The future awaited!
*
Dawn arrived withbright sunlight. Only fluffy white clouds remained in the sky. Just as the first rays of yellow light stretched out over the Keith stronghold, there was a rumble and then a crash.
Diarmuid was on his feet instantly. He hurried to the window, opening the shutter to peer out into the yard. Ailsa stood beside him. Below them, the yard was full of rubble. The Maiden’s Tower was no more.
“That is a fitting end,” Diarmuid said.
“I wonder what she chose?” Ailsa muttered.
Diarmuid closed his arms around her. “Freedom. That is what she chose.”
He gathered her close. Ailsa soaked up the warmth of his body and the solid pounding of his heart while she looked out at the remains of the Maiden’s Tower.
Brigitta was free now. So there was nothing left to look back on.
*
Brom was waitingin an empty storeroom. Another duty rested on his shoulders, but this one was not heavy. Seeing justice done was something he took satisfaction in.
The door opened and the cook came in first.
“This is the lot,” the cook informed Brom.
Two maids and a couple of kitchen boys followed the cook.
“They were the ones who took the fare prepared in the kitchen under my eye for the wedding to the Maiden’s Tower. I tasted everything before it left my sight as is my duty. I followed to make sure it all arrived as my laird bid me.”
“And I saw the door barred,” a retainer spoke from where he stood next to Brom. He pointed at three retainers. “These are the men who kept the watch.”
Brom swept everyone in the storeroom. The culprit was among them.
Brom looked straight at the two boys. They were young, shuffling their feet and scratching their heads because they did not understand why they were there. They weren’t too tender to feel the tension in the room though.
“I was careful, Captain,” one of the lads began to babble. “Very careful with the platter. Didn’t spill even one little strawberry.”
“I didn’t drop any of the silver, Captain,” the other was quick to add. “Honest I didn’t. The cook counted over me shoulder.”
“Ye both did well.” Brom pointed to the door. “Go on with ye now. The cook will give ye an extra slice of cheese for being honest lads.”
The boys brightened instantly at the idea of a treat. They hurried to the door, their expressions bright.
Brom looked at the retainers. “The lass and Diarmuid confirmed that the door to the chamber remained barred. Ye are dismissed. Do nae speak of this matter.”
The retainers tugged on the corner of their bonnets before they left.
Brom eyed the two maids. “One of ye…poisoned this cider. The laird has tasked me with bringing the culprit to him. I will do so, for we cannae have such a person living inside of the stronghold.”
Brom picked up the pitcher. He poured the remaining cider into a goblet. One of the maids was starting to tremble. She was worrying the edge of her apron. Her horror was very real.
Ysenda though, looked at the floor.
“It is nae a difficult matter to prove, Ysenda,” Brom said softly. “Ye and Fingal have been seen together.”
“That does nae make me guilty,” Ysenda argued.
“No?” Brom shook his head slowly. “Fingal has much to gain if Diarmuid dies. Ye are his lover.”
