Marti Talbott's Highlander Series, Book 1

The commoner refused. "The message is for her ears only. 'Tis from her mother."

Ignoring the pain and stiffness in her body, Anna walked the length of the balcony and started down the stairs. Her injured knee wasn't bending very well, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. She was grateful when Thomas raced up to make sure she didn't fall, thanked him and then turned to the commoner, "What is it, Harold?"

"Dear God, what have they done to your face?"

She dismissed his outburst. "Why has my mother sent you? Is she unwell?" Anna made it to the bottom of the stairs before she stopped.

Harold took a deep breath, walked to her and tried to recognize her. It wasn't easy to look at the extraordinarily beautiful face, that was now all swollen and bruised. He had to take another deep breath and then another. "She sent word by way of her maid, who said to say, the beast has broken out."

Anna's good eye danced and she smiled. "When?"

"Not more than an hour after you left, your mother guesses. I set out not long behind and did not see him, but I will not be surprised if he is trying to find you."

Kevin glared, "What beast?"

"Threcher is my horse. My father hates him and calls him 'the beast.' But Harold, you did not come all this way to tell me about a horse."

"No, no, I did not." He glanced at Kevin and then looked back at her. "'Tis a private matter."

"Then we will ask Laird MacGreagor to excuse us."

Kevin was not pleased. "Nay, she is not to be alone with any lad save me, until we find the swine that beat her."

"I agree," Harold said, surprising everyone. He was an old man and so short, his head barely reached the giant's armpit, nor was he aware the three MacGreagor warriors were now standing right behind him. "In that case, I will whisper it…with your permission, Laird MacGreagor."

Kevin allowed it, but the warriors made sure Harold kept his hands off Kevin's wife.

Anna listened to his words and then asked, "Does my mother know what is happening?"

"That is how I knew where to find you." Harold took a step back and trampled the toes of one of the giants. His eyes flew open wide and he was sure he would meet his maker that very day. Fortunately, the giant didn't strike him and accepted his hasty apology.

Now Anna was actually crying. Through a cloud of tears, she thanked Harold and turned to her husband. "Please see that Harold gets home safely. I need him." She started up the stairs and again Thomas stayed by her side.