Gavin signaled to Duncan as he left the keep. Greylen and Gavin awoke their soldiers and increased their guard. Careful not to inform them what was amiss, they placed within each group two men they trusted implicitly. Then they headed toward the well.

Greylen had already lowered himself. Kevin and Hugh were holding lanterns from above, watching as he inspected the walls for discoloration and the water for odors.

Gavin took the rope and slid down. They stood in the water glaring at each other. “I see no signs, but I want it covered just the same,” Greylen ordered. “How could we not see it, Gavin? How?”

“We thought ’twas from her carrying,” he shouted. “I’m just as guilty, Greylen.”

“Did you see her body?” Greylen whispered.

“Aye. If you’d not awakened, Greylen…” He didn’t finish—he couldn’t.

Greylen finally gave the signal and they were pulled up, ordering a group of men to fill the well immediately. Then they stormed back to the keep and straight to the kitchen.

Greylen and Gavin lit every wick as Ian left to fetch Cook.

Gwen opened her eyes sometime later, confused by her surroundings. Then she realized she was in Lady Madelyn’s chamber. “Mother,” she whispered weakly.

“Aye, child, I’m here. You’ll be all right, Gwendolyn, you just need rest.”

“I ha—” An intense cramp made her gasp. “Speak—” Gasp. “Grey—”

“He’s outside with his men,” she said, gently pushing the hair away from Gwen’s face.

“Please.”

Lady Madelyn went to the door and when she opened it, Ian and Connell stepped inside. Obviously wishing to check her condition for themselves, they walked to the bed. They took note of her skin tone and inspected her eyes.

“Connell…take me to Greylen,” she whispered, holding out her arms.

He didn’t refuse her and cradled her in his arms as he carried her down the stairs. As they walked through the foyer he looked to Ian. “Lady, I must lay you down,” Connell said, trying to keep the anguish from his voice and failing quite miserably.

She could feel blood seeping along her legs and felt awful that he and Ian had to witness it, but she had to speak to Greylen. “Take me to my husband, Connell,” she said weakly. Then she added, though the words were barely audible, “’Tis an order.”

Gwen was confused when they passed the study, but when Ian held open the swinging doors, the sight before her made her aware that they already knew. The kitchen was ablaze in light, and Cook stood between her husband and Gavin at the island. Kevin and Hugh were in the process of emptying the entire pantry.

Cook, Greylen, and his men looked up at the same time. Each of them appeared horrified as they looked at her.