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The captains filed into the Great Hall, shaking the rain from their cloaks. A fire was built in the hearth and tables were moved towards that end of the Hall. Anne was introduced to each, but she knew she wouldn’t remember their names, only their faces. As the men took seats around the tables, maids brought in pitchers of mead and water and more than enough cups for those in attendance. Side conversations were started, and Anne caught bits of news. The rain had caused flooding along the beach, several horses needed shoes, there were two sick children in one of the families, in another a wife had just given birth. Malcolm had come back and seated himself to Duncan’s right, who was engaged in conversation with Miss Jenny.
As Anne stood nervously at the back of the Hall, she saw a famili
