Laughter bubbled from the vampire’s chest. “I think you are a little delusional from your healing. I know nothing about my brother other than he is born of the purest evil that ever lived.”
Lance narrowed his eyes. “You’re his brother. Aren’t you also born of that evil?”
Zephyr shrugged. “You would think, wouldn’t you? Thankfully, I was spared. I was tossed out on my ass the moment my parents figured it out. I was no more than a vampling.”
“Ouch” Lance winced.
“Yes, ouch. However, I give you my word. Lady Elizabeth will be safe. I shall make sure myself.”
Lance gave him a slight nod. “That’s all I ask. Thanks, Z.”
“You are welcome, Pup.”
Lance took the steps two at a time. His mood was a bit lighter. For the first time since he was imprisoned, he finally felt the twinge of hope. The plan his father formulated was sound and would have succeeded had they been dealing with any ordinary adversary. But, when dealing with the paranormal, there were certain things you had to throw out the window or modify The element of surprise being one of them.
The sun hit him in the face as he stepped into the courtyard. Lance squinted, shielding his eyes against its glare. Most of the time he spent here in Camelot had been gloomy. Infernal rain and cloudy days were not out of the ordinary. What was out of the ordinary was a day like today --sun shining to its full potential and blinding.
He wasn’t about to complain, though. It was a nice change. A change further enforcing the fact that hope was on their side.
“Christian! Over here.” Galahad waved at him from across the training field. His brother held up a bow, urging Lance to join him.
Dodging a running child or two, he carefully crossed the yard. When he reached his brother, he couldn’t help but wonder what the guy was up to. It wasn’t like him to willingly train with a bow. He had steadfastly balked at using one when Lance suggested it. If memory served, Galahad went as far as to say his sword was the only weapon he would ever need. That statement, whether true or not, was an eerie echo of the same words he said to Jared not long ago. Maybe in hindsight his brother had changed his mind. Hell, Lance was game to play along.
What are you up to now, little brother?
“Christian, good you are finally here. I need your assistance. The children wouldn’t believe me when I told them of your eye for hitting any target. I was hoping you could prove it to them.” Galahad held out the bow to Lance.
Lance shook his head. “I can’t. My vision is still off. Everything at a distance tends to blur.”
“Ach, I don’t believe that. You are the best shot I have ever seen. Well, other than your Lady, of course.” Grinning, Galahad pointed the end of the bow at a basket of apples. “Look, I even brought targets for you.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” He took the bow and quiver of arrows from his brother and led the small group of children outside the castle walls. If he was going to shoot, at least he’d only be shamed in front of the kids and Galahad.
Galahad placed the basket on the ground next to the wall as Lance paced toward the field. The children sat a few yards from the makeshift range. Their eyes were glued on the brothers.
Lance’s brow rose and he watched Galahad start juggling a couple of apples as he waited. “Since when are you a court jester?”
“Oh, this?” Galahad added another apple in and tossed them higher. “I would sneak a lesson or two from Thomas, King Arthur’s fool, when I was a boy. I truly enjoyed having a skill other than swordplay to keep me busy.” His brother winked as one apple went ten feet above his head.
Lance realized right away what was Galahad was doing. Almost immediately, he pulled an arrow, nocked it and shot at the apple. His first shot missed by five feet. The apple fell to the ground. “Damn it!”
“Relax. Consider that a practice shot.” His brother grinned at him. “You can do this, Christian. Breathe.” He started juggling the apples again.
The second apple flew up in the air. Again, Lance shot an arrow at it and missed. This time he missed by inches. He cursed silently pinning Galahad with a glare. He gave his brother a curt nod. “Third time’s a charm.”
“Aye, it is.” Galahad smirked and began juggling again.
This time when the apple went airborne, Lance nailed it to the stone wall behind his brother. Galahad took it as his cue and began firing the apples upward in rapid concession. Lance pierced each apple and stuck to the wall above their heads faster than anyone could blink.
When the last apple was pinned to the wall, the children crowded around him in awe. Lance sought out his brother over their heads. He found him leaning against the wall with a shit-eating grin on his face. After everything he had said and done after his rescue, his brother still wanted to help. With this little demonstration, he helped more than he knew. Galahad proved to him he could most definitely do this. The two of them working together would get Elizabeth home.
Then what?
What if this was his test? What if after all was said and done and Elizabeth was safe, it was time for him to leave. He’d never see his brother or the rest of his family again. A lump formed in Lance’s throat. Was he ready to say good-bye to them?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hours later --after the children had been ushered back to their homes, dinner had been consumed, and he had taken his leave of the entertainment in the hall-- Lance stood on the battlements, staring out over the dark fields below. The cold wind bit at his cheeks, signaling winter was finally upon them. It had been so long since he experienced this time of year in his homeland. Vague lost memories of playing in the snow as a child while his mother watched flitted through his mind.
Who would have known the scent of snow in the air would be potent enough to trigger his memories? In reality he knew he wouldn’t be here for the first snow fall. He probably wouldn’t even be here past the next week if everything went according to plan.
Lance’s gaze drifted over the forest at the far corner of the now vacant jousting field. A faint green glow emanated from the base of one of the trees. He rubbed a hand across his eyes. When he looked again, it was gone.
He shook his head with a sigh. “My eyes are playing tricks on me again.”
“Nay Christian, ‘tis the Fae.” A familiar voice said from behind him.
Smiling, Lance turned to face his newest ally and friend. “Beatrix, I’m surprised you’re back so soon. What do you mean by the Fae? Aren’t they made up creatures in children’s stories?”
Beatrix laughed. She stepped up to the wall next to him. “The Fae are as real as you and I. Are we not the things stories and legends are made of as well?”
“Touché. But why would they be lurking out there and then vanish?” Lance turned his attention back to the spot where the green glow had been.
“Because, they feel the sadness present within these walls. It was they who summoned both you and Elizabeth to the woods your first night in Camelot. Your meeting was not a chance encounter. It was a cleverly orchestrated matchmaking mission.”
“You know this, how?”
“They told me not to interfere when Elizabeth snuck out. I was to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to her leaving. They told me she would be safe . . . with you.”
“And here I was blaming Sam all this time. When in reality is it was a bunch of wood sprites who planned this.” Frowning, he leaned a hip against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. “You really believe that bullshit you said?”
Beatrix looked offended. “Of course I do, ‘tis the truth. I would not lie about something like this, something which put Lady Elizabeth in danger. Even though she was not.”
“Okay, fine.” He waved his fingers in the air. “Little wood fairies said we belonged together. It doesn’t matter anymore anyway. What does matter is getting Elizabeth out of Rim’s hands.” His face softened. “How is she doing, Bea?”
“As well as to be expected. Though, she does stand up to his Lordsh
ip quite a bit. I think it baffles him. He is not used to a woman being in control of her wit and feelings like she is.”
“That’s my girl,” he whispered. “So why are you here instead of there with her?”
“My Lady has given me a task. I hope you would be able to help me procure what she needs.” Beatrix held out a folded piece of vellum.
Lance took the note and unfolded it. Elizabeth’s list was short and precise, right down to measurements. She obviously had been plotting this for a while. A wicked grin curled his lips. “Well, well, well. It seems someone is planning on being a difficult prisoner.”
“So you will help me get these things to her?” Beatrix hid her smile.
“Beatrix, I will get my Lady everything she wishes and more. Meet me by the stables before dawn. I can’t keep Elizabeth waiting too long, can I? Until then--” He sketched Beatrix a flourished bow, kissing her knuckles.
Elizabeth’s maid stifled a laugh. “My Lord, I see why she is madly in love with you. You truly are a wicked man.”
Thirty Four
A quiet knock on the door startled Elizabeth. She was so deep in thought plotting against Rimmon she hadn’t realized how late it had gotten. Rising, she wandered to the door fully expecting it to be one of the demon’s servants come to summon her to dinner. Every night they tried and every night she refused. There was no way she would eat at the same table, from the same trencher, as the man who attempted to kill Christian.
Another knock echoed through the space, this time a bit more frantic. “My Lady, please-- ‘Tis Beatrix. I think I may have been followed.”
Hearing the anguish in the poor girl’s voice, Elizabeth rushed to unlock the door and usher her in before anyone was the wiser. The second Bea crossed the threshold and the door was locked behind her, the maid dropped the burlap sack she had slung over her shoulder.
Elizabeth’s eyes lit up. “Were you able to get everything?”
“Aye, My Lady. Christian gathered all of it quickly. I do not think anyone knew what he was up to.” Bea opened the bag to show her their treasure.
“Christian? You saw him? How does he fare?” She clutched Beatrix’s arm. “Please, I have been so worried about him.”
Beatrix patted her hand. “To the eye, he is completely healed on the outside.”
“On the outside?” She ran her fingers over the feathered fletching sticking out of the sack.
“Aye. The wounds Lord Rimmon dealt him appear to have mended. It is his heart I am worried about. But we shall fix that soon enough.”
“I hope so, Bea.” Elizabeth emptied the bag laying each item out on the bed. Two bows--one adult the other child-sized, two quivers the same sizes as the bows, and arrows to match. Her brow rose as she unfolded an archer’s hood with breaches to fit her. He had thought of everything. Not only did he supply her with the weaponry she needed, he made sure she would be well-disguised in the process.
“My Lady?” Beatrix’s voice broke through her thoughts. “There is one more thing.”
Bea held out a small package wrapped in a bit of cloth and tied with a strip of leather. Elizabeth took it from her. Instead of opening it, she merely sat staring at it.
“He said for you to open it when you were alone.” Bea smiled softly.
“Did he?” Elizabeth lifted her gaze to Beatrix’s face. “Do you know what it is?”
“Nay. He did not confide in me what is in the package, just to make sure I gave it to you and for you to open it after I left. Which I shall be doing now. Do not forget to hide your treasure.” The maid gave her a shallow curtsey and headed toward the door. She glanced back over her shoulder. “Never doubt his love for you, Elizabeth. He will come for you.”
“I know, Bea.” Elizabeth watched her friend slip out into the corridor and silently close the door. “I know--”
Her hands shook as she untied the leather strap and lay it aside. Carefully, she unwrapped the cloth from around two small jars. She opened each and found one filled with powder, the other with a thick sticky substance. Elizabeth sniffed the liquid and immediately held it away from her face, coughing. Sealing it, she put it aside and inspected the second jar. She dipped her fingers in the powdery substance. When removed, her fingers wore a pale green glow on them.
Elizabeth closed the jar and placed it with the first. She stood and crossed the room to her washing bowl. Rubbing her hands beneath the water, the glow came off of her hands but remained in the water. The glowing bowl lit up the room.
“Magic of the Fae.” She marveled at the sight. How in the world had Christian gotten his hands on it? Surely they kept their magic closely guarded.
Returning to the bed, she picked up the note he enclosed with his gifts. She lowered onto the bed as she read the missive.
Beth,
When I first saw you that night in the woods, I knew you’d be a handful for some unfortunate son of a bitch. I never dreamed at the time that poor bastard would be me. But after everything we’ve been through, there is no way in Hell I will let someone else take my place.
Please know I never meant for any of this to happen. When we formulated the plan to spare you from marriage to the demon there was no way to know he would go as far as he did to get rid of me. As you can see, he failed. I am coming for you. Be ready on the new moon tomorrow night.
The jars enclosed are for your eyes only. Not even Beatrix knows what is in them. Coat the arrow-heads with the liquid and let them dry. It is potent poisons that will make demon flesh deteriorate. You can thank Zephyr for that one. In case you need to defend yourself against Rimmon or his minions.
The powder in the second jar is made from a tiny creature that dwells on the cavern walls beneath the castle. Before you put on the archers clothing, coat any skin that might show with it. The demons will think one of the Fae is in their midst. This distraction will hopefully be enough for you to find Zephyr and get out to safety.
On the off chance we are separated, trust the vampire. He would never betray me or you. If for some reason I don’t survive, know that I love you, Beth. You are my heart, my soul, my mate.
All my love forever,
Christian
Elizabeth crushed the letter to her chest. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She tried to catch her breath. Tomorrow night. This will all be over tomorrow.
Right now though, she had preparations to make. She refolded the letter and slipped it inside her bodice wiping the tears from her face. Now was not the time to break down. Now was the time for action.
Gathering the large bow, arrows and quiver, Elizabeth placed them where she knew Rimmon or his minions would find them --a decoy to throw them off their guard. If she could make them think they ruined her plan to escape, then she would have the upper hand. Ultimately, so would Christian and the others.
She returned to the shorter set of arrows and dipped the tips into the jar with the poison. She placed them back in their quiver fletched end first so the heads would dry. When those were complete, she tucked the jar into her mattress and strapped the bow and quiver underneath her bed.
After all was said and done, Elizabeth stepped back and took in her hard work. Pleased with how it all turned out, she went about getting ready for bed. All too soon it would be morning and she would have one hell of a false impression to make.
Sitting on a bench in front of the fireplace, Elizabeth brushed her hair, smiling to herself. She watched the flames dance. They were locked in a sultry movement, lulling her to sleep. Yawning, she placed the brush down beside her and rose to get into bed.
As she turned the covers back, the door to her chamber slammed open. Rimmon stormed in, dragging Beatrix behind him. Her hair was wound about his fist. He yanked it hard, tossing her on the floor between them. Elizabeth rushed forward and wrapped her arms about her friend protectively.
“You think you are so clever! Did you honestly think I wouldn’t know this bitch was lurking around?” Rim seethed above the two women. “Where is it? Where is the bag she
was seen carrying?”
Elizabeth smoothed Bea’s hair as she narrowed her eyes at the beast before her. “I have no idea what you are talking about. She is my maid. She brought some of the things you forced me to leave behind.”
He towered over her. “Such as?”
“A few of my dresses and personal items.” It wasn’t a lie. The first time Bea arrived she came bearing the necessities. So what if that happened to be almost a month ago?
Rim curled his lip. “You’re lying.”
She waved a hand about the room as Bea shook her head. “Look for yourself.” Elizabeth gave her friend a reassuring squeeze and stood. Beatrix tried to grab her and pull her back. She shook off her maid’s hands. I know what I am doing. Elizabeth mouthed silently.
Rimmon stalked around the room ripping her belongings apart. He flipped over the chest next to the wall and froze. Elizabeth tried to control her breathing. She couldn’t let him know she knew what he found.
Rim bent over and picked up the bow, crushing it in his fist. The wood splintered. He whirled and threw the ruined bow at her feet. “You dare arm yourself against me?”
Elizabeth raised her chin. “Aye. Why would I not? I am here because you stole me from my uncle and husband. I will protect myself any way I can.”
He moved closer with a panther’s deadly gait until he was a fraction of an inch from her face. “The wolf is dead. You are my betrothed and I will have you for my wife.”
Resisting the urge to gag, she held her ground. “Christian is alive and he is coming for me.”
He backhanded her causing blinding pain to erupt across her face. Elizabeth landed on the floor next to Beatrix. Her hand cupped her cheek gingerly. Tears sprung to her eyes watching in horror when Rimmon grabbed Bea by the hair again, pulling the maid to her feet.
“Please, My Lord. I only brought her the dresses. Nothing more.” Bea pleaded with him crying out when he snapped her head back exposing her throat.
“No! Leave her alone. ‘Tis me you should torture, not her. She did nothing wrong.” She sprang to her feet and charged Rimmon, grabbing his arm. “Let her go!”
Beyond Time: A Dark Order of the Dragon Novel (The Dark Order of the Dragon Book 2) Page 25