Rage and Redemption (Rebel Angels) (33 page)

Momentarily stunned by her unexpected aggression,
Frederick
quickly recovered. “Do not lay hands on me again or I will take it as an invitation to do likewise.”

“Get out! Get off my land before I have you hanged.”

“Father John told me this would be futile. He assured me you are no more rational than your grandfather. Just remember, I tried to settle this peacefully. I tried!”

Naomi stepped aside and let Will have his way. The younger man escorted
Frederick
from the room at sword point.

Shaking, unable to name the swarm of emotions seething within her, Naomi tore off her veil and tossed it into the corner
Frederick
had just vacated.

“My lady.”

She didn’t turn around. She was too close to tears. Raising her hand to ward Karl off, she said, “I am fine.”

“My lady.”

When he spoke the second time, Naomi realized it wasn’t Karl. She turned. Kruthers stood in the doorway, his devastated expression foretelling his announcement.

“Roderick has passed.”

* * * * *

Gideon felt her sorrow as he entered the upper bailey. With a whispered explanation to his companions, he melted into the shadows and rapidly turned to mist. She needed him. Her heart cried out for comfort, even as her spirit grieved.

Focusing on her pain, he easily found her. She sat on the floor in one corner of her bedchamber, her legs drawn up, her face buried against her knees. Her quiet sobs tore at Gideon’s heart. He knew in an instant Roderick was dead, but why was she alone?

“Naomi,” he said softly, kneeling beside her.

She raised her head and blinked the tears from her eyes. “Gideon. You’ve returned.”

He pulled her onto his lap and cradled her against his chest. “Aye. Why is no one with you? No one should feel such sorrow alone.”

“I asked them to leave. I must be strong for them, but I could be strong no longer.”

He kissed the top of her head and arranged her more comfortably against his chest. Rubbing his cheek against the softness of her hair, he just held her.

“Were you able to see him before he gave up the ghost?” he asked quietly.

“Aye. But
Frederick
was here and—”

“
Frederick
?” Protective anger made his arms tighten around her. “Frederick of Westerville came to the castle?”

Naomi turned to face him. Kneeling between his legs, she rested her hands on his shoulders. His heart leaped toward her.

“He attempted to convince me that Roderick was wrong about him, that he had been maligned.”

“What a fool,” he muttered. “Where were Karl and Will? How did this man get near you?”

“I was never in any danger.” Her beautiful eyes darted away. “At least not from
Frederick
.”

He turned her face back toward his. “Then from whom?”

She licked her lips, her eyes wide and frightened. “I sensed a presence in the corridor. I don’t think it was Domieno. This felt different, as if it were everywhere at once.”

“Or there were many all in the same place.”

She nodded. “Do you know who—or what this was?”

“Aye. It’s called Legion. It is many and yet it is one.”

“Why is it here?”

Gideon hesitated to tell her too much. Understanding demons could make them less frightening, but only to a point. “Domieno is running out of options. He is under tremendous pressure to deliver me to Lucifer. And Domieno knows he’s failing.”

She smiled and kissed his mouth.

“You have a visitor,” Gideon whispered against her willing lips. “Dry your tears. He’s waiting in the great hall.”

* * * * *

“Brother Gabriel!”

Naomi flew across the hall and into his waiting arms. She clung to him, absorbing the familiar rasp of his coarse robes and the way his hand gently stroked her hair. Her heart flipped and tumbled and brilliant beams of light penetrated the darkness that had gathered all day.

Easing back far enough to see his face, she smiled into his warm brown eyes. “How? Where did you come from? Why are you here?”

“Do I need a reason?” he teased her, touching the tip of her nose with his fingertip. “Are you not pleased to see me?”

“I’m thrilled. I’m ecstatic.” She took a step back, her gaze locked on his beautiful face. She was afraid if she blinked he would disappear. “I’m also confused. This can’t be coincidence. How did you know what was going on here?”

Gabriel glanced around the crowded hall. “Is there somewhere we can speak more privately?”

“Of course.” She reached for Gideon’s hand but he shook his head.

“I’ll join you shortly,” Gideon said.

Gabriel took her hand instead and tucked it into the bend of his elbow. They crossed to the counting room in the back corner of the hall. The room was cold and gloomy but at least they could speak freely.

Gabriel sat while Naomi faced him, leaning her hips against the counting table.

“Does Michael know you’re here?” she asked tentatively. “Can he hear me when I speak? Is he aware of everything that transpires on the earth?”

Gabriel laughed and reached over to squeeze her hand. “That ability is reserved for God alone. Michael can easily find out anything he wants to know, but he is not omniscient.”

“Does he know you’re here?” she asked again.

“Aye. In fact he suggested I come.”

“Really? Michael has been suspiciously cooperative of late. First the tower room and now he allows you to visit. What inspired his good humor?”

Gabriel smiled, his eyes sparkling with golden light. “What did Gideon tell you about the tower room?”

Naomi picked up the end of her braid and toyed with the cord tied there. “Only that he had negotiated with Michael so you’d be allowed to assist him.”

“Did he explain the conditions to which he agreed?”

“Not in detail.” She had sensed Gideon’s reluctance to talk about it and let the issue lie.

“My prideful, often irrational brother agreed to strict limitations on the use of his power. He agreed to actively pursue the light and he agreed to make his final decision before the new moon rises.”

Naomi gasped. Only four days remained before the new moon rose. “What does this mean? What happens to Gideon once he makes his final decision?”

“The outcome will depend on what he decides.”

She fidgeted, shifting her weight against the table. If Gideon resolved his conflict with God, would he return to Heaven? He’d never answered the question, didn’t seem to know the answer. She wouldn’t even consider the possibility that he would Fall. They’d come too far. Gideon had accomplished too much. But a future together seemed uncertain regardless of his decision.

“His agreement with Michael isn’t the only evidence of Gideon’s progress. His attachment to the orphans is encouraging. Michael is pleased.” Gabriel paused. “I know it upsets you to discuss it, but Gideon is also losing his taste for blood. He feeds only when he must now and he no longer enjoys it.”

She shuddered. Her love for Gideon allowed her to accept the darkest element of his nature but part of her still recoiled from the thought. “Are you here to influence his decision?”

“Nay. My reason for being here is even more surprising than all the rest.” Gabriel punctuated the statement with a grin. “Gideon asked for my help.”

“Domieno has enlisted others,” Gideon said from the doorway. “Why is it surprising that I would do the same?”

“It’s a wise and necessary precaution,” Gabriel said. “It’s just refreshing that you’re being so reasonable.”

Gideon waved away the issue with one long-fingered hand.

“So whom shall we vanquish first?” Gabriel asked.

“Father John,” Gideon immediately suggested.

He came to stand beside Naomi and she slipped her hand into his. “He is here, in the castle. I think he is still receiving compensation from the Bishop of Chichester.”

“Aye, he is,” Gabriel said. “I spoke with the bishop this morning. Father John can only be tried by the Church so I asked that he be called up to answer for his crimes. The bishop is a good man. He was enraged to learn of Father John’s misdeeds and I am confident that he will see the priest punished.”

“We arrived with his replacement and the bishop’s own guards to escort Father John.” Gideon smiled in satisfaction.

“Does he know any of this?” she asked.

Gabriel shook his head. “Nay. We wanted you to tell him.”

Naomi hugged them both. “It would be my pleasure.”

* * * * *

Naomi sat in Roderick’s high-backed chair. It had been draped in black, but
Leon
assured her no one would find it disrespectful for her to take her rightful place. The trestle tables had been taken down and many of the villagers had returned to their cottages for the night. There was much to be done over the next few days but one task would wait no longer.

Gideon stood on her right and Gabriel on her left, a united front against injustice.

Father John walked across the great hall, his stride quick, his expression impatient. “What do you want? I have duties awaiting me.”

“Actually you do not,” she responded casually. “What you did to the orphans was reprehensible and you—”

“I am only accountable to Canon Law. You have no authority over me.”

“Perhaps, but the Bishop of Chichester does.” She lifted the sealed message that Gabriel had given her. “This is a summons from the bishop. You are relieved of all duties pending the outcome of his investigation.”

He snatched the parchment from her hand. “That is impossible. You could not have contacted him…”

His words trailed away as he looked at the seal on the message. Naomi motioned the guards forward as he broke the seal and unrolled the parchment. She waited until his eyes widened and the color drained from his face before she launched the final blow. “These men will see that you arrive safely to answer for your deeds.”

“This is outrageous,” he protested as the guards grabbed his arms. He twisted and jerked at their restraining hold. “I will not be treated like a common criminal! Release me!”

Naomi tried not to let her pleasure show. He continued to object and struggle while the guards dragged him from the hall.

“I would like you to meet Father Thomas if you are not overwrought,” Gabriel said.

“I feel invigorated knowing that beast is safely locked away.”

Gabriel motioned to the priest standing silently to one side. His robes were sturdy and simply made, and the cross around his neck was carved and polished but made of wood. She liked him already.

“Father Thomas, this is Lady Naomi of
Monthamn
Castle
.” Gabriel made the introduction.

The priest bowed his head. “May the Lord bless and keep you.”

His features were ordinary but his sky-blue eyes met hers directly with no deceit or arrogance.