Page 39 of Highland Guard

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Page 39 of Highland Guard

“Well, I guess word will spread now that it is not here and that shall leave you safe.”

“Aye, tis true. You were very lucky you sneaked in, or theBrotherhoodwould have murdered you at the front gate. Your mother was the same as you. She had a sharp instinct. You have the look of your ma about you. Her same sweet disposition.”

“You knew my mother?” Naomi asked.

“Aye, she grew up near to here, among the local clan. I suppose you’ll be visiting them while you’re here.”

“I do not know them at all. Besides, I do not have the time. Abbess Murdina has more pressing matters for me to see to.”

“Oh well, perhaps if you venture this way again. You might see them.”

Naomi eyed the prioress with suspicion when the woman fell asleep. Then Naomi took her leave to retire for the evening.

***

Midnight

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Kieran whispered as Naomi jumped in fright.

“MacKenzie, dinnae sneak up on me like that,” Naomi hissed in return.

“I saw you sneak out. Why are you in here?”

“Because I need to retrieve this.” Naomi crouched down beside the altar in the inner sanctum and with her dagger, she pried open a loose stone brick on the floor.

“Stop that. Tis sacrilege to desecrate a holy place. Haven’t these people suffered enough?”

“Keep your voice down. I’m simply taking what is mine.”

Kieran watched her pull out a small box. Inside was a pouch and when Naomi pulled it out and tipped the contents into her hand, the most exquisite necklace fell out. Its amethyst began glowing a deep purple as it lay in Naomi’s palm.

Naomi remembered that night long ago when her father had given it to her. But now was not the time to reminisce. She quickly packed it back in its pouch, placed the box under the brick and moved the brick back into place. Kicking the dust away.

“That’s the relic?” Kieran asked.

“Aye. The prioress, lied.”

“Why would she lie?”

“That I do not know.”

“How did you ken it was there?”

“Abbess Murdina warned me that the prioress may refuse to hand it over. It is my duty to steal it.”

“This is what you came for? This is why the monks wanted to kill you? Why they murdered your father?”

“Yes, to all your questions.”

“So, what happens now?”

“Now I need to take it to the king.”

Naomi snuck back out, with Kieran following behind her. “Macbeth? That’s why you head to Dunsinane?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Why does the king need it?”