Page 44 of Forgotten Secrets (Secrets of the Heart 4)

Chapter 14

Bedivere had decided to tell Morag about his past, and would have done so if all hell hadn’t broken loose as soon as they returned to the castle.

“Fire!” someone shouted, causing Bedivere to look up to find that lightning had hit the mews and it was going up in flame. Everyone rushed back and forth with buckets, bringing water from the well. He dismounted and helped Morag from her horse, knowing he had to help.

“Go to your chamber and keep dry. Stay there and don’t open the door for anyone until I arrive.”

“I will no’!” she said stubbornly. “I am goin’ to help save the mews as well.”

“Bedivere, hurry!” It was Percival, coming out of the mews with a hawk on his arm. The bird flapped its wings wildly, frightened and trying to get away but secured to his arm by the jess. He held a large cage in his other hand.

“Give me the cage,” said Morag, taking it and opening the door and guiding the bird inside. “We need to go quickly and get the rest of the birds before they die.” Morag took off at a run for the burning mews with Percival right behind her.

“Morag, wait! Don’t go in there. It’s dangerous,” cried Bedivere, taking two buckets of water from a servant.

“Let her go. It’ll save you a lot of trouble later if she perishes in the fire.” Whitmore stood nearby watching, doing nothing to help.

“Get the hell out of my sight,” Bedivere growled, heading for the mews with the water.

Morag coughed,covering her face with her arm as she helped Percival and Lady Ernestine try to save the birds in the mews. She thought naught of herself, but rather for the poor animals that were about to lose their lives because of an act of nature.

“Morag, get out of here.” Bedivere flung the water from the buckets at the flames. Before she could even answer, a burning beam fell from the roof, about to hit Lady Ernestine.

“Lady Rothbury, watch out,” cried Morag, causing the woman to look up and move out of the way. However, she was hit in the shoulder and fell to the ground. Then to Morag’s horror, the woman’s gown caught afire.

“Nay!” cried Morag, starting toward her.

“I’ve got her.” Bedivere shot forward, removing his cloak and using it to smother the flames on her gown. Then he picked up Lady Ernestine in his arms. “Everyone out of here now,” he shouted, looking upward. “The roof is going to cave in.”

Picking up a frightened falcon, Morag followed Percival as they ran from the mews. Just as Bedivere exited carrying Lady Ernestine, the building collapsed behind them.

“Lady Ernestine!” Morag ran to the woman who clung to Bedivere. The shoulder of her gown was torn and Morag noticed that she was scratched. The bottom of her gown was burned.

“Sir Bedivere, you saved my life,” said the lady of the castle.

“Bring her inside at once and I’ll find the healer,” said Morag, looking back to the mews. There was nothing they could do to save it now. The rain fell harder, helping to douse the flames, but causing the building to smolder.

“We did all we could to save it,” said Bedivere. “The rain will put out the rest of the fire.”

“I’ve got the birds,” shouted Percival, heading into the great hall with the cage.

“Thank ye,” said Morag to Bedivere. He had first saved her and now Lady Ernestine. She felt it in her heart, that no matter what his dark secret was, he was still a good man.

“I think I see the healer near the front gate. I will send him to the great hall immediately.” Morag picked up her soggy skirts and ran to the front gate. “Healer, Lady Ernestine is wounded and needs your help.”

When the man turned around, she realized that, although he wore the healer’s cloak, she didn’t recognize him.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought ye were someone else. I am lookin’ for the healer.”

“He had a call in the village but I am here to take his place,” said the man.

“Thank ye. Please go to the great hall and help Lady Ernestine at once.”

“Aye, my lady,” said the man with a bow, heading away with a travel bag slung over his shoulder. She looked down to see his feet, surprised he wore muddy boots instead of shoes. He also had a very sharp dagger hanging at his side. It seemed odd but she hadn’t a moment to think about it before she heard someone calling her name.

“Morag! Morag, over here.”

“Willow?” asked Morag, squinting her eyes to see through the rain. Her cousin rode in a horse-drawn cart driven by a servant. She was escorted by her father, who led the way over the drawbridge. “Uncle Rook!” Morag ran to greet them, happy to have some of her family here at last. “Where are Sir Conrad and Aunt Calliope?” she asked, inquiring about Willow’s husband and Rook’s wife.

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