Highland Escape - Cathy MacRae Page 0,99
rendering him unconscious. Grasping his shoulders, she dragged the lad out the door and into the bailey. She grabbed a bridle from a hook and fitted a large, dark horse. Leading him to the rear of the stables, she opened each stall along the way, allowing the horses to walk out the large double doors.
The score or so horses seemed confused to be free and entered the yard slowly. Anna tossed a lantern into a large stack of hay at the back of the stables, then led her horse outside. She clasped his bridle tightly and led him toward the unwatched smaller gate, the rest of the horses milling behind her.
She picked the rusted lock, then jammed the guard’s smaller dagger into the upper hinge, bending the blade slightly, leaving the gate wedged open. The fires at the stables and tower grew larger, the men’s shouts warning her they’d been spotted. Forcing herself onto her horse’s back, she struggled upright, gasping at the pain in her side. The fires further agitated the horses, and they stampeded, neighing loudly in alarm. Discovering the open gate, they funneled out of the yard as fast as the small opening allowed.
Pressing against the neck of her horse, Anna kept to the middle of the herd, hidden by the mass of frightened horseflesh. Once outside the gates, she rode directly to the edge of the forest a few hundred yards away. Reaching the shelter of the trees, she halted and glanced toward the keep for signs of pursuit. Only an empty field lay between her and the curtain wall. Flames lit the sky from the burning keep. She had escaped.
Though the thin moon allowed little light, she could discern formations of men on the edge of the forest, and she made her way to the closest group. More than a dozen men armed with claymores, broadswords, crossbows and axes immediately surrounded her. Several carts rested near them. She’d apparently interrupted them loading a small trebuchet. Large ceramic jars rested in the carts beside the wooden apparatus. From the smell, they contained Greek fire.
Anna slid to the ground and raised her hands, leaning against her horse’s shoulder. “I am Anna of clan MacGregor, betrothed of Duncan MacGregor.”
A squat, bald man, who seemed as broad as he was tall, eyed her narrowly. “If ye are who ye say ye are, why are ye dressed as a MacNairn?” His voice rumbled as gruff as his appearance.
“I had no choice of clothing and took what was available. If I can be brought to any MacGregor or Elliot, you can confirm my identity. I assume my capture is the reason forces are gathered here. Once it is known I am safely away from the MacNairn, many lives can be spared.”
The bald man spat on the ground. “Aye, the Stewarts fight alongside the MacGregors and Elliots this day, but naught will save Baen MacNairn from his fate. His death is long overdue. If ye speak the truth, the MacGregor captain will be relieved his bride-to-be is free.”
A warrior took her horse. Anna nodded her thanks. “The MacNairn Laird is no more. I broke the foul beast’s neck with my own hands,” she said, her voice harsh with pain and anger.
Her claim brought a buzz of speculation from the group of men surrounding them. The leader gave her an appraising look, suggesting he didn’t believe her.
“Just the same, I will be taking yer weapons, lass.”
She handed over the weapons she’d taken from the MacNairn, but hesitated in giving up her sgian dubh. Feeling the effects of her wounds—along with lack of food or water during captivity—bearing down on her, Anna hit her limit and staggered. She raised her chin and fixed her gaze on the man.
“This was a gift to me from Duncan MacGregor. I shall not give it up willingly.”
Seeing the MacGregor crest on the hilt, the man gave a hint of a smile and nodded. He turned his back and walked toward the main body of retainers. Anna followed, along with five other men behind, one of whom led the horse she’d stolen.
They passed behind several more groups of Stewart warriors before finally arriving at a group of MacGregors.
“Lady Anna!”
She turned at the sound of her name and saw Liam break into a run toward her. Overwhelmed at finally seeing a friendly face, she stumbled the last few steps and embraced him.
“Easy now, lass. The lairds and captain will be glad to see ye safe. I told ye, attack one