by C. C. Wiley
Sabine watched as the dog and the basket moved away, high over her head. Left alone, darkness moved in. Her resolve for bravery scattered in the tunnel’s abyss. There was something she was to do, yet she could not quite grasp what it might be.
“Sabine,” a voice called out, breaking through the fog in her mind. “’Tis your time.” The blessed thick rope lowered. Blinking rapidly, she tried to focus on where to put her hands.
“Sit in the basket as you would a swing. I’ll pull you up.”
Fumbling with the knots, she sat down gingerly and held on for dear life. Focusing overhead, she watched the daylight break through the pitch black of the tunnel. When she reached the wide ledge, she tumbled out of the ropes and fell prostrate on the flat stone.
Darrick helped her to her feet and wiped the smudges of dirt from her cheek. “We’re almost there.”
He shoved through the ivy-covered entrance. Squeezing her fingers, he motioned Sabine to move quietly as they pushed their way out of the shrub-covered opening.
“Clearmorrow.” She covered her mouth with dirt-smudged fingers and whispered, “I never knew this tunnel existed.”
Judging from the growth over the mouth of the cave, the safety of her people had been in jeopardy for quite some time.
“Perhaps Nandra has returned with the baby.”
The sun was setting behind what was left of the castle walls. A burned-out shell of its former self stood in front of them. Blackened timbers lay in abandoned heaps. Burned beyond recognition, where the great walls to the castle once stood, was now a pile of rubble. The tops of the buildings were spires of charred roofs. Slate shingles had fallen; allowing the weather to destroy what little remained.
“I never imagined it would be this bad.”
She searched for something to lean on and her hand caught only air. She stumbled backwards. “This was my home.” Under her breath, she added, “and I am responsible for its destruction.”
* * * *
Darrick sat on a log with Sabine nestled in his lap. She had finally stopped pacing. Her sobs had ceased, except for the occasional hiccups that shook her body.
His warrior’s mind took in the surrounding land. He was stunned by the lack of planning her father and brother had given to the protection of the castle. It was a prime spot of land and perhaps, at one time, the half-timber walls had been sufficient, but surely, by now, they would have known to fortify the walls with stone.
The main keep stood high upon a grassy knoll. High enough to see if anyone came by water. Their towers were positioned to look out over the water to the southern Welsh lands. The other towers would have overlooked the valley on either side. Aye, the location was a prime bit of land but one needed more than that to keep it safe. Was this the reason for DePierce to defy his king and take what was not his? For strength and power over others?
At first glance, it was obvious that there were many weaknesses in the protection of the land. His fists clenched. How long had this castle languished in careless hands. Hands of those who were away on the king’s business, too busy to see about the protection of their loved ones. It amazed him that anyone survived.
Darrick shook his head. Why did DePierce lay fire to Clearmorrow? ’Twas smarter to leave the keep occupied by men-at-arms, protecting what they took. A siege always did less damage than fire. Why have the villagers destroyed? He could have had them working for him.
If DePierce was so eager for this land holding, why leave it unguarded? Darrick knew that if this castle were his to protect, his men would be camped out and rebuilding the outer wall, this time with stone. He would replace the half-timber keep with a strong wall of stone and rounded watchtowers fortifying every corner.
Sabine’s hand trembled in his. He squeezed her fingers gently to reassure her. They moved to search the grounds. With a whispered word, Thunder walked cautiously by their side.
They carefully made their way towards the burned skeleton of the tower. The threat that they were not alone made the hair on the back of Darrick’s neck stand on end. Sabine shivered, whether from the chill in the air or the painful memories, he did not know.
Shadows danced with the wind that blew on top of the craggy hill, flickering across the tumbled walls. Laughter pierced the cool night air. It echoed against the scarred stone that once was the great hall’s fireplace.
Hand in hand, they rushed towards the eerie sound. With Darrick pulling her behind him, Sabine ran to keep up with his long strides. They stopped, keeping to the shadows.
Pressing their backs against the outer wall of what was left of the great hall, they watched with alarm.
Sabine clutched his arm and pointed.
Firelight danced across Nandra’s face as she held the crying baby aloft.
“We’ll show them, won’t we my little one? Soon we’ll have what is ours. Yes, we will. Yes, we will,” she crooned, as she danced around the floor. Her tattered dress swayed as it dragged across the cold stone. Her gray hair had long since lost its pins and now hung at her waist.
Sabine slipped her hand out of his and lurched out into the center of the room. Worried that he would startle Nandra, causing more damage to the situation, he watched in horror, cursing Sabine’s impulsive nature. Fear for Sabine and the tiny babe froze him in his tracks. Thunder bristled and struggled against his hold. Darrick hated to do it, but he knew he must wait it out and see what response Sabine would get from the old woman.
Nandra stopped crooning to the wailing baby, and stared at Sabine who had suddenly appeared in the fire-scarred room. Still swaying and dancing, Nandra peered closely. Her eyes widened, her lids pulled back in fear.
“Why are you here, Lady Mary?” she cried.
Sabine froze. Why did Nandra call her by her mother’s name? She swallowed the questions in her jumbled mind and fell in with her ruse. “Yes, Nandra,” Sabine stuttered. “’Tis I.”
“I want what William promised me. And I intend to get it. Taking care of my own, I am.”
“Mayhap I can help,” Sabine offered.
“You know as well as I that men cannot be trusted with your heart. Not even family.”
“’Tis your heart that needs repair.” Sabine took another step closer.
Nandra shook her fist. “Do not come any closer, Lady Mary. I sent you away before. I will send you away again.”
The old woman was backing away from her. Sabine could not allow the space between them to grow and took a hesitant step closer, following the crone. Holding out her hand, she commanded, “No, Nandra, not this time. Hold where you stand. You admit you took my life. You must repay what you have taken. Hand me the babe.”
Nandra looked around wildly, backing towards the fire. “They’ll be furious with me when they find out, won’t they?”
“Please,” Sabine pleaded. “Hand over the baby. He means nothing to you.”
“No! You denied my child’s birthright. This one here will bring me what is mine. It was promised.”
Darrick slipped up from behind the deranged woman and waited for the right moment. He hoped Sabine had seen his movements in the shadows and was prepared to catch the babe should Nandra decide to let go.
She shuffled toward Darrick. She was in reach. He wrapped his arms around her middle as she lunged towards the fire with the baby. In the struggle, Chance fell from her grasp.
Sabine dived for the child and landed underneath to break his fall. She sucked in a shuddering breath.
Struggling against the deranged woman, Darrick could hear Thunder barking from the shadows. Fighting to get a clear line of vision, he prayed that Sabine would roll out of the way. He stumbled towards the hearth. His back to the old woman, he turned when Sabine called out his name. Thunder broke free of the shadows.
Nandra’s silver hair spun in a cloud as her head slammed into the ledge of the hearth. The hound followed, sliding int
o the wall with a yelp. The old woman lay crumpled at his feet.
* * * *
Sabine knelt beside the old woman she had once called friend. Her hands shook as she rolled the motionless body over. Nandra had hit her head sharply against the hearth. Expecting to find the woman knocked witless, she found her frail body crumpled and lifeless.
She knew she should be relieved, knowing that the woman could not harm them any longer, but she was unable to find it in her heart. Someone or something had pushed Nandra to the point of madness. With her passing, she may never know the truth. Looking up, she found Darrick standing close beside her.
He knelt down. “Go on, Sabine, take care of Chance. I’ll do what needs to be done and will join you in a moment.”
Grateful for his help, Sabine nodded and turned towards the baby.
* * * *
Darrick watched Sabine move gracefully around the burned out shelter. Coming up from behind, he laid his hands on her shoulders, gently kneading her tired muscles. She leaned into his touch.
“How does Thunder fare?” she asked.
“He is fine. What of you and the baby?”
“I’m fine. Surprisingly, he was well cared for except for being a tad hungry. I pray we find Matilda. She probably ran away the first chance she saw.”
Sabine rested her back against his chest, drawing his palm to her cheek. Holding her close, he thought of the danger she had put herself in. Struggling to control the fear he had felt when he saw her confront Nandra, he pressed her near his heart.
“Never do that to me again,” he growled.
“What?” she whispered.
He felt her tense at his simple warning. Turning her to face him, he pulled her to his lips, hoping to silence the enraged words threatening to spill out. Her mouth relaxed, her lips parted for his kisses. Delving deeply, he explored her sweetness. The velvet caress of her response caught at his heart.
The heat of her body pressed into his as her hands traveled over his shoulders. He sucked in a breath as her hands ran over his back.
Backing away from his embrace, she tugged at his hand. “Come with me. I have much to show you.” She raised the wings of her brows, giving him a coquettish wink. “I think you’ll be pleased.”
Darrick grimaced as desire ran through his veins. Pulsing with excitement, he hungered for her body. “Stay,” he growled.
Choosing to ignore his warning, Sabine whirled around to fetch the baby. She swished her skirts around his booted feet.
Chance gurgled sweetly in his sleep, warmed by the heat from the fire. Stirring from his dreams, he waved his tiny fists and kicked at his blankets.
With the baby tucked snug in her arms, she motioned to Darrick to follow. She led them along the tumbled down buildings.
Thunder ran ahead, acting as if he knew exactly the direction she would travel. Every little bit, he turned around, making certain they were following. His eyes, glittering in the night, were all they were able to see of him.
* * * *
Sabine followed the path she knew by heart. Her thoughts traveled to the past as she led the way through the dark. A long time ago, she had been mistress of this keep. One day she would have her family living there again. For now, they had need of supplies to keep them alive and she knew where these treasures were.
Thankful it was too dark to see the total destruction of her home; she prayed everything would be as she’d left it. With little light to guide her, she almost ran into a portion of wall that should not have been lying across their path.
She led them further from the main tower and down the path, leading to what resembled the outer curtain wall. Even in the dark, she could see it would require repair and fortification to protect the good people who would one day live there again. Picking their way around the rubble, the path grew precarious as their footing slipped from the loose stones under foot.
“Sabine, love? ’Tis unsafe.” Stopping their progress, he gently touched her elbow. “Whatever you search for will wait until morning. You can show me in the light of day.”
Looking up into his weary face, she knew she must press on. The chill night was seeping past the worn fabric of her gown and into her bones. Although he was a strong man, there was no telling how the cold would affect his wounds. Moreover, the baby’s health was in question; Chance would not last another night out in the damp.
“We must find it. Then you’ll see.”
Thunder barked ahead of them. They turned in time to see the moonlight flash across his black pelt. He stood with feet planted, his tail waving like a banner in the night.
Hearing the faint bleating of a goat, Sabine rushed over and found what she dared to hope. Matilda stood, a disgruntled beast, staring back at them. The animal was fiery mad at having been tied up and aching to be milked. Digging her little hooves in the ground, the goat tugged against the restraint.
“Poor thing, I think she wonders what took us so long,” Sabine said.
“She doesn’t appear to appreciate the care she has received, does she?”
“Has the patience of someone else I know,” Sabine muttered under her breath.
“What a miracle to find the goat after all this time,” he said. “’Tis another wonder that you knew where to look, isn’t it. I don’t like surprises. Once we locate a place to rest, you’ll enlighten me with all of your knowledge.”
Sabine remained silent, unable to meet his gaze. Her head bent, she continued to struggle with Matilda while she cradled the baby in her arms.
Darrick’s hand brushed impatiently at her fingers and moved her over. Whipping out the dagger, he cut the moldering rope with one slash of the blade. The dagger’s jeweled eye winked back, mocking them with the inability to find the answers to their questions.
Sabine spun around and motioned him to follow. Her shadow flitted under the haze of the moon. Unaccustomed to following someone else’s directions, he growled at the goat to keep up.
Chapter 17
Sabine was the first to reach the heap of loose rubble. The others trailed not far behind. Unwilling to wait, she began shoving at the rocks. The scraping of stone against stone echoed across the still night. The shadows shifted and the moon bounced off the ragged surface.
Darrick strode up from behind. “For the love of God, can’t this wait till morn?”
“If you’re unwilling to offer your help, then kindly stay out of my way.”
Sabine continued to work over the charred ruins. Trying to juggle the babe in one arm, she shoved at the rock, barely driving it back.
“I’ve no desire to stand here all night.” Darrick wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her into the air, depositing her gently out of his way.
Laying his shoulder into the stone, he rolled it over as bits of rubble crunched under his boots. Pushing and shoving, he removed the last remaining pieces of the crumbled wall.
The wind whistled past the opening buried beneath the wreckage. Matilda skittered away from the grinding growl of the tomb hidden below. Her hooves danced along the earth. Thunder stiffened in his stance, prepared to do battle with whatever crossed their path.
Darrick peered into the blackened hole. “’Tis another dirt-encrusted tunnel.”
She leaned over and whispered in his ear. “I knew you would be surprised.”
His steely eyes narrowed, his nostrils flared. “Surely, you jest.”
“If you’ll but listen.”
“Told you, I do not like surprises,” he growled.
“But ’tis the answer to our problem.”
“I am not a creature of the earth.” His lips tightened, white lines creased at the corners of his piercing gray eyes.
“Nor, am I.”
“Besides, I am certain my shoulders will not fit.”
Exasperated with his stubborn nature, Sabine nodded. “Oh, I agre
e. You have grand shoulders all right and a large head to match. Nevertheless, there is no other choice. Will you but trust me in this?” Unwilling to budge from her spot, she waited for Darrick to enter. “Please,” she pleaded.
She swore she heard him grind his teeth before he finally relented. He worked to control his temper as he stepped deeper into the tunnel, squeezing his broad shoulders into the tight confining space. Bracing his legs, he blocked the entrance, motioning Sabine to stop where she was.
“Do not move until I tell you to,” he hissed.
“We should be safe here.”
“My lady will bend to my will in this,” he barked.
After what seemed like an eternity, Sabine could no longer wait. Peeping over his shoulder, she cleared her throat. “You will find a torch along the wall. There will be a bag hanging on a peg next to the torch. It contains the flint and steel.”
Her fingers drummed at her hip while Darrick found the torch. They would need it to travel safely into the tunnel. She wanted to find it herself but the dog would not move out of the way. He stood blocking the passage, awaiting his master’s command.
Eyeing the dog, she muttered under her breath, “Traitor.”
Matilda fidgeted, bumping into legs and stepping on toes. Sabine shifted the baby to her other arm. The goat’s milk would turn if they did not get Matilda soothed and milked. “If you would but let me pass, I will locate it,” Sabine called out.
“No need. Hold where you stand.”
The fire caught at the torch, instantly revealing the tunnel. Built from stone, the walls were carved out ages before. Each smooth stone was trussed with a timber frame to support the vaulted ceiling. The air was musty from lack of use, but it was not damp, as one would expect from an underground room.
Sabine pushed past Thunder and stepped down the narrow stairway. Pausing at the bottom of the steps, she pointed to the right, indicating another passageway.