Connor held her tight and whispered in her ear. "You must be quiet." He waited for her nod and then slowly took his hand off her mouth. She was once more in his arms and he couldn't resist. He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her. She didn't pull away, so he kissed her longer. Finally, he remembered they were at war and stopped. He took her hand and led her behind a tree. The early morning wasn't very light yet, but when he glanced back, he could see Threcher walk into the meadow to graze.

He took her back in his arms and put his mouth next to her ear so he could whisper, "They will attack at dawn."

She was happy to have her arms around his neck and reached up on tiptoe, "My mother?"

"We took all the lasses and children out in the night. They should be half way to the Cameron hold by now. Most of the lads are out too."

"Were there warriors in the woods?"

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"Nay." He tightened his arms and quickly kissed her lips again. It was then he realized she was holding him, but her touch was too weak. "Where are you hurt?"

She hesitated. She didn't want to admit she really couldn't protect herself, but she finally took his hand and put it on the sore spot on her head.

He grimaced when he felt the lump. He drew her close again and let her put her head on his chest. All he wanted to do was hold and comfort her, but he was worried about keeping her safe. If their plan didn't work, the battle might spill into the meadow. He heard something in the woods and with one swift movement; he turned, drew his sword and shoved Rachel behind him. It was Kevin. Connor put his sword back in his sheath and smiled. He reached back, took Rachel's arm and pulled her out.

Kevin couldn't have been more relieved. He looked at her for a long moment and touched her hair just to make sure he could believe his eyes. At last, he pointed at the horse and when Rachel nodded, he nodded as if to say he thought so. It couldn't be the same horse that brought Anna back to him thirteen years ago, it didn't look old enough, but maybe. Kevin would have to think about that later.

It was getting lighter by the minute and Kevin motioned for them to get behind the trees. The bridge began to screech as though it was coming down and then stopped. Rachel took a quick peek around her tree and noticed everything seemed normal. Smoke drifted into the air from cottage hearths as though women prepared the morning meal. She could hear a baby cry, but she knew it wasn't a real baby. One of the men had mastered the art of imitating sounds. A woman moaned and another man coughed several times. Then the bridge started to go down again and she held her breath.




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