For Love of a Vampire

Chapter 10

I don't know how long I was in that cart or to where we traveled because we either went over an enormous rut and I hit my head and passed out, or someone hit my head for me. Whatever the means, I was unconscious for a while. When I awoke the sac was off my head, my arms were free, and I was in a large cage at the edge of the woods with six other battle worn females. After a series of cautious questions, I learned that we were all convicted of witchcraft and were to be hanged at dawn.

I experienced a whirlwind of emotions.

I feared for my life.

I feared for Isabelle's life.

I longed to have Duncan come rescue me.

I missed Duncan.

I hated Duncan.

I regretted meeting Duncan.

I regretted falling in love with Duncan.

I still loved Duncan, even though he was a shit who hooked up with me because Margaret was no longer available.

I regretted trying to save him.

I wanted to go home.

I was hours into my enumeration of why I regretted meeting Duncan, how I felt about Duncan, and how I felt about my foolish act of going back in time to save him, when two cloaked figures approached the cage. Amazingly my co-prisoners were sleeping; although how they managed such a feat just hours before they were to dangle from a rope until dead, I'll never understand. I was the only one awake and alert enough to notice Elizabeth and Garth creep up to the cage and slice through the thick leather hinges that prevented me from reaching freedom.

I reached out to shake one of my co-prisoners, but Elizabeth stopped me before motioning me to follow. The night had been a harrowing experience, but somehow I managed to keep my wits about me and followed them silently. I looked back briefly at the sleeping figures huddled together in the cage and hoped they woke early enough to realize their freedom was only inches away. I regretted not being able to alert them, but the slightest sound could have brought Vivian's people running. I considered throwing a stone into the cage, but if I startled anyone and they yelped it could mean not only my death, but the death of my rescuers as well. It was better to just leave the door ajar and hope the women noticed before it was too late. I prayed they would.

We ran a good distance through the woods until we reached a small clearing where our horses were tethered. Still, no one spoke.

Garth surveyed our surroundings before helping me onto my mount. This time I was allowed to ride astride, which made it so much easier for me to keep up with them. They were both remarkably adept riders.

It took the better part of an hour to reach the Colliers' Estate. We dismounted when we saw the buildings in the distance and walked our mounts the remainder of the way. This not only allowed us to approach quietly, but it gave the horses an opportunity to cool down after their long ride.

"Not a word of this to anyone," Elizabeth said firmly to Garth as she took my hand and pulled me out of the stables. "Follow me, m' lady. I know a short cut."

I wasn't sure I was up to any more secret passages, but I also didn't want to have to explain my condition or the fact that I was out of the Mansion in the middle of the night, so I dubiously followed her. To my surprise and delight, the short cut was nothing more than a stairway used by the servants.

When we reached my rooms, I leaned against the door, closed my eyes, and took a moment to allow myself to react to the ordeal I'd just endured. My legs trembled and my body hurt from head to toe. My hair was littered with feed dust and I wanted a long hot bath more than I could remember ever wanting one. Elizabeth seemed to understand and left me alone until I was mobile again.