Marti Talbotts Highlander Series 1 - Anna Rachel u Charlet

“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 demand.
    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 o bvious 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.
    She tried to listen to the voices, but the sounds were muffled and she couldn’t make out but a few words. Then she heard a woman say something about Rachel. Catherin was suddenly terrified and covered her mouth to keep from crying out. She thought she had already accepted the idea that both her daughters were dead, but in truth , she wasn’t prepared at all.
    It surprised her when she heard the key go in the lock and saw the door handle turn. She held her breath and watched as the door slowly opened , but it wasn’t her husband as she expected. Instead, a tall woman wearing a plaid stepped inside and raised a finger to her mouth to s ignal she should remain quiet.
    Behind the woman stood a large man wearing a matching kilt and a white shirt . He watched her for a moment and then took a step inside. He paused to make sure she wasn’t going to get upset and once he was assure d, he walked to her and smiled.
    His interest seemed to be in the chain, Catherin realized, and when he reached out his hand, she gave him the part she held in her hand. His eyes were kind , and when he took her elbow and urged her to move closer to the bed, she went willingly. The man let go of her arm and took hold of the chain with both hands. To her amazement, he flexed the muscles in his arms and easily pulled one of the links apart. She and Anna had tried to do just that countless times and couldn’t get it to budge.
    Suddenly, she was free, filled with overwhelming joy , and started to speak , b ut the woman reminded her to be quiet. The man handed the end of the chain back to her, leaned down and scooped her up in his arms. As quiet as a mouse, they slipped down the stairs, through the sitting room and out the front door. He continued to carry her across the courtyard and she was so grateful, she wrapped her arm around him and kissed the side of his neck. Justin smiled. He carried her through th e gate, around the corner and fu rther still , before he fin ally stopped and put her down.
    Anna’s mother had tears in her eyes and she could barely see the man standing before her. It wasn’t until she spotted the crown on his head that she realized it was the King of England. She tried to curtsy, but he took hold of her arm and wouldn’t let her.
    “Catherin, how will you ever forgive me?” The king took the chain out of her hand, knelt down and raised her skirt just enough to see her ankle. He grimaced, closed his eyes, and swore under his breath . I t