“I’m still here,” she said, opening her eyes and yawning loudly. “It’s not a dream then.”
“Come on,” he said, holding out a hand to help her up. “We are hunted.”
“What?” She was awake so fast he was impressed. Some of his own men could not be ready to move that quickly. In the time it took for him to move to the door she was up and behind him, the blanket in her hands.
He knew they had to get to the castle swiftly but he feared running into the outlaws. He exited the wood far from where he intended them to go, making sure the route was clear before setting off at a trot, time now of the essence.
Had they spoken the truth about siege? He would know soon enough.
It was two hours before he found out how honest the outlaws had been. He heard it before he saw it. Riding swiftly around a corner he stopped dead. Tracks of many horses joined the road here, turning toward the castle. A moment later he heard the sound of many voices talking together. Slowing, he rode cautiously, stopping once more a minute later.
The castle towers came into view in the distance. In the foreground was an army of at least two hundred men, probably more as tents had been set up, shielding many from view.
“Oh my goodness,” Heather said. “What is this?”
“A siege,” he replied bitterly. “I was too late.”
The sight filled Gavin with anger. How dare they lay siege to his castle. At once his emotions faded away and a coldness washed over him. The time of doubt was over, the time of speculation was over. It was time for action. He knew what to do, he had run through this scenario enough times during his training for the lairdship.
“What are you looking for?” Heather asked as he scanned the army.
“Sentries. They have posted none.” He shook his head. “Afraid of voices in the woods, no guards on their flanks. A shambles of an army.”
“Where are we going?”
“See those trees over there?”
“What about them?”
“They block the line of sight to the sallyport.”
“What’s a sallyport?”
“You’ll see.”
They rode behind the trees and then stopped by the wall of the castle. They were hidden by undergrowth and brambles that looked impenetrable.
Just as they reached it someone called from the battlements. Gavin looked up to see Will waving at him.
“They’re coming,” Will shouted. “Hurry!” Gavin looked around the side of the dead tree. A dozen men were sprinting toward them.
“Whatever you’re doing, do it faster,” Heather said, fear evident in her voice.
“In here,” he replied, climbing down from the horse.
“In here? It’s just a bramble.”
“Look closer. See the gap through the thorns?” He ducked inside, disappearing from the sight of the chasing men. Twisting his head to the left to avoid a particularly wicked set of thorns he guided them through the narrow natural tunnel. “The thorns are coated with poison,” he added. “Be careful they don’t cut you.”
“Now you tell me. Where does this tunnel go anyway?”
“I said. The sallyport.”
He reached the door a second later. It was locked. “Hurry up, Will,” he muttered as he glanced behind him. The outlaws were hacking their way through the undergrowth, cursing as the thorns sliced into their skin.
“They’re going to kill us!” Heather shrieked, shoving her shoulder against the door. “Why won’t it open?”
The outlaws were closer, about five yards was all that separated them from Gavin and Heather. Wicked grins spread across their faces as they saw there was nowhere left to run.
