"We'll be glad to get out of this rain." He urged Goliath to a slightly faster pace.
Moments later, they drew up at the gatehouse and Cyrus called out, "Guards, open the gate!"
All was quiet while they waited. A cold prickle in his gut told him something wasn't right. The place appeared abandoned. Through the small, high window, he could see that no one occupied the gatehouse, unless he was lying upon the floor or hiding in a corner.
"I'm surprised the guards aren't responding," Elspeth said. "Reeves!"
All remained eerily silent within the walls, the pattering of rain the only sound.
"Where are they? I must dismount." Elspeth shifted as if to get down.
"Wait." Cyrus leapt to the ground and lifted her down from the horse.
She strode forward and called out Reeves name twice more, then peered through the gate. "I wonder if he left his post to eat supper. Or…" She turned quickly. "Was there another break-in? Mayhap he was injured, too."
"Do you normally have a guard on duty at all times?" Cyrus questioned.
"Of course."
He removed his broadsword and tapped the steel basket-hilt against the iron bars, creating a great clanging.
Finally, the portal of her manor house opened, and a man stuck his head out. "Who's there?" he called.
"Thank goodness. 'Tis my steward," Elspeth said.
"I've brought Lady Grey home!" Cyrus shouted to the man, who simply stood staring.
"Open the gate, Morrison!" Elspeth ordered. "And do hurry."
"Och! M'lady, I did not recognize you in your cowl. 'Tis a dreadful time to be out."
"'Tis why we would like to get inside," she muttered dryly.
Cyrus barely stifled a grin.
The steward hustled forward through the rain as fast as his short legs would carry his round body. The gate's iron lock rattled as he shoved the large key in and turned it. "Who has escorted you home, m'lady? And where is your coach?"
"This is the Earl of Stornmor, his brother, and their guards."
Morrison's eyes widened as his gaze swung up to Cyrus. He removed his dripping hat and bowed low. "M'laird, 'tis my great pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." Cyrus was not too sure about the wee man. Could he be trusted?
Elspeth moved forward. "Why is Reeves not at his post? Was he injured also?"
Stepping aside, Morrison returned the hat to his head and widened the gate. Their party entered and the guards led the horses into the courtyard.
"I know not where Reeves is," Morrison finally answered, locking the gate again. "The rest of the guards, aside from Stillman, disappeared about an hour after I sent the missive." Morrison hastened through the rain toward the portico.
"Disappeared?" Elspeth halted, causing Cyrus to bump into her from behind.
He steadied her with hands on her slender upper arms.
"Where did they go?" she demanded.
"We should have this discussion inside," Cyrus advised. "You need to get out of the rain."
"Of course… 'tis only," she faltered. "I don't understand what is going on."
"We'll figure it out."
Morrison held the wide oak door open for them. Elspeth, Cyrus, Fraser and three guards entered the hall while three guards took the horses to the stables.
Cyrus glanced around the hall. Not as large as a castle great hall, but still an impressive room with dark oak beams overhead, rich tapestries, along with a long, polished table, chairs and benches. A fire burned in the hearth. Freshly cooked food scented the air, causing Cyrus's stomach to growl.
"The men were at their posts when the messenger left, m'lady," Morrison continued. "I came inside to see to Stillman. When I went out again, the guards were all gone. None of the servants noticed when they left. 'Twas as if they vanished into the dawn mist."
