Druid Bond
Page 29
Guilt seemed to weigh on her dark eyes.
I reached across the table and clasped her hand. “You did the right thing.”
She squeezed my hand back. “If I get weird when you bring up our future, it’s only because I remember how I reacted to Tony being exposed like that. My maternal instincts kicked in big time. So, it’s not you I’m worried about. It’s me, I guess.”
“I’ll never endanger your child,” I said. “Or ours.”
She nodded. “The way you handled Arnaud’s return … The wards and enchantments, the safe house…” She nodded again, though more to herself this time it seemed. “I knew we were vulnerable, but at the same time, I felt protected. And you got us home.”
She leaned across the table and pressed her lips to mine. Another luxury I’d missed in the time catch.
When she sat back, her brow furrowed. “Why do you keep doing that?”
“Doing what?” But even as I asked, I caught myself checking the sigil on my right hand. “Oh. The rest of the Upholders should have returned by now, but I haven’t been able to pick them up through the bond.”
“Maybe because Jordan released you?” Vega suggested.
“Yeah, maybe.” But my mind was already considering the worst case. If I had to go looking for them, could I count on Caroline’s help again?
Vega pushed herself up, came around the table, and took my right hand in both of hers. “And I know that look.”
“You do?”
She pulled me to my feet. “Before you take on anything else, you’re coming to bed, my bed, and I’m going to strip off that uniform, and we’re going to make love, and then you’re going to sleep deeply in my arms and not get up until we can see actual sunlight through the window. Got it?”
Talk about an offer I couldn’t refuse.
With my hand pressed to her belly, I stooped down and kissed her. “I really missed you guys.”
Vega’s cheeks dimpled. “We missed you too.”
As she led me to her room, I thought about what Grandpa had told Arnaud.
Our sentimental bonds make us stronger, not weaker.
I needed to remember that.
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Author’s Notes
Our sentimental bonds make us stronger, not weaker.
Shortly before sitting down to plot Druid Bond, I reformatted the Prof Croft prequel Book of Souls, which involved some rereading. It was fun seeing hints of what Everson’s grandfather had been up to in those earlier years through a younger Everson’s eyes.
It also got me thinking. What if I could somehow get them back together, with Everson now understanding all the sacrifices his grandfather had made up to, and including, his death?
And so, the time catch.
The reunion is imperfect, of course, given that we’re dealing with an echo of the actual man, but as I wrote those scenes, I got the sense Everson was okay with that. The important thing was him feeling what he needed to feel and saying what he’d wanted to say for some version of his grandfather to hear. It ended up being critical to the plot, but I was also glad Everson got that opportunity.
Too many don’t.
The particular period for the time catch came to me while reading Rutherfurd’s epic work of historical fiction New York: The Novel. He devotes almost two-hundred pages to the revolutionary years, and they’re fascinating. I went on to read 1776 by McCullough, The Battle for New York by Schecter, and I watched the HBO miniseries John Adams. I also found some great survey maps of New York for that period, both in books and online. Basically, I geeked out.
For historical research of another kind, I found a website called The Right Rhymes, a dictionary of hip-hop, that helped me with some of Gorgantha’s phrasing. I’m still disappointed I wasn’t able to slip in “chin check,” meaning a punch in the face. But I did find a place for “assed-out,” so there’s that.
Some of you are no doubt wondering if Everson will have to return to the time catch, what’s going on with the Order, and what the deal is with Caroline. Because I write the Prof Croft series in quadrilogies, all the big questions will be answered and all the major threads tied up in the next book.
For now, let’s just enjoy Arnaud in a cell, Vega and Tony back home, and Tabitha in her new role as mayor. Oh wait, I edited out that last one.
I have several people to thank for helping deliver Druid Bond into the world. They are the talented team at damonza.com for designing another stellar cover; beta readers Beverly Collie, Mark Denman, and Bob Singer for their invaluable comments and feedback; an awesome and growing team of advanced readers for doing the same, though later in the process; proofreaders Sharlene Magnarella and Donna Rich for final proofing; and Beck’s Roasting House in Las Cruces, New Mexico for keeping me caffeinated, and just tolerating my presence, while I banged this one out.
I also want to thank James Patrick Cronin, who brings all the books in the Croftverse to life through his gifted narration on the audio editions. Those books, including samples, can be found on my Audible.com author page.
Finally, thank you, fearless reader, for taking another ride with the Prof.
Till next time,
Brad Magnarella
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Croftverse Catalogue
PROF CROFT
Book of Souls
Demon Moon
Blood Deal
Purge City
Death Mage
Black Luck
Power Game
Druid Bond
BLUE WOLF
Blue Curse
Blue Shadow
Blue Howl
Blue Venom
Author’s Amazon Page