Arik carefully reviewed them. “These are very good, Robert. Did Sir Stuart have any other news for me?”
“Nyx is doing well. She will not let any of our stallions near her. It seems your Spirit has spoiled her, sir.”
Arik laughed. “Well, I suppose I’ll have to ride over to see Stuart soon and give them some time together. I would not want Nyx to become too distraught. Besides, when I ride and give Spirit his lead he seems to head toward Autumn Chase.”
Arik gave Robert a knowing glance “If there is nothing else, feel free to take the rest of your ale on the terrace. There’s a nice breeze and a much better view there.”
Robert’s face exploded into a grateful smile. “Many thanks, sir.” He looked out the window on to the terrace with a tender expression. “It is indeed a beautiful view.”
From the corner of his eye, Arik watched as Robert exited onto the terrace. Skylar swung around to see him, the color rushing to her face.
Arik’s good humor turned to a frown. I’m not ready to put her into someone else’s arms. Why she is still a child of, what, sixteen. Sixteen! He took another look at her. How much like her mother, lovely and delicate and—if it was up to him, he would lock her away for another sixteen years.
Rebeka sat in the garden in front of the summerhouse. Skylar’s tinkling laugh and Robert’s strong baritone voice came to her from the terrace. She closed her eyes, envious of their innocence and the long years they had in front of them. A pang of loss, as if she were already gone, shot through her. She buried the thought deep and refused to think about it now. If she didn’t get hold of herself, she would soon be in tears.
Arik’s unexpected appearance startled her. “I thought you were busy in the estate office?”
He joined her on the garden bench, the rubbings in his hand. “Stuart sent these rubbings of some undisturbed ward stones he found.” He laid the rubbings out on the bench so they could both scrutinize them.
“We should add these locations to our map. Did you find anything?”
“It has the same signature we found in the other etchings and a familiar rune. Look here.” He pointed to a symbol. “An H, just like the one you saw tattooed on the men who attacked us at the river.” He drummed his fingers on the bench, worrying the problem. “It is indeed Bran’s mark. What’s he up to?”
She gently placed her hand on his arm. “Who is Bran?”
He sat back and let out a deep breath. “Bran and I were boyhood friends. Bran, Stuart, Letty and I were a tight group. We drove everyone mad when we were young. Bran always had to win. If he didn’t, his temper would show.” He smiled, but the soft brightness of the remembered time changed into the hard reality of the day.
“Bran and I trained together in a select order of knights. While our skills were almost equal, our personalities couldn’t be more different. All Bran cared about was what was in it for himself. He cared for no one else. As a result, the Council awarded me a place of distinction. Bran swore revenge.
“To compound the issue, he asked for Letty’s hand and she refused him. Everyone knew she and Radulf were for each other. We weren’t certain if he wanted Letty because he loved her, or to win against Radulf.”
“Is he that evil?” Her hands rubbed her arms as a cold wave of apprehension rushed over her.
He looked again at the rubbing, rose and paced the garden. “With Bran involved in this, it’s urgent I adjust the wards. They cover a vast area. It will take several weeks to complete.”
“When do we leave?”
“Tomorrow, I can’t wait any longer.”
“I’ll be ready.” She stood next to him, her intention to go with him evident.
He held her by her shoulders and let out a deep breath. “No, Rebeka, you can’t go with me. I need complete concentration. You’ll be a distraction.” He brushed the back of his knuckles down the side of her face.
His voice became a whisper. “I dare not take you on this journey because I can’t protect you while I ward. It is when you would be most vulnerable, and I will only be concerned about your welfare. You’ll be safe here.”
“But, Arik, I could help you.” She wanted to go.
“And how would you help? Do you know the formulas, the sacred words?” She frowned. “I thought not.” He crushed her to his chest slowly stroking her long hair. “You stay here and I’ll work twice as fast to get back to you. Besides, I’ll not be alone. Logan will be with me.”
“Do you think if Leticia was involved she thought she was doing something good by warding such a large area?”
“She may not have seen the subtlety. It’s possible. Her influence was not on a grand scale but one with a small intimate focus. I didn’t know she knew the way of warding. Radulf, her husband, was Stuart’s brother. Perhaps she thought to protect them once she realized the land was in jeopardy.” He shook his head slowly. “Come, we’ll put this with the other maps.”
They walked toward the library. “I still can’t understand why she didn’t speak to me about the warding. It’s obvious she got the instructions from someone.”
“Arik, wouldn’t you have known if she was able to do this warding? Is it possible she didn’t do the warding but someone else did?”
He looked at her, his brow furrowed in thought. “Why would she allow anyone else?”
“Allow?”
He combed his hand through his hair. “It’s complicated. Only the land owner can ward his property. Since the warded area includes my land and Stuart’s, the only person who could ward it would be an adept from both our houses. It would have to be Letty, Skylar or Aubrey. The girls are too young. It would have to be Letty unless—” He stopped in his tracks. Rebeka could almost see the thoughts cross his face. “Unless she used a proxy and had someone take her place.”
He couldn’t hide the pained expression in his eyes. “It’s like a dagger in my heart to feel Letty might have been used like that. She would never be disloyal to the family.”
She heard his suffering at the thought that Letty betrayed him. There must be another answer. “Perhaps there is something she wanted very badly. I can understand why someone would make a pact with the devil.” I would, if it meant I could stay with you.
“She warded a very vast area. It even includes The Ridge where you came down the mountain.”
Rebeka went still. “Is there a ward on The Ridge?” she asked.
“Yes, there is.”
“Do you think the ward has something to do with my coming here?” She looked out the terrace door. She didn’t want to see his expression.
“It may, but The Ridge is not the way back.”
She held her breath. She willed him not to say anything. She closed her eyes, fearing his next words like a defendant waiting for the sentence from the judge.
“Your way back would lay with the great stones.” His voice faded to a hushed stillness.
There it was. For months she searched for the answer. She had all the pieces now—the chant, her talisman, her staff and now the place. Only now she didn’t want any part of it.
“Well, we seemed to have solved everyone’s problems.” She turned and faced him, speaking lightly. “The destruction will stop when you adjust the wards, the threat to you and your family will end when you defeat Bran, and I know how to go back.”
She strained to control her voice and hold back the tears, but she could feel her lips quiver with emotion.
She caught only a glimpse of Arik and saw the pain plainly marked on his face, his tightened body, and his hands flexing, ready to pull her back into his arms. But they turned away from each other.
A moment later he came up behind her, his mouth a hairsbreadth away from her ear, his hands gently but firmly holding both her shoulders. “Rebeka, you need not leave. Stay here.”
She closed her eyes and let her body lean against his. “Oh, if only I could. But we have no idea what we would set in motion. We both know I can’t remain here.” Her voice was a whisper. Tears trailed down
her cheeks.
“Let’s not speak of this right now. Tomorrow I leave to adjust the wards and when I return we’ll discuss it. You have a part to play in all this. Why were you sent to me and not to some other? It has importance and meaning you have yet to understand.”
She brushed the tears away. A reprieve, but for how long? It didn’t matter. She would enjoy what time she had left for as long as possible.
“Uncle Arik, how long will you be gone?” asked Skylar. They were sitting at the evening meal.
“I think about two to three weeks if all goes well. We’ve much land to cover. Skylar, you seemed to enjoy Robert’s company. He’s a good man. If he comes while I’m gone, you may see him.”
Skylar’s cheeks flushed, lighting her face. “Thank you, Uncle Arik, thank you.”
Rebeka looked at him in astonishment.
He held up his hand to stop her from speaking. “It’s customary for a guardian to give his permission. I only go through the formality for I know if Robert came while I was gone, you wouldn’t stand in their way. Let me at least believe I still hold some sway here.” The shocked expression on Rebeka’s face turned into a full burst of infectious laughter that had everyone joining in.
“What about me, Uncle Arik? Uncle Logan is going with you and Robert will be visiting with Skylar. What am I to do?” asked Aubrey.
“You can work with me in the library. I can help you with your Latin and you can help me with the translations,” said Rebeka.
Arik finished his meal and turned to Rebeka. “Would you like to go to the lake? It’s a clear night and a large moon this eve.” He took her hand, drawing her out of the chair.
He held her hand, his thumb making the now familiar small circles on her wrist. Once again, his intimate touch made her heart pound.
The evening proved warm with only a few wispy clouds in an otherwise clear sky. The bright light of the rising moon made it difficult to see the stars. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves.
They reached the lake and stood staring across the water. They didn’t need to speak. He stood behind her, his leg pressed against hers in a silent request. She eased back against him feeling his strong hard muscles against her back. The moon dipped behind an errant cloud, and permitted the stars to shine. Rebeka caught sight of a star, closed her eyes and made a wish. It was childish, she knew, but she did it all the same.
“Are you dreaming?” he asked her softly, his breath tickling her ear.
“No, not really, I’m wishing on a star.”
“And for what do you wish?”
“Ah, if I tell you it won’t come true.”
He turned her around and looked into her eyes. “You don’t have to tell me. It doesn’t take a druid master to see your wish.” He took her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. She welcomed his touch, his taste and his warmth. Her arms around him, she bent into him, pressing her body against his. The softness of each touch roused her passion, and his own desire met hers, growing stronger every moment.
Hesitating, he raised his mouth from hers. She let out a deep sigh and opened her eyes. Her index finger gently traced his beautifully shaped lips.
“You take my breath away.” Her voice was a hoarse whisper. Standing on tiptoes, she touched her lips to his.
Arik eased her down onto the soft grass. Her dress crept up over her thighs as she moved closer to him. He wanted to touch every part of her to sear her with his brand. Mine, kept hammering in his head. Mine, he heard with every heartbeat. Rebeka, I’m yours forever.
Her soft moan encouraged him. For a brief moment he thought of the future and tucked it away. Tonight everything else could wait. Tonight was theirs.
He undressed her slowly, his eyes savoring each reveal. His hand explored the lines of her waist and curve of her hips. His eyes sensuously slid over her body and when his gaze met hers, it kindled emotions that ran through him like a firestorm.
He answered her unasked question. “I’m memorizing every inch of you. While I’m away I want to touch you in my thoughts, like this.” His hand lightly stroked her shoulders, her arms, and worked their way over to her breasts. Her curves tucked neatly into the contours of his body. Eager to feel her silky skin against his, he eased his body over hers and reveled in the sensations as her body squirmed beneath him. He let out a low tormented groan.
With urgent fingers, she worked his shirt off, slipping it from his shoulders, and loosened his britches to free him. His muscles flinched at her gentle touch as her hands roamed over him and her fingers traced the runes on his shoulder and down his chest. She kissed the one over his heart with reverence.
Her quick intake of breath signaled she knew exactly how he felt. Wave after wave of emotion swelled inside him. He reveled in the exquisite torture.
“Beka, heart of my heart,” he whispered in her ear. She shivered from his hot breath and he felt her heat as their bodies entwined. His eyes caught hers and they looked deeply at each other while their limbs, their hearts and their souls sought to merge.
“You must be a mystical creature, so strong and handsome.” She gently touched the one glowing rune over his heart.
He couldn’t draw a breath. She was so beautiful, so passionate. And she was his. He turned her around and kissed her back and her neck. He moved her hair and kissed the one glowing rune at the nape of her neck, his heart swelling with pride and joy. He knew she didn’t know it was there, nor what it held, but that didn’t matter.
Like a giant machine with the gears shifting into place, he felt himself awaken. He finally understood. She had been the key all along. But more than honor their ancient betrothal, he wanted to honor her, the essential Rebeka. He would move heaven and earth for her. He loved her. He had loved her when he saw her in the meadow with Doward, when their eyes met during the fight at the river. He had always loved her. Through eternity, he would love her.
He held her, his heart pounding. Her breathing quickened, matching his, and his skin burned as his hands explored her body greedily. The intensity grew as passion overtook him and he sought release. Rebeka cried out his name and, lost in her embrace, he pulled her to him and together, they shattered into a million pieces. He took a golden chain interspersed with two dozen uncut diamonds from among his discarded clothes and used it to bind their right hands together. She didn’t try to stop him. “Let the earth, fire, wind and water bear witness. I bind thee to me for now, for a year and a day.” He sealed the vow with a kiss. “And forever.” He closed his eyes, his mouth moving silently.
“Tell me the words to say so I am bound to you.”
“Not now. Now, I want to make love to my wife.” He took her in his arms again, and swept her to a place she could never visit with anyone else.
Satiated, they rested in each other’s arms. “You’re a witch, woman.”
She smiled up at him. “Then you are a wizard and have worked your magic. You’ve touched something in me I can’t describe.”
“Then come to your wizard so I can enchant you yet again.”
A short time later, he woke her gently, kissing her eyelids. “Beka, it’s time to leave.”
They walked from the lake onto the road, leaving the trees behind. As they passed Elfrida’s cottage Rebeka stopped short. Luminaries glowed on each side of the road and villagers lined the walls of the Manor.
“I must leave in the morning but I would not deny my wife a proper wedding celebration.” He searched Rebeka’s face and found it flushed, her eyes glistening with emotion. He let out a deep breath, relieved at her reaction.
“What if I had said no?”
He peered down at her, unable to stop smiling. “We wouldn’t have stayed so long at the lake.” He kissed her nose.
She reached up, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” he whispered in her ear. “I have an appetite but it’s not for the wedding confections Jeannie planned. We’ll not stay long.” The hunger in her eyes was his only answer.
; He swept her into his arms and carried her up the road, through a gauntlet of well-wishers all the way to the door of the Great Hall where he gently set her on her feet.
Jeannie, Skylar and Aubrey pulled her away. “Quick, Rebeka, you must change. Elfrida brought a gown for you to wear. Hurry, you don’t want to miss your own wedding celebration.”
“Wait. Give me time to catch my breath,” she laughed.
Skylar and Aubrey pulled her up the stairs. She looked over her shoulder at Arik. People mobbed him with congratulations but his eyes never left her.
She blew him a kiss and followed the girls into her room. Thirty minutes later, she stood at the top of the stairs.
He waited for her, his foot on the bottom step. One hand rested lazily on the newel, while he held a tankard of ale in his other. She took the few moments to watch him, admiring his easy casual way with his people, and the respect and honor they gave him. He too had changed clothes and wore polished black boots that came almost to his knee. Tight black britches showed off his fine muscular legs, and he wore a white silk shirt open at the throat. His gold torque was visible around his neck, and a dark blue silk coat set off his eyes.
She felt like she floated down the stairs. Elfrida had brought her a white silk gown, shot through with silver threads that sparkled like diamonds and twinkled in the soft candlelight. White and blue sapphires edged the deep plunging neckline that accentuated her figure and the sleeves, puffed at the shoulder and tapering off to her wrists, were layered with deep pleats in sapphire-blue silk. The final touch was the sapphire-and-diamond amulet that hung low on her chest, teasing the cleft of her breasts.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, Arik closed his eyes.
“Arik, what are you doing?”
“Hush, wife, I’m making a wish. You’re as radiant as any star. Surely I can make a wish and you will grant it.” He peeked at her with one eye.
“We can see about your wishes later, m’lord.” She gave him a deep elegant curtsy.
Knight of Runes Page 26