“I see ye fretting,” Hamish whispered alongside her, interrupting her spiraling thoughts.
“Aye. I am indulging in wishes.”
“Wishes. Such as?”
“Leaving when Jamie first suggested we go. I never would have been attacked, and Jamie wouldna be where he is right now.”
“He willna be much longer. Braden willna let our plan go astray.”
“Unless we’re seen, or another guard is in the dungeon, no’ the one Braden expects. Anything could go wrong.”
“If he’s no’ Braden’s man, ye being there will raise questions.”
“No’ if I hit him over the head before he sees me.”
“Ye could do that.” Hamish grinned. “But if something happens to ye, both yer brother and the Lathan healer will take turns beating me.”
He had a point.
Outside the entrance to the dungeon, Hamish caught her arm before she followed Braden inside. “I’ll go saddle a horse, and tell the guards Neve and I will soon leave for the abbey. Then ye and yer man can ride out, and the guards will think ’tis me and Neve.”
“Ach, Hamish, thank ye. That is brilliant. Please be careful.”
“I will. Be safe, Aftyn. Neve will miss ye,” he added, as Neve joined them. “As will I.” He took her hand and kissed the back, then opened the door for her. She slipped through and heard him close it softly behind her.
Her knees were shaking by the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, but the torchlit hall ahead of her drew her onward. She heard a thud. Then silence.
She reached the guard station in time to see Braden lift the guard’s head, then drop it back down onto the tabletop where he’d sat. He glanced up at Aftyn and grinned. “Perfect timing. He’s out. Take his keys and get yer man, then go.”
“Hamish is saddling a horse and told the guards he and Neve need to go to the abbey. Neve married a good man.”
“I ken it. Now, go. We canna be found here. ’Tis why I hit him. He’ll no’ ken who did it.”
Aftyn took the keys and a torch and hurried farther down the hallway. She spied Jamie clutching the bars of his cell.
“I heard Braden and the guard. Then I heard yer voice.”
“I’m here to get ye out, Jamie.” She put the torch in a holder and rattled the keys, trying one after the other until one finally fit and turned. “Thank God,” she breathed, and pulled the door open. Jamie stepped out and took her in his arms.
“For ye, aye, I’ll thank him every day.”
He lowered his head and claimed her lips with a kiss so sweet, Aftyn never wanted it to end. But they had to go.
“Lass, he’s stirring. Get ye gone!”
“The guard!” Aftyn whispered, and led Jamie quietly past Braden, grasping his hand as they went. “Thank ye,” she mouthed.
Jamie helped her up the stairs and out into the night air, Braden on their heels. The bailey was quiet. Aftyn hugged Braden and Jamie gripped his arm in thanks.
Hamish stood by the stable entrance holding the reins to Jamie’s mount.
Jamie lifted Aftyn onto the saddle, grasped Hamish’s arm, then swung up behind her. Hamish handed him a hooded cloak and Jamie donned it and wrapped it around Aftyn.
“Yer sword is rolled up in the plaid affixed to the saddle.” He handed Jamie a dirk. “Go with God,” he whispered and made the sign of the cross.
Jamie tucked the dirk in his boot, then reached down and clasped Hamish’s shoulder in thanks.
Aftyn lifted a hand in farewell and they rode to the gate.
