A Plot to Hatch

[Blackguard]

"It is time Peter," came the voice of a man with serious intent. The store room was dark and the two men were alone. The time of day was not obvious. Only those with a pocketwatch knew the true time.

 

There was a nod of acknowledgement. "Time to deliver the message to Princess Karoline, and the English King," came the reply with only the slightest of accents.

 

Months of preparation could not lessen the tension felt by the conspirators this evening. Before the night was out, there was a fair chance that at least one of them would be martyred. There was a growing sense that the mission had been compromised and the need for action was hastened.

[Blackguard]

The passage way was empty. No light was present to reveal the slinking man dressed as a servant. The guard had been distracted away from the entrance to the secret door -- a door that had been revealed by a sympathizer from within. The map of the passage had been memorized, as there could be no evidence that assistance had been provided.

 

The passageway was old as the castle itself. Weathered stone steps damp with moisture and moss had not felt the leather of shoes for some time. The deepest passages were the ones most easily forgotten. The tower held many secrets, a perfect witness to the secret that was now unfolding.

 

After long minutes of climbing, the servant came to the correct level. The Life Guard would be here. Peter had been warned.

 

It was not long before the light of a lantern could be seen ahead. That would mark the placement of a guard at the entrance to the suite being used by Princess Karoline and her family. Dark and purposeful eyes appraised the guard while the guard remained oblivious to the silent shadow approaching. A smooth stone was cast down the hall, past the guard, causing a richocet of sounds in that direction. The guard stood and looked in the direction of the noise, his back to the shadow that approached with club in hand ... .

[Blackguard]

Luck was with the intruder as he entered Karoline's bedchamber. Her ladies were in the other room. Slowly, he advanced to the canopied bed. Something emerged from his pocket and gloved hands slid it beneath the pillow that might hold the princess' head that very evening.

 

Timing was critical. He needed to leave before discovery. The guard in the corridor would be waking soon. At any moment, one of Karoline's maids might enter as well.

 

Slowly the shadow retreated back to the secret door, with soft steps designed to minimize sound. It was time to begin the escape.