Suddenly, the sound of a wooden cane hitting the stone path broke the quiet night.
Click. Clack. Click.
"What happened here?" a deep, powerful voice echoed clearly across the garden.
Everyone instantly turned their heads toward the sound of the voice.
Walking slowly out of the shadows, coming from the direction of the bright ballroom, was Duke Carson. The old Duke held his cane firmly in his hand. His face was serious, and full of authority. Walking one step behind him was Mr. Murry, holding a small oil lamp to light the way.
The armored guard immediately stood up perfectly straight and saluted. The doctor quickly bowed his head.
Elora, who was hiding behind the doctor's legs, saw her grandfather arrive.
Elora's eyes lit up with hope. She thought the old Duke would definitely take her side. She quickly scrambled up from the ground. She held her bandaged arm against her chest and ran toward the old man. She forced loud, dramatic tears to fall down her face.
