Page 61 of Fearless Heart
“You may thank me later, Heath. Right now my friend is being held inside that fief and I mean to set her free.”
“Makenna, love, promise me you’ll take no risks. You’ll return here to me,” Liam said, taking her in his arms, and lifting her chin. “I love you, lass.”
She nodded and he set a kiss upon her lips. “As I love you. Worry not for me. Remember how I rescued you, Husband? I will be mindful.” Makenna waved at them as she strode toward the keep.
*****
Makenna entered the kitchens situated behind the main keep. She made herself appear busy and listened intently as the cook directed the servants. None took notice of her as many came and went throughout the hour she pretended to assist in the slicing of bread. The cook yelled for someone to clear away the earlier supper dishes. She followed two serving lasses and entered the main keep’s hall.
Once inside, she assessed the three corridors which led to other parts of the fief. She glanced at Sir James and the king in quiet conversation in the corner. Makenna kept her head down and her hair hidden beneath the wimple she’d worn. Graciously all disregarded her and paid her no heed. She left the hall and strolled down one hallway. There was none about and she spotted a sentry walking the length. As she passed him, she heard him speak to another at the end of the hallway.
“You’ll need to stay put near the king’s chamber. He bid us to ensure the lass there remains within. I am taking my leave for a respite.”
Makenna raised her chin. She stopped and pretended to fix her boot when the guards passed by. Cautiously, she followed them and discerned which hall they traipsed. She’d have to await until the remaining sentry sought their beds. She returned to the main hall and helped to pile the trenchers and handed them to the attending servant. Impatience wore on her and she decided she would use trickery to get the guard to allow her entrance.
Once all the kitchen items were removed from the table, she set off to the corridor she spied the sentry guarding. On her approach, she removed her wimple and pinched her cheeks. She placed an amiable smile on her face.
“Good sir, know you the chamber the lass is being kept in? I’m to see to her needs. The king wasn’t wont to be bothered with details.”
The man tilted his head in question, but before he could speak, Makenna set a hand on his chest. “I don’t want to be troubling to my lord. Please, I must see to the lass’ needs or he’ll be cross. He said to see if she had need of anything and I …” Her hand gently caressed the man’s tunic, and she kept the winsome smile on her face.
“She be in the king’s chamber. Surely he mentioned—”
“Oh nay, for he was conversing with the Good Sir James. I wasn’t about to question him or interfere with their discussion. He bid me to see that she has all she needs. I should go attend her, shouldn’t I? Can you unlock the door for me?”
The sentry did as she bid. “Hasten now. I’ll await here.”
Makenna stole inside and peered about the dark chamber. She reached the bed and gasped at the wound on Lillia’s face. With a gentle press of her hand to her shoulder, she shook her.
“Shhh … Lillia, ‘tis me, Makenna.”
“Makenna? What are you doing here?”
“Rescuing you.” She turned and peered at the door. “Are you well enough to follow? We’ll need to sneak out the back and there are many about.”
Lillia nodded. “Aye, I’m well. Let us go. I want to leave this place. Heath was right. The king won’t allow me to leave.” She scrambled from the bed pallet and stood next to her.
“I’m afraid there’s a sentry standing guard outside. We’ll need to subdue him.”
Lillia turned and picked up a porcelain pitcher. “Will this work?”
Makenna chuckled low. “I suppose. Once we get out in the hallway, stay close behind me and put this on.” She handed her the wimple. “I will pull my hood up and we’ll pretend we’re returning to the kitchens.” She took the pitcher from Lillia and opened the door. But the man stood right outside. She pushed Lillia back inside. “He’s right outside the door. I will distract him. You’ll need to strike him from behind.” She returned the pitcher to her and left the chamber.
“The lass says she needs nothing. Tell me, good sir,” Makenna said and pursed her lips. “When do you get off duty?”
The man grinned. “In a few hours. Why, ye be wanting to meet?”
“I would.”
The man’s head bobbed forward when Lillia struck him. He slumped forward. Makenna caught him and lowered him gently to the floor.
“Come, we must make haste.” She led Lillia through the corridor and at the junction that joined the main hall; she motioned for Lilla to go to the left.
The exit toward the kitchens was ahead and Makenna peered behind her to ensure they weren’t being followed or noticed. Outside, she rushed ahead of Lillia and bid her to follow.
“Heath and the king’s guard await us. We must run before we’re detected or they find our men in the woods.”
Lillia stopped short. “They are here? I cannot go.”