Page 29 of Highland Flame

Chapter Nine

“Bid the devil, I dinna like it down here,” said Nash, as Cam and his friends followed Brother Gillies down into the catacombs under Lanercost Priory.

“It is a wee bit eerie,” said North, looking around the underground enclosure. The monk held a torch high that lit up the walls, showing skeletons lying in niches of the underground cavern.

They passed tomb after tomb with large carved crosses, and sarcophagi of nobles or knights with their bodies and faces carved right into the stone lids.

“So, this is where Lord Rook lived?” asked Cam, finding the whole thing unbelievable. He reached out and ran his hand over the carving of one of the tombs.

“Aye,” said the monk. “But you have to remember that Rook and his brothers were split up during Burnt Candlemas in Scotland when they were just young lads. His brother, Rowen, was taken by pirates. His other brother, Reed, stayed in Scotland, and Rook was taken by a monk and brought here, in order to save his life from the hands of the English.”

“But why did he stay here?” asked Nash jumping and looking at the floor. “That’s a rat. I’m sure a rat just ran over my foot.” Cam looked over to his friend, sure he saw him shiver.

“It’s a long story and you’ll have to ask him about it someday,” said the monk. “Ah, here’s the secret room.” Gillies handed the torch to Cam. “I know there’s a lever hidden here somewhere.” He slid both his hands behind a rock, searching for something. Before Cam knew what happened, a stone door slid open, revealing another door made of wood. The monk reached out and turned the latch to open the second door. Cam saw a very dark hole that led into a chamber.

“We’re goin’ in there?” asked Nash, peeking into the darkened room, reluctant to enter. “I bet there are more rats in there. Lots of them.”

“Step aside,” said Cam, holding the torch high, entering the room first. The firelight lit up the area, making Cam’s mouth drop open.

“I’ll light a candle or two,” stated the monk. He found some candles on a table near the door and lit them.

Silence filled the room as Cam and his friends stared in awe at what they were witnessing. A large four-poster bed with carved spindles sat atop a small dais. Around it hung long, purple, dusty curtains that were partially closed.

Thick wooden beams on the ceiling led to small openings where air flowed through vents. Even though this room had been closed up, probably for years, the vents brought in fresh air, so the room wasn’t at all musty. The floor beneath their feet was not stone, but made from wooden planks, making the place warmer.

There were woven tapestries on the walls, and beeswax-scented candles strewn about the area. Cam also noticed a table and chairs made of wood. The chairs had high backs and were carved with intricate designs. An empty water basin was atop another table, and there was actually a hearth across the room.

On the main table was a dusty chessboard with the pieces of the game all made from swirled marble.

“Ye werena jestin’ about this place bein’ ornate.” Cam picked up a chess piece, inspecting it closer. “Why did Lord Rook leave all these things here, instead of takin’ them to Naward Castle with him?”

“I’m not sure, but he mentioned something once that he wanted to forget about his old life and start anew.”

“This chess game alone must be worth a lot of money,” said Nash, looking over Cam’s shoulder.

“I agree,” said Gillies. “However, Rook specifically said he didn’t want to take the chess game with him. I believe it had something to do with his father, King Edward. However, it is very important to him, so please be careful with it.”

“Why didna ye sell his things to pay for some of the repairs at the priory?” asked Cam, picking up a golden goblet and inspecting it.

“Nay, I couldn’t do that. These things don’t belong to us. I am sure Lord Rook won’t mind if you men stay here, but you must promise not to take anything from this room.”

“Are ye callin’ us thieves?” asked North, sounding highly insulted.

“I promise, we willna,” said Cam, not wanting trouble, or an argument of any kind. “I’m sure Brathair Gillies did no’ mean to insinuate that we were dishonest, North.”

“Nay, I didn’t,” said the monk.

Through the vents in the ceiling, the sound of ringing church bells could be heard.

“What’s that?” asked Nash, looking upward.

“It’s time for none,” answered the monk, taking the torch back from Cam.

“None? None of what?” asked North.

“I think he means it’s another prayer session,” Cam told his friends.

“Aye.” Brother Gillies nodded and headed toward the door. “This one is mainly the reading of psalms, followed by more chanting.” He stopped at the door and turned toward them. “Well, we’d better hurry so we’re not late.”