Chapter Twenty Seven
Alec opened his eyes and reached for the sword above his head. He sat up the instant before he heard someone shout his name.
Joanie jolted awake. “What’s going on?”
“’Tis David,” Alec said, pushing aside the blankets.
“Come,” he said as he started down the ladder.
He helped Joanie to the ground, then they hurried through the trees and into the clearing.
Scowling, David stood in the middle of the glade, his feet planted wide, and in his fist, he gripped a large piece of rolled up parchment.
Alec narrowed his eyes on the parchment and let go of Joanie’s hand as he stormed across the clearing and took the scroll from David’s outstretched hand.
Unraveling it, he scanned the page and found his own eyes staring back at him.
A moment later, Ramsay, Nick, and Paul appeared at his side. He gave Ramsay the scroll.
“What is it?” Joanie asked, arriving breathless at his side.
He erected his walls to shield her from his anger before he turned and showed her the image. “It is a likeness of me.”
She gasped and grabbed the parchment from Ramsay’s hand, her eyes scouring the page, apprehension and confusion pouring off her in pulsing waves.
She looked up at him, her face stricken. “I cannot read.”
He didn’t want her to know.
“What does it say?” she snapped.
There had to be a way to spare her.
“Someone tell me,” she cried, her eyes darted from face to face. He could feel the panic building within her.
“I am wanted for the robbery of the King’s Chapter House, or at least Randolph Tweed is.”
The parchment dropped from her fingertips as shock set in. “Joanie, breathe,” he said firmly as he pulled her into his arms.
“I don’t understand,” David said. “How could ye be accused? No one could possibly suspect any of us.”
“That’s just it,” Alec began, “no one does suspect me. ’Tis Randolph Tweed who stands accused.”
Joanie looked up at him, her brows drawn. “But the keeper favors you. I ... I was standing right there when he said so.”
“He did,” Alec said softly. “But the keeper’s palace, the palace ye knew, disappeared the moment Edward’s soldiers returned.
John’s life is forfeit. The missing treasure is only one of several charges he will no doubt face, although the Chapter House robbery will certainly be the gravest charge.
Edward’s man would have demanded answers. He would have wanted names.”
“But why would John accuse you?” Joanie asked.
“I doubt he did, but if someone else accused me, I do not believe John would have championed me when his own neck was on the line.”
“Geoffrey,” she gasped.
Alec nodded.
“Who is Geoffrey?” Ramsay asked.
“My old master,” Joanie muttered. “The one Alec paid one-hundred silver marks for my freedom.”
“’Tis a small fortune ye paid this man. Why would he turn on ye?” Nick asked.
“Because the coin I paid him I later stole back.” He turned to Joanie. “We must go.”
“Alec, ye ken they are likely spreading these in every tavern, ale house, and village green in Scotland. And look at the price on yer head.”
Joanie’s eyes widened. “You didn’t say there was a price on your head. What is the amount, Ramsay?”
“One-hundred silver marks, an amount I’m certain is no coincidence,” Ramsay said, then turned to Alec. “I will need just a minute to gather my affects.”
Alec shook his head. “Ye needn’t come along. I ken ye’re supposed to return to Haddington. Brother Matthew will want yer report.”
“Brother Matthew will want us to stand with our brother.”
“Ramsay’s right,” David said. “Ye’re a wanted man now. If ye still insist on going to Saint Gabriel, we’re coming with ye.”