Chapter 11
Magic of the Night
Bronwyn sat in a chair opposite Captain Tibbins. The captain’s thick wooden desk separated them. Tapestries, weaponry, plaques, flags and awards filled the surrounding walls. Each time the dwarf entered the room the elaborate decorations overwhelmed him. He remembered his first visit several years ago—the dazzling display of military memorabilia had enthralled him to the point that he’d have missed the conversation if not for Sanderson nudging him constantly.
Today the items had lost their lustre, and Bronwyn couldn’t wait to leave. For the third time in as many months, Captain Tibbins offered the dwarf the opportunity to earn valour by accepting a quest. It wouldn’t be a difficult mission, but one valuable to Aruam Castle.
Bronwyn felt compelled to accept simply because the captain had asked. Captain Tibbins insisted the journey contained little danger.
The assignment sounded safer than the previous two quests, but he wondered why Tibs had selected him; Sanderson needed him here. A warning from the captain of the guard nagged at him: Quest? If they offer one, turn it down. Bronwyn had asked why, but Sanderson didn’t answer. Don’t throw your career away for a ridiculous quest of honour.
As Captain Tibbins finished his speech, Bronwyn cleared his throat. “Sir, I appreciate the fact you personally solicited me for this quest, but I graciously decline.”
“Sergeant, I don’t understand. I offer you a chance to prove to yourself as well as to others you’re a worthy fighter, that you place the security and well-being of this castle and the citizens of Maskil before anything else, but here you are, denying me your services once again.”
“I understand this is an important quest,” said Bronwyn firmly, “but I believe there are others who could handle this business.”
“I could order you to accept the mission.” Captain Tibbins taunted the dwarf.
For a long time, Bronwyn had feared this type of order. He, however, had one advantage over other sergeants. “Sir, I bring to your attention I have a child, and that I’m the sole provider for her well-being.”
Tibbins scoffed at the idea. “Surely, you have family who could tend to this child whilst you’re away.”
“It’s not while I’m away which concerns me. If I don’t return, she’ll be an orphan.” He braced himself. “Captain Tibbins, with all due respect I decline your offer on the grounds of being a single provider for a child.”
Captain Tibbins drummed his fingers on the desk and stared with cold blue eyes at the dwarf. “Dismissed.”
Bronwyn left. Though lucky this time, his gut forewarned another imminent request. He wondered if Sanderson had left his office for the day. Given the time, the captain of the guard probably enjoyed his evening elsewhere. His hunch proved correct; Sanderson’s office sat empty. He’d have to meet with him in the morning.
Turning abruptly, he bumped into Riagan, a dwarf who worked in the military records office.
“Excuse me.” He caught her arm before she stumbled to the floor.
Riagan giggled as she steadied herself. She slipped her hand into his and pulled him near. “No harm done.”
He tried to pull away, but she held him firm. “I didn’t see you there. My thoughts distracted me.”
She leant near. “Thoughts of a woman or work?”
The attractive female flattered Bronwyn with her attention. “Work.”
“I thought you might be thinking of me.” She winked.
“Business. You know me. Always business.”
“What does a woman need to do to get your attention?” Riagan slid her hand to the back of his neck and pushed her fingers into his hair.
Bronwyn held her at bay. Though pretty, he had no feelings for her. “Riagan, I’m on duty.”
“Later then?” She smiled and softened her eyes.
He forced her hand from his hair and held her at arms’ length. “I have other commitments.”
Riagan frowned. “With that human?”
She referred to Alaura. Bronwyn knew the dwarf didn’t like her; he saw it in her eyes when the women passed each other in the hall. Alaura felt indifferent to her jealousy. While not his mate, his thoughts dwelt on the enchanting half-breed, part human, part hauflin. Since Isla had become his ward—his daughter—Alaura had become a constant presence in his life. She helped him through the stages of childhood and often tended to Isla while he patrolled. He didn’t know what he’d have done if she hadn’t stepped forward to help him.
“Alaura is my friend, a best friend. But tonight, I’ll be with my daughter.”
Riagan dropped her hands. “Maybe another time.”
“Have a good evening,” he said, slipping out of range. He almost reached the exit of the guardhouse when he noticed Lady Dasia staring out of a window overlooking the courtyard. Though already late to pick up Isla at the bakery, he felt compelled to stop and inquire about her well-being.
“My Lady, is there anything you need?” Bronwyn stood off to the side and waited for her to acknowledge him. She appeared sad, as if yearning for a lost love.
Lady Dasia closed her eyes and spoke in a subdued voice. “There is.” A tear slipped down her cheek.
“What is it, My Lady?” He stepped forward. “Should I summon Lord Nevell?”
She shook her head as a gentle smile creased her lips. “Healing is not what I seek.” She looked out again at the courtyard. “Do you see what I see?”
He stepped closer to the window and looked out at the view: stone walls surrounded the workout area for his men. “What am I to see?”
“It’s empty.” She looked at him and her smile grew. “Everyone has gone home or is on their way to loved ones.”
“Training is over for the day, My Lady.”
“Emptiness can be more moving than anything else. Yet, it is what many fear.” She eyed him. “Do you?”
He cocked his head. “I don’t fear an empty courtyard, an empty room or anything else which doesn’t contain people.”
“Because you carry those you love in your heart.” She touched his shoulder. “The growth of that love started small but has grown quite large. I’m proud of you.”
Bronwyn didn’t know what to say. He assumed the lady talked about Isla. He had never asked, but he held little doubt she had orchestrated his taking possession of the child.
“You bring life to the castle with your open show of emotions,” she said. “The castle looks kindly upon you three.”
“I hardly think a stone structure is watching us.” Three? She meant Alaura, too, he thought.
She leant close. “Don’t be so sure.” Looking back to the courtyard, she sighed. “We all must make sacrifices to initiate change; occasionally what we surrender is life altering.” She fell silent.
He watched her play with an item in her hand. Although he couldn’t see it clearly, he thought it to be a coin or other round object.
“I have a favour to ask, Bronwyn.” She spoke without looking at him. “Are you up for a challenge?”
“Whatever you ask, My Lady. It’s my duty to serve.”
“No.” She suddenly turned on him. “This has nothing to do with your duty or this castle! This is personal. I ask you as Bronwyn Darrow to help me, Glynn Dasia of Moonsface.”
The urgency in her voice startled him. “What is it you wish, Glynn Dasia? I’m honoured you asked me.”
“I’m sorry. I should not speak to you in this manner. It is…” She opened her hand and stared at the object within.
The decorative belt buckle puzzled him. It appeared old. “My Lady, I mean, Glynn, you seem upset.” He bit his lip, feeling awkward in unfamiliar territory.
“It will pass.” She placed the buckle in his palm and wrapped his fingers around it. “I wish for you to give this to someone.”
“Who?”
Glynn Dasia grinned. “And there lies the challenge.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I cannot give you a name. You’ll know the pe
rson when you meet them. I can tell you this individual is elf, like myself. They are not in Maskil, but they might visit.” She bent near. “You have never met them, but you’ll know it is they when you see them. Give this to them and answer all their questions.”
“Am I to leave Maskil and search for them?”
Lady Dasia shook her head. “They’ll find you. Wear it as your own for everyone to see.”
“I’ll affix it to my belt this evening.” He slipped the buckle into his pocket.
“Thank you, Bronwyn. I can never repay you for your kindness in this matter.”
“Payment isn’t necessary, My…Glynn. I’m honoured to help.” He leant close to her ear. “Do you know the person I’m to give this to?” He watched her expression fill with doubts. Strange, he thought. Though she didn’t display her magical powers, he knew her to be well-versed in the craft.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear. “They are the dearest to my heart—ones I have not had the pleasure to embrace in many years.” She paused and he felt her catch her breath. “I trust you more than many in this castle, and now, I entrust my greatest gift to you. Give them my love and share me with them.”
He felt dizzy as Lady Dasia’s voice and hot breath consumed his ear. If not for her embrace, he might have stumbled. Though he didn’t know what spell she cast, he felt a rush of energy surge into his body. He felt her heart breaking, but he could do nothing to ease her pain. When he steadied, she released him and turned back to the window.
“Glynn, I promise I’ll do everything you ask to the best of my ability.”
“And that sets my heart free.” She paused, and he watched her eyes glisten. “Go to the ones who love you. Both young and old await your arrival.” As he turned to leave, her distant voice stopped him. “You are a fortunate man, Bronwyn Darrow, though there will be times you think you are not.”
He felt fortunate to have good friends and family. “And you are loved by many though at times you might feel alone.” The surprise in her eyes made him chuckle. “We all forget the obvious now and again.”
Bronwyn walked out of the guardhouse with lighter feet. Serving his favourite lord made him proud. Though unsure of how or when his task would be completed, he felt positive he’d succeed.
Shadows in the Stone Page 21