Marti Talbotts Highlander Series 1 - Anna Rachel u Charlet

love you wee one, come back to us.” He put her into Blair’s strong arms and then looked him in the eye. “I now trust you with a gift given to me by the King of England. You will tell no one and you will protect her with your life.”
    Blair nodded, but Kevin was not finished. “She is furious with me for sending her away and she will not make your life easy. She will run, she will try to trick you, she will even hate you. But know this -- she has the power to start a war between the English and the Highlanders. Many could die.”
    “I will keep her safe and well hidden. The Cameron will know where to find us.”
    Kevin handed him the reins to Charlet’s horse and watched Blair take her into the dense forest. He leaned down, picked up her wet MacGreagor plaid and said a silent prayer. The little baby he held all those years ago had the power to start more than one war. God help them all.

    CHAPTER II

    Normally, the MacGreagors only used the hidden door in the wall at night when no one could see. But there was no time to waste and when Kevin returned, he had to wait for several children and their mothers to move out of site. As soon as they were gone, he swam the moat for a second time and slipped back through the hidden door. He entered the empty cottage Catherin and Justin once lived in and quickly changed from wet to dry clothing. Then he went down the path, crossed the courtyard and hurried up the steps of the Keep. As soon as he opened the do or, he spotted a pacing Connor.
    Connor was relieved to see him. “The MacDonald has crossed our border. He will be here within the hour and he brings a large guard.”
    “We have been expecting him.”
    “Aye, but what do we tell him?”
    Kevin sighed. “Have you more good news?”
    “Our wives wanted to know where you went. I told them you were in Catherin’s cottage and you wished not to be disturbed. Anna is upset.”
    “I will go to her. What else?”
    “Kenna’s mother demands that you see what her daughter has done.”
    Again Kevin sighed. “I suppose I should see to that first. Hopefully, it will not delay me for long. Let her in.”
    The angry mother had the girl’s head covered with a scarf and kept poking her until she finally stood before Kevin. Fifteen-year-old Kenna had tears running down her cheeks.
    “What is it, Kenna?” He wasn’ t really paying attention, but when Kenna’s mother jerked the plaid off her daughter’s head, his jaw dropped. K enna’s golden hair was now red.
    The mother put her hands on her hips and spit out her furious words, “What punishment shall you give my rebellious daughter? I say she cleans the stables.”
    Kevin didn’t answer. Instead, he slowly walked all the way around the lass to see her hair from every angle. “How did you do this?”
    Kenna burst into sobs, “I...I am...”
    Her mother started to speak again, but Kevin glared at the woman and his fierce glare made her back up two paces. She had never encountered his glare before and was shocked by it.
    He turned his attention back to the girl. “Kenna, I am not angry. Catch your breath and tell me how you did this.”
    Only after Connor handed her a cloth to wipe her tears, and she realized her mother was not still railing at her, did she take two deep breaths and answer. “I boiled the red and yellow leaves of fall and when the juice was cool enough, I poured it on my hair. Then I sat in the sun to dry it. I am sorry, Kevin, I only wanted to make myself look like Charlet so the men would prefer me.”
    “You wish to take a husband?”
    “Aye, ‘ tis every lasses wish. But the lads only notice Charlet.”
    “I understand. Who else knows about your red hair?”
    Kenna took another deep breath to clear away the last of her crying. “No one, not even Julie. She is unwell today and did not go with me. Mother knows, but my father is on the hunt.”
    “Good, you will stay in the K eep today and out of sight. I need you to do something for me. Are you willing?”
    “I will do what ever you ask. You are my laird and everyone loves you.”
    Kevin smiled and then turned to the girl’s confused mother. “Kenna has done well and she pleases me. You will tell no one about this, not even your husband. If he asks about her, tell him she is with me. Will you obey?”
    “Of course, Kevin, but...” When Kevin held up his hand, she backed away, turned and left the great hall.
    “Connor, where is my wife?”
    “Upstairs with my wife.”
    “And my