He dipped under the external staircase and into the cellarium. “James? Are you in there?”
“Aye. Back here. Hold on, I need to note the number of apples.”
“Wounded are coming. I need you to prepare.”
A bent figure appeared out of the gloom, wiping ink from his hands as he came into view. “How many?”
“At least a dozen, maybe more, all badly burned.”
“God preserve us.”
“I need you to help Him do that.”
“I’ll do what I can. How long do I have?”
“Not long. They’re on their way from Pluscarden now.”
“I will get all I can to the infirmary, my laird.” He nodded and disappeared back into the darkness of the stores.
Andrew walked back outside. He was glad to have people he could rely on.
It was time to talk to his guest. He went to climb the stairs but heard his name being called behind him. “Derek?” he said, walking back down. “What are you doing down here? Have you left her alone?”
“I was looking for you. Dinnae worry, I’ve locked her in. She’s going nowhere.”
He frowned his disapproval. “She gave her word she would not run. You need not have imprisoned her. You were supposed to get one of the women to help her change attire.”
“You are too trusting. It’s by far your biggest flaw. She fears for her life, she’ll run the first chance she gets, mark my words.”
“Give me the key and stop making decisions for me.”
Derek swallowed as if chewing something unpleasant. “Yes, my laird,” he managed at last.
“The key, now. I wish to speak to her.”
“So be it but be warned. She is a vicious one.” He rubbed his cheek as he spoke and Andrew noticed a slight reddening to it.
He felt eyes on him from far above. Looking up he saw her at a window for a brief moment. Then it was gone.
“She will not be vicious with me,” he said, taking the stairs two at a time. “I am sure of it.”
