Black Powder by Ally Sherrick Page B

don’t know.’ He crouched and traced his fingers along the bottom of the wall. The surface here had been lime-washed too, but it wasn’t brick. It was wood. His fingertips caught a draught of cool air. He ran them in a straight line up from the floor. They snagged against something halfway up. A loop of rope.
    â€˜I think I’ve found something.’
    She bent down next to him. ‘What?’
    â€˜It looks like some kind of handle.’ He tugged on the rope but it held fast. Ramming the candle into a nearby crevice, he gripped the rope with both hands and pulled. The section of wall lurched forwards. A cool rush of air flowed through the gap.
    Jago had done it!
    â€˜It’s a door.’ He yanked again, but it was stuck fast. He glanced over his shoulder. ‘Help me, can’t you?’
    She pouted. ‘But I’ll ruin my gown.’
    â€˜I’m sure the lord-your-father can buy you another.’
    She hoisted her shoulders and gave him an icy stare. ‘Are you mocking me?’
    â€˜We don’t have time for this. What if Grimwold comes back?’
    She didn’t move.
    â€˜Come on. Please . . .’
    She let out a sigh. ‘All right, but just remember, I’m not one of your peasant playfellows.’
    There she went again. Still, not long now and he’d be free of her and ‘Granny’ for good. ‘Put your arms round me and hold on tight.’
    Her arms circled his waist. He drew in a breath and braced himself. ‘One. Two. Three. Pull!’ He yanked on the door.
    Nothing happened.
    â€˜Harder!’
    Her fingers dug into his stomach. They pulled again. With a rickety groan, the door juddered then swung towards them.
    Tom staggered backwards and thudded to the floor. There was a moaning sound behind him. He rolled over and looked up. Cressida lay flat on her back in the dust, curls plastered to her forehead.
    He scrambled up. ‘Are you hurt?’
    She blinked then took a deep breath and sat up. ‘I . . . I don’t think so.’
    â€˜Here.’ He hauled her to her feet.
    She stared at the front of her dress. It was covered with smuts of dirt and cobwebs.
    He felt a twist of guilt. ‘I’m sorry.’
    â€˜It wasn’t your fault.’ She sniffed and shook out her skirts. A cloud of dust puffed up around her making her sneeze.
    â€˜You were right about the tunnel.’ He jerked his head at the door.
    â€˜I was, wasn’t I?’ She gave a small smile.
    â€˜Er, well . . . Goodbye then.’ He grabbed the candle closest to him, slung his bundle over his shoulder and turned to go.
    â€˜Wait. I’m coming too.’
    â€˜What?’ He spun round. If she thought he was going to take her with him . . .
    â€˜Only as far as the other end.’ She dabbed her nose with her kerchief. ‘I want to see where it comes out.’
    â€˜But won’t your granny be missing you?’
    She twisted the kerchief in her hands. ‘No, I don’t think so. In fact, I doubt anyone would really miss me much, even if I left Cowdray for good.’ Her bottom lip trembled.
    He widened his eyes. ‘What about your mother and father?’
    She shook her head. ‘The lord my . . .’ She glanced at him. ‘I mean, Father spends most of his time at court these days. And now my brothers and sisters are married, Mother has no reason to stay here either.’ Her eyes glistened. ‘That’s why I climb the tower each night.’
    He frowned. ‘What do you mean?’
    â€˜To watch for Father. In case he comes home. Except he never does.’ She raised the kerchief to her cheek and turned away.
    Was this a girl’s trick to try and make him feel sorry for her? Tom wasn’t sure. The tears looked real enough. But how could she be unhappy when she had everything anyone could ever want?
    â€˜Anyway’ – she blew her nose and