“The lass has blue eyes and hair of white-gold. She was promised in handfast to Alex MacDonald, though I had yet to bring her to him.” MacLeod circled one finger in the air and his men followed his unspoken command and surrounded their guard. To his man on his right, he ordered, “Search the area for whom they protect, but dinnae harm them.” To Alan, he said, “There’s no need for bloodshed if my cousin is returned safely into my hands.”
“You said yourself she was promised to Alex.”
“Aye, but ’twas an agreement I had no choice to enter into because of your chief. If you have no’ heard, he now enjoys the king’s hospitality, within his dungeons. The contract between us is void. My cousin shall be returned to me.”
Anne clutched Mary’s hand. Oh, without Alex, she was a sitting duck. Although, not to her own clan. She dug into her pocket to ensure her parents’ letter was safe.
This was her chance. “Mary, I need to go,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry, but I have to.”
“Nay.” Mary seized her. “You’re my daughter and Alex has become attached to you.”
“These men are armed, and I won’t have anyone harmed because I didn’t step forward.”
“Found her. There are two women.” She jumped as a MacLeod guardsmen loomed over them. He offered her his hand. “Annie, come.”
Mary bolted in front and pushed the man away. “She and my son have handfasted. You cannae take her away. She is Alex’s wife by right.”
“Mary, no.” She grasped Mary’s hands. “No bloodshed.”
“You have to stay. Alex will fight this.”
Which was what she didn’t want. Alex getting hurt because of her wasn’t an option. “I’m going. Tell him this was my choice.”
“Once you leave Dunscaith and return to your kin, your handfast vow ends. You took Alex as your husband for the next year and a day, or until you no longer resided in his home. That was your vow.”
“Is that right, Annie?” Rory MacLeod appeared and towered over her. “’Tis good to see you are well. I have feared for your safety.”
“Roderick?” The legend stood before her.
He frowned. “Lass, am I in trouble because it took so long to find you?”
“Ah, no. I’ve been well looked after, Rory. Alex has been kind and considerate.”
“Well, you need no’ worry about him. You are back under my care. Come, we return now.”
“Dinnae leave like this.” Mary threw her arms around her.
She hugged Mary back. “I have to go. This is my chance.”
“Ladies.” Rory eased between them and set Mary to one side. “My apologies, Mistress MacLeod, but we must be away. Pass onto Alex my gratitude for his care of my cousin. The current sins of his chief are in no way reflected upon him.”
“Alex willnae let this rest.” Mary stood up to him.
“He has no choice. Anne is a MacLeod and their handfast has come to an end. You said yourself her vow will be broken once she leaves with me.”
“If you take her, then allow me to visit.” Mary clearly had no intention of backing down. “Anne and I have become exceedingly close.”
Rory heaved a sigh as he turned his gaze on Anne. “You have a champion. I should no’ be surprised.”
“Can she visit? Please, Rory.” Yes, she had to get his promise, to have hope she’d at least see Mary again.
He slowly nodded at Mary. “You’re welcome at Dunvegan. My hospitality extends to you.”
“Thank you.” Her breath rushed out.
“Good day.” Rory bowed, pressed his hand against Anne’s back and steered her toward his horse. “I’ve searched for you everywhere, lass. This was the last place I expected to find you.”
“It’s the last place I expected to end up too.”
“Your words sound strange.”
“I—I—”
“Here. I’ll give you a lift.” Rory hoisted her onto his horse, slid in behind her and gripped the reins. He eyed Alan. “I appreciate the ease in which you’ve handed over Anne. Inform MacDonald their handfast is done.” He nudged his horse’s flanks and they rode out, his men following behind them.
Goodness, she’d done it. She had her letter in hand and now the ear of the MacLeod chief. Her accent was off, but she’d deal with it. She’d give anything to have her parents back.
Her spirits soared then quickly plummeted. Alex. If only she hadn’t had to leave him like this, or so soon. Though he was still out here within this forest.
Autumn leaves lined the trail, and ash and elm trees grew tall either side. They rode for half an hour, until finally the ocean and its rhythmic crashing reached her on the breeze. No Alex. She missed him, but the task before her was set and he’d remain safer this way.
“I’m so sorry, Rory.” She turned to the warrior behind her.
“You’re safe and well. I only wish you hadn’t left for Dunscaith as you did. The way things have turned out, ’twas an agreement I could have easily withdrawn from now the MacDonald of Sleat enjoys the king’s accommodations.”
“Alex was truly honorable.”
“As you’ve said, although I have no intention of allowing another match to occur between you and him. How did you sneak away without a guard?”