Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“Mead,” she said in a low gruff voice, holding the jug out to him.
He eyed her suspiciously.
She had expected reluctance. Decimus had trained his men well. They were not to trust under any circumstances.
She stood tall, her big jacket concealing her breasts. “I will be a warrior for Decimus one day, and I came to see where I will bring the sinners I will capture.”
Edmond braced the metal rod against the wall and reached out to take the jug from the lad. “You sound a strong one.”
“I am, nothing will prevent me from succeeding with my plans.”
“Good,” he said and wiped his arm across his mouth after having taken a swig. “Have some.” He held the jug out to her.
Mary took the jug, held it to her pursed lips, and let the mead flow down her chin. She returned the jug to him and wiped her chin on her sleeve.
“You are a good lad.”
“Where are the warriors?”
“Celebrating with the women,” Edmond said with a grin and took another swig.
Mary had no doubt Decimus would frown on such a sinful celebration, so they enjoyed themselves in his absence.
This was something she had not expected but could work to her advantage.
“They do not include you?”
He was swigging hard on the mead, the liquid dribbling down his thick chin. “Someone needs to watch the prisoner.”
“There is only one?”
He nodded. “The others escaped, but not this one. He will suffer.” He pointed to the metal rod and smiled at the still glowing tip.
Mary thought she would retch. The man actually appeared as if he took pleasure in torturing people. She had to get Roarke out of here. Edmond looked eager to set to work on the new prisoner.
“I will watch the prisoner for you.”
Edmond glared at her. “How do I know I can trust you?”
“I am to be a warrior for Decimus.” She spoke as if he insulted her. “I will serve my lord well and do him proud.”
Edmond gave a firm nod. “You will make a fine warrior.”
“Then give me this chance to prove myself and for you to enjoy yourself.” Mary grinned as she hoped a man would.
He laughed and snorted. “A good lad you are. Let no one near him.” He pointed to the cell at the end and to a key ring hanging on a peg on the wall beside the cell. “I will not be long.”
“I do not mind guarding the prisoner.”
Edmond grinned, his look pure evil. “I get my pleasure in many ways, the best being from the screams of the prisoners.” He laughed, the jug firm in his hand as he walked off and disappeared into the dark corridor.
Mary forced back the bile that rose in her throat and hurried to grab the keys on the wall. She fumbled with them, her hands trembling horribly.
“Roarke,” she said, “I am here to free you.”
Chapter 29
“Mary?” Roarke asked emerging from the dark cell.
“Hurry, we do not have much time,” she urged and reached out to take his hand.
He looked more bruised and battered than when she had seen him only a couple of hours ago.
“Are you able to walk?”
“I will walk, do not fear.” But he clung to her, and she squeezed his hand to let him know she was there for him.
“We must get out of here before Edmond returns.”
“What of Decimus?”
“He searches for the Dark One,” she said slipping her shoulder beneath his arm and helping him to walk.
“A useless search,” he said and leaned on her.
His injuries concerned her. She did not know how serious they were or if they would hamper his escape.
They climbed the staircase more slowly than she cared to.
“You are in pain?” she asked.
“No pain that will keep me from doing what is necessary.”
She took him to a dark corner of the great hall and sat him down to rest. “Wait here, I will return in a moment.”
Mary hurried to where she left her clothes, changed quickly, making a bundle of the clothes she had worn. She was glad for the flurry of activity in the fortress for it kept everyone busy with their work. She appeared a servant who raced about as everyone else did.
She left the smudges of dirt on her face, then hurried to return to Roarke.
“Put this on,” she urged Roarke as she handed him the knit cap she had worn and the jacket. She took smudges of dirt from her face and wiped them on his.
He did not protest and did as she instructed, though he voiced his concern. “You may suffer for this.”
“Only if I get caught.”
“Michael would be proud,” he said with a smile and grabbed his side.
She again supported him with her shoulder. “We need to get through the kitchen and out the back. There we must find a way to get you out of the fortress’s inner courtyard. We must appear a couple ready to sneak off to enjoy ourselves.”