Born of Stone

by Missy Jane

  “They killed people too. I think they killed my da.”

  Her eyes remained dry but the horrors of what she must have witnessed were plainly written on her small face. Anger boiled up within Orestes and he took a step away from her. With a thought, his body turned to stone and grew by a foot in height and a few inches in width. The crowd gasped and fell back farther.

  “They are in Angor now?” he asked.

  “Dunno,” the old man said. “We just ran.”

  Orestes nodded. “I’ll find them. I’ll try to return to you or send help. Keep traveling to Ilstred. Tell them Master Orestes sends you and expects them to aid you.”

  With that, he leapt into the air and once again headed for Angor. He had no worries the people below would find help in Ilstred. As luck would have it, that was the town with his temple at its center. Though he normally didn’t like to be worshipped as a deity, it would come in handy now for the refugees. No citizen of Ilstred would dare defy him.

  As he flew away, his thoughts once again turned to Astrid. Seeing the state of the refugees had brought back the image of her as he’d first seen her. He pushed that thought away in favor of her in the peach silk dress she’d worn when he left. The wonder on her face when they entered the library would be forever etched in his memory. He prayed it wouldn’t be the last he’d see of her.

  Astrid stretched as high as her limited reach allowed, standing on the tips of her toes. But still, she couldn’t touch the high shelf. It wasn’t even the highest of the shelves in the vast library, just the top of the section she was currently dusting. With a huff of frustration, she turned and eyed the rolling ladder sitting a few feet away. Orestes had shown her how to use it, stressing the need to lock it in place before placing a foot on the lowest rung. She was no idiot. She knew the dangers of such a device. And that was why she had yet to attempt it. To be honest, going so high off the ground terrified her. She wasn’t certain this new job would be worth it.

  Then she looked around the library at all the glorious books in her midst. There were thin ones, fat ones, tall ones, short ones. There were books covered in every color of the rainbow and quite a few drab black ones. There were even ancient-looking scrolls locked in a glass case. She was told to wipe the glass down carefully and not to lean on the case at all. She was afraid to get anywhere near it. The wonder of being trusted in this room still hadn’t worn off and she wanted to laugh and cry all over again.

  With a sigh, she looked at the ladder again and approached it slowly. Perhaps she could reach from one of the lower rungs rather than going even halfway up? It was certainly worth a try. She kicked up the locking mechanism before setting the ladder in motion, rolling it to where she needed it. Then she carefully put the lock back in place. She tugged on the ladder a couple of times for good measure and was finally satisfied it didn’t plan to move with her on it. She took a deep breath and looked up, duster in one hand while she gathered her courage. With one foot on the bottom rung, she was about to ascend when someone cleared his throat nearby.

  “Oh!”

  She jumped back and her foot caught on the rung. The duster flew from her hand and clattered somewhere across the room. She would have fallen straight back onto her bottom if a pair of strong hands hadn’t caught her beneath her arms.

  “Whoa. Are you all right? I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  She stepped away as soon as the strange hands released her and spun around to face her savior.

  “Thank you.”

  She had to put a hand over her racing heart, but it wasn’t from the near accident alone. The man facing her now was stunning. He smiled with a full set of straight white teeth that looked startling against his tan visage. Thick black hair fell to his shoulders around a thin face. He looked regal, almost feminine, with high cheekbones and a patrician nose. He was too short and thin to be one of the Masters, and she didn’t think she’d ever seen him around the castle before. As if reading her thoughts, he stuck out a hand.

  “I’m Albain, one of the Twenty.”

  She had already taken his hand when his words finally penetrated her scattered thoughts.

  “Oh…forgive me.”

  She tried to release his hand so she could bow, or curtsy, or something. But he merely chuckled and held on.

  “No need to apologize, and no need for formality either. I’m intruding on you, after all.”

  Her face burned in embarrassment at the reminder of her place. She nodded and waited for him to release her hand so she could find her duster. His ready smile faltered but he still held on to her.

  “What have I said to embarrass you?” he asked. She simply shook her head and lowered her gaze. “Oh, come now. Surely we can speak as friends? You must be a friend to the Masters. After all, you’re in their home and I know they wouldn’t have missed such a beautiful specimen roaming their halls.”

  She swallowed down her apprehension and met his gaze again, though warily.

  “I work here.”

  One brow rose sharply while he assessed her from head to toe. He took in her fine dress and matching shoes and finally released her hand.

  “Do you now?”

  “Yes…I was dusting.”

  “Dusting.”

  “Yes.”

  She looked around the room hoping for a way out of this conversation and away from his prying eyes. He was one of the Twenty, one of the King’s own wizards and a very powerful man. He probably could read every single thought in her head. Not to mention he was one of the best looking men she had ever seen. Well…human men at least. His black hair contrasted with light blue eyes that seemed to pierce her every thought.

  “I find it interesting the Masters would employ such a lovely woman to dust. But at least the library is one of the better rooms. I’d hate to see you slaving away in the kitchen.”

  For some reason, she couldn’t quite trust that smile. She was searching for a response when she was saved by Master Wynnston.

  “I fear if we dared put her back in the kitchen, Orestes would have my head,” Wynn said.

  Albain turned his attention to the Master and his smile seemed to dim. “Ah, Wynnston. Good to see you about.” He glanced at Astrid again before turning his back to her as if she no longer existed. “And where is Orestes now?”

  Wynn frowned and ran his gaze over Astrid quickly. Heat rushed back into her cheeks and she hoped she passed inspection. And where had her duster gone?

  “Orestes is traveling to Angor in search of Nel. Have you been told of the attack?” Wynn asked.

  Albain nodded gravely. “Yes. The King has been apprised also. He has fifteen of the Twenty searching the realm for other signs of infiltration. How many of your brothers are out there?”

  “Ten. Only Petros and myself have stayed behind.”

  “To guard the castle?”

  “As is our way. You know why we never leave it completely unmanned.”

  Albain bowed his head in acknowledgement and turned back to face Astrid. His eyes widened slightly as if he had forgotten her presence. She somehow doubted that was the case.

  “And what sweet treats you have to guard at this time,” Albain said.

  He stepped closer to her and Wynn was suddenly behind her, grasping her arm and pulling her back. Albain stopped and one brow shot up.

  “As I said, Orestes would have my head if anything happened to this one,” Wynn said.

  The threat in his voice was clear and shocked her. Would the wizard allow Wynn to speak to him so? Albain simply shrugged and gave Wynn a lopsided grin.

  “As you say. I’m surprised to find a human woman has garnered his interest. That isn’t usually his way.”

  “It is now,” Wynn said.

  His grip on her arm tightened the slightest bit but he wasn’t hurting her. He seemed to be angry and she wondered about it, but she knew when to hold her tongue.

  “Pity, that,” Albain said. He waved his hand in the air as if to physically brush away the conversation. “W
ell, I only stopped by to see how things fared here and know if there was word of Nel. As there isn’t, I shall return to the King. Good day.”

  He strode out of the library before either Wynn or Astrid could reply.

  Wynn shook his head and looked over Astrid again more thoroughly. Of all the Twenty, he trusted Albain the least. He was the youngest of the wizards and cocky. He had also been the loudest voice in setting restrictions on the Masters from day one. Luckily, the King had overruled all of his suggestions.

  “Are you all right? Wynn asked. Astrid nodded but he noticed the color still hadn’t returned to her cheeks. “Did he hurt you?”

  “No, sir. I was just startled when he came in. I’ve never met a wizard before.”

  He nodded and looked around until he spotted her duster lying beneath a nearby table. He picked it up and took it to her.

  “They are an odd lot, and him most of all. It would probably be best if you didn’t socialize with him much. I know this was beyond your control. But in the future, if you find yourself alone with him try to leave the room…politely.”

  She immediately nodded her agreement. “Yes, sir. I will.”

  “What were you two discussing before I came in?”

  “Not much, sir. He asked about me and I said I worked here. He seemed surprised…probably because of my dress.”

  He looked her over again and one brow went up. “Indeed. That may be good. I can never tell what that one is thinking or what motivates him. I just pray he hasn’t set his sights on you. Orestes would be most displeased.”

  That made her smile though she turned away quickly in an attempt to hide it.

  “Are you happy in here, Astrid?”

  She moved to the rolling ladder and stopped with one small foot on the bottom rung. “Oh yes, sir. Very much so. I’ve always liked the look of books.”

  He chuckled. “Liked the look, eh? I thought Orestes said you can read them also.”

  “Oh, well…yes. A little. I’m really not very good at it.”

  He walked to the far wall and looked over the titles for a moment until finding the one he wanted. She climbed halfway up the ladder and began dusting the top books. He noticed her arm trembling when she reached out to accomplish the task. He immediately put the book down on a table and closed the distance to grasp her hips and steady her.

  “Oh!”

  “Never fear. I’ve got you.”

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  She finished dusting and he simply lifted her from the ladder once she was ready. He placed her on the floor and picked up the book he had chosen.

  “This is a children’s book given to us by one of the wizards. When they created us, they implanted much knowledge, including the ability to read in the language of the realm. However, they didn’t know at first how well we could do anything. So, one of them started us off with this book.”

  She set her duster aside and took the book gingerly, showing such reverent care he immediately liked her more for it. She opened the book and the wonder on her face was priceless. He had forgotten about the colorful illustrations.

  “Oh, Master Wynn, this is so amazing. Surely I can’t handle such a treasure.”

  She started to give it back but he held his hands out and shook his head. “Nonsense. I trust you with it completely. And I know it will be a good one to start with. If it is too simple for you, there are many others.”

  Her eyes suddenly shimmered with moisture and his heart nearly stopped. Surely she wasn’t going to cry. Orestes would pummel him. Just as he was trying to decide on what to do, she smiled.

  “Thank you, sir. I truly don’t know what to say.”

  His pulse settled and he returned her smile gratefully. “You’re very welcome. And no thanks are necessary.” He looked around at the shelves and saw she had accomplished much in the few hours she’d been alone. “The books look well dusted for now. Why don’t you sit and look over that book for a bit until dinner? You have some time yet. I’ll make sure someone lets you know when it’s time to eat.”

  She beamed at him and he considered how damn lucky his brother was to have found such a beautiful human. He had bedded a few in his time but none lately. Maybe it was time to find a likely bed partner in the nearby village. But not tonight. For now, his duty was in the castle alongside Petros. They had a very important duty here in their home that could not go unguarded for even a day.

  It irked him that the Twenty knew the source of the gargoyles’ power, but the wizards were the reason for it. They had created the Masters from stone by using the most powerful stone in the land. Now that stone resided beneath his feet in the dungeon with strong wards and protections. If anything happened to it, he and his brothers would be powerless.

  He watched Astrid for a moment while she settled on a small settee near the windows. Once he was satisfied she would be okay for a few minutes, he went in search of Petros. There was something odd about Albain showing up in the castle alone and without announcing himself. He meant to find out why and be certain the bastard was gone.

  Albain waited in the shadows as Master Wynn left the library. For the briefest moment, he considered going back in for a second look at the human gem inside. Orestes thought to keep her, eh? He’d see about that. She was beautiful, with innocence shining from her eyes like the headiest beacon. She would be good to bed and even better as a sacrifice to his magic. But not yet.

  First he had plans to finalize and plots to secure. Once he knew for certain Orestes and the others were too far away to heed a battle cry, he would strike. And it would be a sweet victory indeed.

  Chapter Eight

  For two days, Nel bided his time, slowly pulling on his restraints to the pleasing sounds of the old wood giving up its anchor. Whenever Iva or Kalypso appeared, he would have to stop and pretend to be properly weakened by their efforts. It was amazing how easily he’d been able to ignore their attempts on him so far. His body never betrayed him. Despite their beauty and considerable oral skills, his cock remained at most half-hard and equally frustrating to them both. In fact, the only time it responded was when the pretty one appeared with his bread and water rations.

  Phaidra. Even thinking her name earned a response between his thighs. He watched her move about the room silently while she dusted the corners and surfaces. She had already given him the meager sustenance he was allowed for the afternoon. However, it was a bit more than yesterday. She had fed him from her tray, then after a peek over her shoulder, pulled more bread from a pocket hidden in the folds of her plain dress. Surprise speared through him but he’d said nothing. She had seemed so nervous already he hadn’t wanted to give her cause to drop the precious bread.

  Now he watched her hips sway ever so slightly as she moved and he wondered what it would be like to have a handful of her enticing bottom. As if she could feel his stare, she spun around and faced him from across the room.

  “Why do you do that?” she asked.

  He lifted a brow in mock innocence. “What, my dear?”

  Blood filled her cheeks. “Watch me. I can sense your gaze on my every step.”

  “Do you? Find a way to free me and it will be more than my gaze you feel, pretty one.”

  She twisted her dusting rag in her hands and he was sure she’d run away. But then she stepped toward him instead. He fought for calm while his pulse raced. Why was she closing the distance? He didn’t know why the others had been trying to harden him, but this one managed it without a thought. What if it was a trick? Perhaps Iva had somehow noticed his reaction to Phaidra and was even now waiting for her to do her magic. And what did it matter if they hardened him and made him come? He’d been putting the others off merely to anger them. Now he wondered if it was also to his benefit.

  Phaidra stepped up to his side, but not close enough to touch. She glanced over her shoulder to the doorway before looking at him again. True fear shone in her eyes and he frowned at the image.

  “What is it, Phaidra? What frightens you so
?”

  She swallowed hard and started dusting the bedframe at his side. “I spoke to another yesterday…a Third,” she whispered. “I told her about you.”

  He knew the Kevan was a hierarchal society with very strict class rules. From what he could tell, Phaidra appeared to be near the bottom of the seven-tiered system. Iva was obviously a rare and revered First but he had no clue about Kalypso.

  “And what did she say?” he asked, being sure to speak in the same lowered tone.

  She glanced at the door again and moved slowly toward his feet. “She was horrified. Said The Council of Firsts would never abide a Master being held captive within our city barriers.”

  Finally, the first good news he’d had in days. “So? Will you alert them?”

  She chewed on her bottom lip a moment before raising watery eyes his way. “I’m so very frightened. I belong to Iva and she would dole out my punishment even while being punished herself.”

  He frowned and shook his head in exasperation. Though he’d been in Keva many times and knew their laws and how they applied to him and his brothers, he’d never understood all of them. The system was designed so the higher ups ruled the lower classes with a very strict code of rules. Phaidra was obviously a part of Iva’s household and therefore her property until Phaidra worked her way up and out of the house. Then she would be expected to make a house of her own with her own servants. He couldn’t fathom the sweet and innocent looking Phaidra as a house First or even Second. She was too quiet and demure…too sensitive. He hadn’t learned much from her lips the past couple of days but just watching her had told him plenty.

  He considered her words. “What if I could talk to them and ask for clemency? As I’ve said, this goes against our treaties. Surely you would be looked upon well for preventing a war with my brothers?”

  She seemed to think it over while she continued her play at cleaning and stole glances at the doorway. So far they had never been interrupted while she fed him. But today she was lingering. He began to worry for her immediate safety.