Page 23 of Fair Weather Enemies
“Decennial assessment and inspection, sir,” offered Carver.
“Yes, of course.” He addressed the two guards. “Please accompany the…the…”
“Committee on Roman Artifacts and Pre-Edwardian Monoliths, sir.”
“Yes, of course. Please accompany these people to ensure that no one impedes their efforts.”
With that, the officer fled into the fortress. Carver stood straight and shouldered his weapon with pride. “If you will follow us, ladies and gentlemen.”
He and Simms pivoted smartly and marched into the fortress through the gate. When Barlow glanced at Hester and winked, Jane choked back a laugh.
“Sufficient confidence indeed, Mr. Barlow.”
Chapter Ten
Adam flinched in surprise when Jane brushed against him as they followed their guides. He glanced down with alarm to find her stretching toward him, her full lips moving inexorably nearer. His first instinct was to taste them. However, sanity returned swiftly. She was still a Hancock. Furthermore, he realized, she simply wished to converse discreetly. Nothing more. He leaned down, careful to avoid those distracting lips.
“Adam,” she whispered. “The next line of my letter reads, ‘Prostrate to pray where a king’s soul took flight’. What does yours say?”
“Withdraw from the darkness, return to the light.”
He watched her carefully as the cogs of her mind turned. How did she smell so good after three days on a ship and a dusty road? It made no sense. After a moment, she peeked up at him.
“We should ask about royal residents in the keep. Someplace dark.”
“Good thought, Jane.” He caught up with the soldiers. “Carver. What do you know of famous royal residents? Particularly those who may have stayed in the main tower?”
“Recently, sir?”
“Not recently. Historically speaking.”
Carver stopped, bringing the entire party to a halt. “It is said that the castle lies on a Roman foundation built by Hadrian. I suppose he may have visited.”
“Not possible,” said Simms. “The castle itself was built by Henry the Second upon older ruins.”
“Fair point, Simms. However, it was Henry the First who built the castle, not his grandson.”
“Right you are, Carver. I sometimes confuse my Henrys.”
Adam considered the information while reflecting on the words about a king’s soul taking flight. “Did something happen to Henry here? Something bad, perhaps?”
The soldiers stared at each other briefly before shrugging simultaneously.
“Not that we know, sir,” said Carver.
“He seemed more fortunate than other royalty with regard to the castle,” added Simms.
The soldiers faced Adam triumphantly, apparently satisfied they had answered his question. He waited patiently but they offered nothing further. Jane waded into the pause.
“Would you care to elaborate, soldiers?”
The men exchanged a solemn glance. Simms grimaced. “Must we?”
Carver nodded vigorously. “We usually do not speak of such things. Bad luck, you know.”
Barlow cleared his throat loudly. “His Royal Highness would be most grateful if you made an exception in this case. Decennial assessment and inspection, and all that.”
Carver nodded with a frown. “Right, right.” He motioned them nearer, and everyone stepped into a tight knot. The soldier lowered his voice.
