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“I think so.”
“Then you go to your left, I’ll go to my right, and hopefully we’ll meet.”
It didn’t take long. They shuffled their feet over the uneven floor, stepping in shallow puddles. The wall was rough, obviously carved, wet with moisture and moss. They met in minutes, then worked their way back. Several other “benches” were carved out of the rock.
Before they met again, John touched something made of wood. Splinters pierced his fingers as he explored. “I’ve found a door.”
Philip was beside him a moment later. “It is as I feared then.”
“We’re in a dungeon.”
“Alderley has a dungeon?” Philip wondered.
“I hadn’t heard of one, but then I’m a bailiff. No soldiers mentioned it?”
“They’re as much strangers here as we are.”
For several minutes, they tried to break down the door, but it wouldn’t budge.
“Then we have nothing to do but wait,” John finally said, rubbing his aching shoulder.
“And wonder,” Philip added darkly. “Think you we should yell?”
“A dungeon is usually deep enough for sound to be trapped, but you can give it a try.”
Philip did, until his voice grew hoarse. Conversation was pointless, since they didn’t want to discuss anything private for fear someone was listening. They both tried to sleep. John wasn’t successful. His eyes were wide open when the first light registered.
“Do you see that, Philip?”
“Light in the cracks of the door?”
“Aye.”
They remained silent, waiting. The light grew brighter, outlining the solid door. They stationed themselves on either side of it, hoping someone was fool enough to come in alone.
“Sir John,” boomed a voice that echoed from the corridor outside.
“Who are you?” John demanded. “Let us see who falsely attacked us.”
The man laughed. “No falsehood applies. I have been suspicious of your clerk for several days now. Our captain relies on him too much.”
“You wanted my position?” Philip asked dryly.
Do you know him? mouthed John.
Philip grimaced and shook his head.
“You are too talented on the tiltyard for a clerk, Sutterly,” the man said. “I began to follow you yesterday, and tonight my patience was rewarded.”
“With what?” Philip asked. “You found me talking to my first master.”
“I heard your words. You said Lord Bannaster might turn to the real heiress if he was denied access to the tower.”
Philip winced, and in the soft glow of faint light, John could see him mouth I’m sorry. John shrugged. It was too late for recriminations.
“I have been waiting for a chance to prove my loyalty,” the soldier said. “When I bring you to Lord Bannaster, he’ll recognize my ingenuity.”
“No one knows we’re here?” John asked dubiously.
