“Aye, comes out a long, dark hallway into the larder.”
“What if it’s been blocked? Ellie, ye were a lass the last time ye used this tunnel. A lot could have changed.” They entered the dark hallway, and the stone door closed behind them, encapsulating them in complete darkness. A chill ran down his spine, and he reached for Ellie. Could they become trapped?
“Aidam, do ye think I’m the only lass who used this tunnel? Dae nae fash. We will emerge on the other side. Mayhap I was the only one who used it for winning innocent childhood races, but nay the only one who used it.”
“What do ye mean?” Aidam was thoroughly confused. He did not want her to get her hopes up. If they could not get in this way and wasted all this time looking for her secret tunnel, they would be much too late to stop anything. He didn’t want Ellie to blame herself were the outcome a battle.
“The kitchen maids, you daft man. They use this to sneak out and meet their menfolk after the lights are out in the main keep. That’s how I found it. When I was a lass, I used to sneak into the kitchens at night for a treat now and again. I saw Misty, one of our kitchen maids, sneaking back into the larder. She bade me keep her secret. She told me the tunnel had been in the keep as long as anyone could remember. All the maids used it.” She gave him another sly grin as she gripped his hand with reassuring strength.
Realization dawned on him, and despite the urgency of their situation, Aidam let out a small chuckle. He was beyond pleased when Ellie joined in.Och, she’s a brave and cheeky lass,he thought.
“Of course,” he said and extended his arm, allowing Ellie to lead the way.
