Highland Escape - Cathy MacRae Page 0,2

men’s heavy armor slowing their mounts.

Anna’s knowledge of these lands, coupled with Orion’s speed, soon left her pursuers far behind. She guided the stallion north across the River Tweed, then into a copse of trees before traversing open ground toward the forest again.

She sought signs of a chase, slowing Orion to a trot as they entered the woodland. With the enemy out of sight, her only goal was to hide. Putting distance between herself and home, she traveled deeper into Scotland, darkness and the dense timberland concealing them.

“Easy, boy.” She patted Orion’s neck and he dropped to a walk. “Bloody bastards cannot keep up with us. Serves them right for wearing heavy armor and choosing steeds more fit for the plow than war.”

The horse flicked an ear in response, then willingly splashed into a swiftly moving stream swollen by the spring melt.

“No oats tonight, my boy.” Anna kept her voice low despite the noise created by the fast-moving stream. “We will search for a nice thicket under the stars. Let us hope the night remains clear and dry.” Tears streamed down her face as the reason for a night alone flashed across her mind, and she stroked his mane, drawing comfort from the warmth of his massive body.

The current washed away his hoof prints as fast as he made them. After a furlong, she turned him up a graveled bank and into deep shadows. Sliding from his back, she unsaddled him, setting her unsheathed swords close by on the ground for quick access.

She settled in for what rest to be found before dawn, but slumber did not come easy. Edrick’s death played over and over again, tormenting her dreams, leaving her more exhausted than restored. Finally giving up, she rose, dawn scarcely a hint in the sky. She wasted no time breaking camp, looking and listening for any sign of pursuers. Satisfied none were about, she mounted and continued deeper into the forest, unsure of her destination.

Anna picked her way through forests and fields, avoiding civilization, questions tormenting her without cease.

Whom did they serve? Had a neighboring lord attacked? With no visible standard, no heraldic device, how could she be sure? Who is friend? And who is foe?

Which led to another important question—where would she go? Returning to England was out of the question. Anywhere she appeared, she could unwittingly put herself in the hands of unknown enemies. Though she had promised Edrick, she couldn’t go to her grandfather’s clan for fear of bringing her father’s enemies to his doorstep.

With both her brother and father dead, she was now her father’s heir. She would be declared a ward of King Edward and forced into marriage if she returned—and could not live with such a fate. She squinted her eyes at the sky, weighing her options. Her only path lay north—into the Highlands.

One day bled into the next, and then another. Having never traveled this far into Scotland, Anna had only the slimmest idea of her location. The terrible loss of her home and family continually gnawed her heart, but she had no time to indulge grief. For now, stealth and survival were her priorities.

Feminine screams pierced her thoughts, causing her to put Orion to flight. At the edge of a large glen, six men held two young women. One fought, kicking at the man holding her until he threw her down, tearing her dress. Sounds of nearby battle reached her ears. A raiding party?

Anna clenched her jaw. Cursed barbarians, stealing women. After days of unfulfilled vengeance eating away at her, here was an injustice she could throw herself into.

Leaving Orion in the trees, Anna drew her bow and crept closer to the party. The woman with the torn dress lay on the ground. The men surrounding her laughed and held the other woman roughly until she ceased to struggle. Anna moved nearer for a better look. The two were barely more than girls. A cold rage swept through her.

She stepped from the trees, bow at the ready. Taking careful aim, her first arrow penetrated the back of the man who’d thrown the girl to the ground. Standing menacingly above her a moment ago, he now lay motionless beside her. The fallen young woman released another scream, transporting Anna back to the battle for her home. The ghostly sound of Edrick’s battle cry ringing in her ears, she drew her bow again. The next arrow pierced the neck of the man holding the second girl, the weight