Page 35 of Rescued By the Highland Warrior
“We’re supposed tae keep it from everyone,” he said. “It exists tae ensure the safety of our family, in case of an emergency or an attack.”
“An’ who else kens it exists?” Moira asked, bringing her candle toward the door. The light didn’t illuminate much, as the hallway led into what seemed like never-ending darkness.
“Aside from me maither,” Roderick said. “Nay one else kens about the passageways, an’ it needs tae be kept that way.”
“I swear it,” Moira said, holding up her free hand as if taking an oath. “Who am I goin’ tae tell, eh? Miss Barclay? Perhaps a castle cat?”
Roderick chuckled at her playful tone, shaking his head. "Aye, Miss Barclay might be intrigued, but I’d wager the cat has a better chance o’ spreading gossip."
They smiled at one another, before Moira peered again at the doorway, her eyes narrowing slightly as she appeared to consider the darkness beyond.
“I’d like tae walk along the passageways,” she said carefully. “To see where they lead.”
Roderick considered this for a moment, although his caution overpowered him, and he shook his head. “There’s nay need,” he said. “I can just tell ye. One leads outside, another will take ye directly tae the main chamber, an’ a final path will take ye tae the basement.”
“All right,” Moira said. “But I’d like tae see.”
Roderick sighed, recognizing the determination in her voice. Moira was not someone who took no for an answer, especially when her curiosity was piqued. He rubbed the back of his neck, casting a wary glance at the darkened corridor.
He wasn’t sure what good would come of him leading Moira through the passageways as far as their investigation was concerned, but if she felt that it was important then it was certainly worth a try.
“Fine,” he said. “Stay close behind me, an’ bring yer candle, I’ll bring another. The last thing we need is tae stumble about in the dark,” he chuckled.
“Aye, Roderick,” she said. “I’m right behind ye.”
Roderick stepped forward, holding his candle aloft as the warm glow flickered against the cold, damp walls. The air grew noticeably cooler as they ventured further into the narrow passageway that widened slightly as they walked.
Moira followed closely behind him, her footsteps sounding against the floor. It didn’t feel as strange as he had expected bringing someone in here, but maybe it was simply because it was her. Despite their bickering and misunderstandings, he sincerely felt he could trust her, even with a great family secret as this.
“There’s more space in here than I thought there would be,” Moira said, her voice echoing faintly off the stone walls.
“Aye,” Roderick said. “It gets wider the further ye go. Although nae exactly comfortable, it’s pretty good as far as hidden passageways go.”
“I’ve seen better,” Moira jested.
Roderick glanced over his shoulder, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “Oh, have ye now? An expert on hidden passageways, are ye?”
Moira smirked, the flickering candlelight catching a playful glint in her eyes. “Well, I’ve seen a few in me line o’ work, as ye can imagine. This one is good, perhaps it comes in second place, or third.”
Roderick chuckled, his voice resonating against the stone walls. “Second or third, eh? I suppose I should be flattered it’s even on yer list.”
Roderick continued smiling to himself. As they walked further along, he went to make another joke, when suddenly, he heard a noise.
The sound was faint but distinct—a low, muffled scraping that seemed to come from somewhere ahead. Roderick froze mid-step, his smile vanishing as his hand tightened around his candleholder, instinctively.
“Roderick,” Moira whispered, as she came behind him. “What is it?”
Roderick heard the noise again, this time louder, and he turned to Moira pressing her against the wall. He pulled her close, his breath shallow.
“Stay there,” he said. “Dinnae move.”
Moira didn’t respond. Her face was calm but her eyes betrayed a subtle hint of panic. Roderick knew she wouldn’t protest.
Being close to her stirred him for a second. But the desire to keep her safe took precedence. He left his candle with Moira and continued forward, withdrawing a small dagger from his belt.
As he neared the noise in the near dark, so as not to alert anyone to his presence, he was sure that he could see a figure lurking in the shadows ahead.
Roderick’s pulse quickened as he approached, every muscle in his body tense. He moved with deliberate, slow, steps so as not to provoke the figure too soon. His hand clasped around the dagger, cool and sharp in his hand.
