Read Online An Oath Taken by Diana Cosby - Free Book Online Page B

pile on the dirt floor, then grabbed another leaf-filled one. “So why are you here, lad?”
    â€œYou are needed at the dungeons to tend to the prisoners. I was sent to bring you.”
    With deft hands, she removed the last few leaves, tossed the barren stem aside, then stood. “A sad state of affairs it is,” the healer grumbled as she wiped her hands against her course brown tunic. She shot Elizabet a shrewd glance. “Squeamish about going in?”
    â€œNae, I have . . .” What? Explain she had nae seen the prisoners but feared for the life of her people? Coldness stole over her, and Elizabet fisted her hands at her side.
    â€œ ’Tis all right, lad.” A heavy smile worked its way into the healer’s pruned face. “You would think I would be immune to the sight of blood and death by now, but at times I find myself sickened.”
    The grim image of her father’s body carried from the dungeon haunted her mind, and Elizabet shuddered. God in heaven, what were the conditions within the dungeon? However horrific, as long as Sir Nicholas didna discover her plans, she would soon find out.
    The elder moved with surprising agility and picked up her basket, then set it on the aged table. “Do you have a name, lad?”
    Elizabet unfurled her fists. “Thomas.”
    â€œCall me Deredere.” With efficient movements, she packed a small leather pouch between two vials of oil separated by clean cloths, then secured the wicker lid. “Thomas? From where?”
    â€œWolfhaven Castle.” Why had she given her the truth! ’Twas too late to change her answer now. Regardless, she and the healer were but talking. Nicholas would never learn of her answer.
    The healer gave a slow nod. “I have tended to a few people within the castle.”
    Nerves slid through Elizabet. “We should be going,” she urged, needing to circumvent further discussion of this topic.
    The old woman nodded, but her eyes held Elizabet’s a moment longer as if reading her soul.
    Trying to shake off her unease, Elizabet gestured toward the basket. “Would you like me to carry that?”
    â€œNay.” She slid the basket onto the crook of her arm. “Your escort is enough.”
    â€œI am here to assist you.”
    Deredere lifted a doubtful brow. “What would a lad like you know about healing?”
    â€œLet me help, please. Herbs and healing are of great interest to me.” A glint of softening lit the healer’s eyes, and Elizabet pressed her advantage. “If I get in your way, I will leave. I swear.”
    After a slow, decisive exhale, the healer nodded. “I willna be having you beneath my feet.” She narrowed her thick dapple-gray brows. “The men need to be treated, nae gawked at and pitied.”
    Elizabet gave a solemn nod. “I understand.”
    â€œSee that you do.” She ambled toward the door. “Let us be on our way then.”
    Excitement filled her. Soon she’d discover if Giric was alive! She followed the healer outside, and prayed the guards would allow her in the dungeon.
    The sun inched higher into the morning sky as Elizabet, riding beside the healer, cantered toward Ravenmoor Castle. She searched the rolling fields and scoured the dense forest beyond, half-expecting to see Nicholas and his men returning early and catch her.
    Naught.
    It should be another two hours before his return, but she stole one final glance behind her as they headed through the gates.
    The clatter of their mount’s hooves thrummed the ground as they rode into the courtyard. The dungeon loomed before them. The weathered rock seemed to whisper of secrets, torture, and death. Trembling, she dismounted and tethered their horses.
    Her expression tight, the healer headed toward the tower.
    On edge, Elizabet followed. The shadow of the circular stone turret engulfed them in a cool, dismal swath, and a tremor prickled over her