Darkest Knight Read Online Free

have done.”
    “No. You cannot. You will leave and you will live. That will be repayment.”
    The small boy had shown such courage that John had to do something for him. What he was about to say might set into motion events he wasn’t ready to face. But John would do what needs be done.
    “What I am about to tell you, you must swear not to tell another soul.”
    The boy’s eyes were huge as he nodded.
    “I have a brother. His name is Robert Thornton. Lord Highworth. Highworth Castle is near Sutton on the Celtic Sea.” John thought for a moment. “You will be safe there from the fighting. Robert will take you in. You can work in the stables. You are good with the horses.”
    The boy hopped back and forth from one foot to the other.
    “You are a Thornton? Your brothers are very powerful. They will come for you. I will take a message to Lord Highworth.”
    “No.” The reply came out sharper than he intended. John took a deep breath and tried again. “Nay, Rabbie. My brothers will lose all if they aid me. You gave your word. Swear you will not speak a word of this to anyone. You will live with Robert and be safe. You will forget me.”
    Tears ran down Rabbie’s face, making tracks in the dirt staining his cheeks. His shoulders slumped. Yet he raised his head and looked John in the eye.
    “As you wish, my lord. I will not utter a word to anyone. I swear I will carry your secret to my grave.”
    “There’s no need to call me my lord ,” John said gently. “My title was stripped from me long ago, lad.”
    John roughly pulled the boy to him, ruffling his hair.
    “Live, Rabbie. Make the most of life. You deserve better than the life of a bandit.”
    The boy clung to him, his tears wetting John’s tunic.
    “I will never forget you. Never forget all you have done for me.” He wiped his nose on his sleeve. “And I will light a candle for those we have lost.”
    John banged on the bars and listened to footsteps approach. The guard opened the door and Rabbie walked through it. He turned to look at John, nodded once, and disappeared down the corridor. The key turning in the lock sounded final.
    If only he could have moved his people sooner. Saved them. Drowning in a sea of grief, John hung his head, the tears silently hitting the stone floor.

    Anna didn’t know how much time had passed when she opened her eyes. But at least the storm had finally passed. How she could fall asleep when she was scared was beyond her, but she was thankful she didn’t have to hear the storm. It was difficult to see in the gloom. Were those people moving around? Was it morning and she was actually in a part of the tower that allowed visitors?
    Odd. She didn’t remember lights that looked like torches on the walls.
    “No way those were there before.”
    The sound of a throat clearing made her jump.
    “Who’s there?”
    A moan to her right sounded so real it had to be fake.
    “Very funny. Ha ha. Good sound effects.”
    Anna peered into the darkness. “I know we’re going to be in trouble for being here after hours.”
    “Are you lost, demoiselle?”

Chapter Six

    Anna stepped back from the cell. “Before the storm I was standing in that very room and it was empty.”
    Was she having some kind of an out-of-body experience? It was damp here, so there must be mold and the spores were causing her to hallucinate. Inside the formerly empty room was a man. Dressed in period clothing, he was seated at a table with what looked like bread and a goblet. There was a bed in the room, and as she stood there with her mouth open, other sounds reached her ears.
    The sounds of voices. Yet none of them sounded happy. These were the sounds of broken men.
    “Are you part of the tour? Do people pay extra for this experience?” She tried to see out the small window in the cell. It was dark. “You’re way past schedule. This place has been closed for hours.”
    No. There was nothing in the brochures, and they way she’d found this place…no way