He reached for them, grabbing at Agnes’ wrist. Elias cried out and Julianna sprang into action, poking the stranger in the neck with another fang on her bracelet. He toppled over like a lightning-blasted tree.
“Oh, Julianna!” Agnes cried out, holding Elias in her arms.
Julianna breathed. He was safe. It was all that mattered. “There now, love,” she cooed, wanting to hold him, but unable to.
“What power is it that you possess?” Agnes pulled the babe back when he reached for her. “You touch them and they fall! Is it from God or the devil?”
“’Tis a blend of different poisonous plants and oils coated on the fangs of my bracelet. They only sleep.” She motioned to the fallen man. “I do not know how to fight and I will not be touched, or allow anyone I care for be touched.”
Agnes stared at her for a moment and then smiled. “Mayhap you will make me a poison bracelet.”
“Aye,” Julianna agreed, “After we get out of here.” She pulled them onward until they reached the stairs. There was a way out. She had to take them to it and escape. She would worry about where they would go later.
Following Agnes’ directions, Julianna led them to the dark dungeon below. With only a short candle to light their way, they came to a small, concealed door in the wall.
Agnes set Elias down and pulled the door open, exposing a shadowless gaping hole.
They needed to escape through that? With a child? Julianna’s blood went a little cold and her skin grew clammy. She wasn’t sure she could do it.
Elias’ cries pulled her free of her doubts and fears. She spun around and almost leaped at the sight of the babe in the arms of a man.
A man she knew.
“Bamburgh,” she spat. “Put him down.”
“Settle down, murderess,” the viscount snarled. “I am the only reason any of you are still living.”
“Let us go.”
“I cannot,” he told her. “I was sent back for you.”
What? Sent back by who? Her heart began to pound. “Let this maid go with the boy,” she pleaded. “I will go—”
“No!” Agnes cried out and took a step toward her and away from the door.
Julianna turned her back and bent her head for a moment then returned her gaze to the flaxen-haired viscount. “Let him go.”
He drew out a short burst of laughter. “You are in no position to negotiate, Miss Fenly. Or should I say Miss Feathers.” He reached for a knife tied to his belt and held it to Elias’ throat. Julianna and Agnes both moved forward.
Julianna could only strike if there was a clear shot to hit only him and no one else. He remained far enough away that she couldn’t prick him with an innocent looking swipe of her hand. There was nothing more to do than hold up her hands in surrender. Agnes did the same.
“Please,” Julianna begged while Elias’ cries grew louder. “I will do whatever you ask.”
“That is a dangerous promise to make, Miss Feathers,” he said, giving her a lingering looking over. He grimaced an instant later when Elias screeched in his ear. He closed his eyes and jammed his pinkie finger into his ear. “Here!” he screeched just as loud. “Take the little devil! I was not going to harm him!” He put away his knife and plunged the babe forward.
Julianna stepped aside and forced back the need to hold and comfort Elias and let Agnes take him.
With the babe safe—for now, she turned her attention to the viscount. “What does your grandmother think of you doing this?”
“My grandmother would want any traitor to the king dead—just as I do.” He moved behind her and gave her a slight push toward the door. He stayed just out of her reach and let Agnes go ahead of him with Elias clutched to her breast.
“Up,” he commanded.
“Let them go.”
He looked at Agnes then at Elias then finally nodded.
“Go back to the tunnel!” Julianna said with enthusiasm. “Take him to the village. Or somewhere! Keep him safe, Agnes. Do you swear?”
