Knight of Runes (24 page)

How strange it was to know he’d been successful. His biggest fear was erased.

They sat in silence, looking out at the blue ripples in the lake.

“I dreamt of this,” she told him. “I was swimming, and couldn’t get to shore.”

“What did you do?”

She shrugged. “Nothing. It was you. You came and got me. And took me home.”

“Home.” He helped her to her feet and they started back to the Manor. It was the first time he heard her say the word.

“Arik, can I steal Rebeka away from you for a while?”

“Aye, Doward, but not too far, she may tire.”

Her eyes rolled and the corner of her mouth twisted in exasperation. “All right, both of you, I’m fine. I’m not going to swoon!” She looped one arm in Arik’s, the other in Doward’s, and steered them toward the garden. “Doward and I can talk in the garden’s summerhouse. I can rest if I get tired. Do you both agree?”

Arik left them at the garden entrance.

“I’ve told Arik everything,” she told Doward. “He understands better than either of us thought.”

“I’m not surprised. He’s returned to the old ways. He understands some things cannot always be explained by logic and accepts them.”

“The old ways?”

“The way of nature and the Otherworld.”

She stared at him baffled. “The Otherworld?”

“Arik can read the runes and understand the formulas and spells because he’s a Druid. Actually he’s a powerful Druid priest He tried to help Leticia but nothing he did could heal her. Tormented when she died, he denounced his powers.”

“He must have been devastated.”

“The king believed, as many did, that while Leticia lived, the land would be safe. Arik promised the king he would protect Leticia with his life. But even the mighty Druid, Arik, couldn’t heal her.”

“I knew there was something special about him from the very beginning.” She looked up, a bit disoriented, and quickly pulled her drifting thoughts together. “At the festival, I saw the runes on his body but I didn’t know their significance. I thought them only a warrior’s battle markings.”

Doward moved to the edge of the bench and spoke eagerly. “Letty bound up her writings in magic to keep them secure. When you uncovered her book and were able to read some of the runes, he had no choice but to awaken his powers. The Council gladly restored them to him. He should have done it sooner, when he realized the attackers at the river wore Bran’s mark. I just hope he isn’t too late. Now he’ll set things right. Including helping you return to your proper time.”

“I don’t think I want to go back. I’m staying here.”

“No! If you stay, you’ll change history and who knows what will happen. You must go back.” His voice was uncompromising but oddly gentle.

She got up and paced the small garden. He was right of course. She couldn’t stay. But the thought of going back, something she’d been pursuing for months, was the last thing she wanted to do.

“I’m sorry to be so abrupt. I didn’t know you felt this way.” He spoke firmly. “You must return to your time.”

She couldn’t face Doward. The question tore at her insides. Once Arik found his answer and protected his land, would he need her? Perhaps that was the meaning of her vision? If she stayed, the family would be doomed. Icy fear gripped her heart. She knew Doward was right. “Let’s not say anything to anyone. Please?”

“I’ll say nothing.”

“Arik knows I came through time. He must know how to get me back. I’ll find a way to make him tell me.”

The library was quiet except for the shuffling of pages. Maps and papers were scattered over the table. A light floral fragrance filtered in through the open terrace door.

“Logan, could you translate these runes while I work on the formulas? They’re not as they should be.” Arik, Rebeka and Logan sat at the library table bent over Letty’s book.

“Are these the maps of the lightning strikes?” Rebeka asked, holding up a parcel of papers.

“Yes.”

Her heart wasn’t in the research. How many times had she sat at this table hoping to find the way back. Now she looked only half-heartedly and hoped the secret remained hidden.
Not yet.
She knew she had to leave. She also knew that the longer she put it off the more difficult it would be. Her heart pounded out the words with every beat.
Not yet, not yet, not yet.
She shook her head and pushed the thought aside.
I will ask him, but not yet.

She forced herself to concentrate and once again looked at the maps that lay on the table. Each represented a different section of land. She shuffled them around and tried to make some sense of them but it was difficult. The scales were all different. She used a larger map of the area to get a better overall picture. Looking back and forth between small maps and the larger one gave her an idea. She began to transpose all the lightning strikes to one map.

A gentle August breeze wafted through the open doors, disturbing the papers on the table. She picked up a cloth-wrapped stone from the basket on the floor and set it down on the corners of the papers to hold them in place.

When she finished, it still didn’t make any sense. She traced a line between the various points to count them off. An odd sensation flashed up her neck. She knew this pattern but couldn’t put her finger on it. She tore through Leticia’s journal looking for something…she didn’t know what. She would know it when she saw it.

There it is!
She reached for her corresponding notes.

“Arik, this section mentions wards.”

“Let me see.” He stood leaning over the table and took the book from her. “Ah, warding the land. It’s a basic practice for protection. Here let me show you the Manor wards on the map.” He took one of the smaller maps from under one of Rebeka’s improvised paperweights. “I placed the wards there myself a long time ago.”

Rebeka looked carefully at the spots Arik pointed to on the map while Arik seemed to be distracted by the paperweight in his hand.

“Do you know where you found this stone?”

“Let me see.” She took the cloth off the stone and read the information. “Ah.” She searched the table, moving through the maps, looking for one in particular. “Here.” She pulled out the map of Oak Meadow, pointed to one of the notations and handed it to Arik. He examined the stone and paid particular attention to the etched marks.

“Can anyone do the warding?” She gazed at the stone he held.

“Warding is a basic skill for an adept.” He spoke absently. “It includes choosing the correct places, writing the correct formulas, using the correct chant and a talisman.”

Rebeka returned to Leticia’s journal. “What type of talisman?”

“For me it’s the runes I wear.”

“For someone who doesn’t have runes what would it be?”

“It could be anything as long as it’s infused with the sacred words.” He put the stone down and looked at her.

“What was Leticia’s talisman?” She sat down in the chair and gave him her full attention.

“Her amulet, she was never without it. What have you found?” He leaned closer to her.

“I found two things, first about the wards. I’ve transposed all the lightning strikes onto one map. Look at the pattern.” She handed him the map. “The section of the pattern shows all your land covered by warding. If we complete the pattern, this land to the north would also be included.”

“Stuart’s estate? I didn’t ward his property. I didn’t ward my land. I only warded the Manor to keep Letty safe.” He took the map from Rebeka to see for himself.

He picked up another covered rock from the basket and took off the cloth and found the etching on this stone more readable. “This is part of the warding formula but it has subtle differences. Show me where you found this stone.”

Rebeka checked the references. “Here, close to Autumn Chase.”

Arik finished drawing the warding pattern on the large map.

“Luke.” His new houseboy hurried into the room. “Marcus should be at the practice fields. Tell him I want to see him.” Within minutes, his captain entered the library, still wearing his dusty practice gear.

“Marcus, at sunrise, I want you to take two men and go to the two areas I have marked on this map. You’re searching for stones buried in the ground. They’ll be close to the surface.”

“Do you want me to bring them to you?”

“No. If they have any markings on them, copy them and bring that to me.”

“Wait, Marcus. Let me show you how to make a rubbing of the stone.” Rebeka turned to Arik. “Would that work?”

“Yes, it would be fine.”

Rebeka showed Marcus the technique before he left.

She was confused. “Why do you want to see the markings?”

“I didn’t ward this area. According to the stones you’ve found, and the pattern that’s emerging, I think the remaining stones would be where Marcus will search. I need more information. We’re getting closer but there are still some unanswered questions. Now, what else did you find?”

“Leticia mentioned the amulet began to irritate her. She applied a soothing salve. She mentions it here.” She showed him the journal.

He read the page and, when he was done, he raised his head.

“Why didn’t she tell me?” He spoke more to himself than to Rebeka.

“The dates in her journal match the dates documenting her illness.” Arik opened a locked compartment in the desk and removed a pendant. His fingers ran over the gems and rubbed the intricate gold chain. His eyelids slid closed and his body stilled, all but his fingers which continued to caress and rub the gems. His eyes flew open when he had teased out the information he sought.

“It’s been tampered with.” His voice was a bare whisper.

She could see the thoughts racing in his head.

Louder, with more certainly he stated, “Someone altered the spell.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know. I need to see the inscriptions on the ward stones. With any luck, Marcus will find them intact.” Arik offered nothing else. Rebeka busied herself and waited.

Late the following morning, Arik’s captain rode through the stone gate. He found Arik in the courtyard.

“Arik, here are the rubbings of the stones. They weren’t far from the surface.” Arik took the documents into the library where Rebeka was already working. He spread the parchment on the table and searched them, eager to decipher their message. Finally, he pushed his chair back from the table.

“These two stones are whole. They don’t appear to have been struck by lightning. You can clearly see the etched formulas. Each warder crafts his signature into the formula. This one appears to be protection for a large parcel of land. It includes Stuart’s estate and the area where you came down the mountain. A great deal of energy is needed to protect an area that vast. There is something else. This formula has a small subtlety. Once the ward is broken, the energy is drained—not only from the ward, but from the land as well. It would leave the land and the people vulnerable to almost certain destruction.”

“Where did the energy go?”

“Not to where but to whom. The energy was shifted to someone. Last night I wondered what would cause the amulet to irritate Letty. It was made only for her. What she felt as irritation was her energy being drained. Her energy must have been directed to someone else. The spells on the amulet and on the stone have the same signature. I thought it strange that it went missing when she died. Now I know. Whoever took it killed her. Leticia was murdered.”

“Can you tell whose signature it is?”

“I have my suspicion.”

“You’ve solved the problem. It’s not the weather at all. Someone is purposefully trying to destroy the land, Arik. It’s my dream. Someone is out to destroy your family.”

“Yes. The wards must be adjusted at once. Then we can see about identifying the signature.” He didn’t tell Rebeka restoring the wards would close the door to the future and prevent her from going back. Did he have a choice? He looked at her strong graceful profile as she worked. A voice deep inside told him to empower her, to let her make the decision. He closed his eyes. For the good of his people and family, he couldn’t do that. He had to adjust the wards immediately.

“Lord Arik.” Jeannie knocked lightly on the estate office door and entered. “Sir Stuart’s man, Robert, is here to see you.”

“Send him in Jeannie and bring some ale.” Arik sat at his desk searching through ancient documents looking for a way to close the wards, yet still give Rebeka a choice. So far, he found none. Bran was at the bottom of this, he was sure. His mark on the men and this subtle attack was his style, his signature. Arik studied the deadly formula so he could craft the antidote and make certain there were no after-effects. Magic was a tricky thing.

The messenger came into the room and bowed, just as Skylar arrived.

Arik looked at his niece and then at Robert.
What goes here? Skylar must know that Jeannie brought Robert to see me.
He looked at the two of them and stifled a smile.
I don’t need to be a magician to see what this is about. Well, Skylar is of age and Robert is cousin to Beatrice and is fast becoming one of Stuart’s best men.

“Skylar, Robert brings me news from Sir Stuart. Wait on the terrace. I’ll call you when our work is done.” Arik sounded more dismissive than he intended.

Jeannie appeared with two glasses of ale, handed one to each man and scurried out.

“Have some ale. I’m certain you can use it after your long dry ride from Autumn Chase.

Now what news do you bring from Sir Stuart?”

“Our patrol met Marcus and his men when they were looking for the stones in the field. He told us their mission and showed us how to make the rubbings. We found similar stones in two of our fields. Recent rains washed the ground away lifting them to the surface. When we realized what they were, we made rubbings. Sir Stuart told me to bring them to you.” He handed the documents to Arik.

Arik carefully reviewed them. “These are very good, Robert. Did Sir Stuart have any other news for me?”

“Nyx is doing well. She will not let any of our stallions near her. It seems your Spirit has spoiled her, sir.”

Arik laughed. “Well, I suppose I’ll have to ride over to see Stuart soon and give them some time together. I would not want Nyx to become too distraught. Besides, when I ride and give Spirit his lead he seems to head toward Autumn Chase.”

Arik gave Robert a knowing glance “If there is nothing else, feel free to take the rest of your ale on the terrace. There’s a nice breeze and a much better view there.”

Robert’s face exploded into a grateful smile. “Many thanks, sir.” He looked out the window on to the terrace with a tender expression. “It is indeed a beautiful view.”

From the corner of his eye, Arik watched as Robert exited onto the terrace. Skylar swung around to see him, the color rushing to her face.

Arik’s good humor turned to a frown.
I’m not ready to put her into someone else’s arms. Why she is still a child of, what, sixteen. Sixteen!
He took another look at her. How much like her mother, lovely and delicate and—if it was up to him, he would lock her away for another sixteen years.

Rebeka sat in the garden in front of the summerhouse. Skylar’s tinkling laugh and Robert’s strong baritone voice came to her from the terrace. She closed her eyes, envious of their innocence and the long years they had in front of them. A pang of loss, as if she were already gone, shot through her. She buried the thought deep and refused to think about it now. If she didn’t get hold of herself, she would soon be in tears.

Arik’s unexpected appearance startled her. “I thought you were busy in the estate office?”

He joined her on the garden bench, the rubbings in his hand. “Stuart sent these rubbings of some undisturbed ward stones he found.” He laid the rubbings out on the bench so they could both scrutinize them.

“We should add these locations to our map. Did you find anything?”

“It has the same signature we found in the other etchings and a familiar rune. Look here.” He pointed to a symbol. “An
H,
just like the one you saw tattooed on the men who attacked us at the river.” He drummed his fingers on the bench, worrying the problem. “It is indeed Bran’s mark. What’s he up to?”

She gently placed her hand on his arm. “Who is Bran?”

He sat back and let out a deep breath. “Bran and I were boyhood friends. Bran, Stuart, Letty and I were a tight group. We drove everyone mad when we were young. Bran always had to win. If he didn’t, his temper would show.” He smiled, but the soft brightness of the remembered time changed into the hard reality of the day.

“Bran and I trained together in a select order of knights. While our skills were almost equal, our personalities couldn’t be more different. All Bran cared about was what was in it for himself. He cared for no one else. As a result, the Council awarded me a place of distinction. Bran swore revenge.

“To compound the issue, he asked for Letty’s hand and she refused him. Everyone knew she and Radulf were for each other. We weren’t certain if he wanted Letty because he loved her, or to win against Radulf.”

“Is he that evil?” Her hands rubbed her arms as a cold wave of apprehension rushed over her.

He looked again at the rubbing, rose and paced the garden. “With Bran involved in this, it’s urgent I adjust the wards. They cover a vast area. It will take several weeks to complete.”

“When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow, I can’t wait any longer.”

“I’ll be ready.” She stood next to him, her intention to go with him evident.

He held her by her shoulders and let out a deep breath. “No, Rebeka, you can’t go with me. I need complete concentration. You’ll be a distraction.” He brushed the back of his knuckles down the side of her face.

His voice became a whisper. “I dare not take you on this journey because I can’t protect you while I ward. It is when you would be most vulnerable, and I will only be concerned about your welfare. You’ll be safe here.”

“But, Arik, I could help you.” She wanted to go.

“And how would you help? Do you know the formulas, the sacred words?” She frowned. “I thought not.” He crushed her to his chest slowly stroking her long hair. “You stay here and I’ll work twice as fast to get back to you. Besides, I’ll not be alone. Logan will be with me.”

“Do you think if Leticia was involved she thought she was doing something good by warding such a large area?”

“She may not have seen the subtlety. It’s possible. Her influence was not on a grand scale but one with a small intimate focus. I didn’t know she knew the way of warding. Radulf, her husband, was Stuart’s brother. Perhaps she thought to protect them once she realized the land was in jeopardy.” He shook his head slowly. “Come, we’ll put this with the other maps.”

They walked toward the library. “I still can’t understand why she didn’t speak to me about the warding. It’s obvious she got the instructions from someone.”

“Arik, wouldn’t you have known if she was able to do this warding? Is it possible she didn’t do the warding but someone else did?”

He looked at her, his brow furrowed in thought. “Why would she allow anyone else?”

“Allow?”

He combed his hand through his hair. “It’s complicated. Only the land owner can ward his property. Since the warded area includes my land and Stuart’s, the only person who could ward it would be an adept from both our houses. It would have to be Letty, Skylar or Aubrey. The girls are too young. It would have to be Letty unless—” He stopped in his tracks. Rebeka could almost see the thoughts cross his face. “Unless she used a proxy and had someone take her place.”

He couldn’t hide the pained expression in his eyes. “It’s like a dagger in my heart to feel Letty might have been used like that. She would never be disloyal to the family.”

She heard his suffering at the thought that Letty betrayed him. There must be another answer. “Perhaps there is something she wanted very badly. I can understand why someone would make a pact with the devil.”
I would, if it meant I could stay with you.

“She warded a very vast area. It even includes The Ridge where you came down the mountain.”

Rebeka went still. “Is there a ward on The Ridge?” she asked.

“Yes, there is.”

“Do you think the ward has something to do with my coming here?” She looked out the terrace door. She didn’t want to see his expression.

“It may, but The Ridge is not the way back.”

She held her breath. She willed him not to say anything. She closed her eyes, fearing his next words like a defendant waiting for the sentence from the judge.

“Your way back would lay with the great stones.” His voice faded to a hushed stillness.

There it was. For months she searched for the answer. She had all the pieces now—the chant, her talisman, her staff and now the place. Only now she didn’t want any part of it.

“Well, we seemed to have solved everyone’s problems.” She turned and faced him, speaking lightly. “The destruction will stop when you adjust the wards, the threat to you and your family will end when you defeat Bran, and I know how to go back.”

She strained to control her voice and hold back the tears, but she could feel her lips quiver with emotion.

She caught only a glimpse of Arik and saw the pain plainly marked on his face, his tightened body, and his hands flexing, ready to pull her back into his arms. But they turned away from each other.

A moment later he came up behind her, his mouth a hairsbreadth away from her ear, his hands gently but firmly holding both her shoulders. “Rebeka, you need not leave. Stay here.”

She closed her eyes and let her body lean against his. “Oh, if only I could. But we have no idea what we would set in motion. We both know I can’t remain here.” Her voice was a whisper. Tears trailed down her cheeks.

“Let’s not speak of this right now. Tomorrow I leave to adjust the wards and when I return we’ll discuss it. You have a part to play in all this. Why were you sent to me and not to some other? It has importance and meaning you have yet to understand.”

She brushed the tears away. A reprieve, but for how long? It didn’t matter. She would enjoy what time she had left for as long as possible.

“Uncle Arik, how long will you be gone?” asked Skylar. They were sitting at the evening meal.

“I think about two to three weeks if all goes well. We’ve much land to cover. Skylar, you seemed to enjoy Robert’s company. He’s a good man. If he comes while I’m gone, you may see him.”

Skylar’s cheeks flushed, lighting her face. “Thank you, Uncle Arik, thank you.”

Rebeka looked at him in astonishment.

He held up his hand to stop her from speaking. “It’s customary for a guardian to give his permission. I only go through the formality for I know if Robert came while I was gone, you wouldn’t stand in their way. Let me at least believe I still hold some sway here.” The shocked expression on Rebeka’s face turned into a full burst of infectious laughter that had everyone joining in.

“What about me, Uncle Arik? Uncle Logan is going with you and Robert will be visiting with Skylar. What am I to do?” asked Aubrey.

“You can work with me in the library. I can help you with your Latin and you can help me with the translations,” said Rebeka.

Arik finished his meal and turned to Rebeka. “Would you like to go to the lake? It’s a clear night and a large moon this eve.” He took her hand, drawing her out of the chair.

He held her hand, his thumb making the now familiar small circles on her wrist. Once again, his intimate touch made her heart pound.

The evening proved warm with only a few wispy clouds in an otherwise clear sky. The bright light of the rising moon made it difficult to see the stars. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves.

They reached the lake and stood staring across the water. They didn’t need to speak. He stood behind her, his leg pressed against hers in a silent request. She eased back against him feeling his strong hard muscles against her back. The moon dipped behind an errant cloud, and permitted the stars to shine. Rebeka caught sight of a star, closed her eyes and made a wish. It was childish, she knew, but she did it all the same.

“Are you dreaming?” he asked her softly, his breath tickling her ear.

“No, not really, I’m wishing on a star.”

“And for what do you wish?”

“Ah, if I tell you it won’t come true.”

He turned her around and looked into her eyes. “You don’t have to tell me. It doesn’t take a druid master to see your wish.” He took her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. She welcomed his touch, his taste and his warmth. Her arms around him, she bent into him, pressing her body against his. The softness of each touch roused her passion, and his own desire met hers, growing stronger every moment.

Hesitating, he raised his mouth from hers. She let out a deep sigh and opened her eyes. Her index finger gently traced his beautifully shaped lips.

“You take my breath away.” Her voice was a hoarse whisper. Standing on tiptoes, she touched her lips to his.

Arik eased her down onto the soft grass. Her dress crept up over her thighs as she moved closer to him. He wanted to touch every part of her to sear her with his brand.
Mine,
kept hammering in his head.
Mine,
he heard with every heartbeat.
Rebeka, I’m yours forever.

Her soft moan encouraged him. For a brief moment he thought of the future and tucked it away. Tonight everything else could wait. Tonight was theirs.

He undressed her slowly, his eyes savoring each reveal. His hand explored the lines of her waist and curve of her hips. His eyes sensuously slid over her body and when his gaze met hers, it kindled emotions that ran through him like a firestorm.

He answered her unasked question. “I’m memorizing every inch of you. While I’m away I want to touch you in my thoughts, like this.” His hand lightly stroked her shoulders, her arms, and worked their way over to her breasts. Her curves tucked neatly into the contours of his body. Eager to feel her silky skin against his, he eased his body over hers and reveled in the sensations as her body squirmed beneath him. He let out a low tormented groan.

With urgent fingers, she worked his shirt off, slipping it from his shoulders, and loosened his britches to free him. His muscles flinched at her gentle touch as her hands roamed over him and her fingers traced the runes on his shoulder and down his chest. She kissed the one over his heart with reverence.