Free Highlander's Guardian by Joanne Wadsworth Page A

enjoyed the stew and tankards of ale while they chatted. Her aunt wasn’t among them, or any from her party. She slowed next to the fireplace nestled against the wall and rubbed her hands as the rain outside pelted the narrow windows overlooking the courtyard. No sign of any new arrivals out there either.
    “Annie.” James rose from one of the screened tables attired in borrowed clothes. The black tunic and trews were too dark on him, but the red, blue and green plaid tossed over his shoulders lessened the austere look. A worried look creased his brow. “Are you warm enough?”
    “I am now, thank you.” She sat in the booth while Milly took a seat near the wall, not close enough to overhear their conversation, but in the perfect spot to keep a good watch. “I need someone to ride back to the river and search for my aunt. She’ll be so anxious.”
    “The tavern owner informed me when the river becomes impassable, one has to track higher into the hills and hope for a spot where it isnae too swollen to cross. I’ve already sent the stable lad down to the river to check. Dinnae fear, Annie. We’ll make the best of this situation and be none the worse for it.” He crossed his arms along the table and leaned closer. “If you’d like me to arrange aught more, then you need only—” He coughed and thumped his chest. “You need only—” He coughed again.
    “Are you all right?”
    “’Tis a tickle in my throat, no more.”
    Maud ambled across and slid a tray onto the planked table. She set a bowl of stew before them both, each dish holding a thick slice of bread wedged half into it.
    “That looks wonderful, Maud. Thank you.” She breathed in the mouth-watering scent of mutton and vegetables. “Could you save some for my aunt, please.”
    “Of course.” Maud sauntered to the next table.
    Annie scooped up the bread, took a big bite and licked the richly flavored juices as they dribbled from the end. Hearty and delicious.
    “Is it good?” James picked up his spoon and dipped it into his stew.
    “Wonderful.”
    He sneezed and set his spoon down.
    “Are you sure you’re well, James?”
    “Well enough.” A gust of wind blew in and the stable lad hurried across and stopped before them. James stood and asked the lad, “Did you find any sign of our party having crossed the river?”
    “The tracks on the other side of the river gave proof half the riders headed uphill, while the other half, appeared to have returned to Holyrood.”
    “Is it possible for us to leave?” She rose to her feet as she questioned the lad. She couldn’t remain here when her aunt would worry so.
    He shook his head. “There’s no way through.”
    “All will be well, Annie. Your aunt has a strong guard.” James handed the lad a coin and thanked him. “The riders must have separated in order to find a way to pass.”
    “Aye.” What more could she do? She would have to wait out this storm. She scrunched her chilled hands in her skirts and sent a prayer heavenward for her aunt’s safe return to Holyrood.
    * * * *
    Colin paced Elizabeth’s chamber as she huddled before the fire swaddled in a thick fur after riding into Holyrood House drenched from her ride. He’d returned mere minutes before her and been given the message Arthur had left him. Annie rode with MacDonald. Never had such anger, frustration and concern raged through him.
    He knelt at Elizabeth’s feet and grasped her hands. “Are you certain Annie crossed the river without issue?”
    “Her tracks led up the embankment on the other side and away, as did James’s. Rory’s guardsmen even searched downstream during our return to be certain all was as we believed. I dinnae know how they got so far ahead of us, but they crossed the river afore the storm waters rose and breached the river’s banks. We could find no way to cross.”
    “You said Arthur continued up into the hills in search of a passable point.”
    “As well as two of James’s men and one of Rory’s