by Donna Grant
He sighed and lifted her to carry her back to her pallet. Why didn’t you tell me you had drugged her?”
Gabriel chuckled. There wasn’t time. She needs the rest and we need to keep her near us.”
“It was good thinking. Did you see the way her eyes went wild? Why is it so important that she die? And by the Gryphon? After he laid Nicole on the pallet, he covered her then stood.
Gabriel shrugged. We won’t know until she tells us.”
Val reached and took hold of his halberd. I’ll take the first watch.”
It wasn’t until he was seated near the cave entrance well away from Gabriel and the fire that he allowed himself to let his weariness show.
He had lost track of how many years he had been a part of the Shields. There was no telling where he would have ended up had Aimery not found him lying in a pool of his own blood and vomit from his constant drinking.
But then again, it had been the only thing to dull the pain.
Chapter Four
Nicole opened her eyes to find herself staring at Val’s sleeping face. He must have lain down near the fire sometime during the night.
She didn’t remember agreeing to stay with them, but, then again, she couldn’t recall attempting to leave either. The last thing she remembered was trying to talk them into taking her to her cottage and then drinking the mixture Gabriel had given her.
Then she realized he must have put something in it to make her sleep. She wasn’t very happy about it, but, then again, she had no other place to go.
Strange as it was, she didn’t fear these men. She wasn’t sure why they were helping her, but she would do what she must to keep the truth about herself from them so they would continue to help her.
She still didn’t know why the Gryphon hadn’t killed her, but she was thankful that Val and Gabriel had come upon her when they did. She owed them a great debt, one that she most likely would never be able to repay.
Her gaze raked over Val’s sleeping form. He was on his side facing her with his arms crossed over his chest. The fire still blazed, which meant Gabriel was around somewhere, but it wasn’t Gabriel that held her attentionit was Val.
Val. It was such an unusual name. One that she had never heard before and she was curious as to what it stood for. A smile pulled at her lips as she considered asking him.
Neither man had given surnames, and it was obvious by their dress and speech that they didn’t belong to a clan. She recalled them telling her that they had come from a land far away. She had always been too curious for her own good, it was what led her to be sacrificed to the Gryphon, but she wanted to know more about Val, and even Gabriel.
They were different from the men she knew, but different in a good way. She couldn’t think of one man from the village or castle that would have helped her after the Gryphon. Not that she blamed them. The Gryphon was a powerful beast, but an evil Gryphon was even more powerful.
As she stared at Val, she realized how handsome he was. He had charm, strength, and most of all power, a combination that could be devastating to a woman.
Suddenly, his eyes opened, and she found herself staring into his pale green gaze.
“Good morn, he said, his voice still thick from sleep.
“Good morn.”
He yawned and rolled onto his back before sitting up and turning toward her. Did you sleep well?”
“Aye, especially after the help from whatever herbs Gabriel put in my drink.”
Val furrowed his brow. I’m sorry, but we had to.”
She nodded. I understand, but I would ask that you do not do so again.”
“Good, you’re both awake, Gabriel said as he walked towards them.
She watched as Gabriel set aside his bow and arrow and his sword. When she turned to look at Val she noticed his sword and halberd were leaning against the wall of the cave. These men weren’t travelers looking for a lost stone. They were much more than that.
It was strange that she hadn’t noticed it last night, but, then again, she had nearly died by the Gryphon then the freezing water. But this morning she felt rested and … alive.
“Anyone hungry? Gabriel asked as he set down a sack as he sank onto the ground.
Nicole recognized the material and knew Gabriel had been to her cottage. Did you find all you needed?”
His gaze snapped to hers. I suppose I should have asked.”
She smiled and shook her head. I owe both you and Val much more than the food in my cottage. Take what you need.”
“Is there anything you would like for us to retrieve from your cottage? Val asked as Gabriel handed him an oatcake.
She accepted her oatcake and thought over her possessions. My cloak would be nice.”
“You won’t need that, Gabriel said.
She raised her eyebrows. And why is that?”
Val pointed over his shoulder. There’s one there.”
Nicole looked to where he pointed and found what looked like a new cloak. Did you steal it?”
Both men shook their heads.
She looked down at her gown. It wasn’t one of hers. And this gown? Did you steal it?”
Again both men shook their heads as they ate.
She sighed and tried again. I know neither are mine, so can you tell me where you got them?”
“Does it matter? Val asked. We didn’t steal them, and they fit. So wear them.”
She knew they most likely didn’t travel with clothes that just might happen to fit a woman in need along the road. More secrets. As much as she’d like to keep hers tucked away, she had a gnawing suspicion that they would learn her secret well before she learned theirs.
“I suppose not, she finally agreed.
Val gave her a heart-stopping smile. Good. Now eat.”
She found herself more intrigued by Val with each passing moment. Whereas Gabriel was stoic, Val was more approachable, less reserved.
Then she caught the hint of sadness in his gaze again. She bit the inside of her mouth, telling herself it was none of her business what made a man such as Val sad.
“So, Val said after he had finished eating. You won’t return to your cottage and we won’t leave the cave. I suppose that leaves you staying with us.”
Nicole nodded, unsure of where Val was going with his line of thinking.
“That is until we leave, Gabriel said.
Nicole sighed and sat down the rest of her oatcake. As long as Val and Gabriel stayed she would have food and water. She couldn’t chance any of the villagers seeing her.
“What will you do? Val asked.
“Once you leave? she asked. At his nod, she said, I don’t know.”
“Tell us why you can’t return to your cottage, Val urged.
For so long she’d lived with her secret. No one would get close to her for fear that the curse would rub off on them. It was hard living without friends, people barely speaking to you because of their fear. But in the end she couldn’t blame them.
“As I said last night, I was supposed to have died. Everyone expected it.”
“Did everyone also expect the Gryphon to attack the village? Gabriel asked.
She shrugged. I don’t think so.”
Val leaned on one hand and bent the other so that his arm could rest on his knee. Did you know what was coming for you?”
She shuddered. Nay.”
“But you knewsomething was? Gabriel asked.
“Aye. It had been predestined.”
“Nothing is predestined, Val said.
Gabriel nodded. He’s right.”
“We each believe in life in our own way, she said softly.
Val rose and began to pace. What will happen if the villagers see you?”
“It will come for me again.”
“How do you know it won’t anyway?”
Her heart skidded to a halt as she raised her gaze to Val. I just assumed that he let me go because he didn’
t want me dead.”
Val came down on his haunches beside her. I hate to be the one to tell you this, Nicole, but the Gryphon will return whether the villagers see you or not.”
“Why? she whispered.
“Because it wants you dead.”
Nicole jumped to her feet and paced the spacious cave just as Val had done moments before. That can’t be right. I was told that with my death, the villagers would be satisfied and not call up the creature again.”
“What? Val and Gabriel said in unison.
She looked at the two men now standing side by side. It was the villagers that called up the Gryphon. They want payment in blood. My blood.
Chapter Five
Val could only blink at Nicole. Who told you this?”
She shrugged and continued pacing as she wrung her hands. It doesn’t matter. I’ve known since I was a little girl that I would die.”
“They gave you an exact date?”
“Oh, aye, she nodded. They wanted me to know just how long I had to live.”
“Who did? Gabriel asked.
She stopped and gawked at him. Haven’t you been listening? The villagers.”
Val’s voice lowered. But who told you all of this?”
“Margda, she said as her gaze swung to him. She was the only one of the villagers who would raise me. I often wondered why she did it, but she said it was her punishment for past deeds.”
He stepped closer to her and looked deeply into her violet eyes. We can’t help you unless you tell us everything.”
“I’ve told you all I know.”
Val glanced at Gabriel to see his fellow Shield deep in thought. What are you thinking?”
“It can’t be the entire village, Gabriel said. There is only one that controls the creatures, except with Hugh and Mina.”
“That’s right. You said both the brother and sister tried to control it.”
Gabriel nodded. It was disastrous for them, but fortunately worked to our advantage.”
“What are you two talking about? Nicole asked.
“I agree, Val said to Gabriel, ignoring Nicole. It can’t be the entire village.”
“Yet it was, she argued. I know what they told me.”
Val looked at Nicole then turned to Gabriel. I think it’s time she knew the truth.”
With a loud sigh, Gabriel lowered himself to the ground. I think you’re right. Nicole, you might want to sit for this.”
Val couldn’t help but remember when he and Roderick had told Elle what she was and who, exactly, they were. Elle had been from the future and took the discovery rather well. But would Nicole?
He glanced at Gabriel, but it was clear he was going to let Val begin. After he licked his lips, Val waited for Nicole to sit, but she remained as she was.
“Gabriel’s right. You should sit.”
She shook her head. I’d rather stay as I am.”
“All right, he said and took a deep breath. Nicole, we did come here looking for the blue stone, but that isn’t the only reason we came. We came for you.”
“Me? she asked. Why? I’m no one of importance.”
“Actually, you’re much more than that, Gabriel said.
Nicole looked from one to the other before turning to Val. How did you know who I was? I’ve never seen either of you before.”
“We didn’t know it was you exactly. In order to find who we sought, we needed to find a mark on your body.”
“What? she asked softly.
“It’s a special mark, Gabriel said.
Val watched as she visibly swallowed. He didn’t wish to frighten her, but it seemed there was no way around it. The mark is a symbol, a symbol that helps us identify the women we seek.”
“So you go looking for us … them?”
“Aye. It’s very important that we find all of you before the creatures do. When she didn’t respond, Val continued, The symbol is small and barely visible. It has three points with interlocking knots and a thick ring encircling it.”
“And you think I have that symbol on my body?”
Gabriel was the one that answered. We know you do. We saw it.”
“You know it, too. Don’t you? Val asked.
Slowly Nicole nodded and lowered herself to the ground.
Val followed, unsure of what to tell her next. Thankfully, Gabriel continued for him.
“The symbol marks you as one of the Chosen we were sent to find and keep safe until it was time for the great evil to end.”
Her brow furrowed at his words. How many others are there?”
“In total, there were twelve infants sent to Earth, Val said. Most are dead, but you’re the fourth we’ve found.”
“Sent? she repeated. What do you mean sent?”
Gabriel cleared his throat. You are from another realm.”
“There’s no such thing, she said with a half-hearted chuckle. Are you both daft?”
“You nearly had an evil Gryphon kill you last night and you ask us if we’re daft? Val questioned. We are far from daft, Nicole. What we speak is the truth.”
She hugged her knees to her chest. If you’re to be believed, then I and these other three women are from another realm, sent here to end a great evil. What evil?”
“The evil that the Gryphon sprang from, Gabriel said. We’ve been fighting creatures like that for years.”
Her violet eyes widened. What are you exactly?”
“Shields, Val answered. We help to keep the evil from destroying Earth as it has many other realms. Your realm was destroyed, but before the evil could finish it, there was a plan to send twelve infants to Earth to keep the information on how to kill the evil alive.”
“Why didn’t my realm do it if they had the information?”
Val shrugged. That I cannot answer, but I can attest to the destruction that just one creature can accomplish in a night. You haven’t seen what the Gryphon did to your village in his attempt to find you.”
Her face paled at his words. Were many injured?”
Val found himself admiring her. Not many people would worry about a village that wanted her dead. A few died, but for the most part the village was spared.”
“Thank the saints, she whispered as she lowered her eyes. Then, her gaze jerked to his. So tell me, exactly where are you from?”
This is the part Val had wanted to postpone. Rome.”
“When? she asked when he didn’t say more.
Val studied her carefully. 39 A.D.”
She gasped as her eyes widened. How?”
“Because we have help from the Fae, Gabriel answered.
Her gaze swung to him. The Fae? They really exist?”
“Aye, they do. I’m sure you’ll meet Aimery soon.”
Val watched as she worried her lower lip between her teeth as she took in all they had said.
“Where are you from? she asked Gabriel.
Val winced and looked at his friend. When he spoke, Gabriel’s face was devoid of emotion.
“I don’t know, he answered. The Fae found me alone and wounded.”
Nicole’s face softened. You have no memories then?”
Gabriel gave a swift shake of his head in answer.
“We would have left with you last night for Stone Crest, Val said to change the subject, but we worried the great evil would follow before we had a chance to prepare.”
“So what do we do now? Nicole asked.
“We wait and keep you safe. It might be wise to keep you hidden here until we find the blue stone.”
Her violet eyes were troubled as she shook her head. I still don’t understand what the blue stone has to do with all of this.”
“The blue stone is what controls the creature, Gabriel said. If we destroy the blue stone, we destroy the creature.”
Nicole thought back to the Gryphon. There had been something in his yellow ey
es, something she didn’t know how to put into words.
“So you think someone in the village has the stone? she asked.
Val nodded. The creatures have been showing up just where the Chosen are, and it’s usually someone very nearby that has the stone.”
“As I told you last night, in such a small village, something as unusual as a blue stone would have spread quickly.”
“I know, Val said and scratched his cheek. Which is a puzzle. If we could find where the Gryphon flew to, it might help us find who controls him.”
She swallowed and tried to wrap her mind around everything she had been told. Whoever controls this creature, can they make it do whatever they want?”
“Aye, Val answered. Why?”
“Did they stop the Gryphon from killing me?”
Val shrugged one massive shoulder. It could be, but why? If they’ve taunted you all these years, why not go through with it?”
“Good question, she said and rested her chin on her knees.
For long moments none of them said anything, each lost in thought.
Finally, Gabriel spoke. I’ll head into the village and see what I can find. Maybe someone will be willing to talk.”
“Good idea, Val said.
She stood when both men did and walked with them to the entrance of the cave. She put her hand on Gabriel’s arm just as he was about to leave the cave. Don’t mention me, she warned him. As soon as you do, any hope of discovering information will be gone. The villagers fear me and all who have contact with me.”
“Thank you, he said before walking away.
She turned back to Val. What do we do?”
He laughed. We wait until Gabriel returns.”
Nicole stayed at the entrance as Val turned and walked back to the fire. She was amazed the bitter cold stayed out of the back of the cave. As she looked over the landscape, she could see several small trails of smoke that disappeared into the sky.
The smoke was too large to be coming from chimneys, so there must have been a fire. Then she recalled Gabriel telling her the Gryphon had went through the village looking for her. Her first thought was of the children and animals. She prayed none had strayed near the Gryphon’s path as he went through the small village.