Cursed by Bandits (Once Upon A Curse)

26. Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

“ R owan, we need to talk.” Jane’s eyes darted around, bouncing from the vendor tents to the arenas and back. “In private, as soon as possible.”

I moved to hike up my skirts before I realized I was still dressed as Robin. It had been a long, exhausting day that didn’t seem close to ending.

“You lead the way, I’ll follow,” I said, unable to make a decision about where to go. Too many options ran through my head and I wasn’t capable of grabbing one and focusing on it long enough to convey it to Jane.

Jane paused for a moment, then nodded, leading the way into the keep. Instead of turning towards our rooms like I expected, she went into the bustling kitchen, making her way through it until we were in the room where mead and other beverages was stored.

“What’s so important that you’ve dragged me away from the festivities?” I looked around our location. “And so secretive.”

Jane pulled some papers out of her pouch. “I found your father’s last nurse. The one that stuck around the longest.”

“Why are you just now telling me this?” I reached for the papers.

Jane held them out of my reach. “I didn’t want you distracted. But I sent her a letter, and she wrote me back. It’s not going to make things better.”

Jane’s eyes were watery as she handed me the letter, the slight tremble in her hand exaggerated by the crinkling of papers extended in front of her. I took it and unfolded it with care, my breath unsteady as my heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest. This was the first genuine lead we had. She could tell us something about what happened to my father, confirm whether or not my uncle had a hand in my father’s death.

Dear Jane,

I remember Laird Richard well. He was a kind man and a gentle ruler. It broke my heart to see him wither away like he did. To watch his mind betray him. I knew there was something else going on when I took over as his nurse. His illness was sudden and severe, beginning soon after his brother arrived for a visit. It is my belief that he was poisoned, but I could never prove it. I was given the medicines to administer to him. However, I was never included in the mixing process. His symptoms were consistent with a toxin that is very rare and that leaves no trace. I started to give him the antidote, but the symptoms persisted until Laird Richard didn’t know who he was or where he was. It is my greatest wish I was hired sooner and could have done more for him. I wish I could discuss this further, but now is not the best time. Hopefully soon, we can meet and talk more. Get everything out in the open.

Yours sincerely,

Nurse Eleanor

I read the letter once, then immediately read it again. As I read each word a second time, something seemed off with the nurse’s words. Even though the letter echoed Tuck’s suspicions, it was difficult to comprehend. How could my uncle be ruthless enough to kill his own brother, poison him? Watch someone that had cared for him his entire life lose their ability to remember who they were. It was so hard to believe. Poisoned. The word bounced through my thoughts, bringing a flood of images of my father from the healthy man I remembered to the man the nurse described. Anger, grief, and a burning desire for justice coursed through me, hardening my resolve. There was no way I could let my uncle get away with this.

“Poisoned,” I whispered, looking up at Jane. “My father was poisoned.”

Jane nodded, her eyes filled with sorrow. “I thought you should read the words yourself. I hope it’s okay I didn’t tell you sooner. My goal was to arrange to see her as well, but she’s been steadfast in her refusal to meet during the tournament, in case your uncle finds out.”

I nodded, feeling a new resolve harden within me. “Thank you, I understand and I know you weren’t keeping it a secret. Did you notice anything strange about her words, though? She never actually said he was dead. Just that his symptoms continued.”

Jane’s eyes widened as she took the letter back and scanned it again. “You’re right. She only mentioned the symptoms and her regret that she couldn’t do more for him.” A mix of relief and concern flitted across Jane’s face. “I’ll try to find the notebook you saw in your uncle’s study while everyone is busy at the tournament tomorrow, but you need to stay focused on your task. We can’t afford any slipups.”

I tried to stop the surge of hope growing inside me. Could my father actually be alive somewhere? If he was, why hadn’t he come forward? Did he not know what was happening in Lockersley or that I was back? So many questions ran through my mind, all of them a distraction that I did not have time for.

“We have to find him if he’s still alive. If he’s not, we’re already on the path to seek justice for his murder.”

Jane nodded, her lips pursed with the same determination I had. “We will figure it out. Right now, you need to stay focused on the tournament and your role as Robin. You have to do everything you can to subdue your uncle’s suspicions.”

So much of what needed to happen depended on me and my abilities. The weight of it was crushing, but the potential that my father might still be alive gave me strength. I hugged Jane, thankful she was here by my side even after nothing here was like I promised her. I don’t know what I would do without her friendship.

“I’m ready,” I said. Taking a deep breath, I rolled my shoulders and tugged my cap down. “Let’s win this tournament, and then we’ll figure out what really happened to my father.”

Jane cracked open the door to the storeroom. “We’ll meet again tonight in the forest after the festivities. Promise me you’ll be careful. ”

“I will do what I can to protect myself.” That wasn’t what Jane had asked for, but it was the best I could do under the circumstances.

As we left the kitchens and made our way back to the crowd, the cacophony of noise and excitement of the tournament accosted my ears. The confirmation of my father’s poisoning made it difficult to keep the smile on my face as I weaved through the merriment around me. I had to play my part in the tournament. My people were depending on me more than ever, whether they knew it or not. But my heart wanted to focus on another goal: uncovering the truth about my father and bringing those responsible to justice.

Today, we had taken the first step towards repairing the town of Lockersley and unraveling the mystery that had haunted me since my return, since Tuck had uttered his suspicions. I would do whatever it took to ensure that my father’s legacy was honored and avenged.

The festivities continued around me, the sounds of music and laughter a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. I knew I had to play my role convincingly and needed to win the tournament. However, the confirmation that my father’s death, if he was truly dead, was no accident, changed everything. It made it incredibly difficult to focus on the task at hand. Instead of risking being seen in the mood I was in, I made my way to the forest early. I needed a place to sit and wallow in my emotions. If I didn’t, I wasn’t sure I could get my head on straight and finish what I needed to finish.

I slipped through the crowd, moving farther and farther away from the joyous atmosphere. I walked down to the beach, away from my uncle and his schemes and ultimatums. My plan had been to continue on to the forest and wait for Jane and the rest of my merry bandits there, but I found myself stripping down to nothing and running into the frigid waves. I dove in and swam until I couldn’t handle the cold anymore. My swim couldn’t have lasted more than fifteen minutes, but it was enough to bring my focus back to where it needed to be. I guess swimming had it’s purpose. It still wasn’t something I would call fun, but it helped focus my mind.

“Oh shit, I’m supposed to have dinner with my uncle.” I threw on the clothes that I could in a hurry and gathered the rest. A string of curses escaped my lips as I made my way up the stairs to the keep. The fear of getting caught was the only thing that kept my legs climbing. The exhaustion from the competition and the constant fear of my uncle discovering me was kicking in, but I didn’t have time for it. I had to keep going and change before dinner.