Page 100 of Marin’s Promise

“The earl is sending a large party out for food on the morrow.” Nan bent and stroked a black cat winding between her feet. “I am not sure Bixby will ever be the same. He misses Bran.”

“God willing, we shall see Bixby again. We shall see all of you again.” Marin's heart gave a little twist. It was probably an impossible dream, but it was one of her heart regardless.

“It's time,” Leila said.

Marin nodded and made her way to where the empty wine casks sat over the trap door to the tunnel. Nan pulled it aside and opened the trap door while Leila readied a torch.

“If you don't mind my saying, my lady.” Nan looked down at her hands.

“What is it, Nan?”

“You know my Hewie and I were never blessed with children of our own.”

Marin nodded.

“Forgive me, but I've always thought of you and your sisters as mine, especially after your mother…” Nan's explanation faded away rather than say the words none of them wanted to hear. “I love you girls as though you were my own.”

Marin hugged Nan and the cook returned the embrace with ferocity. “You be safe out there, aye?”

“I will,” Marin assured her.

Leila entered with the torch, its flame making a low crackling in the large room. Nan handed Marin a bag with a shoulder strap. “Food in case you need it. It isn't much, just a bit of bread and cheese and some ale.”

“Thank you.” Marin embraced both Nan and her sister one last time before accepting the food which she draped over her shoulder, and took the torch in her hand. Even as she descended into the tunnel, she knew what she did was madness. Yet she had to try.

She had to find Bran.