Page 123 of Forsaken Secrets

What kind of person made small-talk to a prisoner? "Why yes, what a lovely party you're throwing here," I said, scowling.

He chuckled softly, and the sound sent a shiver down my spine. How had I ever thought this man was kind? He was rotten through and through.

"I'm glad to see that you're settling in, Miss Maderoth." He gestured to the surrounding room. "I apologize for the surroundings. My wife felt that you'd be safest down here, and I had to agree. She's usually right, you know."

My breath came quickly as my mind struggled to put the pieces together.

"My Aunt. Is she okay?"

His eyes flashed and thin lips pressed together. "Yes. I'd never let anything happen to dear Grace. The vicar went beyond his authority with her. I apologize for that."

He apologized for that? He was even more mad than his wife! "Why am I here?"

Eyes sad, he gripped the bars and leaned closer. "You're our last hope, Miss Maderoth. Without you, hundreds of people are doomed to die."

I stared at him, incredulous. "What? How?" This made no sense at all!

He just shrugged. "You're going to heal us all, of course."

Heal them? Me? I was not a healer! "You want me to heal you all? Gods. I don't know what you've heard, but I fear that you've been gravely misled, Lord Ellingsworth."

He just smiled, the kind of smile a grandfather would give to a frustrated child. It made my stomach turn.

"Trust me, dear. I have it all set up."

"What does this have to do with the vicar, though, or the vrytra? And what's wrong that you need healing? You look perfectly healthy to me."

His jaw tightened again, and he looked away. "You'll have to ask my wife and the vicar about that."

I sat up taller, back straight. "Look. Whatever you're wanting me to do, I won't do it." There had to be some sanity left in him. Surely he couldn't be all mad? If I could just convince him …"Not only that, but I can't do it. It would be better for you to send me home. I won't tell anyone about this if you promise to leave Aunt Grace and I alone."

He cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, Miss Maderoth, I cannot trust that you'd keep your promise." That was rich coming from him! "No. You will help, Miss Maderoth, because I cannot stop what my wife will do to your aunt if you do not." He turned away, taking his light with him, and called back over his shoulder. "A maid will be down to help you prepare for the ceremony; then my wife will be here to escort you and explain more."

I sat back on my heels as the door clanged shut in the distance. There had to be some way to stop this mess …

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