He didn't look at all surprised. "So the filthy girl told you about her sister." He shifted his attention then to the one he assumed was Kevin -- the one in the middle. "We have been expecting you. I hope you brought an army, you will need one."
The woman servant couldn't understand a word they said, but she did recognize Rachel's name. She couldn't help herself when she looked at the Highlander nearest her and asked, "Anna?"
"Silence," the Baron roared.
For the first time in years, she ignored him and asked again. "Anna?" She stared at Thomas hoping for some sign that Anna was alive. When she didn't get it, she caught her breath. "Dear God, she is dead."
"She is not dead," Kevin finally said in perfect English.
The Baron dared to smile. "Of course not. If she were, she would not have been able to tell him about Rachel."
"I will have Rachel," Athena demanded.
He started to slap Athena aside when all three giants took a step forward at the same time. They were a little too close for comfort now and he reached for his sword. Then he thought better of it and folded his arms. "Rachel means nothing to me, nor does Anna, I only wanted a son. You may have them both -- if you can find Rachel."
Athena turned toward Kevin and gave him a slight nod. Then she walked to the woman servant, took the platter of pastries out of her hand and set it down on the table. The servant was more than willing to follow Athena out of the room, although she made a wide berth around the Baron to keep out of his reach.
*
Upstairs, Anna's mother was dressed. She didn't really know why she bothered since she would not be bathing or seeing either one of her daughters today. Yet it was her habit, so she took care to wash her face and brush her hair. Her hair wasn't as dark as Anna's and they didn't look a lot alike, but it was obvious Anna had her blue eyes.
There was one big difference. Anna's mother had hideous scars, especially the one around her ankle where the chain and the lock often rubbed against it. At least the chain was long enough to allow her to walk about the room. It was the only exercise she was allowed.
She heard loud voices downstairs, grabbed the chain and rushed to the window to see if anyone was there. The courtyard was empty. In fact, it was uncommonly empty of even her husband's guards or their mounts. The baron must have sent them away, she thought, but Catherin hadn't heard it. Next, she looked up the hill. Sometimes Harold would wave from there and she would wave back to signal she was well. He wasn't there. She wondered what he would do if ever she didn't wave back.