill Neacal. It weighed upon her soul to take any life, even one so evil, but she was glad she'd stopped Blackburn's slaughter of innocent people.

  "Good, then. You're well free of the blackguard."

  "I'm not a healer, but mayhap I could assist you in some way here," Anna said.

  "Indeed. I thank you. Can you help bring in more supplies?" Tavia motioned to a servant. "Grace will show you where they are."

  Anna followed Grace, then worked beside all the women to help get the injured warriors' wounds cleaned and stitched as quickly as possible. After the other women showed her how, she blended herbal teas and helped the men drink them. She mixed poultices for wounds. She did not know how much time had passed when she noticed Neacal entering the great hall, Dunn beside him.

  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 Mac
Cromars 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.