Druid Knights 02: Knight of Rapture (28 page)

“Nothing.” With a sweep of his hand he tossed everything off the table.

“Give me the answer.”

He stood at the wall, his hands fisted at his sides. “Give me the answer.” His demand turned to pleading. He slammed his fists against the wall. “Give me the answer.” Again the wall accepted his fury. Over and over he made his demand and tried to beat the runes into submission. But the stones were cold.

“Great Mother, give me the answer.”

His forehead rested on the wall as he considered his options. Did he have any? He let out a groan. Leave her. The idea tore out his heart.

He stood back from the wall. He knew what he had to do and what it would cost him—no, both of them.

“Give me strength.” He closed his eyes and chanted to the Great Mother.

Arik, dressed in the clothes he had arrived in all those weeks ago, entered Autumn Chase with his duffel bag and climbed the stairs. He took his clothes out of the duffel and put them on the bed. He placed his tablet and cell phone on the desk. He twisted his wedding band on his finger and hesitated. He couldn’t part with it. He left the room and didn’t look back.

He was so focused on his next task that he was startled to see Cora standing next to his motorbike.

“I got back from the caterer about Sunday’s brunch. I didn’t know you were here. Is Rebeka with you?” Fayne Manor was everything he fought for, everything he loved. No, not everything. His everything was at the mill, reviewing the exhibit.

“No, she’s busy getting the new exhibits ready.” He would miss Cora and the way she took control. “I came to return some things. I left them in the suite.”

“You didn’t need to make a special trip. I’m sure it could’ve waited until Sunday. But I’m glad you’re here. Everyone has accepted for Sunday brunch. They’re all looking forward to spending time with you and Rebeka.”

He took her hand. “Thank you for everything, Cora. I need to go back.”

“No need to thank me. You go on. Hope the mill test goes well.” He got on the motorbike. “I’ll see you at brunch.” She stepped back and he rode off.

He pulled the motorbike into the garage and, like a man going to the gallows, he entered the gatehouse. The garrison was empty. Relieved, he stood by the hearth and opened the druid sanctuary. The deeper he got into the tunnel, the more he shed the twenty-first century and became the knight and warrior he had been. He crossed the main chamber, trudged down to the druid weaponry and opened the gate. The prize he was after was under the cloth on the long table.

He hesitated but buried his emotion deep where it wouldn’t interfere with what he had to do. He took his sword and scabbard and buckled them on then left the sanctuary. He tripped the mechanism and slid the stone back in place.

“I saw you go into the sanctuary.” Arik turned at the familiar voice. “I made certain no one disturbed you,” the major said.

“Thanks. Are the men gathered for this week’s meeting?” He needed to assure the chain of command.

“They’re outside.” Arik and the major left the gatehouse and stood in front of the men.

“Good afternoon.” He studied each man, determined to remember them and their stories.

“Good afternoon, Lord Arik,” they replied in unison.

“I see the work goes well. The mill stone has been set and is ready for the first milling test. The fields are planted. And work has started on the houses. You’ve all worked hard and you have my thanks. Unfortunately, I have not had good news from home and I must return.”

A rumble of concern rolled through the men like a tidal wave.

“Is Dr. Tyler going with you?” someone asked.

Arik took a deep breath. “No, not this time. She’s needed here. There is a lot that needs to be done.” He let the men settle before he continued. “The major will be in command. Treat him as you would me. That will be all.”

“Sir,” Jaxon called out. “We hope your troubles are few and resolved quickly.” The others voiced their alarm.

He was startled by the men’s words. “Thank you. Your concern is appreciated.” Each man came forward and shook his hand and hoped he would be back soon.

“Lord Arik, you can count on me for anything, anytime. Just say the word,” the major said.

Arik knew what the man was offering and he was humbled by it. “Major, there is one thing you can do for me. Keep my wife safe.”

The major started to salute but stopped midway and took a step closer. “I will defend and protect her with my last breath if necessary.”

Arik put his hand on the major’s shoulder. “I know you will and that makes my leaving easier.” He would miss the man.

Arik returned to the tower room. He lit the hearth and cleared the pentagram. He tried to craft a message to Rebeka. Instead he fed the hearth with his false starts and empty words until he knew that only the truth would do.

“Beka, your life is in my safekeeping. Fayne Manor is destined to fall on May 1. I will not let that happen. I’ve returned to ensure its survival and yours. For now this is what I must do.”

He reread the message. He told her the truth and knew that by making the decision on his own it would anger her. Maybe it would make her hate him. Would it be enough for her to stop loving him? He hoped so.

She’d have to move on.

He would never forget her.

His message complete, he set the wards. The Sword of Rapture lay on the pentagram with its hilt pointed to the hearth and its tip pointed at the mirror. The firelight danced on the sword’s polished blade, making its runes come to life with a soft glow. He spoke the prescribed words slow and soft and increased its tempo, building the chant’s power and intensity.

A flare in the hearth played across the blade; its reflection flashed in the scrying mirror. The swirl on the mirror’s surface settled and the portal opened. He gazed at the drawn, eager faces of Logan and Doward. He stepped through the portal and didn’t look back.

“Hello…?”

“George?” Rebeka stared at her cell phone checking the number she dialed. “I’m sure I called Arik.”

There was silence on the other end.

“George? Where are you?” A knot swelled in her throat.

“I’m at Autumn Chase. Cora said Arik was here and I, well…” He hesitated.

Fear roiled through her. She was breathing hard, trying to keep the panic under control. It wasn’t working.

“He’s left all his clothes, his tablet and his cell phone. Cora said he was going back.”

Confused, she climbed down the mill ladder. “Going back? Where?” She knew where.
Why
was the question. She bit her lip so hard to stop it from quivering that it throbbed with her heartbeat.

“Rebeka, where are you?” George asked.

“I’m at the mill.” She heard him running down the stairs.

“One minute. Cora, he’s gone…don’t ask questions…get in the car. Rebeka, Cora and I will meet you at the manor.”

Rebeka careened along the road, urging the car to go faster. She glanced at the forest and wished she had the motorbike so she could take the shortcut. She slammed her palm into the steering wheel then urged the car on.

“What is he doing?” She brought back the conversation to see if there was any hint. None. Her stomach knotted as she kept getting the same answer. He was going back. Without her.

She pulled onto the manor drive and saw George’s car in the rearview mirror. They both skidded to a halt by the garage. They jumped out of their cars and stood there. George and Cora appeared as bewildered as she was.

She searched the area and tried to determine where to go first. A flash from the tower window grabbed her attention. She took off running for the tower stairs. George and Cora weren’t far behind.

She exploded through the tower door and took in the sight. The fire was still overly bright in the hearth. His sword on the floor was within the warded pentagram.

No Arik.

She rushed to the mirror and faced Logan and Doward. And Arik’s back.

Logan grabbed Arik’s shoulder and turned him around.

She saw his crisp frame falter and his face harden. She moved closer to the mirror and searched his eyes. The fire in the hearth began to die and the vapor in the mirror began to cloud. Her heart pounded. She pushed on the mirror but the portal was closing. The idea of him leaving her tore at her insides. She glanced at her staff and saw the soft glow of the runes. She stared at Arik.

Testing the portal, she stretched her staff through the gathering mist.

“Grab it. Pull me through,” she yelled.

With the palm of his hand he pushed the end of her staff back, sending her away from the mirror. Shocked, she searched his face for an explanation. She saw none. All she saw was the thickening mist and the sound of the mirror as it shattered into a hundred pieces.

Arik stood in front of the mirror and saw more than the shattered glass. The disbelief and pain on her face was forever fixed in his mind. He straightened and turned away from the empty frame.

“Rebeka?” Logan asked as he moved to go past Arik.

Arik grabbed his arm and held him back. “She is not coming back.”

Logan gave him a questioning stare.

“I’ll tell you about it later.” His cold words hung like icicles on the battlements.

“I’m glad you’ve returned. We’ve much to tell you,” Doward said.

“Brief me on our way to the sanctuary. Tell me everything.” He tried to blot out her face from his mind but it kept reappearing.

“The women and children are safe in Avebury. As for the men, to a man, they wouldn’t leave. They defend Fayne Manor,” Logan said. “They’ll be glad to see you.” The three men burst out of the manor door.

“Lord Arik.” The cry rolled through the manor grounds. He acknowledged them as he raced toward the garrison. The way to the druid sanctuary open, Arik, Logan and Doward entered.

“We’ve kept Bran’s army to the northwest,” Logan said as they traveled into the tunnel to the main chamber. An array of maps littered the table. Marcus stood when he entered, relief on his face.

“Lord Arik.” Arik put his arm around the man’s shoulder. “It’s good to have you back.”

“Thank you, Marcus.”

“Rebeka?” Marcus asked.

“She’s not here,” was all he said. He kept his eyes on the maps. He didn’t think he could stand their scrutiny.

Logan rummaged through the parchments until he came to the one he wanted. “Here.” He pointed to an area. “We’ve been able to maneuver them over to the western section. We’ve had three days of rain.”

“Good work. I knew that area of the field would be of good use. They can’t move fast from that boggy area,” Arik said. “But this can’t be his main force. Bran’s smarter than that.”

“He’s sent small detachments. Our patrols report his main force will arrive here tomorrow or the day after.” Logan pointed to a section of the map.

Arik glanced at his brother. “You’ve done well.”

“We’ve held them back. We’re able to subdue them but I’m certain it’s another ruse to make us feel safe before his larger, more aggressive assault. Every day I wait, saying today it will come. The men prepare only to be told to stand down.” Logan broke away from his brother.

“That’s what he’s doing. He wants to strike when you don’t expect him to.”

“Arik, where is Rebeka? Why didn’t you let her come with you?” Doward stood next to him. Logan was not far behind.

He stepped back from the table. He straightened his shoulders and put a tranquil mask on his face.

“She will not survive another trip through the portal.” He glanced at the disbelief painted on their faces. “And you know,” he said quietly, “her existence is tied to the life of the manor. If the manor falls she’ll never have existed. I couldn’t let that happen. I knew no matter what action I took I would lose her. If I stayed she could disappear. If I came back I would be without her but at least she would be alive.” He chuckled humorlessly. “Mother told me over and over the manor must never fall.” He glanced at Logan. “She knew and said nothing.”

“When did you start to believe you would not succeed? You weren’t supposed to be able to travel through the portal but you found a way. Have you given up all hope?” Logan demanded. “How many times did you tell me, once you doubt your ability you have already lost?”

When had his brother gotten so smart? He saw the fire in his eyes and for a moment he believed him.

“I, for one, will not give up. I’ll keep the goal in mind. Mother gave us both those instructions. Besides…” Logan’s face broke out in his warm smile. “Now that we’re together who could stop us. And when we win this battle we’ll start to work on a way to bring her home,” Logan said. “I’ll not leave my sister behind.” His index finger poked at Arik’s chest.

“I didn’t doubt that we would work to find a way but I couldn’t make a guarantee. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to find her again. For now she’s safe. If we fail here—”

“We will not fail,” Doward said.

Arik let out a heavy sigh. “What’s the situation?”

“Bran’s men watch the manor at all times. So we give him what he expects to see, the patrol leaving and returning as planned,” Marcus said.

“We also have men in raiding parties. They fight on foot for mobility and concealment. They use a strike-and-withdraw tactic. Hit them hard and retreat,” Doward said.

“Arik, I can feel something big building. This is becoming too predictable. We’ve put together a plan for when Bran starts his major offensive,” Logan said.

“Show me.” So far, Logan, Marcus and Doward had done well. But they were right. This was all a prelude to a bigger assault.

“There are several areas that are good for a confrontation. All are on one of the two roads in and out of the manor valley. If it comes to that, we’ll maneuver Bran’s forces to one of those spots. But there are weaknesses,” Marcus said.

“We’re waiting for reinforcements,” Logan said. “We’ve sent word to Stuart. He is on his way from London with troops. I’m certain Bran will strike before he arrives. We need a plan that would work with our small forces. Both roads to the manor are wide and go through the dense woods. The woods are too thick for fighting. The action must stay on the road. It’s limited space.” Logan pointed to the two roads and surrounding forest.