Read Highlander's Promise for Free Online

of sunrise,” said a warrior passing by. “We need the room for those willing to pay to watch the beheading in two days.”
    Old Mary sat poking at the fire with a stick and complaining how useless Dawn was. It was when some nearby men began talking loud enough to drown her out, as if tired of hearing the old woman grumble that Old Mary began to whisper to Dawn. “Listen well, I have found a way into the prison and I believe I have a plan that will work.”
    Dawn felt hope rise and squeeze at her heart.
    “I convinced the guard with the limp that I can cure him of his ailment with my special brew and healing touch. I offered proof with a taste of my special brew and laid my hands on his sore leg muscles with strength enough to ease his ache. Both were enough to alleviate his pain some and have him believe I could rid him of the cursed pain completely. I told him I would need a quiet place where I could work on him with no interruptions.”
    Dawn’s heart began to quicken.
    “He told me of a jail door that only he has the key to. I am to go there when the village is well asleep for the night and he will let me in. I will prepare a brew and as soon as he falls asleep, I will let you in and we will get Cree out,” —Old Mary hesitated a moment— “I must remain there and see him wake, so he does not think anything is wrong and alert others. Besides, we cannot leave until sunrise when the gate opens. You must get Cree to the cart and hide him beneath the heap of rags. I will return just before sunrise and we will be at the gate as it opens and we will leave this retched place.”
    Dawn squeezed her hand and Old Mary held it there, for she would not take a chance of anyone seeing Dawn gesture to her.
    “I know you worry for me, but I worry just the same for you and Cree. Together we can see this done, and then God help the fool Minnoch, for nothing will stop Cree from killing him.”
    ~~~
    The rain brought thunder with it and many took shelter beneath their carts or wagons and some sought shelter in whatever structure they would not be thrown out of for the night. It made it that much easier for Old Mary and Dawn to sneak around, since few would venture out in the rain.
    Old Mary left Dawn in the night shadows, her garments beginning to soak, as she tapped at the door. The guard quickly opened it and ushered Old Mary in, giving a hasty glance around to make certain no one saw them.
    Dawn waited impatiently, her insides quivering and her heart thumping much too fast. This rescue had to succeed. Nothing could go wrong. Nothing. This would be their only chance. It seemed like forever before the door opened and Old Mary waved her in.
    “We have little time, Old Mary said. “He will sleep for only so long and we must be careful not to let the other guards know of our presence.”
    Dawn gestured quickly.
    Old Mary shook her head. “The other guards do not come up this far, since this area is where the food is delivered, and then carried down to the cells. Once you reach a certain section you will recognize it and know where to go from there.” Old Mary handed her a ring of keys.
    “Make haste and be as silent as your voice.” Old Mary hugged her. “I will be here waiting for you and Cree, and we will be gone from this place before you know it.”
    Dawn did not waste a minute. She kept her steps light as she walked along the, stone hallway, keeping close to the wall and the shadows. It was not difficult to stay in the shadows since the wall torches let off little light. When she reached a staircase that joined another, she recognized where she was and took the steps carefully. And just as carefully and quietly, she made her way through the passageway that held the four cells, two on either side that she had seen when she had first come this way. She did not want to think of the poor souls that were locked behind the doors. There was nothing she could do for them. She was here for Cree.
    She reached the second staircase