“Not found ’er yet, then?” he asked soberly, as the men passed around the lit torches.
“No. We have searched every last barn and copse within a five-mile radius.”
“You have been to the woods above your Castle?”
“That was one of the first places we looked and I am fast running out of places to try.”
“Well, good luck, my Lord. Send word when you find ’er.”
The Earl turned Saladin onto the road and rode on ahead of his men.
As he approached the next crossroads, he noticed a stooped figure making her way slowly along the road.
In the twilight he thought he recognised something about the old woman’s face.
“I say,” he called, making Saladin trot alongside.
The old woman looked up and in an instant he saw it was who he suspected.
“Nanny!” he shouted. “I am so pleased to see you. Miss Me
