Page 71 of Highlander’s Quest of Desire

Looking around to make sure no one was nearby, Bruce swooped down on the chamber maid and clapped a dirty hand over her mouth. She threw up her hands, and her screams muffled against his hand.

“Don’t scream,” he hissed in her ear. “’Tis I, Bruce.”

Gwen stopped flailing. Eyes wide, she turned a little to see if it was really him. Bruce lifted his hood for her to see the truth of it. She eased up in his arms and began to cry. Bruce lifted his hand from her mouth and let her go. She turned and hugged him. He was taken aback by the naked display of affection.

“Oh Laird!” she sobbed. “Oh, thank the Lord! We thought ye had perished! Laird Sinclair declared it so. We have been utterly heartbroken.”

“I am alright,” Bruce reassured her. “A little bruised, but alive. Leo Sinclair has lied to ye all.”

“I never did like him,” Gwen said, wiping at her tears. “Something false about his smiles.”

“I seek yer help Gwen.”

“Ye ken my name?” she said in wonder.

“Aye,” Bruce said, frowning. “Why would I nae?”

“I’m just a chamber maid,” she said.

“And the most important member of any household,” Bruce said, squeezing her shoulder. “But we do nae have time. Is the Lady Elspeth in the castle?”

“Aye,” Gwen nodded. “Poor lass.” She shook her head. “Leo Sinclair told us ye and her were attacked by the English near Edinburgh and he only just managed to save Lady Elspeth when ye’d been killed. He said he was marrying her post haste to keep to avoid a scandal and keep her reputation.”

“Of course, he said that,” Bruce growled. “Where is Lady Elspeth being kept?”

“The north tower room.”

“Now, listen Gwen. Ye will tell nae one of my arrival. Understood? Ye will keep to yer duties, but when it comes for the guard to change at night outside Lady Elspeth’s room ye will delay the guards from going up. This will give me a chance to slip in. Do the same for the morning guards, and I will take care of the rest.”

“Aye, I will.” Gwen’s smile was broad and thrilled. “I prayed, and prayed for ye to come back, and my Lord has listened to my prayers.”

“Then pray for my victory come morning, Gwen. I am naught if the prayers of my people are nae with me.”

Gwen picked up her basket of flowers and left. Bruce wandered the gardens until he was directly below the north tower. He gazed up to the notch of light that was Elspeth’s room. Soon, within hours, he would be reunited with her, and God willing he would never let her go.