14 A Prisoner of Prisoners
Duke Richard was now Fredrik's prisoner. But Fredrik was still a hostage in the Duke's castle. Fredrik's first priority was to get his new Queen out, and on the road home to Midmont. He hoped Elise and Anna would be able to slip out of the castle with Friar John, disguised as monks. Neither were tall enough to be mistaken for the King.
"Once you are clear of the castle, meet Garth at the Red Onion, and start on the road to Waterton."
"What about you, your Majesty?"
"We'll have to try something different."
Elise looked alarmed. She took hold of Fredrik, and put her head against his chest.
"I can't go without you,"she said.
"You must, for now," he answered. Then, for her ears alone, "Don't worry, we'll join you on the road. Trust me."
"But..."
Was she to lose him on their wedding night?
"Come," said the Friar.
✠
The castle gate was not normally closed at night in times of peace, although it was guarded. As they approached the gate, they overheard the gatekeepers being told not to let King Fredrik leave the castle.
"It will be your heads if he does!"
But the guards were used to seeing the Monks from the abby coming and going. And the two women in disguise were obviously not King Fredrik. They were allowed to leave. Now as they walked out into the town, they could hear the portcullis closing behind them. It was a chilling sound.
✠
Still gagged, the Duke watched as Fredrik and Rolf also pulled some of the Duke's surcoats over their own clothing. Both wore mail beneath. The Duke was stripped of his own robe, and dressed in an old ragged tunic. A bag was tied over his head as Rolf led the way to the dungeon. Fredrik followed behind the other men, hoping not to be recognized.
They had no hope of cutting their way out of the castle. They were gambling on a bluff. But first they needed to deposit the Duke, where he could still be used as a bargaining chip, if it came to that.
The lone Jailer at the entrance to the dungeon, as was hoped, did not recognize Rolf. Rolf assumed an attitude of authority.
"Open up for the Duke's special prisoner!"
"But there's been no word..."
"Open up!" Then in a low voice, "The prisoner is King Fredrik, himself!"
The Duke shifted uneasily. He wanted to get the man's attention, but could still feel the point of a dagger in his back.
"Give me the Keys!" Rolf demanded.
The Jailer, thoroughly intimidated, complied. What did it matter? They were bringing in a new prisoner, it was certainly not an escape.
"Wait here!" Rolf told the man.
Rolf left the two guardsmen behind with the Jailer. They did not wish to be followed. Once they were out of sight, Fredrik took the lead. He led the way to the lowest level, glad for the tour Juliet had given him.
Finally, they arrived at a heavy oaken door. It had not been opened for a long time, and Rolf had to struggle with the lock. Fredrik had learned of this chamber from Anna. Over the years, she had learned a lot of the castle's secrets.
At last it opened.
The torchlight revealed a small, lightless chamber with shackles set into the walls. There was a corpse chained to the wall. It was dried and shriveled up. An empty bowel lay just out of reach.
They shackled the Duke next to the corpse.
"I'm afraid we must leave you now. But at least you're not alone. Here's an old friend of yours," Fredrik said as he pulled the sack off of the Duke's head.
Now for the first time, the Duke's face betrayed fear. He recognized this death chamber, the "Cell of the Forgotten". He had abandoned many here to die in lonely misery. His eyes moved involuntarily to a pile of bones tossed into a dark corner. No one left this place alive… or dead. Was this to be his tomb as well?
"And now, regrettably, we must take our leave."
They slammed the heavy door, and Rolf turned the rusty lock.
Back with the Jailer, Rolf removed the keys to the Duke's shackles and prison door.
"The Duke wishes to hold these keys himself. No one but the Duke, himself, is to open that door!"
He threw the remaining keys onto the floor, and took the frightened man by his tunic.
"And no one is to know of this... on pain of death."
And then, Fredrik and his men left the frightened man.
But still, they had to get out of the castle.
✠
As soon as they were out of sight of the gate, Friar John led the women toward the Red Onion. The old innkeeper and his wife were delighted to see Elise. They remembered her mother well, and were amazed at the turn of events. As Garth brought his cart from the stable Friar John explained the situation to the Ranger, Karl.
"His Majesty commands you to guard the Queen, and see her safely to the castle at Waterton."
"It will be an honor."
"Now, I must return to the Abby. Godspeed."
Garth drove the cart though the twisted streets toward the city gate. The two women had discarded their disguises, and were now dressed as simple peasant women. Karl rode behind, his cloak covering his sword.
At the gate, they were questioned, because of the lateness of the hour. But their explanation of needing to get home, was accepted. After all, they were only harmless peasants, returning to the country. The watchmen did have some question concerning Karl. But they were satisfied with Garth's explanation of his "nephew's" escorting them for protection from robbers.
As they left the city behind, Garth stepped up the pace. He wanted to put as much distance between them and the castle as possible, before daylight.
To be continued
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