"Alec was going to grab me," she gasped, glancing across the water toward the ferry, searching for him.
"I saw him. Several men were restraining him when I arrived on the scene. But you could've drowned by jumping overboard."
"I ken how to swim."
"It didn't appear you were doing a grand job of it," he muttered and swam with her further beneath the wooden docks into the dimness.
"My clothing weighed me down and it has been years since I swam."
"Aye, exactly. And that could've gotten you killed."
"So be it! I wasn't going to let him grab me."
"Aye. All is well now. I'll get you out of here." He propelled her past several boats and between the dock piles. Finally, they neared a rocky bank and he helped her onto dry land. Her knees trembled from the waning fright and the weight of her heavy clothing.
She glanced back and was glad boats blocked her view of the ferry. If she couldn't see Alec, then hopefully he had no idea where she was.
"Come." Darack took her hand and tugged her up the embankment.
Her chilly, wet clothing was plastered heavily to her body. A deep shiver shook her and her teeth chattered. "Go slower," she said.
He stepped back beside her and lifted her into his arms.
"Nay, I can walk. I simply cannot run up this bank."
"We need to hurry and get you out of these wet clothes… and out of sight before Alec or his men see you."
"Where will we go?" She could hardly think for all the panic and emotions bombarding her.
"I'll show you." Once on level ground again, he hastened behind the buildings which housed a multitude of businesses. Finally, they arrived at a nondescript back door. He opened it and walked right in with her.
"Felix?" he called. "Are you here, man?" Darack carried her into a warm kitchen where a huge black pot filled with bubbling porridge hung over a blazing fire. She smelled bread baking in a nearby oven. The heat felt wonderful.
"What is this place?" she asked.
"A tavern." He placed her onto her feet.
"Aye?" a man responded, striding into the room. Felix, she assumed. "Darack?" He smiled. "What are you doing here?" His gaze darted to Mairiana and back. "And why are you drenched?"
"This is Lady Mairiana," Darack said, then motioned to the man. "My friend Felix."
"A pleasure, m'lady." Felix bowed.
"Sir."
"We need your help," Darack said. "Lady Mairiana leapt into the harbor and I must get her warm."
"Leapt? A brave lady, then." Felix grinned. "Feel free to use the kitchen or the small family dining room." He pointed toward a doorway. "My serving maids will be in and out as they serve breakfast to the customers. But I'll give you privacy, m'lady."
"Would your wife or one of your maids have any old dry clothing she could borrow until hers is dry?" Darack asked him.
"Most likely. I'll head upstairs and ask my wife." He retreated through the main doorway.
"Who is he?" Mairiana whispered.
"Promise you'll tell no one?" Darack set a wooden chair near the fire, then led her to it.
She sat. "Of course."
