Daniel had asked her to search the camp. She could think of no places in the old ruin where one would hide anything of value—except here. Everywhere else, the walls were crumbling or the comings and goings of people made tucking something away impossible. In truth, though, his quarters were no grander than hers. Everything was starkly simple—a pallet on the floor, a brazier, and a leather sack stuffed with his belongings. A clan prepared to run at any moment.
Still, to be certain, she carefully searched the walls for any loose stones and searched the floor for any spot that looked recently disturbed. There was no sign of the queen’s necklace—or anything else of value.
She returned to Daniel with the news. He was lying on the pallet covered with a blanket, while Muirne patched the holes in his lèine.
“Muirne and I searched this room, too,” he said. “But found nothing.”
“Beathag said they had little notice of MacPherson’s attack and that they took only the necessities when the women and children escaped Dunstoras into the night. Perhaps the necklace is still there?”
“Nay,” Daniel said firmly. “He would not leave it behind. Not when he’s sacrificed so much to acquire it.”
“Then there’s really only one other place to look.”
He looked at her curiously. “Where?”
“The caves beneath the ruin.”
His face lit up. “Yes, I recall you mentioning a cave.”
“It’s not a large space, but it’s where most of the items they took from the fortress are stored.”
“That sounds like just the place.”
Isabail shared a look with Muirne. The maid was well aware that MacCurran had forbidden her to reenter the cave. “It’s very dark, and the tunnels are carved into the rock. We saw no evidence of another room or a vault of any sort when we were hunting for spices.”
“Nonetheless,” Daniel said, sitting up, “I am certain that’s where MacCurran has hidden the necklace. How do you access the tunnels?”
“Behind a granite slab in an old storeroom at the far end of the close.” Isabail frowned. “It will be very difficult to enter the tunnels without being seen. There’s always someone in the close.”
“You must find a way,” Daniel urged.
“I’m a prisoner myself,” she pointed out. “I do not have free rein.”
“At least you can leave this room.” Daniel smiled. “You are a woman of great ability, Lady Isabail. I’ve always been amazed by your management of castle affairs. I’m sure you’ll find a way back into the tunnels.” He pointed to his shoulder. “As soon as I’m rested, I’ll start preparing for our departure. My plan is to steal several horses and ride for the swamp. We can lose any pursuers easily in there.”
“MacCurran’s men are skilled woodsmen.”
“Fear not,” he said. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve. We’ll make our escape without difficulty. I just need the necklace.”
“Then Muirne and I will continue to look for it.”
“Be as diligent as you can,” Daniel advised. “I have no confidence that MacCurran will keep me alive. I am a burden and a risk.”
Isabail’s eyebrows rose. “Surely you don’t believe he will slay you after allowing me to tend your wounds.”
“You forget, my lady,” he said grimly, “that he was willing to murder loyal members of his own clan to get the necklace. A number of them fell to the same poisoned stew that killed the king’s courier.”
Muirne looked up from her darning. “If that were true, why would the clan still follow him? I’ve seen nothing but respect and loyalty displayed for him. No fear.”
Daniel shrugged. “No doubt they believe whatever tale of blame he tells. That just makes them fools.”
Isabail glanced away. Count her among the fools. Until Daniel had shown her the error of her thoughts, she too had swallowed the tale of the man in black. Aiden had spoken with such conviction and bitterness that she still had moments of doubt.
“A shame that we were unable to reach Edinburgh and the king,” Daniel said. “If he awarded this land to you, justice would truly be served.”
“Sir Robert felt that my claim was unlikely to win the day, because the king seeks more than justice—he has alliances to win and peace to maintain.” Which was why she’d been traveling to Edinburgh—in hopes of swaying the king with a personal plea.
“The king is a man with many favors to return,” Daniel agreed.
