The Runaway Highlander (The Highland Renegades Book 2) by R. L. Syme Page B

choice, as we discussed.” Andrew’s voice boomed across the expanse. “They may come with us and join us, or go about their way. I expect…” At the escalation of the murmuring, Andrew raised his voice. “I expect… that there will be a cease to their criminal activities. But we will not leave any behind except those who wish to stay.”
    Another man yelled. “None of us will wish to stay.”
    “Then you can choose to join our cause, or you can be about your own business. But today, you have been given a gift. I expect you to honor it and put it to good use.”
    “Assuming we get out of the castle,” said another.
    “And past the guards,” yelled another.
    “Quiet.” Finlay’s voice boomed. “The guard will be changing soon and once we’ve dispatched this group, we must leave at once in order to fulfill our plans.”
    He stepped away from the door and faced the men. “I will take the charge, and Andrew will keep the rear. Any man lagging will be left. We cannot afford to slow our speed.”
    “Anne!” came a booming voice from her right. A few men down the line, Anne at last saw the familiar face she’d been hoping to see all these days.
    Broccin Sinclair was more of a man than she remembered—she had not seen him since he was seventeen and he had become quite a fine man. Taller than she had guessed, and more handsome, even with his matted beard and dirty face.
    One of his arms supported an older man with dark brown hair, flecked with silver. Broccin strained his head to see her, as though he wanted to cross the room, but the man’s presence anchored him. Similarly, Anne could not leave William with no one, and he was fading fast.
    Tears slid down her cheeks as relief flooded her. He was alive, he was safe, and she would see him freed.
    “I will find you,” she said as Finlay signaled for quiet. The men nearest the entrance had confiscated the dead soldiers’ weapons and other men were stripping those soldiers of their uniforms.
    Anne signaled for Andrew, who’d become embroiled in a near conversation about there being an extra regiment on duty today at the gate. He held up his hand to the complaining youth and went straight to Anne’s side.
    “What can I do for you, my lady?”
    “ I’m not certain I can support his entire weight.” Anne grunted under William’s weight and Andrew took his arm from around her shoulders, putting it on his own.
    “You shouldn’t be supporting anyone, Lady de Cheyne. Our plan is nearly complete and all I need from you is a promise that you’ll stay by my side until I can return you to your room.”
    She nodded and Andrew signaled for two nearby young men to help with William. Once free of the heft of his weight, Andrew took Anne’s elbow again, as he had before.
    “We must stay in the rear to see everyone to safety and keep you away from the fighting.” Andrew motioned to Broccin to join them and Broc began to make his way through the crowd with the weak man at his side.
    “Brother.” Andrew embraced Broccin, each with one free arm, and Broc’s deep brown eyes shimmered with tears.
    “Brother.” Broc held his friend’s gaze for a long time. They were more than friends, of course, Anne knew. Broc had nearly died for Andrew in the Battle of Carslile. That made men brothers.
    “Broccin,” she whispered. Finlay, across the room, was calling for quiet again. “I’m so glad to see you.”
    “And I you, Miss Anne.”
    “Please.” She waved him off. “No need for those formalities. When you’ve been engaged most of your life, I think even titles can be done away with.”
    “As you wish.” The smile he gave her was distant, melancholic. The man at his side appeared to be nearly as far gone as William. There were many men around the room who were being carried or supported by their more strapping counterparts.
    This was going to be a miracle.
    Finlay’s hand was in the air and the guards suddenly appeared inside the entryway. Once they saw the back