Page 75 of The Guardian's Witch

“You heard nothing for nearly two years?” Alex asked.

Hubert turned an angry eye to Alex. “No and I’ll kill the man who locked me in this place.” He gave Jamie and his men a scathing look.

Alex shook his head. “Let me understand—for the last six months Ramon has been coming here to give you progress on your ransom. Did anyone else come with Ramon?”

“Bryce was here once. But his father was the one we dealt with. Ramon was here yesterday informing us of the progress he’s made. We would be free by next week.”

“He told us the king was at Glen Kirk and prepared to march into Scotland in retaliation. We told Ramon His Majesty could count on us.”

Alex turned to Tom. “An undertaking like the one Ramon plans would take a lot of men. Where is he getting them from? I know most of Bryce’s men. I don’t recognize any of his ‘Scots.’ Who are they?”

“Lord Ramon buys them,” said Tom. “His leaders are mostly mercenaries.”

“It must cost him dearly to pay all these men.”

“We’re not paid in coin, Lord Alex. He’s promised us land and positions in Scotland. To some he’s even promised a place in the new government.”

“I had no idea to what lengths Ramon would go,” said Alex.

“He has it all planned. He meets with his advisors and talks about politics with England and alliances with France and others.”

A wave of anxiety overtook Alex.

“Alex, are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Cameron stood next to him. “What do you see, Alex? I know that look.”

“It’s just a feeling, a strong feeling. Lisbeth is in great danger,” he said. “I must get to her.”

“Have you always been this perceptive where Lisbeth is concerned?” Jamie questioned.

“No, I’ve... I’ve never been able to connect with her like this.” The shock of discovery hit him full in his face. All day long he’d had glimpses of her thoughts. His eyes scanned the area around him as if seeking an answer. He didn’t have time to think about why he knew that she planned something dangerous; he needed to stop her. “Jamie, I must go.” He bolted down the tunnel, Jamie close behind. “Bring the men to Glen Kirk. We’ll confront Mitchell there.” He threw the words over his shoulder and kept going.

“Your brothers and my men will bring Hubert and the others,” said Jamie. “They’ll lock Mitchell’s men in here. I’ll go with you. We’ll take a shortcut to Glen Kirk. It’s hazardous but we can get through. My men will show the others the way. Besides, you’ll need someone at your back. You can’t just walk into Glen Kirk. You’re a wanted man.”

At the other side of the tunnel entrance Cameron stood next to him as he readied Prime. “Alex, let us go with you. By now Bryce must have told everyone you’ve escaped. His men will kill you the moment you get near.”

“No, I must do this. You can handle things here. I’ll meet you at Glen Kirk as we planned.”

“We won’t be far behind you. Besides, we wouldn’t want to miss all the fun.”

Alex clapped his brother on the shoulder. He’d thank Cameron and the others later. “Bring them quickly. I fear Lisbeth’s in greater danger than I thought.”

Chapter Nineteen

She didn’t stop until she reached the safety of the Great Hall.

“Thank you, Lisbeth. How did you know I needed my shawl?”

“With the wind beginning to pick up I knew the mist would gather in the hall and you would soon feel the chill.” Lisbeth took a deep breath to calm her jangled nerves.Bryce.How did she not know? He strutted into the hall as if summoned by her thoughts. She forced herself to concentrate on what Mother Celeste was saying.

“Excuse me, Lady Celeste. I need to speak to Lisbeth.” Not waiting for any acknowledgement, he took Lisbeth’s elbow and casually maneuvered her around the room greeting people, nodding as they passed. Lady Celeste was left standing with her mouth agape.

“I see your lips are still swollen from our little interlude. You’re better than I anticipated. I thought you would be cold and unfeeling, but there is a great deal of passion behind your cool façade. You might be acceptable after all.”

She drew her hand up intending to slap his smug face but he anticipated her intention and grabbed her hand.

“You’ll pay for your little trick. Play your part and I’ll spare you looking on when they draw and quarter him.”

She hesitated. He pulled her on.

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