“Cleopatra?” A young voice caught her attention. She turned her head to find the boy sitting close to Jude.
“Yes?” she answered shifting her eyes to the men around her. The boy got up and moved to her. She scooted closer to the wall as she kept her eyes locked on him.
“I’m Hugh,” the boy said.
The name sounded familiar. She had heard of the servants speaking of a boy that had been brought into the manor, but never laid eyes on him before. After all, her father kept her hidden well away. Even when she managed to escape to the ruins and dashed through the manor, she never laid eyes on him. For all she knew, Hugh was nothing more than a bit of gossip. Although, she did harbor pity for the young boy. After all, he was as much a prisoner in her father’s house as she was.
Cleopatra looked to the small hand extended out to her. Hesitating, she waited for a clue as to what to do. She had been so used to not being paid any attention that to have someone come to sit with her frightened her.
“Ye ken ye can sit closer,” Hugh said with a little smile. “My faither may be rough, but he and his men daenae bite.”
“I hope not,” Cleopatra said as Hugh shifted his eyes to his hands.
“Ye ken, I’ve seen ye skirtin’ the shadows of yer faither’s house.”
“I’m afraid I did not see you,” Cleopatra said.
“Aye, they put me up as a servant. Suppose ye wouldnae have seen me much, if at all. But, ye daenae have to sit here all alone. Come, warm yerself by the fire.”
“I…I do not understand,” Cleopatra said.
“We arenae as bad as ye think. I promise.”
A small smile drifted over Cleopatra’s lips and she nodded. “No, I do not think you are.”
“But ye’re missin’ home, arenae ye?” Hugh asked finally bringing his eyes to meet hers. She nodded. Although she wasn’t welcomed at her home, it was the only place she had to go to. It was where she grew up and that kind of tie doesn’t snap easily.
“When I was taken, I too missed home. I thought I’d never see it again. But here I am, me faither came for me, just as I ken yer faither will come for ye.”
“Hugh,” Jude’s voice shocked the boy and he whipped his head around. “Ye need to rest. We all do. The day will come early and we still have a long way to go.”
“Aye, faither,” Hugh answered as he turned back to Cleopatra. With a smile, the boy patted Cleopatra on the shoulder. “Night then.”
“Good night, Hugh,” Cleopatra said as she turned her attention to the opening of the cave. Her heart sank as she realized they had traveled further from her home than she had expected.
Now how am I going to get back? I don’t even know which way to go. I should have paid better attention to the trail. But if I don’t go now, I’ll never be able to find my way back home.
No, it has to be tonight. No matter what, I know I’ll find my way home. I have to.
A clap of thunder rolled overhead as a flash of light streaked across the dark sky. Her heart sank as the sky opened and poured down water. All her brilliant plans to escape washed from her. She scooted to the ground and rolled over.
Across the burning coals, she noticed Jude’s eyes on her. Her heart quickened. For a moment she wished she could read his mind to know what he was thinking. Uncertainty filled her as she wondered if he could predict her next moves, though his gaze held no malice, it was more of a smolder that seemed to seep into her very soul.
She pulled in a quick gulp of air as the sparks of the fire flickered above the flames as though he were casting a spell on her. Swallowing the lump forming in her throat, she felt her cheeks begin to burn. Unsure if the flames came from within her, or if she felt flushed from the fire, she rolled over.
In the back of her mind, she knew Jude was still watching her. She could feel his eyes on her as she allowed a smile to play on her lips while watching the shadows dance on the wall.
With the rain pelting the cave, Cleopatra knew if she was to flee, this would be the time to do it. Although she wasn’t sure of the way back, she would at least have a chance. If she waited any longer, the way would be even more treacherous.
As the hours passed and the sound of the rain drew her to sleep, she fought to remain awake. She rolled over to the other side and scanned the faces of those around her. The low snores gave her the confidence she needed to move. Pulling in a deep breath, she inched her way to the opening.
The cold frigid rain pelted her face as she got to her feet. Stealing one last look at the cave and its inhabitants, she gathered her courage. Without further hesitation, she stepped out into the stormy night.
4
Jude held his son tight against him fearful he would wake up to find it all a dream. He breathed in deeply and listened to the sound of his son’s breath. Despite the rain dripping through the cracks of the cave roof, Jude couldn’t have been more pleased.
What do I do about the girl? She appears capable. After all, she brought the jug of water up from the river alone. Somethin’ I honestly dinnae think she’d do. She has spirit, one that I havenae seen in a woman in many years.
Jude’s heart began to race as his mind drifted to Cleopatra. It was her almond-shaped brown eyes and her golden blond hair that intrigued him. She wasn’t like the other girls in his part of Scotland. No,
