Now though, as Marcus peered into the window of the small chamber from outside, Ander lay bloodied and beaten on a clean bed. The woman servant had tended to his injuries and he lay unmoving. Marcus knew the priest survived only because Lord Hugh needed him. But as he waited for the opportunity to enter the house, Marcus could feel the terrible results of the torture wrought on this innocent soul. Waiting for the house to clear of most of the guards, Marcus offered up prayers for his friends and their success . . . without him. When the chance came, he took it, moving quickly and quietly inside and down the corridor that led to the small chamber. Marcus lifted the latch as carefully as possible and inched the door open. Ander sat on the edge of a small cot, whispering to himself. Words about saints and purification and evil echoed around him. As Marcus crept into the chamber, Ander let out a sigh of desolation and exhaustion.
