Highlander's Promise Read Online Free Page A

her and the one with the spear behind her and Minnoch following them, they made their way down a flight of stairs and into a narrow passageway with two cells on the left and two on the right, and Dawn’s stomach roiled from the foul odor. She was grateful they did not stop. The thought that Cree would have to endure such a horrid stench turned her stomach even more. They continued on, taking another set of stone stairs down. The deeper they went the more worried Dawn grew. How would they ever get out of this place?
    They entered another passageway, two torches barely casting sufficient light on the area. The guard in front of her stopped and the guard with the spear took tight hold of her arm.
    Minnoch stepped to her side and Dawn was surprised to see two more guards enter the narrow passage and flank the door of the lone cell with a narrow slit at the top that could barely be seen.
    “I have a very special gift for you, Cree... a woman to entertain you for a couple of days. And since I am aware that you like a woman who has no voice, I found you one. Have a look.”
    Minnoch did not wait for Cree to respond, he gave a nod to the guard who held her, and he and the other guard yanked and tore at her garments until she stood naked before them.
    Dawn shut her eyes, no man but Cree had ever seen her naked and the only solace she took in suffering such an indignity was that it would possibly save her husband’s life. Nothing was more important than that.
    “You are lucky, Cree, she has a fine body, one I would not mind plowing, but I like to hear a women scream when I take her.” Minnoch nodded to the one guard.
    He quickly drew a dagger from the sheath at his waist and sliced the bandage at her neck, letting it fall to the ground.
    Minnoch laughed. “Her husband grew tired of her endless chatter and slit her throat then threw her out. She is all yours now, though if you do not want her she can service the guards for the night.” He nodded to a guard by the door.
    The guard inserted a key in the lock and swung the door open.
    One of the guards shoved her toward the door, though it looked more like a yawning black hole she stumbled toward it.
    “Your choice, Cree,” Minnoch said with a laugh.
    Silence hung heavy, not even a breath was heard as all eyes looked upon the black hole and waited.
    A hand suddenly shot out of the darkness, grabbed her arm, and yanked her in. The door slammed shut, the key clicking in the lock.

Chapter Four
    Dawn was never so glad to feel her husband’s arms close tightly around her and she pressed her cheek against his naked chest. She fought back the tears that threatened to spill. She would not cry. She would not let Minnoch bring her to tears.
    “I do not hear you plowing her, Cree. Do I need to send one of my warriors in there to show you how it is done?” Minnoch said and laughter echoed in the passageway.
    Cree lifted her and she barely had time to get her legs around his waist before he slammed her back against the door so that it creaked in protest, then he pretended to take her, pounding his hand viciously against the door as he held her firm against him with his other hand. He grunted repeatedly, and then let out one last, long grunt.
    “I will be sure to let your wife know how you spent your last few days and do my best to console her,” Minnoch said and loud laughter soon drifted off as the passage emptied.
    “I am going to take great pleasure in killing that bastard,” Cree whispered angrily near his wife’s ear. His voice softened, though the anger did not leave it when he asked, “Have you been harmed?”
    Dawn tapped his arm twice, answering no.
    Cree quickly shifted her in his arms and carried her deeper into the dark cell, walking without the slightest hesitation, as if he could see the small space clearly. He lowered them both to a spot on the ground, settling her on his lap, tucking her close and keeping firm hold of her. He turned silent, saying nothing.
    Dawn knew