“I believe you will find it a most welcome souvenir,” he said. “Though I would suggest you not mention it to anyone else. As you say, the baron might not approve of my generosity in this matter.” The priest glanced down at the sword then turned his back upon Duncan. He walked slowly back to the portal, gave Duncan a parting glance, then peered into the bailey before he left the stables.
Duncan could not find it within himself to strike down an unarmed priest.
And he was glad of it. For when he opened the sack, he found not two loaves of bead, but the reliquary, shining gold in the base of the sack.
Duncan swore softly in his amazement.
Then he crossed himself and said a prayer of thanks before rousing Fergus. They had to depart before the loss was discovered!
*
Anna found Father Ignatius in the chapel, just as Leila had said she would. They exchanged a nod and he turned his back to the door, kneeling to pray. Anna crossed herself and knelt by his side, wondering what he would say to her.
She felt as if she had been summoned.
After a few moments, presumably time granted for her to pray, he murmured softly to her. “You ride in uncommon company, Anna.”
“Aye, Father.”
“And your husband…”
“Is not my husband in truth.” Anna spared a quick glance over her shoulder but the door to the chapel was still closed. “Percy and I robbed his company yesterday morn. We thought they would have coin or food, but—”
“They carried the reliquary.”
“Apparently so. I did not see it. Percy and I divided our paths, as always we do, and the knight who pretends to be my spouse pursued and caught me. We were arguing when we heard Percy shout for aid, then followed to see him brought here. The scheme was that of the knight, to retrieve both Percy and reliquary.”
“I see.”
“Thank you for the key, Father.”
“Percy told me much of the tale himself last night in the dungeon. I assume the knight will retrieve him?”
“He does so now.” Anna clutched the priest’s arm. “What of the treasure? We have a wager and I would see both prizes retrieved.”
“You trust this knight,” Father Ignatius observed. “Despite…”
“I believe he is different, Father. He has treated me well thus far.” Anna took a quick breath. “But I do not see how the reliquary can be reclaimed.”
“It is done, Anna.”
“Father! If you aid in our quest, you will be caught.” She clutched his arm. “If it is missing, they will know you were the culprit. I would not see you punished…”
“Do not fear as much, my child.” The priest patted her hand. “I will not linger to be caught.”
“But your part will be discovered! They will hunt you.”
“And so they might.” His expression filled with new resolve. “It is time I tend to my flock in the forest. You will leave by one gate and I will leave by the other.”
Anna stared at the priest but there was no doubting his conviction.
And she knew those who had taken refuge in the forest would welcome him gladly.
“There is a trail four paces to the right of the road,” Anna advised in a whisper. “Await us at the large crooked elm. It grows in the midst of the trail. You cannot miss it.”
He kissed her brow, just as the door was opened behind them. “Bless you, my child. May you bear many sons to your lord husband and walk in the way of the Lord for all your days and nights.”
“Then you are ready to break your fast,” Sir Royce said. “Good morrow to you, Father.” He bowed and Anna went to his side with no small trepidation. “I am informed that your party will ride out early this day, in order to reach Carlisle with all speed. I am sorry that you cannot linger for mass, but at least, you have been blessed.”
