Anna nodded to Duncan, prompting him to respond. “’Tis an interesting story. I will tell most of it. There are details we withhold to protect Anna.”
Smiling, the laird motioned for him to continue. Leaving out the details of her family’s name and fate, he told the same story they’d related to the MacGregor clan. The laird seemed satisfied with the telling, and their conversation drifted to clan politics, alliances, and common enemies, which of course included the English.
Anna took no offense, having seen the horrors the English were capable of firsthand. After living in the Highlands only a matter of a few months, she had no desire to return to England. She was Scots. Since her father and brother had followed her mother in death, she’d considered her English heritage at an end. Another revelation to ruminate over.
After the meal, they retired to chairs by the large stone hearth, where conversations continued. The laird made a point to ask Anna questions about the unsteady peace along the border. He asked what she thought about the likelihood of war and where it might start. Offering her insight about the most power-hungry English nobles in the area, he seemed pleased with the information and agreed with her assessments. She sensed he tested where her loyalties lay. They certainly did not lie with Edward Longshanks or his corrupt group of nobles.
As the evening grew late, a messenger entered and spoke quietly to the laird. He stood. “It seems my commander has regained consciousness. Lady Anna, would ye be willing to see to him before ye retire or wait until morn?”
“I would gladly check on him now.”
At Duncan’s nod, Iain rose to accompany her. Following the guard who escorted them, Iain leaned into Anna and whispered, “Though I have seen ye fight before, I am astonished by yer abilities and am proud ye joined our clan.”
Self-conscious at his overt praise, she smiled at him. “Thank you, Iain.”
“Ye should know every man in our group would lay down his life for ye.”
Unsettled by the depth of his pledge, Anna made light of the moment. “So all I had to do is defeat the largest, most obnoxious man in the clan to earn your respect? Had I known, I would have called out Duff my first day at Ciardun.” She gave him a sideways glance and he laughed loudly in reply.
When they arrived at their destination, the guard told Iain to wait outside the door. Iain bristled at the command, but Anna nodded her acceptance.
“Commander, the woman who tended ye is here.”
He struggled to sit up in the bed. “Come in, milady, and let me thank ye.” His voice, while strong, sounded immeasurably tired.
She stepped into the room and his eyes narrowed as he took in her appearance. “The men tell me I have ye to thank for my life.”
Remembering Neil’s claims, she merely nodded. “’Tis true I tended your wound, Commander. However, the men insisted your survival is due to the hardness of your head rather than my efforts.” Anna gave him a grin, ignoring the surprised looks on the guards’ faces at her words.
The commander’s face broke into something likely intended to be a smile, though it arrived as a grimace. “Och, now I see ye and a wee bit of yer character, ’tis easier to believe ye able to best Angus. How I would have loved to have seen that great lug lowered a peg or two. I owe ye a debt of thanks for saving me life, and for humbling one of me more difficult men.”
Anna offered a brief bow. “Glad to be of service, Commander. You no doubt have a concussion, and will need to stay away from your duties a sennight or more. Watch for blurred vision, nausea, light sensitivity and headaches. You should not go back to your post until these subside. Resuming duty too soon will make these effects linger longer than they should. Your healer can give you poppy tea if the pain becomes too severe, otherwise bark tea will ease the pain enough to be tolerable.”
“Aye, I have seen my share of head injuries and understand. My thanks again for yer care.”
Anna nodded. “Your men and laird speak highly of you. ’Tis my pleasure to serve clan Graham.” She started to leave the room, then turned back with a smile. “I kept the stitches as fine as possible so your scar doesn’t scare the lasses over-much.”
The commander stifled a laugh, though the other two men in the room guffawed loudly.
“Duncan has told some of us about yer sparring together,” Iain said as they walked back to the hall. “I hope ye consider joining the rest of us in the future. Though some would refuse to train with a woman, many of us would welcome the opportunity to test our skill against ye. Mayhap learn a wee bit as well. I have never seen anyone do to a man what ye did to the Graham today, and he twice your size.”
“I would be happy to demonstrate, Iain, as I get bored besting Duncan all the time.”
Iain shook his head and chuckled. Anna grinned.
“Mayhap when we stop to camp tomorrow night we can work a bit. As far as training with the rest of the men, that is the laird’s decision. I would welcome it but do not want to create more conflict with my presence than I already have. If I cannot train with the main group, perhaps the laird will permit a smaller group. I will ask Duncan.”
They reported to the laird his commander’s condition, then were shown guest chambers for the night. Anna’s room had a fire already lit, and a maid escorted her to the bathing chamber near the kitchen. Having slept on the ground the past two nights, a bath and bed sounded welcoming.
After her bath, Anna dressed and returned to her room. She spotted Duncan leaning against the wall outside her door. She gave him a quizzing glance, trying to gauge his mood.
“May I speak with ye?” he asked.
“Of course. I would ask you in, but ’twould not be proper.”
He nodded, motioning to the stairs. They headed through the hall and outside. She wondered what he had in mind. The thought of kissing him rose to the surface as it always did of late, and her body tingled with anticipation. Stopping beside the well in the center of the bailey, he turned to face her. From his stern look, kisses were not what he had in mind. Anna assumed a defensive posture, waiting for the scold she knew to be forthcoming.
“Anna, I would speak with ye about this afternoon.”
She raised her eyebrows and leaned her head slightly toward him in invitation.
“Ye took on a man twice yer size, surrounded by his lads.” Frustration crept into his voice.
“And what would you have me do, Duncan? Take his abuse and insults?” She crossed both arms over her chest.
Duncan scrubbed his face twice before answering. “Nae, ye should have let me handle him. Ye are adopted by our clan. We are courting. Both those things mean ye are under my protection.”
Anna narrowed her gaze. “You watched closely today. You saw I did not require assistance. A man like Angus needed a lesson on how to treat women. Which do you think would present the more effective lesson, my lord, a thrashing from you, or one from the very woman he offended?” Anger surged through her. He was telling her not to defend herself?
“Arrrghh!” Duncan pushed away from the well. His body tensed, his hands opening and closing tightly. He scrubbed his face again and took a deep breath before facing her. “Aye, the more effective lesson was for him to be humbled by the verra lass he handled roughly. Dinnae expect me to like it.”
At his confession, Anna immediately softened. Anger bled away and she walked straight into his chest and placed her arms around him. He returned her embrace fiercely. Leaning her head back, she peered at his face. Seeing his scowl still present, she kissed him on the chin. She looked up again, but his remained expression unchanged. She pressed light kisses on his cheeks, his nose, his neck, until he relaxed. Sensing his acceptance, she pulled back slightly to gaze into his eyes.
“It is hard for you to accept I am not a weak woman always in need of your protection, even though we train together daily and you know what I am capable of,” she whispered.
“Aye,” he grumbled.
“You were there to protect me if I did not succeed in the lesson.”
She punctuated her statement with a kiss on his cheek. “You were there to protect me if any of the others joined the fray.” Another kiss touched his jaw. “You did protect me. But like you, I do not back down from a challenge. I would not ask you to do so, and would guard your life as if it were my own. I only ask the same.”
He shook his head. “What am I to do with ye, Anna Braxton?” A corner of his lips quirked upward in question.
Her eyes sparkled with invitation. “Kiss me, I hope, sir knight.”
* * *
The next morning, Anna rose and descended the stairs to the hall to eat, meeting Liam, Donnan, and Rory along the way. The rest of their group followed shortly after. Bowls of oat porridge with fresh fruit, cream, and honey awaited. She saved a bit of cream for Trean, who bedded down in the stall with Orion.
“The laird wishes to see us off this morn,” Duncan announced.
They lingered in the hall while the wagons were readied. Duncan caught Anna’s hand, leaning into her so no one else could hear.
“Da wanted me to wait and assess the Graham laird’s reaction to ye before proceeding. He has written a missive to yer grandda, briefly explaining where ye are.”
All the air left Anna’s body, and her stomach clenched as though she’d been punched. Fear clouded the edges of her vision as she gave Duncan an apprehensive look.
“He left it in my hands, but said not to carry on without yer consent. The message is coded so if read by anyone else, they willnae understand it. We think yer family should know ye are alive and well. Do ye agree?”
She couldn’t find her voice so she nodded, her eyes wide. Putting his arm around her comfortingly, he gave her a tender smile.
“It seems everywhere ye go, ye inspire strong feelings. The Grahams are amused by the way ye handled Angus. The laird feels a debt to ye for yer care of his commander and people. I have nae doubt we can trust him to deliver our message with the strictest confidence as thanks for yer services.”
Anna fought to push back her distress, moisture welling in her eyes. “I—I trust your judgment, Duncan. I would like nothing more than to allay the sorrows of my remaining family.”
Placing a kiss on her forehead, he gave her shoulders another squeeze.
The Graham appeared with a dark-haired young man at his side. He introduced him as his son Blaine, of one-and-twenty years. His merry eyes matched the color of his short, dark brown hair, his smile quick and infectious. The laird turned the discussion to a possible marriage between his son and Nessa. Her sense of protectiveness instantly aroused, Anna assessed the young man. He seemed bright and respectful to both Duncan and his father. His eyes met hers more than once, no doubt having heard the news of her encounter with Angus. He smiled when their eyes met, though she merely nodded in acknowledgement. Anna knew Nessa would pester her with questions, so she wanted to see the things Duncan would not think to notice.
Nessa, he is broad of shoulder, has a strong jaw, and stands as tall as Duncan. He is a youth, but moves with confidence and strength. I see kindness in his eyes, and when he speaks, he is thoughtful and gives sound answers. He looks to be a good man. Mayhap good enough for you.
Blaine pulled her into the conversation. “Ye must be the lass I have heard so much of since last night.” He bowed politely.
Duncan nodded. “Aye. This is Anna of clan MacGregor, my sister’s Curaidh, her champion.”
Blaine’s eyebrows rose at the title, his smile growing wider. Duncan quickly explained her relationship with the clan and with Nessa.
To his credit, Blaine responded, “I look forward to the opportunity to earn yer respect in the future, milady.”
She smiled, hearing both the sincerity and playfulness in his tone. “As do I, Sir Blaine.”
Blaine took his leave, clasping Duncan’s arm and bowing to her with a smile. Duncan took the opportunity to pull the laird aside and ask about a rider for the missive. As he explained the details, the laird’s face grew hard, then softened into understanding. The laird motioned for Anna to come closer.
“The least I can offer is to see this important message delivered. I am honored to have the opportunity to repay some of what ye have done for us. Whether ye wear the MacGregor plaide or nae, ye will always be welcomed here.”
She bowed her head. “Thank you for your generosity, Laird.” She moved to where Iain and Malcolm waited, a gamboling Trean waiting impatiently for her in the wagon. Iain quietly slipped her sgian dubh into place on her belt. She quirked a brow in question. He gave a brief nod.
After a few more minutes of conversation, they bid the Grahams farewell. Anna endured the wolf pup’s enthusiastic greeting with a grin, scarcely able to keep his round body from spilling from her arms as he licked her face. She tucked him in front of her in the saddle and he settled in to his accustomed spot, watching the surrounding scenery go by.
They left the village in silence, Liam’s soft singing to the horses the only sound. Anna broached the subject most on her mind. “Is Blaine to be wed to Nessa?”
“What did ye think of him?” Duncan countered.
She gave him her opinion based on her slight observation.
“Aye, ’tis how I see it also. ’Tis something Da considers. Strengthen existing alliances or form a new one. There are strategic benefits. Ye saw the size of their clan. There are mutual benefits regular trade would provide. They have a large number of warriors and would be a powerful ally. If the laird were to ask for yer counsel, what would ye advise?”
“I would not offer advice beyond getting to know Blaine and his clan better. Perhaps an invitation to host him a month or more would be in order. I would need firm evidence Nessa would be happy and well cared for before I agreed to any marriage for her.”
“Exactly what I would have expected from Nessa’s Curaidh,” Duncan replied. Several of the men nodded agreement.
She smiled at the title. “Among other things, Duncan MacGregor, I am most assuredly that. Any man who would not treat her in the manner she deserves would welcome death before I finished with him.” Anna surprised herself with the passion of her words.
“I pity the man who would invite such,” Iain added with a grin stretching across his face.
The men laughed at Iain’s declaration, and a peaceful camaraderie settled over the group. Anna glanced at Trean’s small, furry form tucked before her. She hadn’t spent much time with him the past two days, though Liam assured her the stable boys had taken turns feeding and playing with the young wolf, winning his affection. The pup seemed happy to be back with her, continually nuzzling and licking her hands.
Anna sighed, watching the others as they exchanged stories and laughter, their moods light as they anticipated their arrival home. She canted an eye toward the clear sky. Was it too much to ask for an uneventful trip home?
Chapter 17
Toward the end of the day, the MacGregor party stopped to camp by a stream. Anna and Duncan made a fish trap out of tree limbs with Donnan’s assistance, and caught enough trout for supper. While supper was readied, Anna demonstrated a few joint locks and throws to the men, explaining each. Every time she executed a throw or dropped them to their knees with a joint lock, the men’s eyes rounded with disbelief.
Knowing they would be sore the next day, Anna called a halt in time to eat. She shot Duncan a smiling glance, noticing his brooding scowl had returned. Scrunching her brow in confusion, she let it pass. Like the night before, he would tell her what was on his mind if he wished.
As they all tucked into their meal, Malcolm spoke up. “Forgive me, Anna, if I am ill-mannered, but my curiosity has gotten the best of me. Where did ye get yer fighting knowledge? Ye have a collection of skills none of us ’ave seen before.”
Anna glanced at Duncan sitting next to her, mild surprise on his face. She knew he had the same questions, as did every MacGregor who’d ever witnessed her fight, though he’d not pressed for information. Considering how to answer, she glanced around the fire at the faces, all anti
cipating her response.
Taking a deep breath, she explained about Master Zhang and how he came to be in her father’s service. She described his teachings in great detail, from the healing arts to the armed and unarmed combat. She described the weapons and the games of strategy he’d taught, including chess and Yi. There had been long discussions of historical battles on this land and his own, analyzing the wisdom and folly of each using maps and drawings to explain the details, showing how each decision affected the outcomes.
Anna spoke of the continual questions designed to make her consider all angles of any situation, without emotion, seeing past ruses, seeking possibilities and solutions where none seemed apparent. She recounted the mental disciplines, through meditation, difficult physical conditioning and imprisonment, elaborating on the benefits of these disciplines with a zeal that would have made Zhang proud.
She compressed almost two decades of experiences and training, ceasing when her mouth finally became dry and she reached for a wineskin. A long silence stretched before anyone spoke.
“Yer father allowed his only daughter to be imprisoned for days at a time?” Malcolm asked in disbelief.
“Yes, and it served me well when I first came here.” She motioned for Duncan to respond. He hesitantly told the men of her behavior during the five days of captivity with them. To a man, they were all shocked to hear of her treatment. They all knew she was held, but were unaware of the conditions. Iain rose with a jerk and strode away from the fire. The grimace on Duncan’s face told her he still held strong feelings about her imprisonment. Upon reflection, the anger she’d harbored had faded into a distant memory.
Anna thought about her responsibility to pass on the knowledge she had been entrusted with. Master Zhang always spoke of himself as merely another link in a long chain spanning the centuries. He said one day it would be her turn to be such a link. Before her lay the opportunity to both pass on these skills and protect her new clan.
She resolved to ask the laird’s permission to train whomever would be willing. She would contribute to the strength of clan MacGregor as best she could. Perhaps she could even convince him to allow her to teach Nessa a few skills. Just knowing she could handle a dagger would ease some of Anna’s worry once Nessa married and moved to her new home.
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