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I close my eyes and remember him. I remember us in the Domnhall castle, when I wanted to gather memories, so that in the future I would have something to remember. Well, now is the time that I can remember those memories. I was right that sometime in the future I would need those memories. Now is that time that I need those memories.
I remember all the moments that we have spent together. By each memory, my smile widens. Each memory gives me new strength. Each memory makes me warmer in this cold dungeon. I stop shivering.
I hear footsteps outside. A few people are coming down the stairs. Soon the footsteps grow louder, and the door is unlocked.
My eyes have got used to the dim light, so I see clearly that Uncle Murgan's men have brought bread and water for me.
Chapter 9
Calem
The noise of the hooves on the ground is still loud. The horses are tired of nonstop running, but we need to get there. I am having problems finding the lands of McLeolds, so it took me some more time than I would like it to.
Soon the castle is seen from far. I gradually bring my horse to a stop. Baigh and Camron do the same. We are in the woods. I look around – it would be good if I had my third warrior, as well.
'We are going to have to wait a little. I need Achaius to arrive before we start doing anything.' I am impatient – I cannot wait long, as every hour is important for saving Elsie. Who knows what her uncle is doing to her right now?
I dismount my horse and start pacing back and forth, breathing heavily. I hate having nothing to do when I know that my beloved girl is in trouble right now. I keep taking deep breaths to calm myself down. Baigh and Camron realize that I am irritated and angry, so they do not speak a word. I take my sword and hit onto the ground, just to release some of the tension.
'I hate having to wait!' I say through gritted teeth. I need to shout, but I do not want to. I do not want to be accidentally heard by someone from the castle. I will need to be silent for my future purposes.
I hear galloping from far. Getting filled with hope, I turn my head and see Achaius on his brown horse.
'I took Skena where you had instructed,' he says in a fierce voice, as he comes closer and stops.
'At last, Achaius, at last you arrived,' I say, nodding.
'I rode the entire way without stopping,' he replies, still on his horse. 'I hope that I am not late.'
'Baigh! Camron! Achaius! Now listen to me,' I tell them. 'You can dismount your horses now. Let them get some rest. I am going to leave my horse here, too, and enter the castle on foot. The three of you are going to wait here for me. Do not go anywhere. Stay right here. I need to go there for some information. They must not see that I am a warrior.'
'As you say,' my warriors say in unison. 'We are ready for anything.'
'Good.'
I leave them in the woods and start walking. There is a small village to the side of the castle. I walk in that direction. The sun is nearing the horizon, but it does not hinder me from my plan. I enter the village when it is already twilight. It is good that it is not night yet, and the villagers are still awake. I walk a bit and find an old man, who is sitting alone in front of his small house.
'Good evening,' I say in the gentlest tone of my voice.
He looks up and sees me. His white hair and white beard tell me that he is really old. He nods at me.
'I need some help from you, if you can help me. It is not a big thing,' I add.
'I always help people whenever they need my help,' he says softly in a shaky old voice. 'I have had a full and satisfying life, so I believe that it is a good Christian to help those who need it. This is how my father taught me, and this is how I taught my children.'
'Exactly.'
''I have had good father in my life,' the old man continues, and I start getting nervous that he is taking my precious time. But I cannot cut him short, as he may not help me. 'My father always taught me to be kind. But sometimes being kind turned against me as a problem. '
The old man stops talking and looks at me intently, as if considering if I am worth his kindness or not.
'You father was very correct,' I tell him. 'There are many people who are not worth your kindness, though I think that I am not one of them.'
