Zeke moved past Logan and joined Dougall. “Let me take care of this. He pulled his dirk from it’s sheath and used it to jiggle the lock and pry the door open. Dougall appeared suitably impressed.
Logan joined them and the three men made their way into a narrow passageway. A faint light shone down to their left, so they went to the right instead. Hugging the wall as they went and careful not to make a sound, the three men made their way from one end of the castle to the other.
“Where do you think she is?” Zeke asked.
“One of two places. Either in the dungeon or locked up in a chamber somewhere,” Dougall replied
“Let’s hope it’s the chamber then.” Zeke moved ahead of Dougall and strained his eyes to see in the dark passageway.
A light appeared up ahead and a figure of a man small in stature came into view, closing a door behind him as he did. Logan squeezed past them and came up behind him, quickly placing a hand over his mouth, clamping his other arm tightly around what turned out to be a young lad, who went almost completely limp in Logan’s arms. He dragged the lad back to Dougall and Zeke.
“We willnae harm ye, lad. We need yer help. Do ye ken where the laird is keeping the lass who arrived here today?” Dougall asked.
“His heart’s beating like a jack rabbit’s,” Logan noted. “Calm yerself. If ye cooperate with us, we’ll nae hurt ye. I’m going to move me hand, but dinnae call fer help. Do ye ken me meaning?”
The lad nodded and Logan moved his hand.
“Upstairs. In the turret,” he gasped, taking in a deep breath.
“Show us the way.” Dougall said. “Remember, if ye dinnae draw attention to us, we’ll nae hurt ye.”
“Aye, sir.” Logan kept a grip on the lad’s shirt, but allowed him to lead the way. He led them to a back stairway, where they waited before ascending. No sign of movement above them, so they continued on. Up and up they went until they were at the very top of the castle. Again, they stopped before continuing and it was a good thing they did. A man stood guard outside of the door.
Dougall put a finger to his lips and motioned for them to stay put. He moved quickly, disarming and disabling the guard. Zeke moved into place and worked his magic on the door, flinging it open to find Brenna sitting on the floor against the wall. The room was bare. No bed. No chairs. Nothing. Her knees were pulled up in front of her with her arms resting atop them. Her head had been down, but as soon as the door opened, it popped up. Zeke was so relieved to see her that he was at her side immediately.
“Brenna. Are you alright? Did they hurt you?” he asked.
“Zeke! You’re alive. I thought you were dead when I saw you laying there.” She touched his face, as if to make sure he was real.
“Come. Your brother and Logan are with me. Let’s get you out of here.”
“I’ve got to get Vala,” she said. “I need me horse.”
Zeke looked to Dougall. He wasn’t sure it was a good idea to go wandering around the castle grounds in search of Vala.
“Take her out the way we came. Our young friend here will help me find Vala and I’ll join you in no time.”
“I’ll come with ye,” Logan offered.
“Aye. I may need ye.”
They all made their way back down the stairs the way they’d come. At the bottom, Zeke headed for the door they entered through and the lad led Dougall and Logan past the door and out of sight.
Zeke held Brenna close. Together they crouched low and made their way across the field to the horses. Once there, they waited. A noise behind them, had them both spinning around.
“There ye be, lass. I knew yer man would find a way to get ye back.”
“Duff?” Zeke asked.
“Aye. The laird received a ransom note. He sent me and some of the men to get our Brenna back. Now that I can see she’s with ye, we’ll take care of the other business he sent us on.”
“What would that be?” Zeke asked.
“Let’s just say, his lairdship will be minus some of his valued possessions come morning.”
“Are ye to reive then?” Brenna asked.
“Aye, lass. That is the plan. I’ll tell yer Da that yer safe. He’ll be pleased.”
