Brigid was pleasantlysurprised when Gerts was allowed to come visit her. She brought a plate of eggs and a wineskin, along with two eyes filled to overflowing with tears.
Obviously, Wickham hadn’t informed her there was a plan…
When Brigid woke in her bed and noted the morning sun creeping around the corners of the window shutter, she realized the old woman had drugged her. The strength of the flavor of hensbane in her mouth made her wonder if she’d eaten the plants whole and not remembered.
Gerts had stolen from her what might well be her last full day of living!
She splashed water on her face to wash away the final haze of a dreamless sleep, brushed her hair and prepared herself for the day. Then she reached out.
Flanders?
There was no answer. In case he was still sleeping she tried harder.
Flanders?
Brigid?
I’m here! Forgive me! It seems I slept an entire day away!
As did I. Gerts came. Brought me wine…
She could have wept. Then ye were fettled as well!
Aye. Aye. Such precious time lost!
Yes. Lost. But…we were spared the torture of it, I suppose.
He agreed.Listen to me, love. I…I am working on a plan to get free. Promise ye won’t lose heart.
A plan? Was it his alone, or was he telling her that Wickham had come to him as well. If so, she didn’t dare acknowledge what she knew. So she answered him with…Never!
* * *
Flanders wouldn’t have lostheart either, but it worried him when all he was given for his morning meal was another bowl if porridge.
“Wait, Fisbee,” he said, when his jailor would have left with his empty bowl. “I would have ye pass along my petition to The Regent.”
The man blanched. “Me, laird?”
“Aye, ye, Fisbee. Tell Thomas Moray that I would like to be on hand for…the fire. The last face my woman sees should be a friendly one. It should be mine. Tell him to shackle me however he likes, and I will ask nothing more of him. Then give him two words.”
“Two words, laird?”
“Stirling Bridge. Ye’ll remember?”
“I shall remember, laird.”
Everyone at Todlaw had heard the tale of the Battle of Stirling Bridge where, long before James Duncan came on the scene, Flanders fought with William Wallace. It was during this battle that Flanders saved Thomas Moray’s life. The future regent had been tossed off the side of the bridge with a rope around his neck and Flanders managed to keep a hold on him while fighting off the English, until Moray was back on the bridge with his head still attached to his body.
None at Todlaw would be surprised when Flanders chose that moment to leverage Moray’s debt.
35
IF ONLY SOMEONE WOULD LIGHT A TORCH…
* * *
Brigid stood at the window and watched the colors of the evening sky change from orange to pink and purple. Not long now…
