Trials by Numbers

by Kimberly A Rogers

  Nestor emerged into the courtyard first, then came Lauren followed by a female centaur. My attention sharpened on Lauren. Dirt smudged her face as well as coating her clothing. There were thin cuts across her exposed skin as though slender branches had struck her. There were also leaves stuck in her tangled hair. My greatest concern, however, was the fact that she was limping.

  I moved toward her only to be blocked by Nestor. The elder spoke up. “Move back, boy, and stand still.” Then he turned to Lauren, still speaking in Myrmidon. “Have you completed your task?”

  “The armor of Achilles has been returned to the grove.” Lauren frowned as she added, “Although, it would have been good to know the guardians were Lamia.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a golden apple. “One of the three apples given to me by the queen mother of the Lamia after I placed the armor on the slab. Achilles’ armor is at rest.”

  * * *

  Lauren

  The old man grinned before he beckoned for me to come closer. “Show us the rest.”

  I pulled out the second apple only to bite back a protest as he snatched them both from my hands. He handed one to Demetrius. “Well?”

  The centaur ran his fingers over the apple and then smelled it before handing it to Cassandra. “It is indeed a golden apple of the Hebrides variety.”

  The old man gave a creaky chuckle. “Very good.” He waved at me again as Mathias translated the next bit. “Come forward and offer the golden apple to your Myrmidon.”

  We met directly in front of the old man and the two centaurs. Mathias looked . . . distant and a little cold, showing no emotion as he stood in front of me. I pulled out the last golden apple. “For you, heart-love.”

  Mathias touched the apple, the tips of his fingers just grazing against mine, and then a little smile appeared to just curve his lips. The old man laughed again and pronounced something that Mathias failed to translate. There was a pause as Cassandra handed him a ribbon, which was promptly wrapped around our hands as well as my wrist, and then, as dawn streaked the sky above us, the old man pronounced in accented English, “The Trials of Achilles are complete. A Myrmidon’s frozen heart is unthawed by the bride who has proven her worthiness in every way, and who has returned honor to the Myrmidon people.”

  He rested a hand over my wrist and murmured a few more words in what I guessed to be Myrmidon. Then, he unwrapped the ribbon. I raised my brows at the sight of the tattoo, which had returned to its original gold coloration. The old man winked at me before he stated loudly, “Bear witness now to the union of the Myrmidon and his bride.”

  Demetrius and Cassandra spoke in unison. “We bear witness.”

  In the pale light of dawn, I could finally see Mathias’ face. His blue-green eyes were warm with emotion even before he smiled. He plucked some leaves out of my hair and said, “You did it.”

  I could only laugh before I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. Awareness of the bruises and aches, even of the centaurs and the elder, all of it faded as I lost myself in his kiss. A thought struck my muddled brain and I pulled back from him. “Was this a wedding?”

  Mathias grinned. “Yes.”

  “I want a proper wedding where I’m not covered in sweat and dirt.”

  He was still grinning as he cupped my face between his hands. “Anything you want, love. Anything at all.”

  * * *

  Chapter Fifteen

  Lauren

  The morning sun sparkled on crystal blue waters as I emerged from the house. I raised a hand to shade my eyes as I searched for my husband. It was still a little weird to think of him like that, but I enjoyed it. A smile curved my lips as I finally spotted him standing on the beach. Water splashed over his bare feet but since he was wearing blue board shorts, he was in no danger of getting wet. It looked as though he had already been in the water judging by his damp hair and the unbuttoned cotton shirt that had molded itself to his back.

  I picked my way down to where he stood. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

  “A fair amount of women have asked me that, but I must say you’re the only one I hope to know.”

  I laughed softly. “We’ve met before, I’m sure of it.”

  “Are you now?”

  “Oh yes, you see I have a thing for numbers and I find you rather unforgettable, Mr. 10.”

  Mathias’ laughter was a balm after all those weeks and months of worry. He wrapped an arm around me and pulled me close before stealing a quick kiss. “Morning, love.”

  “I take it you’ve only heard good news from Demetrius’ scouts.”

  “It depends on what you consider good news. Some of the hunters have extracted themselves from the entanglements with the dragons and are headed to Thessaly.”

  “Not quite a week for us here then.” I looked back at the shadow of Mount Pelion before I added, “I suppose this was as much of a honeymoon as we could hope for, though.”

  “Nonsense. Our honeymoon has barely begun.”

  I laughed softly. “I guess that means you have a plan of attack.”

  “Not quite. My mind has regrettably been occupied with other activities.” He grinned wickedly as my cheeks grew warm, but his voice turned serious as he continued, “You may not have ruptured your tendon again, but it was a near enough thing that you need to take it easy. So what we will do is go on an extended tour of Greece and the rest of the Mediterranean for a month or two while you’re healing. It can be our extended honeymoon.”

  “What about Weard Enterprises? If there really is a rogue dragon in charge, the fighting with the draconic families and the Fae will only escalate. The norms are going to notice.”

  “Right now the fighting is reserved to skirmishes. And Weard is going to have their hunters on high alert for a while longer. It is too dangerous to move openly against them right now. If they believe they have driven us to ground, then their guard will be relaxed.” Mathias hesitated as though he intended to say more, then he offered a slight smile as he kissed my temple. “Leave that worry for another day. We must enjoy this time while we have it. Come on, let’s go pack.”

  I started to move away only for him to catch me up in his arms. My arms wrapped around his neck as he startled a laugh out of me. “Mathias! What are you doing?”

  “Cassandra did say you should stay off that ankle as much as possible.”

  I shook my head at him, enjoying the way his eyes gleamed with humor, even as I made a show of protesting. “You can’t just carry me around all the time.”

  “I could do just that, but I suspect you would complain after the first three hours.”

  Another laugh escaped me. “Do you have a destination in mind to start this honeymoon tour? Or will I need to find more maps?”

  “Sparta.” His gaze grew warmer as he added in a low whisper that sent shivers down my spine, “It is an extremely fitting place for our honeymoon. Many Myrmidons would train the Spartans before the Trojan War occurred and even afterwards for a time. And . . . Sparta is known as the birthplace of warriors.”

  “You’re being cheeky,” I scolded, trying desperately to ignore my growing blush.

  Mathias sighed. “I was attempting to be flirtatious. It seems I must practice with you some more.

  Another laugh escaped me as he carried me toward the cottage we had been staying in since our proper wedding, late the same day as the Trials ending. He was right about one thing. We needed to enjoy this time together. It probably wouldn’t take long for Weard to send more hunters to Greece, and eventually they would catch up to us. Until then, well, I was going to enjoy the fact that I had saved my Myrmidon and leave future troubles for another day.

  * * *

  Note from the Author

  One of my favorite things about making Mathias a Myrmidon is the fact I was able to troll through the myths and construct a history for the mythical people. Which ended up being a great way to bring Ancient Thrace and Greece to life via some living history. Trials by Numbers was a fun journ
ey not only because it uncovers more of Mathias’ history but also because of Lauren’s growth through this story in particular. She’s going to need her new found boldness in their next adventure.

  My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped and/or encouraged me. I would not have been able to complete this story without you. Special thanks goes out to you, the readers, who have taken the time to get to know Lauren and Mathias on another adventure. I hope you have enjoyed it! Lauren and Mathias return in Hunt by Numbers!

  My favorite author-related meme on Facebook would have to be the one that says, “Feed an author! Write a review!” Reviews can be an author’s lifeline. I love hearing what readers think about my stories, my characters, and anything else you care to mention. It doesn’t have to be a long, detailed review. Just a few lines about the book will do. If you enjoyed Trials by Numbers, please consider taking the time to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

  If you would like to connect with me and be the first to learn about book updates, sales, and behind the scenes peeks, sign up for my newsletter!

  Thank you!

  Until our next meeting,

  Kimberly A. Rogers

  Rogue Spotter

  A clean paranormal romantic suspense series

  Threats by Numbers

  Everyone has a number but only a few can see them. I’m one of those few. And now it might get me killed.

  I’ve been in hiding all my life. Working as a secretary for a paranormal relocation and PR firm is quiet, simple, and above all filled with low numbers. But then I see a man who’s registering as a Ten — They aren’t supposed to exist. To make matters worse, he’s the firm’s new security specialist.

  One incident changes everything. In protecting the firm, I’ve been exposed and now far bigger threats are closing in on me. Hunters who won’t stop until they’ve brought me down. I don’t know who to trust.

  The most dangerous man I’ve ever met is offering protection. But trusting him might be the last thing I ever do.

  Available Now on Kindle

  Flight by Numbers

  I put my trust in the most dangerous man alive. But going on the run with him might prove more deadly than what’s chasing me.

  After a lifetime of hiding, I’ve been exposed and framed as a security threat by someone who runs Weard Enterprises, the most powerful security firm for paranormals and the rumored source of mercenaries. Everywhere I run, it seems higher numbers outnumber the low making it almost impossible to avoid detection. But there’s still only one Ten in my life…

  Mathias has broken from Weard Enterprises and is helping me stay ahead of their hunters. But I can see something beneath his calm demeanor, something cold, and it wants out. As we race across Britain in an attempt to shake the hunters and reach a hiding place somewhere in the Scottish Highlands, I can’t help wondering — How long do I have before I’m running from Mathias too?

  Available Now on Kindle

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  Also by Kimberly A. Rogers

  Love’s Enchanted Tales

  Selkie’s Song

  The Storyteller’s Dragon

  Masquerade

  Cat’s Gambit

  Spindle

  Panther’s Bride

  Gryphons’ Sister

  Rogue Spotter Series

  Threats by Numbers

  Flight by Numbers

  Trials by Numbers

  The Therian Way Series

  Prequel – Tiger’s Paw: A Novella

  Book One – Leopard’s Heart

  Book Two – Wolf’s Path

  Book Three – Tiger’s Strength (Coming 2019)

  The World of the Therian Way

  Leopard’s Find*

  (novelette originally published in the anthology Where the Light May Lead)

  Tiger’s Shadow : A Novella*

  *Set prior to Tiger’s Paw

  Science Fiction

  Remember Typhon – A Short Story

  Historical Romance

  Christmas Aria — A Christmas Regency Novella

  About The Author

  Kimberly A. Rogers has never stopped enjoying the over-active imagination originally fueled by fantasy classics such as the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. With a steady supply of fairytales, mythology, and the folklore revolving around famous cryptids such as the Beast of Bray Road, she is well-prepared to spend her days writing various fantasy series ranging from urban fantasies to romantic fairytale retellings. On the rare occasion she’s not playing in a fantasy world, you can find her dabbling in military science fiction and Regency Era romances.