As they pulled into the courtyard inside the castle walls, Bodie quickly exited the main foyer and beckoned to him.
“A word, if you please, sir.”
“What is it, Bodie?”
“I’m afraid I couldn’t do as you commanded, sir. The freighter left unexpectedly, sometime in the night. The depot manager said the captain was to deliver some medical supplies needed by an outer colony. There won’t be another vessel arriving for weeks.”
From her perch on the carriage seat, Brynn smiled and jumped to the ground.
Draco tamped down his anger. “That’s unacceptable, Bodie.”
“But sir—”
“There’s nothing he can do about it,” Brynn chimed in. “You may as well get used to the idea that you’ve got yourself an apprentice whether you like it or not.”
“I’m afraid she’s right,” Bodie agreed.
Draco slowly descended from the carriage, strode a few steps away and stared into the distance.
Making up for his lack of manners, Brynn held out her hand to the white-haired, elderly man who’d delivered the news. “I’m Brynn Nightflyer.”
“Of course, milady. I’m Bodie, the Pendragon retainer.” He took her hand, bowed over it and smiled.
Brynn noted that her luggage was sitting outside the heavy oak doors of the main turret or the keep. “If those are my things, could I take them back to whatever room I’ll be using?”
With that, Draco angrily rounded on her and the older man. “You’ll take them to the dungeon work room, Bodie. Miss Nightflyer can have the same apprentice room anyone else would use.”
“But sir, it hasn’t been used in a very long ―”
“You heard me, Bodie.”
With a quick bow, Bodie made his escape with Brynn’s luggage in tow.
Brynn put her hands on her hips and strode toward Draco. “You shouldn’t talk to your employees like that.”
“You’ll stay where it’s safest and that happens to be the dungeon.”
“I don’t give a damn where I sleep. I’m talking about the way you spoke to that man,” Brynn argued. “And you can get as angry as you want about me expressing an opinion, Master. There’s nothing you can do about it—looks like you’re stuck with me.”
Draco angrily shook his head, muttered beneath his breath, then walked until he stood within inches of her. “As long as you’re staying, you’ll be under the protection of the Pendragon name. You will not leave the castle grounds unless I’m with you, is that clear?”
“Perfectly.”
“And one more thing…I want the dungeon cleaned to the point that I could eat off the floor. That goes for your quarters as well. You’ve got until tomorrow evening to do it. Then we’ll start your training. Understand?”
“Absolutely! But you understand something as well. Since you’re determined to get back to playing wizard-and-apprentice by the book, that’s exactly the way we’ll keep it. No more sexcapades. I’ll do anything but play mattress monkey with you. I don’t want anyone saying I slept my way through training. I’ve done enough in that respect. I won’t have your servants gossiping about anything that goes on between us. And don’t tell me they won’t. Everything’s professional from here on out, thank you very much! ”
“Fine!” he blurted.
“Fine,” she sternly responded, then walked in the direction Bodie had taken. It shouldn’t be hard to find a dungeon. She’d just go as low as a person in a castle could and the room would eventually present itself.
Draco angrily turned toward the carriage and gripped the seat railing between his hands. Everything was going wrong. Even the gentle camaraderie they’d shared was over, never mind the sensational, mind-bending sex. But if she was going to stay, this new wall between them was the way things should be. He’d be her Master, she’d be his apprentice. As soon as a transport could be found within this sector of space, he’d get her off the planet, out of his life and delivered back to Earth.
She’d never understand the kind of threat he’d tried to explain. That she had courage wasn’t an issue. He was beginning to believe he could never find enough fault to fail her, her mouth notwithstanding. In so many ways, Brynn was different from all the other apprentices and even the other women he’d known. She was blunt to a fault and that was as disarming as her beauty.
He sighed, ran his hands through his hair and wondered how she’d come to be such a predominant entity in his life. This should have been easy. He should have met her at the depot, ordered her to go elsewhere and let her go. From the moment he’d seen her, his plans had all gone awry and he wasn’t used to losing control like this. He was a man constantly in command of every situation. His life and that of those he loved depended on that stoic leadership.
The situation they had to hope for was that Bane Shadowynde hadn’t found out about her arrival. Draco took heart in the fact that Bodie had said there wouldn’t be any transport arrivals for some time. Knowing the only transport contact Illusia had with the rest of the galaxy was through visitor or cargo arrivals, Bane surely wouldn’t be stupid enough try to hire a private shuttle to approach the planet. Especially since that would cause him to be noticed and every constable in the known universe was quietly keeping a lookout for him.
Draco took a deep, cleansing breath and walked toward the castle doors. He’d keep Brynn so busy with lessons and minor, meaningless incantations until she’d be more than ready to leave when the next transport arrived. She’d be so sick of seeing the inside of the castle that she’d beg to go.
Some part of him—a part lodged very near the center of his heart—was glad she was still there. But for her safety, he’d have wanted her to stay. Sadly, the budding relationship they’d started was over. Again, he reminded himself this anger between them—caused by Bodie’s announcement and her response to it—was for the best. So, why wasn’t he glad she’d suggested the professional and nothing less relationship? Confused by the war between his practical side and his emotional side, Draco made his way to his room, slammed the door behind him and walked to the balcony.
He stayed there for hours pondering his options. He began to realize that if Bane wasn’t ever caught, he’d have to live alone for the rest of his life. He might endure this solitary existence for years—Bane could outlive them all. The thought of that was intolerable. He missed his parents and siblings. He missed his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and grandparents. And he missed what he might have one day with a woman—a family of his own and memories to last until death.
He struck the marble railing of the balcony with one fist. “Damn you to hell, Shadowynde! Damn your evil, twisted heart!”
Draco turned away and found the nearest bottle of good whiskey. For lack of any other alternative he was determined to take the edge of his hot feelings through drink.
Chapter Six
Brynn had taken one look at the cobweb-infested dungeon and gasped. She didn’t think there was any way in the universe she’d get the place clean in the time given but something inside refused to give Draco any reason for censure. She’d had Bodie put her luggage in a little bedroom at the end of the dungeon, asked for cleaning supplies and to be left alone. Then she’d thrown her best effort into cleaning the Pendragon sorcery lab until every surface was scrubbed. Even the floor got several washings. The fireplace completely cleaned and restocked with wood. The ceiling—with the help of a tall ladder that was precariously perched—was brushed free of all cobwebs and grime.
She’d also organized the laboratory in what she hoped was the most efficient manner. Draco had to have another space, perhaps in his own room, where he conjured. There was no way anyone in recent history could have been doing useful work in the dungeon, not as it had been. But this was her space now. Cleaning it so effectively gave her a sense of pride and ownership. She stood back with her hands on her hips and gave a last, searching look at every nook and cranny.
She was tired to the bone, but the frickin’ dungeon was as perfect as
it could be. She next concentrated on her own quarters, giving them the same thorough going-over that the lab received.
Finally, she unpacked the bulk of her luggage, realizing there was more space in her new little bedroom than there had been in the entire cottage she and her father had shared. Everything she owned actually fit into the drawers and cupboards. She even had her own bathroom which, thankfully, was quite modern. For bathing, she had the choice of a claw-foot tub or a newer computer-operated shower. While everything was modern, the cream and green walls and antique-looking fixtures reminded her of something out of a Victorian-era book. Bodie had given her matching towels that were brand new and a maid had brought a welcome gift from the staff. Their offering was a basket of bubble bath, creams and lotions that were all made from herbs grown in a garden she’d yet to visit. All in all, she was quite pleased with her new home and hoped no transport ship would arrive soon. If one was long in coming, there was a chance she could get Draco to change his mind. Once it arrived, however, she’d have to argue again about being sent away and would certainly look for a way to escape that fate. Doing so would put her into further hot water with the Dragon. While it lasted, she was here. While he’d train her, she’d learn everything he could teach. Draco had to understand that Bane was already winning—the man was getting exactly what he wanted. Castle life as it should be lived was already interrupted to a miserable degree. The situation had to stop. If she could stay, Draco might realize that his family was at risk no matter where they were, that bringing them home might be best for everyone.
With all her housekeeping chores done, Brynn finally took advantage of her new shower facilities, cleaned her body and dressed. Then she got out her leather bag of magic supplies. With meticulous care, she spread them on her laboratory work table. It was good to stand back and actually admire her efforts at scrubbing, brushing, sweeping and fussing. The toil made her believe she’d accomplished something monumental. She could see what was done and enjoy a rush of instant gratification.
Returning to her room, she glanced at the freshly laundered and air-dried bedding on her mattress. A nice long nap was in order. She was about to strip and crawl into bed when a gentle rap sounded on the oak door to her room.
She carefully pulled the door open a crack, then smiled when she the elderly gentleman standing outside. “Hello, Bodie. What’s up?”
“My, Miss Nightflyer, you’ve done a splendid job,” he said as he eyed the rectangular room behind him. “Master Pendragon said that I should check up on you, but I can see you have everything well in hand. How on Illusia did you do it?”
She shrugged. “I worked through the night.”
Bodie put a hand to his face. “Oh, you didn’t.”
“Had to. I wanted it clean and ready for Draco…uh, I mean, Master Pendragon,” she quickly corrected.
“I’ll get him right away, Miss Nightflyer. He’ll be that pleased.”
Before she could stop him, Bodie headed toward the door at the far end of the dungeon. She sighed and decided it was time to get her mentor’s inspection completed. Then maybe she could get some rest.
* * * * *
Bane waited outside the castle. In the times he’d visited there when his beloved sister was still alive and apprenticing he’d learned a great deal about the layout of the place. Curiously, there were none of the usual guards. He considered that fact for a moment and decided that the situation wasn’t normal. The grounds had been so quiet that it began to look as though someone was waiting for him, setting up a trap and luring him closer by having no visible security near the keep.
He waited in an old grove just outside the garden wall. His supplies would last for days if necessary. More importantly, he had the copies of his stolen books with him. He’d worked on a great many spells and incantations to make sure his best and final chance at getting to Draco Pendragon wouldn’t go awry. Draco would be there. An apprentice wouldn’t have been accepted if the Dragon wasn’t in residence.
* * * * *
Having received Bodie’s glowing report on the dungeon laboratory, Draco finally exited his room for the first time since arriving from the depot. He made his way down the long passages of stone and through old wooden doors to the dungeon itself. When he threw open the doors, he hadn’t known what to expect. The gleaming, clean room within was a most welcome sight. The dungeon didn’t look remotely as it had when he’d last been in it. Tables were aligned next to the burning fireplace. On them lay semi-precious stones, herbs, mortars and pestles, crystal balls and every other item any conjurer could possible require. Some of these might have been leftover remnants from previous apprentices, but some of it was new and it was all arranged in such an efficient way that he could find everything he needed in quick order.
Some displayed herbs had definitely come from Earth. They were the kind that had been bundled and inspected in accordance to space transport law. Then, there were bottles of gleaming potions, lotions and makings for charms that could have only belonged to Brynn. He was sure he’d never seen them before. The pretty cords, ribbons and decorations on the paraphernalia weren’t anything he or previous apprentices would have personally chosen, but his current student probably would. He walked from table to table, looking over everything and finding no fault with any item.
It was as Bodie said. She must have stayed up all night to accomplish such a feat and had probably worked herself into such a state that he’d have to wait until tomorrow to see some minor conjuring.
Draco shook his head. “I shouldn’t have made her do all this,” he softly muttered. “I wouldn’t have done it to any other apprentice.” Bodie had insisted that neither he nor any of the other household staff had helped. Draco felt like an utter heel. Being strict with someone didn’t mean working them like a slave. Hearing movement in the little room that served at the apprentice quarters, Draco walked toward the door. Before he actually entered, she walked out and into the laboratory.
Just like the first time he’d seen her, he was momentarily shocked into speechlessness. She was wearing some kind of peasant blouse, a long, dark blue skirt with celestial designs on the hem and a black sash around her small waist. Her feet were bare, her hair was loose and there were two star earrings in her tiny, shell-like ears.
“You look like a gypsy,” he softly blurted.
She eyed his open, black leather shirt, pants and boots. “You look like a man ready to inspect my work.” She walked forward, raised her arms and turned a slow circle. “Well, what do you think?”
He knew she was referring to the laboratory, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was wild and as free as any spirit in mythology. And despite his silent pledge to keep his hands off her, denial just wasn’t working. He wanted her now more than ever. His cock hardened with need and his balls ached to be sucked. Trying to fight off his body’s betrayal, Draco took a deep breath and walked forward. “Everything is perfect, Brynn. You’ve worked very hard.”
“You said to have it ready by ―”
“I know what I said and I was wrong. You’ve only just arrived on the planet. To have asked you to work so hard wasn’t appropriate.”
She tilted her head and moved closer to him. “Then, why did you?”
He shook his head, rolled his eyes and sighed. “Because I was angry. Because I didn’t want you here.” He paused. “Dammit it all, I still crave you.”
She saw the hot look in those blue eyes and stepped back a few paces. “Draco, we can’t go down that road again. We’re should act professional. Things…well, they just got out of hand yesterday and last night.”
“I know. But with you around, I can’t help it.” His gaze took in the clean work tables, benches and wizard’s accouterment around him for a moment. He decided to change the subject while he still could. “Why don’t we take the evening off? You’ve done far more than your share of work.”
“Well, I am a bit tired,” she admitted.
He gestured toward the dungeon door. “Why
don’t we go sit in the garden? I’ll have Bodie bring out our evening meal.” He stopped. “You did eat while you were cleaning, didn’t you?”
She shrugged. “I asked Bodie to bring me some fruit and juice.”
He shook his head and quickly took her hand. “Come on. Let’s get some food in you. Then I’ll let you get some sleep.”
Brynn only let him take her hand because he was suddenly acting less like her master. But she wasn’t fooled by the way her body responded to the touch of his warm, calloused hand. She still wanted him as much as he claimed to want her.
For the length of their meal, she noticed he kept the topic of conversation on mundane matters. She tried her best to do the same. The garden with its myriad of flowers, bird baths and fountains made an unwanted romantic background. So did the trillions of stars overhead. But when they were through and Bodie took away the remains of their dinner, Brynn found her second wind. She didn’t want to go bed and leave him.
After she was sure Bodie was gone, she held out her hand. “Can we walk a while? It’s so beautiful out here.”
Nothing in this garden is more beautiful than you. Draco simply nodded, smiled and took her hand in his. Even when she touched him, there seemed to be some electrifying force between them that craved exploration. He led her into a part of the garden near the back wall. Ferns and wild Illusian trillium grew in profusion there. It was one of his favorite spots.
“Brynn, I have to say that…” he stopped, unable to find the words he wanted for the moment.
“I know. You don’t know why we’re so attracted to each other one minute, then biting each other’s head off the next,” she finished. “If I’d been anyone else and spoken to you the way I have, you’d have sent me packing.”
He gripped her shoulders in his palms and massaged the skin her peasant blouse revealed there. “I want to do so many things with you. I find myself feeling a thousand conflicting emotions whenever you’re around.”
Sorcerer’s Apprentice Page 8