Sound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham Read Free Book Online Page B

to Dougal. He turned and jabbed at John’s curled back, to wake him. John didn’t open his eyes, but muttered something that suggested he considered Dougal to be the spawn of the devil.
    “Come to yer senses, man,” Dougal said. “We’ve business to attend.”
    John’s eyes brightened. And by the time Dougal and Aidan told him the plan, he was wide awake.

CHAPTER 6
    Little Pieces of Paper
    The next day the men were led into the courtyard as usual. Dougal hung back with John, surreptitiously watching the boys. He had to admit they were skilled at hiding what they were doing. Not even one soldier looked in their direction. The other prisoners didn’t pay attention to them either. He and John came as close to the boys as they could without making any obvious movements, and calmly observed the construction of their gateway to freedom.
    “Fine lads, these,” John muttered.
    Dougal nodded, keeping his eyes on the unwary guards. “Two days, they reckon. Then we’ll go.”
    “An’ what shall we do first?” John mused.
    Dougal frowned at him. “When?”
    “When we’re out of this cesspool. When we’re free men again.”
    Dougal grinned and crossed his arms over his chest. “Oh, there are a great many things I’d like to do. An’ to drink. But first off, I’d have myself a great, thick slice of meat. An’ fresh bread.”
    John’s expression was wistful. “Oh, I barely recall what that tastes like.” He licked his lips and Dougal noticed he’d lost a tooth that had been there the day before. “My mam always had bread for me,” John said. “She said no one could eat like I could.”
    Dougal chuckled. “She an’ my mother could have compared.”
    An official-sounding shout cut through the yard, and the soldiers awoke from their stupors. Dougal saw Joseph and Aidan wander back to the group as the soldiers corralled the prisoners. John and Dougal stood with the rest, arms folded, watching a group of important-looking men stride across the yard toward them.
    “That’d be Eyre,” said a small voice. Joseph. He peered between the shoulders of the larger men like a curious blackbird. “He’s the one in charge now.”
    Dougal had no idea how Joseph had known, but it was indeed Eyre. He was introduced to the men with much pomp, and the Highlanders watched, curious but wary. After having looked them over, Eyre straightened, jutting out a young chin freshly shaven that morning. Dougal’s own beard had grown back in, and looking at the man’s naked face made his own itch. Eyre gazed over the prisoners with a discerning eye.
    “Through the generosity of His Majesty the King,” he declared in a voice strong with confidence, “it has been determined that from the Jacobite rebels every twentieth man will be brought to trial for his part in the Uprising. He will be tried on behalf of the rest of the men contained here in this fort, as well as on behalf of those prisoners still contained on the ships tethered offshore.”
    The Highlanders exchanged puzzled glances. One man to stand and take the responsibility for twenty?
    “And what’s to do with the other nineteen?” called one of the Scots. The others kept quiet, waiting.
    “The remaining prisoners will be transported to His Majesty’s colonies.”
    That met with louder objections. The colonies were known to be a land dominated by beasts and savages who would be only too happy to feast on a Scotsman’s flesh.
    John turned to read Dougal’s expression and Dougal gave him a one-sided shrug. “I’d rather face a wild animal than feel the hangman’s noose ’round my neck.”
    “Sergeant!” Eyre shouted.
    “Yes, sir! All prisoners will now be arranged in groups of twenty, and will draw lots.”
    Dougal’s stomach tightened with anxiety. This was happening very quickly. Aidan had warned it would be soon, but today? Too soon by far. He glanced toward the boys. They had both gone white and were whispering madly to each other. This could foil their plans.