Knight of Runes (23 page)

By midmorning the rain stopped. The sun made great strides in peeking out from behind the clouds. By afternoon, there was a possibility it would be a bright day.

Arik was relieved to see the gate open as they approached. He raced through to the old dungeon entrance at the back of the Manor. Spirit had barely halted when Arik catapulted off and ran to the door, Marcus and Doward close behind.

He navigated the passageway moving rapidly toward the cell. Reaching it, he unlocked the door and threw it open. The damp and cold hit him when he entered. He scanned the small room and saw the water pooled on the floor and still dripping from the walls. He didn’t see her but he knew she was here, he could feel her presence. How could he have left her here?

Marcus reached for the table to right it. “She’s here.”

She was curled up tightly, her nightdress barely covering her.
“I thought you an honorable man, Lord Arik.”
Her voice echoed in his head, filling him with remorse.

Doward tried to pry her hands from the table leg but he couldn’t budge her. She held on like a dead person. His eyes met Arik’s with a pained expression.

With a flick of his hand, the torch flared into a steady flame brightening the room. He could see her now. She was pale and her lips were tinged with blue.

Arik had to get her out of there. He tried one last time to take the table leg from her hand. She pulled it closer to her chest. He bent down and pulled the leg off the table. If she wanted it so badly, so be it, anything to get her out of this place.

Marcus and Doward pulled the table away. Wrapping her in his cloak, Arik carried her up the stairs and to his tower room. She briefly opened her eyes when he laid her down on the bed. She struggled to sit up but didn’t have the strength. Arik bent over her. The wildness in her eyes was gone. He kissed her, thankful she was all right. She murmured something to him and he smiled. Then she closed her eyes and went to sleep.

“Jeannie!” he shouted as he opened the tower room door, and was startled to find her standing there, her fisted hand raised, ready to knock.

“Yes, m’lord,” she said calmly.

“Get the boys to bring up the tub and lots of warm water.”

“Aye, m’lord, you need to get her warm quickly inside and out. I’ll bring up some hot broth, too.” Jeannie turned, rushing down the stairs to do his bidding.

He busied himself and started a fire in the hearth. He went back to her and rubbed her cold hand but still she didn’t stir. He put his hand on her chest feeling her steady heartbeat and the shallow rise and fall of her chest. He searched her gray face for any sign of movement.

Jeannie and the boys arrived with the large tub and buckets of hot water. “Here, m’lord, let me bathe her.”

“Jeannie, you’ll not be able to manage her. I’ll take care of her. Get something to dry her and find her some clothes. Warm them first before you bring them in.”

After Jeannie left, Arik removed the tapestry from the floor to expose the pentagram. He placed the tub over it and filled it with warm water. He lit candles around the tub on each point of the pentagram, chalking formulas between the points. Now he was ready.

Slowly he took the cloak off her. He was finally able to dislodge the table leg from her hand.

He picked her up carefully and stepped into the tub with her in his arms. Her thin nightdress clung to her body like a second skin, hiding nothing. She sat between his thighs, her long legs stretched out in front of her, her back against his chest. He held her gently, his arms around her waist and her generous breasts comfortably brushing his forearms. He felt her muscles relax as she laid her head back against his shoulder and as he sponged the warm water over her body, he closed his eyes, and concentrated.

The last time he brought a woman into this room, he tried in vain to save her life. He had insisted he bring Letty here, closer to his magic though she tried to convince him to let her go, that she knew nothing could be done. He sat with her, chanting the ancient words while she lay propped up on the bed trying to console him. The memories came flooding back. He didn’t save her. Would he be able to save Rebeka?

He pushed the thought out of his mind and softly began to chant. One by one, the runes on his body began to glow as the trance deepened. He chanted to warm her, willing the heat of his body to radiate and engulf her, all the time sponging her with a steady stream of hot water. He tilted her head forward to sponge the back of her neck and gently bent down to kiss her. His mouth lingered there, feeling the softness of her skin against his lips. He felt her breathing steady and her skin lost the cold gray color and returned to a rich golden hue.

She’s safe.
The words echoed in his head. He closed his eyes content to hold her in his arms. He heard her sigh and felt her melt into his chest. He kept up the chanting and the shower of warm water that slipped over their skin in a steady stream. The rhythmic repetitive drone of the chant mesmerized him as he sat with her in a twilight haze.

At first, he thought the song was in his head. Then he felt the vibration radiating from Rebeka. She was responding to his chant with the words to an ancient song. His words were all wind and water while hers were all fire and earth. She leaned back even farther against him. Her heartbeat strengthened and synchronized with his.

A rich amber color glowed on her back. He thought it only the reflecting glow of the rune over his heart, but when he pushed her hair aside, he saw a small rune—a match to his own—at the nape of her neck. He looked a second time to make certain it was still there. It grew brighter with each breath she took.

His heart pounded as the memory of an earlier time tumbled into his mind.

He was nineteen and stood in the hall of the Druid Grand Master, encircled by the Council. He could smell the pungent aroma of the laurel oil they used to anoint him and heard himself speak the sacred words the ritual required. Someone entered the circle. When he turned she was standing there, this small slip of girl. Hestia they called her, the goddess of hearth and home, although he never knew her real name. He gave her his fiercest scowl. The other initiates told him he had to establish his place with the girl if she was to be his wife.

Laughter bubbled up from her, breaking his resolve. She took his proffered hand and together they faced Emrys. They spoke their betrothal and waited patiently for the Council’s final blessing.

The ceremony ended with the exchanging of the runes. He was surprised at the determined look on her face, the way she bit her lip in concentration and the warm gentle touch of her hand. She helped Emrys place the rune over his heart.

Then it was his turn. She held her hair away for him, her large violet eyes looking into his.

Next thing he knew, she was taken away and nowhere to be found.

And now…

His arms held Rebeka tightly. She was finally with him, his betrothed, had been here all this time, but he’d been unable to see it. He had so many questions but they would all be answered soon enough.
She’s safe. She’s mine.

“I’ve brought you a warm linen towel and clothes too, m’lord.” Jeannie stood in the doorway.

“We need to get dry.”

“You get her here to the bed, m’lord, and I will take care of the rest. I’ve your hot broth here too. Now bring her to me and get yourself dried off and dressed.”

He placed Rebeka on the linen towel Jeannie laid on the bed and went to retrieve his clothes.

“M’lord.”

He could hear Rebeka mumbling and tossing.

“M’lady keeps demanding her staff,” said Jeannie. “She must mean her walking staff. I cannot get her to settle down.”

“It must be why she held so tight to the old table leg. In her delirium, she must have thought it her staff. I’ll be right back.”

He raced down the tower steps and into her room. He found the walking staff and brought it back to the tower. As he held it waiting for Jeannie to finish helping Rebeka, he noticed markings on the staff. Taking a handful of water he ran it down the pole to darken them. Runes decorated the staff, similar to the ones in Letty’s journal.

“M’lord, the staff please. She is most insistent now.”

He placed the staff in Rebeka’s hand and she calmed down at once and fell asleep.

“I think she’s fine, m’lord. I feared a fever but she seems to have come through.”

“Many thanks, Jeannie. I’ll stay here for a while.” He placed the chair near the bed and sat down.

She placed a steaming bowl of broth in his hand. The rich aroma enticed him. He hadn’t realized he was hungry.

Rebeka floated on her back in the Manor lake. She put her head back in the water and stared at the clouds.

Voices on the shore drew her attention. A couple with a small daughter played happily together. The man stood and put the child on his shoulders, filling her with squeals of laughter. They kissed the woman goodbye and began to leave, the child waving and throwing kisses. They stood at the shore now, the man’s heavy braided silver torque glowing. A breeze picked up and a greatcoat billowed around the man. She righted herself in the water.
Father!
It was her father. Slowly he swam toward her. He was the man in her vision of the meadow. Relieved, she laid her head back into the water as he swam by calling to her. “Don’t forget your walking staff, Beka. Promise me you’ll take the Protector with you everywhere. To hearth and home, Beka. To hearth and home.”

She picked her head up out of the water. Everyone was leaving. She saw Frank and Grace Alexander with their dog running ahead. Charles and Helen took up the tea service, giving one last look to make certain everything was in its place. Helen called out to her, “Goodbye, Dr Tyler.” She put her head back in the water and floated a bit more. Satisfied to just float along, she didn’t want to get out of the lake.

More commotion on shore reached her. She could see the decorations from a harvest festival in the distance and a few people on the shore. Marcus helped Jeannie carry tankards of ale back to the Manor. She swam toward the shore, toward Skylar, Logan and Aubrey. They waved for her to come in. “Wait,” she called. “Don’t go.”

She didn’t want them to go, not yet. She swam but didn’t seem to get any closer to the shore—had the lake always been this big? She stopped. Another look and the shore was empty. She didn’t want to be left behind. She didn’t want to be in the lake.

Something came toward her under the water’s surface, causing it to swell. She panicked but couldn’t make any headway. It broke through the surface and swam toward her with strong steady strokes, quickly covering the distance. It was by her side now. She closed her eyes and felt a thumb making circles on her wrist. She felt a kiss on her hand. Arik had come for her.

When she opened her eyes, she was on a bed. All she saw was Arik, a welcoming smile on his face. “Welcome home, Beka.” He still held her hand and bent down to kiss it once again.

Her voice was raspy. “I will tell you,” she said.

He took her in his arms. “You already have.”

“Rebeka, are you awake?” Aubrey peeked into the tower room balancing a tray with a tea pot, cups and some sweet cakes. “I’ve brought you some hot tea. Jeannie told me to make certain you drink it all.”

Rebeka stood by the window looking at the lake and enjoying the sunshine on her face.

“Come in, Aubrey. Here let me help you.”

“Oh no, I’ll put it down. What are you doing out of bed? Jeannie told me you would be in bed and I shouldn’t bother you.”

“I’m feeling much better today. I thought I would go down and join you to break the morning fast.”

“No! You must rest from your ordeal.”

“Aubrey, I’m fine. A hot bath, something hot to drink and a good night’s sleep and I feel fine now. There is no need to worry.”

“Ah, there you are, Aubrey. I thought I would find you here. Go on to the hall.” Arik entered the room.

“Uncle Arik, Rebeka wants to join us in the hall.” Aubrey’s concern showed in her voice.

“I see you’ve brought up quite a feast. I’ll get her to eat. You go off now. I want to speak to Rebeka.”

“Aye, Uncle Arik.” Running back to Rebeka, Aubrey threw her arms around her. “I’m so glad you’ve recovered. I don’t know what I would have done if—”

“Hush now, Aubrey, I’m fine. Go do as Arik asked.” Rebeka hugged the girl. Aubrey bounded out of the room, sporting a broad grin.

“You appear much better.” Arik looked at her critically. “Doward asked me to give this to you.” He handed Rebeka a package. “Please sit down, Rebeka, there are some things we need to discuss.”

Rebeka took a seat. She bit into a sweet cake enjoying the sumptuous confection. She licked her lips to catch every crumb.

She sat and waited.

Raking his hand through his hair and letting out a large sigh, he paced in front of her. “I’m glad, more than glad, you’ve recovered. It would have pained me if anything happened to you.”

She remained seated, quiet, her eyes lowered and her hands in her lap.

“I didn’t mean for you to spend such a long time in the dungeon. I thought only a few hours at the most. I thought to force you to tell me the truth. I misjudged you. I should never have taken you to the dungeon.”

Her eyes flew up to meet his.
Is he admitting he made a mistake?

“Arik, it wasn’t entirely your fault. I didn’t tell you everything. I kept things from you. This is your domain. You have an obligation to your family and your people. You didn’t know who or what I was. You still don’t.”

“No, someone else spoke and acted, not me. I allowed Katherine to poison my mind and let my emotions rule rather than reason. I pledged to protect you. Instead, I put you in mortal danger. I’ve broken my honor with you.” He had stopped pacing now.

“Arik, you’ve taught me to search out all possibilities then take the best action. Your first duty is, and always will be, to your family and people. If you thought for a moment I jeopardized any of them you were obligated to break honor with me.” She stood by him and took his hand. “You’re the most honorable man I know.”

“I could’ve tried other tactics to get information from you.”

“Weren’t you the very man who told me sometimes the choices we must make are not easy, nor are they pleasant.”

The atmosphere in the room lightened. She sensed him relax.

“Now it is my turn. I too have something important to tell you. Come sit with me while I freshen the tea. It’s a long story.”

She told him about the letter from George Hughes concerning a family inheritance and how she traveled to London to meet with him. She reached into the package Doward had returned to her and retrieved the letter.

“This letter is dated the eleventh day of April in the year two thousand and eleven. I don’t know how I got here, Arik. My time travel has been the big secret. Only Doward knew I came from another time.”

“I had my suspicions. Your actions and attitudes were too different to be from here. I didn’t think about time travel until recently. Tell me everything since you received this from George until you met Doward on the trail. Perhaps we can make sense of this together.”

She looked at him, a bit confused. “Arik, do you know George?”

“I know a George Hughes who’s been our family solicitor for many years. If I understand all this, your George could very well be a descendent who’s maintained the family business.”

She stood in front of him, the two cups of tea in her hands momentarily forgotten. “I was so certain you wouldn’t believe me.” She let out a long breath. “I should have trusted you.”

“I was suspicious of you from the start. I thought Jamie or an enemy had sent you to spy.” He took her hand. “Tell me your story.”

She started her tale with receiving the letter from George and her trip to Avebury.

“I stood at the great stones listening to chants while someone explained them. I stumbled a bit and caught myself with my walking staff. All of a sudden, I found myself standing in the middle of a spinning cloud. I saw things that didn’t make any sense to me. I realize now some of them were from here, in this time. When I stepped forward, the ground beneath me fell away and I landed on the trail. I have no idea what happened or why.”

“Give me your staff.”

She handed it to him. “Why are you interested in it?”

Arik took the staff over to the dresser. He wet a piece of linen with the water in the basin. “I didn’t notice it until we were tending you yesterday. You were insistent on holding it. It was the first time I actually looked at it. Do you know there are runes carved into it?”

“Yes. My father carved them. He and I often hiked through the woods. It was his walking staff. We would sit around our campfire and he would pretend to imbue it with magical powers. I’ve wonderful memories of our time together. Before I left for the university, he carved the last runes and dressed it with leather. He gave it to me before he was killed in an accident.” Her eyes misted a bit. “His last words to me were to never be without it, never lose it.”

“Rebeka, do you know what the runes say?”

“No. It’s funny actually. Every time I went to decipher them, I lost interest. I think it’s because I associate my father with the staff.”

Arik ran the wet cloth down the staff and hidden runes came into view.

“I thought as much. You didn’t know about these runes. This is saturated with magic, imbued as you said. It’s what started to open the door to the past. But there must have been more. Did you have anything from the past with you?”

She went into her pack, opened the inside zipper, pulled out the sapphire-and-diamond amulet and handed it to Arik.

“So, this is why I saw recognition in your eyes when I showed you Letty’s amulet. You have a similar one.”

“Yes, but I couldn’t tell you. I thought I had to hide it from you.” There were so many thoughts swirling through her head. “I can’t stay here, Arik. I might alter things.”

He put her staff down and held her in his arms, drawing her close. “We’ll worry about you changing history later. Right now, let’s put the puzzle together. You were chanting and the amulet was in your pocket when your staff went between the stones. Next thing you knew, you found yourself on the trail.”

She had thought hard and long about that day at Avebury, trying to remember every detail. “The amulet must have been what vibrated in my pocket.”

“Anything else?”

A lick of fear caught her as other pictures filled her mind. She clutched him, digging her fingers into his arm. “Arik, there is something else. While I was in the dungeon I had…dreams. One was so disturbing. I can’t get it out of my mind.”

She told him about the men who broke into the cottage murdering Arik’s family, all those he loved. She shook as the frightful images took hold again, and was glad of the warmth of Arik’s hand in hers.

Arik crushed her into his arms to soothe her grief. “Beka, all is well. Nothing has happened to us, and Katherine is gone. You saw her leave.”

“I know she left, Arik, but I am not so certain she’s gone.”

“Were there more dreams?”

“Yes, but they were much less brutal and centered on the lake.”

“Would you like to get some fresh air? You can tell me about your other dreams. You’re not too tired, are you?”

“No, Arik. Yesterday’s ordeal is over. I’m fine.”

“Good. I think your dreams may be of import. I want to take your amulet and compare it to Letty’s. I’ll return it to you. Once you’re ready, meet me in the Great Hall.” He kissed her forehead and left the tower room.

When he reached the Great Hall, he called for Marcus.

“Where is Drago?”

“He’s guarding the gate.”

“I have information he may not be loyal to our family. He seems to be involved at every turn. Drago took the message to Lora telling her I wanted Alfred, and it was Drago who found the amulet and ribbon by the tree. I’ll not take any chances.”

“Do you want him detained?”

“No. We may find out more by keeping an eye on him. We may even be able to use him to bait our own trap. I don’t want him in any position of importance.”

“Like the gate,” finished Marcus. “I understand. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Good thinking, Marcus. There’s something else. I want Skylar and Aubrey watched at all times. I’ll speak to Logan.” He told Marcus of Rebeka’s vision.

“Am I interrupting?” Rebeka entered the room.

“Good day, m’lady. I’m glad to see you looking well. You worried us all.”

“Thank you, Marcus, I’m feeling fine.”

“You will excuse me.” Marcus bowed slightly to Rebeka and Arik. “I have some duties to perform.” He turned and left the hall.

Arik took Rebeka’s arm and they headed toward the lake. The villagers they passed showed her concern and seemed happy she was well. He had never witnessed that ease before, not even with Letty. Certainly not with Katherine. It confirmed something he already knew. She was well liked and part of the village fabric.
She belongs here.
The words seeped into his heart and filled the empty spaces.

He had given up all hope of ever finding her. Sometimes the entire betrothal seemed like a distant dream. He gave her a quick sideways glance as they walked on. It was still hard to believe she was next to him. He raked his hand through his hair. To think he almost lost her, by his own doing. The thought was almost unbearable. His forearm muscle tightened. Her hand gently rubbed him, calming him. She touched more than his arm. She touched his very soul. Would he ever stop wanting her? He knew when he first watched her fight at the river that he wanted this woman, and now he knew why. She was everything he ever dreamed or wanted in a partner.

A chill rose up his spine. Could he keep her safe? He tossed out that doubt in an instant. Yes, he could keep her safe from anything. He squeezed her hand and smiled. His plan formed as they walked. He would ask for her hand and he would move heaven and earth to marry as soon as possible.

Ask for her hand? She said her parents were dead. But he knew better. It wasn’t easy to kill a great druid like Max.

He needed to get more information.

They were passing Elfrida’s cottage where they paused for a moment.

“I was worried,” Elfrida said, hugging her tightly. “I couldn’t help you.”

Rebeka went into the cottage to refresh Elfrida’s cup and Arik sat down on the stool outside.

“You knew all along didn’t you?” he asked her.

She nodded. “Yes, Arik. I knew she was your betrothed, Maximilian and Ellyn’s daughter. She has the look of her mother and then some. Her old nurse would never forget her. I have waited a long time to see her again. How did you know?”

“There were many signs but the most persuasive—she has my mark on the nape of her neck.” He looked toward the cottage. “I remember how trusting and strong she was when her father and I placed it there and she gave me mine.”

“Does she know?”

“No. Max must have hidden the memories. I need to find out how to unchain them. But before I do, I want her to come to me because she wants to, not out of duty. If I have learned anything about her, it is her strong sense of controlling her own destiny. She has to trust me and love me of her own choosing. I cannot make her say the words to bind her here without her knowing the consequence. These last months she has done everything to find her way back. She has to want to stay here. I need to be certain. When I am, I’ll tell her. Until then, I don’t want anyone to know about this.”

“Ah, you have to make her love you.”

“Yes, Elfrida.” He looked closely at the woman and patted her hand. “I have to make her love me.”

“Things will start to move quickly now. The pieces will fall into place. Be ready, Arik.”

He was too startled by her information to offer any objection.

“Here you are, Elfrida.” Rebeka returned with the hot tea.

Rebeka and Arik stayed awhile longer before finally saying their goodbyes and heading to the lake.

He led her to a broad rock on the shore. “Let’s sit here. And talk.” Rebeka told Arik how she searched the library and Leticia’s books to find a way back to her time.

“I thought the answer might be in Leticia’s other journal.”

“No, that journal holds other secrets. I’ve kept it safe to protect the family. It’s a long story but it all has to do with the king. Several times our family has come to his aid, both at Castle Ruthven, and with his medical problems. To protect us, he never told anyone that it was Logan and I who moved him out of Castle Ruthven.”

“Interesting.” Rebeka had heard the legend. “It’s still a mystery,” she told Arik.

He gave her a wry smile. “My biggest concern was for Letty and now the girls. Letty helped ease some of his medical problems using her vast knowledge of herbs. I argued with him after I found out. I was afraid his court would brand Letty a witch. The king promised to protect her. She documented his treatment in her journal and protected the information. When she died and Katherine burned her books, I thought this journal was amongst them.”

“You’ll be glad to know you’ve been successful. While history shows James was intolerant of witches, your family is not mentioned. As a matter of fact, there is very little information about your family that survives.”