Highland Anna

Highland Anna

Margo McDaniels

Copyright 2010 by Margo McDaniels

Smashwords Edition

Stand Ready for Peace or War- Clan Gunn

Bright, golden sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the dim bedchamber. A cool morning breeze rippled the window coverings as it caressed the young woman who stood in the embrasure. The morning light heightened the rose glow in her creamy skin and lit up the bright highlights of her auburn hair.

Anna? a voice called from across the chamber, behind her.

Anna held onto the windowsill and leaned forward, gazing down into the courtyard. A cool breeze brushed across her skin, raising a cascade of tiny bumps along her arms. She shivered and tightened her jaw against the sudden discomfort as she focused below.

Are ye well, Anna lass? an aged woman asked from where she stood across the chamber.

Anna’s gut clenched. Fear and confusion had settled high in her belly, causing her mouth to water. She swallowed hard and exhaled slowly through pursed lips. Leaning back, Anna let her head drop as she braced her weight on her palms.

She closed her eyes and slowly inhaled the cool morning air.

Aye Anna replied softly.

She could feel the gentle heat of the morning sun caressing the top of her head and warming her thick hair. The rich, golden light chased away the chill on her arms and heated the backs of her hands where they rested on the cold stone windowsill. Anna sighed.

Maud… she started carefully.

Aye, lass? the woman behind Anna responded.

Anna shook her head and tilted her face up to let the comforting heat of the sun wash over her. Taking a breath, she straightened and opened her eyes. Turning, she clasped her hands behind her back and squared her shoulders. Anna ran her gaze over the chamber for a last time, feeling the ache of longing already grip her tightly.

In the courtyard below, a wagon carrying most of her possessions stood waiting. A dozen men at arms milled around it, organizing themselves into her escort. She would leave today, for a future that should not have been hers.

She brought her hands to her sides and rubbed her cool palms over her hips.

Enough of that, child Maud said as she moved toward the door. Ye look as if ye prepare to face the gallows Maud chided lightly.

Anna flattened her brows and pursed her lips. She curled her hands into fists and set them on her hips. She opened her mouth to reply but Maud cut her off with a flick of her hand.

Now it’s a battle stance, is it? Maud asked with a quirked brow as she looked down to shut the lid of the last kist.

Anna’s shoulders slumped and her expression fell into wide eyed, helplessness as she watched Maud’s last circuit of the room.

Maud offered Anna a small, comforting smile. Just be calm child, this will all work out she said calmly as she held up Anna’s cloak, giving it a gentle shake.

Anna dropped her eyes, sadness emanating from her in waves. She came forward quietly, allowing Maud to settle the heavy cloak over her drooping shoulders. Maud fussed with the fabric, adjusting it perfectly, as if to stall their departure just a few seconds more. She gave Anna an affectionate pat when she finished and smiled brightly but moisture welled in her steely gray eyes. There now. Ye’ll see, life is beginning

Anna pulled Maud’s hands into her own and stared blindly at Maud’s weathered fingers, But what if it is nae the life that I want?

Sometimes, none of us are given the path that we would choose Maud paused and lifted a knuckle to raise Anna’s chin. But it always works out just as it should she said confidently as she looked into Anna’s teary eyes.

She gave Anna’s hand a firm squeeze. This may end up to be the best for ye, lassie mine Maud shrugged and smiled gently as she swiped at her own tears.

Anna’s eyes searched Maud’s lightly creased, rounded face. But.. Robb

Maud took a deep breath Aye. Well she looked down and nodded. Raising her head, she shrugged. I suppose ye’ll have to see what yer Grandda says to that she said and reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Anna’s ear.

Just remember to be calm and have courage Maud added quietly, reaching past Anna to open the door. After ye, love.

Anna nodded and stepped through the door.

Stand Ready for Peace or War- Clan Gunn

Annie! It’s about time! her father boomed, Tryin to cheat yer auld Da of yer last bit of company, are ye he asked, grasping at his heart in mummery.

Anna’s mouth lifted on one side as she found her father with her eyes. Then her gut clenched and her smile died when she realized who stood next to him. Her steps faltered.

Be calm Maud whispered from behind her.

Anna nodded nearly imperceptibly and continued her way to where her father stood.

Ne’er, Father. I’d nae go at all, were it up to me she shrugged as she came to a stop before him. Good morn, Da she said, leaning up to her toes and giving her father a quick peck on the cheek. She dropped back to her heels and greeted the man next to her father without turning. Good morn, Robb

Robb’s mouth lifted in a warm smile. Good morn, Anna

Anna’s father turned his gaze to Robb and lifted a brow, a small smile of his own forming.

Robb cleared his throat and averted his eyes.

Ian chuckled lightly and nodded in satisfaction. His gaze softened as he brought his eyes back to his daughter. Annie, ye must go. There’s naught to be done for it now. Ye must do yer duty he said solemnly.

Anna dropped her eyes as tears gathered in their corners. I know, Da

Are ye finished packing then? her father asked, eyeing her carefully. Do ye feel well enough to travel this day?

Aye, Da. Fine she smiled too brightly as she raised her eyes. Just a little heart weary already. I’ll miss ye she said as the tears spilled over the edges of her wet, tear spiked lashes.

Och, Annie. Ye’ve grown. Tis time for ye to find yer own future her father replied. Just take this auld battleaxe with ye, will ye? he asked, jabbing his thumb toward Maud and wiggling his brows.

Robb choked and snorted trying to cover a burst of laughter. His eyes widened and he raised his fist to his mouth as he cleared his throat.

Maud glanced back and forth between the men in front of her, then eyed Anna’s father with challenge, Ian, the lass should break her fast before they ride out she said flatly.

Ian Guinne, Laird of the Guinnes, descendant of Olav the Black, grinned unabashedly at Maud’s mutinous expression. In fine fettle this morn, Maudy?

Reaching over and clapping Robb on the back, Ian smiled and said, That, my young captain, is what you get when you allow yer sister to play nursemaid to yer children tapping himself on the temple, he continued Remember that when ye have yer own children, eh?

Robb chuckled. That I will, Laird. Hopefully that worry is a long time off though

Anna looked at Robb and cupped her hand near her mouth before whispering loudly, It doesnae help that they are e’er prodding at each other

Robb smiled, Anna, I’d nae say that myself, but.. he shrugged and winked at her.

Maud rolled her eyes and grasped Anna’s hand, pulling her toward the high table where bread and a steaming cauldron of hot pottage were being set out.

Come now, lass. Leave them to their plans. We’ll have ye eat, then we need to see cook about which provisions he packed us Maud ordered, then glared back toward Ian.

Watching them move away, Ian’s expression turned melancholy, That child takes my very heart with her. I wish that her mother were here to see this through

Glancing at the Laird, Robb sobered. Ye have my word, Laird, she’ll get there safely. I’ll protect her with my life

Och, that is nae why I worry. I know ye’ll see her there safe Ian said as he gripped Robb’s shoulder. Keeping his eyes on Anna, Ian squeezed firmly. Tis just a father’s worry for his little girl’s heart

He cleared his throat and turned to look at Robb. I’ll hear yer plan again for the journey he ordered, using his grip on Robb’s shoulder to guide them toward the fireplace a few steps away.

Ian released Robb’s shoulder and settled onto a bench near the fire. Robb remained standing, waiting for the laird to get comfortable before speaking. When Ian nodded and motioned for Robb to begin, Robb hooked his thumbs behind his sporran and set his feet apart. As he slid into that relaxed stance, he turned his eyes to the fire and began to outline his plan.

I’m thinking we’ll ride through most of today, stopping only to water the horses at Reiver’s creek. If we push hard, we should make it to the abbey at Murkle by dusk

That may make for a hard ride, eh? And ye may miss the closing of their gate if yer pace falters Ian crossed his arms and raised a brow.

Robb turned his eyes to Ian and shrugged. If we miss the closing of their gates, we’ll camp outside the walls for the night. With Anna, I think it safer than making camp on the road

Robb dropped his hands from his sporran and ran his fingers through his hair as he returned his gaze to the fire. The light from their walls will make watch difficult but their guard will be an extra set of eyes. Either way we’ll head out again at first light, and God willing, make Sutherland before the evening meal

Aye, I’d rather see her tucked into a nice cot for the night if possible. Ye should make it with the pace ye’ll set Ian agreed. Take a few sacks of grain with ye. When ye get close to Merkle, send a rider to announce yer coming. Have him tell them yer bringing the grain as a gift. They’ll hold the gate for ye if it means extra supplies in their storeroom Ian reached up to twist the beard at his chin in thought.

Once ye’ve seen Anna to her grandparents, I’ll have ye head to Sinclair to advise him of her arrival Ian added as he too stared into the fire.

Focusing on the orange and yellow flames dancing across the peat, he missed the twist of Robb’s mouth at the mention of Sinclair.

Aye, Laird Robb said soberly.

Good, then. I want word as soon as you make Sinclair’s keep Ian stood and clapped Robb on the shoulder. I’d like to know how Anna takes to auld William and the Lady Elizabeth. They’ve nae seen her since she was a wee lass

With respect, Laird, I doubt the Sutherlands have traveled since then Robb said with a half-smile.

Och, Aye. There’s that, eh? Ian chuckled Age creeps up on most of us but those two, they rival the hills for age he said, laughing.

Robb just smiled and shook his head. I’d best go and see to the loading of the provisions. Will ye need anything else before I go?

Nae. Go do what ye must, lad Ian sighed. I want ye to take more supply than ye need. I’ll nae have my Annie uncomfortable he said briskly as sadness darkened his eyes.

Robb’s smile faltered. I’d nae either, Laird he agreed and turned to exit the hall.

Watching Robb go, Ian smiled softly and shook his head.

Fool, lad. My Annie holds yer heart as firmly as mine own Isobal held mine. I just hope it sinks into that thick head of yer’s before it’s too late he said with a chuckle and turned to make his way to the high table with a lingering smile.

Stand Ready for Peace or War- Clan Gunn

Stepping through the great oak entry doors of Guinne Keep, Robb Guinne, Captain of the Guard and Champion to the Guinne clan, lifted his hand to run his fingers through his raven hair. Squinting into the early morning light, he scanned the hustling tumult as the entire clan prepared for Anna’s departure.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped off of the landing and descended the stairs two at a time. His golden brown eyes rapidly scanned the bustling yard as he moved through the bailey. Robb smiled and nodded in greeting to those that hailed him. He made his way to the place that the traveling party assembled and slowed his steps.

Coming around the back of party’s supple wagon, he came upon his lieutenant, Fingal. The lieutenant had a belligerent stance as he towered over a kitchen lass and argued heatedly with her. Robb turned quickly and tried to duck away before Fingal noticed him. Robb was too late and the lieutenant’s eyes lit up as he called to him.

Robb! Fingal crowed, waving wildly. The lass here says yer nae to take any whiskey with ye on yer journey! Maud’s orders, she says! Tell her ye’ll nae be governed by a nursemaid! Fingal demanded as he aimed his finger toward the girl and scowled.

Robb’s shoulders slumped and he rolled his eyes heavenward. With a sigh, he straightened and turned. Striding to where Fingal and the lass stood, he came to a halt and crossed his arms over his thick chest. The lass blanched at his approach. Mindful of his fierce expression as he frowned at Fingal, he kept his eyes away from the lass.

I’ll do nae such thing, Fin. Auld Maud has the right of it Robb said in irritation.

Fingal’s mouth dropped open. What’ll ye tell the men? he asked incredulously.

Robb’s brow raised and he shook his head slightly.

We’re traveling to take the Laird’s daughter to her grandparents. We’ll be staying at a nunnery on the way. Seems to me that is explanation enough for anyone Robb said as he dropped his arms and glanced at the kitchen lass. Wouldn’t ye agree? he asked with a kind smile.

She seemed to visibly relax as she dimpled shyly and nodded. Fingal glanced at her and harrumphed. The lass ducked her head and shuffled her feet uneasily.

That’s bluidy crazed, Robb! What’s a highlander to keep himself warm with? Fingal asked in an accusatory tone.

I suppose our plaids will keep us warm enough Robb narrowed his eyes at Fingal in warning before turning to the lass. Ye can go. Thank cook for any provisions he provided Robb said softly and flicked his chin in the direction of the kitchens.

She whispered a quick Thank ye and bobbed a curtsy before rushing toward the keep.

Ye’ve lost yer besotted mind, Robb Fingal said venomously as he watched the lass hurry away. He shook his head with a sniff and scrunched up his face as he scratched his neck.

Robb snapped his head around and pinned Fingal with his eyes. Robb turned his body, keeping his glare on the lieutenant. Bracing his feet wide, Robb affected a lazy stance. Narrowing his eyes dangerously, Robb slid his hand to the hilt of his sword, caressing the worn leather of the grip as cleared his throat.

Fingal looked up at him, his eyes widening in realization of dangerous ground.

Rising to his full height, Robb flexed his free hand in warning as he looked down at the disheveled, shorter man.

Fin, ye’ll mind yer mouth he growled. All ye seem to do is spew shite from it. But, if ye are challenging my command, I will be glad to oblige ye

Fingal’s eyes grew narrowed at the insult, his face reddening in anger. His mouth tightened and his right eye twitched as he stared at Robb. I… he choked. Nae! he bit out harshly.

Robb released his sword and settled his hands on his hips.

Ye’ll be in charge of the keep’s defenses while I’m away. I need to know ye can keep a cool head, Fin. Arguing with a lass sent to deliver our provisions doesnae get anyone anywhere Robb paused, staring at Fingal silently for a heartbeat. Ye are the laird’s nephew, tis time ye acted like it

Fingal’s face was a deep crimson by the time Robb finished his words. Drawing himself up rigidly and tugging down the sleeves of his leine, Fingal nodded once but said nothing before stomping off toward the stables.

Having trouble with that one again? Maud asked as she came up behind Robb, who was watching Fingal move away.

Turning, he smiled. Och aye, always. Were he nae yer nephew, I’d have tossed him out of the guard long ago

Och, nae! Ye’ll nae attach him to me. The Laird can claim him, I’ll nae be saddled with him! Maud said with a chuckle. I came looking for ye to see how yer fairing, Robb Maud looked at him with something close to pity in her eyes.

Letting his smile fall, Robb shook his head. I’ll be fine, Maudy. It’s for the best. With marriage to the Sinclair’s son, Anna stands to inherit all of her grandparent’s holdings. What have I to offer?

Her heart, lad. Her very heart Maud said softly. She reached up and patted Robb gently on the shoulder as she looked at him with sympathy.

Shaking her head, she brushed past him and slung a leather satchel up into the bed of the wagon. She glanced over her shoulder and tightened her mouth before turning to follow Fingal toward the stables.

Robb stood mutely for a moment. A knot formed in his throat and he grunted to clear it. Feeling it only tighten, he closed his eyes to stem the tears. Anna deserves so much more he whispered, his words roughened with his pain.

Without Fear- Clan Sutherland

Anna will be here soon, William Lady Elizabeth Sutherland said from her chair by the window.

She scrunched her brows together in concentration as she lifted the embroidery needle closer to her eyes. She tried to thread the needle again, only to miss and curse it softly. Deep wrinkles ran across her forehead making her skin seem papery in the fading light. She gave a frustrated huff and dropped her hands to her lap.

It will be nice to have a lass around again Lady Elizabeth said and looked pointedly at her husband.

Bah! She won’t be here for long if ye insist on marrying her to that whelp of Sinclair’s William replied from behind his desk.

Hunched over a stack of correspondence, the Earl of Sutherland squinted under the meager light of an oil lamp. Raising a knobby hand to his balding head, he scratched the wispy surface of his scalp with wide, blunt fingers. Glancing up as he reached for a writing quill, the Earl seemed like a small and weathered version of himself. He frowned and leaned into the tiny pool of light the glowed in front of him.

"Alastair Sinclair is nipping at