Page 74 of The Guardian's Witch

Fayne moved back toward the men and crouched under the nearest torch. Cameron, rock in hand, took aim and let the rock fly. Before the rock hit its mark, Fayne dowsed the torch. Everyone heard the second rock hit, along with a loud groan.

When the torch was relit, Cameron and Fayne stood over the two guards who were now gagged and bound.

The Stelton brothers and some of Jamie’s men moved on toward their assigned positions. The rest went on toward the cellar. Tom and his handpicked men pounded on the door.

“Who’s there?” yelled a man on the other side.

“Tom. Let me in. I have news from Lord Ramon.”

The old lock scrapped and scratched but finally they heard the wooden bar move and the door was thrown wide open. Tom and the men walked through.

“I’ve brought some new recruits from Lord Ramon.”

“Well, it’s about time. We’ve been down in this hole for weeks.” The men turned, got their gear, and handed the keys to Tom. When they walked out the tunnel door Jamie’s men captured them.

Tom, Alex and Jamie walked across the cellar into the dungeon.

The protectors and their men peered out from their cell. “Alex! Alex Stelton. Has the ransom been paid? Has the king sent you?”

The prisoners got to their feet in the locked cell.

Tom handed the key to Jamie.

“What’s he doing here?” They pointed to Jamie. “He’s the reason we’re here.”

“No, not Jamie, nor any other Scots.” Alex stood to the side while Jamie undid the lock.

“Who then?” asked Hubert.

The door open, the men filed out. There was a buzz among them. “I told you Mitchell appeared daft.”

“Daft? That was not something anyone would associate with Bryce.” said Alex.

Hubert turned to Alex. “Alex, what’s going on? Mitchell visited and told us he was negotiating with the Scots on behalf of the king. That didn’t sound right. Edward would never give the old man that much power.”

Alex and Jamie looked at each other. “So, it’s the old man?”

The prisoners began speaking at once. “It’s all beginning to make sense.” Alex held up his hand. “Start at the beginning.” He looked through the knot of men. “Hubert, tell us what happened.”

“I went out hunting with one of my men. We were set upon and captured by Scots. At least that’s who we thought they were.”

The other protector came forward. “My story is similar. I went out with three of my men on patrol. The attackers came out of nowhere. One minute we were patrolling the forest—the next thing we know were surrounded by Scots.”

Someone passed the men skins. They drank thirstily. “How did they bring you here?”

Another captive spoke. “They blindfolded us and rode us around. I could tell they doubled back and led us in circles to confuse us. After a while I gave up trying to figure out where we were. When we got here they locked us in the dungeon.”

“They gave us parchment and quill to send a message to the king,” added Hubert.

“Did His Majesty respond?”

“Yes, he said he was working on the ransom and it might take a while since the Scots’ throne was empty,” said Hubert. “About six months ago Mitchell came to see us. He said he’d been acting on behalf of the king.”

“Do you know anything about Mitchell planning an uprising?” blurted out Cameron.

“Hold, Cameron. Let them finish. I want to hear it all.” Alex turned to Hubert. “Go on.”

“Ramon came here with an escort of Scots. He brought us blankets and food.”

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