Page 66 of The Guardian's Witch

“Sire, the protectors you’ve sent faced problems with raiders, and now they and their men are missing. Every one except Alex. His farms thrive and he’s still here,” Ramon declared.

“That doesn’t make him a traitor!” someone called out. A wave of agreement passed through the crowd. “It makes him a good leader.” The buzz in the room increased.

“Sire, he and his band of men marched against Ravencroft. Bryce stopped him before he reached our farms.”

Alex stood tall and defiant. Edward glared at Ramon.

“Alex, is this true?”

“No, sire. My farms were attacked. I took a small group of men, and I followed the raiders. They led me toward Ravencroft. I sought to stop them before they could do any damage to Mitchell’s farms.”

“He attacked my own man, sire. He knows my men. Why would he attack? Because he was found out!” Ramon punctuated each word with his pointed finger. “I tell you he is in league with the Scots who I’m certain have done something to your protectors. He is a traitor I tell you. He stands by your side holding your trust while he plots and plans against you.”

“Alex. You will have to be held to face these charges.”

Ramon signaled his men. “Take him to the dungeon. And sire, it may be best if you not stay at Glen Kirk. You can’t be certain who is in league with him. Ravencroft is not far,” said Ramon, a satisfied sneer on his face.

“Hold, Ramon.” Ramon’s men stopped mid-step. “My Royal Guards will escort Lord Alex. I will meet with my advisors. Tomorrow we will settle this. And Ramon, thank you for your most kind offer. I will stay here at Glen Kirk.”

Ramon bowed and left with his men. Bryce followed him.

The king turned to Alex with a heavy sigh. “I had thought it a good day for a wedding, not a trial.” He signaled his guards. “He looks more the jailor than the prisoner,” said the king as Alex marched out of the hall.

Chapter Seventeen

Alex paced in his cell. The retreating steps of the king’s guards were long gone. He knew the court system. The burden of proof was on him. In his mind he ticked off the accusations and rebuttals. He came to the same conclusion each time. There was no hard evidence. It was all circumstantial. Ramon and Bryce had planned something. The only way he was going to clear his name and protect Lisbeth and Glen Kirk was to find out what that was.

“Alex.” Bryce’s voice seeped through the door.

“Bryce? What are you doing here?” He heard the jangling of keys.

“What do you think?”

A key scrapped inside the padlock. He heard the click when the hasp sprung open.

Bryce removed the lock and chain, then heaved the heavy wooden slide.

Alex cautiously pushed on the door and stepped out of the cell. He quickly scanned the room. It was empty. “Why?”

“I’m getting you out of here to give you a fighting chance,” said Bryce.

“If anyone finds you down here they will put us both in cells.”

“No, my man is at the top of the stairs. He can keep people out for a while but not long. Alex, I may have played a heavy hand with you and Lisbeth, but I never questioned your loyalty. I don’t know what Father is about but he’s speaking with each of the king’s advisors individually. He won’t tell me anything.”

“And His Majesty?”

“He sits in the Great Hall as if nothing has happened. I fear you’ll not get a fair hearing. Best you leave and save yourself for another fight.”

“Yes, perhaps I should.”What is Bryce up to?Alex knew he should stay in the cell. Once he escaped it wouldn’t matter if he was guilty or innocent. He’d be a hunted man. But he couldn’t protect Lisbeth from here. He needed to get away.

“I’ve had your horse brought to the outside gate. If you leave now with everyone in the Great Hall you’ll not be missed for some time.”

“Thank you, Bryce. I won’t forget this.”No,he’d never forget the treachery to their friendship.

“Don’t thank me until this is over. Now go before someone gets suspicious.”

Alex left through the underground passages until he reached the outside door. He checked the surrounding area. Seeing it was clear he slipped out and jumped over the garden gate. Prime stood there ready for him, a bow and quiver on his saddle.

---