Page 73 of The Guardian's Witch

“It’s the only one with a guard. The problem will be getting close to him without being seen.”

“How are the guards positioned?”

“Two man guard the tunnel entrance and another two guard the tunnel to the cellar.” Tom drew Xs on the makeshift map, indicating where each guard stood. “There are two guards in the cellar who patrol the hall that leads to the dungeons.”

Jamie pounded Tom on the back. “Thank you, Tom.” He looked back at the map.

“Jamie, you and I can take care of the sentry at the main tunnel entrance. We’ll signal when it’s all clear,” said Alex.

“Cameron and I can remove the guards at the cellar tunnel,” said Fayne.

“I’ll post men at the entrance to each of the other tunnels. We don’t want any surprises,” said Jamie. He pointed to the men he wanted to for the job.

“We’ll go with Jamie’s men,” said Edwin. Bennett, Damian, and Geoffrey nodded their agreement.

“I’ll lead the way when we get into the cellar,” said Tom. “With some of my Scots brothers we should be able to take care of the two men guarding the dungeon. No one will suspect anything if they see me.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea. When you pass the tunnel entrance, Jamie and I will melt into your group,” said Alex rubbing his hands together.

Jamie got to his feet. “Once we enter the tunnel, no talking. Our voices will carry. And walk carefully. Make as little sound as possible. That too will be heard. Surprise is our best strategy here. Any questions?” He smeared the dirt map with his foot.

There was silence.

“Good.”

Alex and Jamie checked their gear.

“Alex, if only you could see that wide grin on your face. I don’t envy these men when you get finished with them.”

“I’ve waited a long time to solve this mystery. I’ve been chasing shadows for a year. I’m glad to finally bring this to a conclusion.

“Cameron, what are you doing?” asked Fayne.

Cameron hefted a large stone in his hand, dropped it, and picked up another. “These will do.”

“We need the element of surprise. I suspect they will see us if we openly attack them. I will be like David to their Goliath.” He tossed the large stone in the air. “It’s how Alex and I got coin while in the king’s army. He would bet on my ability to hit an object with a toss of a stone. I never missed.”

“We didn’t make our fortune but Cameron’s throwing arm did come in handy from time to time,” agreed Alex. “Good hunting,” he said to the men.

Alex and Jamie faded into the forest without a sound.

Two guards stood leaning against large boulders in front of bushes that masked the tunnel entrance. Jamie and Alex split up and worked their way behind the guards. When they were in position, Jamie crept up behind the guard in front of him, put his hand over the unsuspecting man’s mouth, and pulled him through the bushes.

“I hope this ends soon. I don’t want to spend another winter out here,” said the other guard and pushed off the boulder.

Alex made his move. He stepped out, grabbed the guard’s head and wrenched it. The man fell to the ground without making a sound.

Cameron and Fayne stood like silent sentinels waiting for the signal. The night was soon disturbed by three owl hoots. The signal given, they quietly advanced.

Cameron and Fayne led the team through the entrance. The way was lit with torches hung at intervals. They picked their way through the rock debris with care until they came to a bend. Tom tapped Cameron on the shoulder and indicated that cellar guard post was just beyond.

Alex watched from behind. He and Cameron had been on many campaigns together. Cameron knew what he was doing. Alex was eager to get to the protectors but for now all he could do was watch it all unfold from his vantage point.

Cameron and Fayne crouched and moved behind a large rock. They started to move again but Cameron, his head moving from side to side, quickly pulled Fayne back.

What is he looking at?Alex was perplexed.

Cameron set four stones on the rock next to him. He peered at the guards for some minutes, then motioned something to Fayne.

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