Chapter 14
T wo days. In just two days, Comgall would become king, and he would marry Princess Eithne. Or, more likely, Dubnus would reveal the truth and Bethany would find herself sentenced to death or something equally terrible. Bethany had two days to find a way out - and she still had no idea how she would achieve it.
She and Matthew spent the day wandering around Dunadd. Matthew thought they were just exploring, and he took great delight in seeing all the wonderful new sights. He knew not to speak in front of other people, thankfully. Once again, Bethany was grateful that her son was so intelligent. And, of course, it helped that he could not understand a word of the Gaelic spoken by Dunadd’s inhabitants. He was hardly going to reply to something that sounded like gibberish.
So far, she had learnt more about the blacksmith and the emergency supplies, but very little about secret ways out. She knew that a successful escape must be overland. She had more than learnt her lesson about escape by boat. But that attempt might have ruined her chances in more ways than one - she suspected Comgall now had the guards at the gate looking out for her. She would not be able to stroll straight out a second time.
Surely, there must be some kind of small door somewhere in the wooden wall that surrounded Dunadd. For emergencies, perhaps, or just for convenience. But the day wore on and Bethany found no sign of anything that could help her. Dunadd seemed just as impregnable from the inside as it was from the outside. Perhaps she could think of an excuse to visit the village, and then escape from there. Although, no doubt Comgall would insist on sending a guard with her. It might still be her best bet. She did not have much more time to waste.
Bethany was still mulling over that idea as she and Matthew strolled back up to the top layer of the hill fort. How had she not noticed that tent before? Its bright red fabric stood out against the dull browns of the buildings and the grey of the sky. A tent could certainly not help her to escape, but it still caught her attention. Even stranger, two guards stood to attention beside the small square structure.
Curious, Bethany wandered over.
“What is this?” she asked one of the guards.
He snapped to attention and then bowed low to her.
“It is to cover the inauguration site, my lady,” he said. “The holy stone is underneath. It must be kept private and secure, now that it has been prepared for King Comgall’s inauguration.”
“Of course,” Bethany said, understanding dawning. This was where the footprint carving lay, on the edge of the hill fort’s topmost layer. No wonder she had not yet seen it in this time period. Did it still look the same? Did it still hum with that power that had thrown her and Matthew through time? Her curiosity only grew.
“Is the area entirely closed to visitors?” she asked, and bit her lip. She sounded far too enthusiastic.
The guard looked crestfallen.
“I am afraid it is, my lady. No disrespect intended. But it will be on view again very soon for the inauguration! You may have time to see it before your wedding.”
“Yes. Before the wedding,” Bethany echoed. She would be long gone by then. It looked as if she would just have to forsake a viewing of the footprint. Never mind. It probably looked much the same as it had her whole life. How much could a simple carving in a rock change? Still, she felt a little disappointed as she turned away.
Someone came storming out of the tent. They brushed past Bethany, knocking her sideways but not slowing down. It seemed they had not noticed her at all. But as Bethany got her balance back, she saw exactly who had pushed past her so rudely. She gaped after the retreating back of the figure who was unmistakably Dubnus.
What was that he held? It couldn’t possibly be - no. Bethany rushed after him, trying to squeeze around all the people in the way. She needed a better look. But he disappeared into the church before Bethany had a chance to catch up with him and confirm her first impression. She thought about going after him but decided against it. There was no point in forcing yet another confrontation with Dubnus - she should be trying to avoid him. But it had looked very much like he was carrying a modern plastic shopping bag in each hand.