Duncan nodded as he stood and removed his stole. “I think so. It’s too soon to tell for sure, but he’s showing all the proper signs.” He touched the stole to his lips, then tossed it onto the altar as he headed for the secret door. “One thing is fairly evident, though. More happened to him than just a hole in his hand. We’ll have to ask him when he comes to.”

As Duncan activated the door, Morgan picked up the unconscious Kelson in his arms, again pulling the crimson cloak more closely around his young charge. Duncan picked up the swords from the floor, scanning the chapel once more, then held aside the tapestry to re-enter the study.

Soon, he and Morgan were making their way back through the secret passage toward Kelson’s apartments.

“I still dinnae see how they could’ve got past wi’out us seein’ ’em!”

The speaker struck a light and touched it to the candelabrum beside Kelson’s bed, then turned to his two companions. “I thought ye were watching, Lawrence.”

The one called Lawrence sheathed his sword with a gesture of finality, then threw the dark cloak back off his shoulders, let his hood fall back.

“I cannae explain it, m’lord. I did nae see any man come in nor out since late this afternoon, when the prince an’ His Grace entered.” He paced to the fireplace and stirred the embers with the toe of his boot, then pulled several logs into the dying fire.

“Well, if ye ask me,” the third man said, also lowering his sword, “I’m glad they’re not here. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to strike at Lord Alaric. After all, he is our sworn lord.” He sat gingerly on the edge of the royal bed and tested it with a slight bounce, then hastily stood again at the sharp glance of Lawrence.

“D’ye think there could be another way out o’ this place?” Lawrence said, looking suspiciously around the room from his vantage point by the fire. “Methinks I’ve heard rumors o’ secret passages an’ the like. Do ye think they could ha’ got out that way?”

Edgar, the first speaker, frowned and considered the notion. Though he was of the nobility, and one of Morgan’s vassals, he was not known for his mental agility. He functioned adequately in his role as border lord, and was widely touted as a fine fighter, but subtleties of deduction were not among his strengths. At length, he cocked his head and nodded, drawing his sword.

“Aye, ’tis possible. And if ’tis true, they might come back any minute.”

As he began roaming suspiciously around the room, poking into dark corners with his blade, the third man moved cautiously to the fireplace.