Page 69 of Dancing On Air

“If we can find that goblet, we’ll have the proof we need that Father was murdered. I am sure we can link the murder to Sampson,” said Connor.

“Oh, Connor, that would be great,” said Eleanor. “And what about Finnian?”

“Well, in the commotion of the festival, I might be able to free Finnian. However, I can’t do that and dig up the cup too,” said Connor.

“I’ll dig it up,” offered Rook. “Leave that part to me.”

“Nay. You’re a noble,” said Connor. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

“If it’ll help you and your family and free that poor boy, I’ll do whatever it takes.” Rook surprised him by saying this, since his participation in such a scheme was the last thing that Connor ever expected.

“If I free Finnian, he’s going to have to hide until this is all over,” Connor pointed out. “Also, things might not go as planned and I don’t want the guards coming after my siblings because of it. We’ll have to find a place to hide them until this is all over as well.”

“Your siblings can stay at Blake Castle with me,” offered Raven.

“Nay, Sister,” said Rook with a scowl on his face. “That would put Father and Mother in danger.”

“Well, we have to do something to help them,” said Raven.

“I agree. We have to do something to help them,” echoed Rose.

“Fine,” said Rook with a sigh. Connor, your siblings will stay with Rose and me at Rookrose Manor.”

“Truly?” asked Eleanor. “You would do that, Cousin?”

“Unless you want to hide them at the abbey,” suggested Rook.

“Nay.” Eleanor shook her head. “That is the first place Sampson would look. Besides, I can’t put all the nuns in that dangerous position. If the abbess found out about it, she’d probably turn you all in by herself.”

“Then Rookrose it is,” said Rose with a smile, walking over and taking her husband’s arm.

“I’ll try to free Finnian. Where should I send him afterwards?” asked Connor.

“I’ll be there,” said Eleanor. “I can help sneak him out of the dungeon while Rook digs up the cup.”

“Nay,” objected Connor. “I have reason to be in the dungeon, you don’t. Besides, I don’t want you anywhere near that awful place. And I’ll tell you again that I don’t want my siblings there either.”

Eleanor let out a sigh. “I’ll make sure Alaric and Ginevra spend the day at the abbey, but there is nothing you can say that will keep me away from Marvane Castle today, Connor. I feel responsible for Finnian and won’t abandon him.”

“Fair enough,” mumbled Connor.

“Connor, I don’t mind helping out, but I need to know exactly where to find the goblet,” said Rook. “I can’t be digging blindly.”

“I’ll go with you and show you exactly where I buried it,” said Leoric, standing taller and looking more confident now.

“Leoric, are you sure?” asked Connor. “No one expects you to do this.”

“I want to help,” said Leoric. “After all, if you were willing to take Father’s place as hangman to keep me from having to be the executioner, then this is the least I can do to show you how much that means to me.”

“Then let’s go,” said Connor. “The festival is already in progress, and we have no time to waste.”