Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (most difficult books to read txt) 📕

missive and Ian’s man Humphrey changed his clothes and rode up to the gates. They watched from afar as two soldiers met Humphrey and motioned for one of the knights to come forward. After the men chatted, one of them went back inside and returned a few minutes later with Drake. Drake walked over to the horse and exchanged a few words with Humphrey accepting the missive. He broke the seal and appeared to read the message.

Ian looked at Daniel and then back to Drake. Drake said a few words and went back inside the bailey. Humphrey dismounted and waited in front of the gate. After a few minutes, Drake reappeared and handed something to Humphrey and he mounted to leave. Ian pointed to a few of his men who were stationed near the castle walls. They took their cue and went to find a way inside to watch Drake.

Daniel was impressed with the direction and skills of Ian’s men. There was no question of his authority and they were precise with their movements. Ian’s men stepped back from their position and waited for Humphrey near the ridge. When he appeared, he handed the missive to Ian who opened it immediately.

He skimmed the paper and looked at Daniel to relay the message. “It seems that Drake is involved. He said Katherine will not be harmed if you adhere to the deadline. You only have a fortnight to deliver the money to him. He said he will assure to Katherine’s safety until he receives the money.”

Ian handed the missive to Daniel and skimmed the area. “We will rest on the hill and wait for the men to return with news of Drake’s whereabouts.”

The men hid in the woods carefully obscuring themselves within the trees and bushes. Their horses were left with one of the men a few miles away.

As night fell upon them, Ian’s men had not come back. Daniel was told to stay put along with James as the men made their way to the castle. Daniel and James waited until they were out of sight and followed them up the dirt road hiding behind trees. He would not stand by and do nothing. He would rescue his mother. Ian walked around the perimeter of the castle and then disappeared over one of the back walls with a few of his men.

Daniel tried to get a better view over the wall but was unable to see anything. Coming a little closer, he hid behind a few vegetable carts and James hid behind some trees not far from Daniel in case he needed help.

They waited and watched a few carriages and soldiers arrive at the gate. Sweat beaded across Daniel’s face as he slid into the cart between barrels. He lost his view of James but knew he was close by.

The gates opened, and the party went inside. The guards were distracted, and Daniel jumped from his hiding spot obscured by the party entering the gates and snuck in. He quickly covered his body with an English tartan that he found in Ian’s supplies.

Making his way up the keep, he hid within the castle and looked for the dungeons. Going through the kitchen, he looked behind the stores trying to find a way below. Without any luck, he moved around the home and hid in a bedchamber.

The castle filled with noise coming from the great hall. Visitors were all about the castle making it easier for Daniel to walk about and to carefully avoid his uncle. Afraid he may notice him, Daniel kept his face down trying to find a way to find his mother. His deception seemed to be flawless until an older knight stopped him outside.

“Are you new with Lord Murray? I don’t recognize you.” Not knowing who Lord Murray could be, Daniel nodded and tried to obscure his Scottish accent. “Yes, my lord.”

“I am Sir William. You have generous size. Have you been knighted yet?” Daniel recognized the name and remembered his mother spoke of his friendship.

“Are you the same Sir William who served the previous lord?”

“I am. But you are young, and your age would not give you such a memory. Are your families acquainted?”

“Perhaps. Are you friend or foe to the previous family?”

“An odd question.” He searched Daniel’s face moving his hand to the hilt of his sword.

Daniel noticed his movements out of the corner of his eye. “Sir William, my mother told me you are a friend. I hope you still are.”

“Who is your mother?”

Daniel wiggled his foot feeling the knife in his boot. He calculated the time it would take to retrieve it in his mind not liking the odds. He looked around to where he could run if William made a move and slowly met his eyes.

“My mother’s name is Lady Katherine. She used to be kept hidden here by her family.”

His mouth opened in surprise as he stared at Daniel. A mix of emotions came across his face and he finally dropped his head. “I tried to stop him.”

“I need to see her.”

“Impossible. She is heavily guarded.”

“Please, Sir William. She is my mother.”

“If you want to help her, then pay the ransom.”

“I know they will kill her even if I give them money.”

“I can’t interfere. I would lose my position and Drake would kill me. But I will tell you where they do have her.” Taking a deep breath, he looked over his shoulder. “I will then walk away and not remember our conversation. That is my gift to your mother.”

“I will tell my mother of your kindness.”

“The stables have a door under the last stall, it leads to a cellar. They have her inside.”

Daniel headed to the stables. He saw Ian out of the corner of his eye and ran behind the castle wall.

Ian gritted his teeth. “What are you doing?”

“I am sorry. I saw an opportunity with dinner guests arriving to blend in and got through the gates. I promise you that I was not fighting. I