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  Her question hung in the air for what seemed to be an age. She really hoped that one of them would give in by breaking the silence.

  “Ah, then you do not realize the spell that she cast on you?” Branden said, reaching for a small handheld Elvin mirror. It magically appeared in her hands, and she stared down into it.

  She let out a terrified gasp.

  “Oh, my heavenly stars,” she said, using Adria’s favorite expression. “How did you know that I was missing?” she turned back to stare at Collin, and then faced forward when something cracked in her neck. “Gwynne seemed to have every avenue covered…I can’t wait to hear how you outsmarted her. “

  “Outsmarted is a pretty heavy term. I couldn’t find you, and then I saw an old hag supporting a serving wench. It was an odd sight to be sure, so I followed them. Then I thought I was going mad because I heard your voice in my head, and for one brief second, your image overwhelmed the face of the serving wench. Then, I saw Avalbane, and I knew that I wasn’t going crazy. I alerted the guard, but there was no one at the castle to accompany me. I had to follow you, and I had a stable boy quickly saddle Arlen and then I was off. I’m sorry I took so long. “

  She heaved a shallow breath. She’d come within a hairsbreadth of falling into enemy hands. Had it not been for Collin…well, she shuddered to think of the types of torture Lord Cardan would have been inflicting on her right at this moment. How could he have heard her voice in his head? She had bound his magic…so what sort of force had helped them?

  “What happened to Gwen?” she asked. She had to get her mind off of what could have been. It wouldn’t do her any good, besides there were other people to consider. A cold dread filled her body. What if Gwynne had murdered Gwen? The cliché of the evil twin sister still made her wince. Sometimes, truth was stranger than fiction.

  “I do not know…I didn’t hang around long enough to find out. But I sent two riders out.

  I sent one out to retrieve your father and his knights. And the other one was sent out to retrieve LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 86

  Merlin and the Light Bearers. By the time we get back to Tintagel, they should all be assembled.

  “ Collin seemed to be unaffected by the close call that she’d had. Her eyes dropped to his hands on the reigns. They were clutching the reigns so tightly; that she feared the leather would cut right through his gloves. A smile touched the corners of her lips. Love was a very funny thing.

  “I still can’t believe that I allowed Gwynne to get the better of me. I should have recognized the signs. I’m definitely slipping. I should have known better…from now on I’m going to always second guess myself. “ Her heart was still pounding erratically, and she stared at their surroundings as they galloped by them. Avalbane had indeed made a full recovery, and she was easily keeping up with Arlen and Branden’s horse.

  “Molly, I’ve seen you in action before…you aren’t one to be easily hoodwinked. You needn’t second-guess yourself. From what Merlin tells me…we have a very long and rough road ahead of us. Gwynne will only win if you give in to her by doubting yourself. “ Branden gave an approving snort.

  “You should heed Collin’s advice, Molly. Lady Gwynne’s deception was a well-plotted one,” Branden said. “She had everything figured out. She lured the Knights of the Round Table away from the castle by staging another attack on another of your father’s castles. This time she chose Killbury Castle. The Light Bearers were lured away in the other direction when Gwynne sent the dark riders out to attack the faerie settlement in the Broceliande forest. “

  “Isn’t that the enchanted forest surrounding Camelot?” Collin asked. Molly’s mouth gaped open. Merlin had been training Collin well.

  “Aye, it is. It is one of the last settlements of faeries left in this realm. Soon, I fear, all of my kind will leave Earth forever. “ Branden seemed saddened by this revelation, and Molly keenly felt for him. In the future, there were no Faerie or Elvin settlements left in any region of Earth. They all left when they discovered that they could no longer co-exist peacefully with humans. She missed having them co-exist with them. In the British Isles and Ireland, the faeries and elves sometimes crossed over for brief visitations, but they were few and far between. Molly sighed. She missed the old days, and now she was living them again. Maybe when she’d lost the Avalon Diaries, she’d given herself a second chance: second chance at love…and a second chance at trying to make the future turn out a bit better.

  “And this glamorized appearance?” She tilted her head toward Branden.

  “It should wear off in the next few hours. “ Branden replied, smiling softly at her.

  “You’ll be your old self in no time at all. “

  As they rode into the clearing, and came into viewing distance of Tintagel, she heard Collin swear angrily, and then Branden echoed him.

  “What is it?” she asked, straining her vision. Normally, she would have been able to see whatever Branden and Collin could see, but as her vision was still cloudy, she was dependent upon them for an explanation. She felt as if she required glasses. Squinting, she tried to make out the blurry images in the distance but her squinting got her nowhere, except to create a dull ache behind her eyeballs.

  She couldn’t smell smoke so that meant that Tintagel wasn’t burning, and she didn’t hear the racket of battle, so what was going on to anger them so?

  “I think we may have found Lady Gwen,” Collin said slowly. He seemed to be having a good deal of trouble getting each and every single word out of his mouth. She’d never heard him sound this way before. A breeze rippled past them stirring her long hair when Collin urged Arlen to increase his already rapid speed. She bobbed upwards in the saddle and fell back LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 87

  against Collin’s solid chest. No, actually she could smell something in the air. She smelled trouble.

  “I nearly forgot,” Branden said, as they drew to a halt in the castle courtyard. “Take this, the healers from Avalon brewed it for you, it will help with your other problem. “ He looked pointedly at her side. Luckily for them, Collin had either ignored Branden or he hadn’t heard him.

  She accepted the crystal vial he was offering her, took the stopper out, and quickly drank it in one large gulp. A rush of energy flowed through her veins, as her strength and vitality was gradually restored. She sighed.

  “Thank you. “ She stared at Branden briefly, and watched as he nodded his head.

  “It will not cure what ails you…but it will give you the strength you need to face what lies ahead. Princess Mildred insisted that you receive it. She worries greatly for you, I fear. “

  Why wasn’t Collin reacting to anything that Branden was telling her? She twisted her body around and stared up into his eyes. Unbelievable.

  “Branden, what did you do to him?” She snapped her fingers in front of his face. He didn’t flinch or even blink his eyes. She swallowed. Okay, so Branden’s magical powers were stronger than hers at the moment. In actuality, she should have detected the scent of his magic before he could get to Collin. She gave Branden a searing gaze. His eyes twinkled back at her.

  “I merely bewitched his mind for a bit so that we could have a word in peace. Princess Mildred was quite adamant that you receive the elixir potion with no questions asked. Seeing as my grandson has quite a lot to say, I thought bewitching his mind would be the best course of action to take. His questions are well intentioned but considering the trouble that now awaits us with your stepmother, I thought I would simplify the process a bit. “ She flattened her lips into an unreadable line.

  “Just don’t do that again in the future, okay? It isn’t really right for us to take away Collin’s free will. “

  “I know. My apologies. But I had thought you wouldn’t want Collin fretting about the Black Rider’s Phantom Blade injury. “

  She sighed. They were getting closer and closer to the castle. “You were right in your assumption, I’m sorry, Branden. I should have known that my mother would h
ave guessed at the after effects of my injury. She always had a rather keen eye for spotting things. When I was very little I used to believe she had eyes in the back of her head. Instead, she was just…. “

  “Magically endowed with the gift of second sight. “ Branden finished her sentence for her before he continued. “You must take care, Princess. You are not the same person that you were before your injury. Physically, that is. “ She swallowed against the porcupine that had just lodged itself in her throat. Tears threatened to sting her eyes. She had wondered what the injury meant…and now she truly knew. Her life would never be the same. She took a shuddering breath, and then exhaled.

  “Please, do not ever speak a word of this to Collin. I cannot bear seeing his face when he hears that my time on this plane may now be limited…” A catch entered her voice.

  “I will not mention it to Collin…but you mustn’t think that way. I have known of many Elves and Faeries that fought the effects of the Black Rider’s Blade and won. “

  “Yes…but you did not take into account that I am not a full-blooded faerie or elf. “ Her voice died off and she pursed her lips. “We must almost be to the castle. Please, release Collin from the bewitching. “ The glazy look in Collin’s emerald eyes was beginning to alarm Molly.

  Even though she knew Branden’s bewitching would cause Collin no physical harm, she still LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 88

  wanted him back so that he could at least have the opportunity to throw his two cents into any discussion they might be having.

  “Your wish is my command. “ He winked his right eye, and suddenly Collin’s voice streamed out to her.

  “We may have a problem, Molly. “ It was as if Branden had just put Collin on pause.

  She wetted her lips, and stifled the urge to laugh.

  “I don’t see Gwen, where is she?” Molly could feel the weight of dread pressing even closer against her now. There was definitely trouble in the air.

  “Look up. “ Collin’s voice was filled with rawness and she understood why, when her gaze settled on the naked figure above her. Her breath quickened. She closed her eyes briefly, and then wrenched them open again. She almost didn’t want to look again, but she had to.

  “Dear God,” she gasped. “How in the name of Heaven, did Gwen manage to climb up onto the crenellation, and why is she naked?” She slapped her hand against her mouth. Her stomach twisted sickeningly.

  “I’d wager Gwynne had a hand in it. “ She turned to look at Collin. He was right.

  Gwynne, would have much to answer for, when they met again. This was horrible. Her stepmother would be appalled at her lack of proper behavior, once she was in command of her senses again.

  “I’m simply going to have to go up there and collect her, before she does something foolish. “ Molly sighed.

  “Would jumping classify as a foolish action, perchance?” Branden asked, tilting his head toward her.

  “Aye,” she said, still staring at Collin. At this rate she would get a kink in her neck.

  “I thought so. “ Branden nodded his head, a grave expression taking hold of his features.

  “Queen Gwen just jumped, and by the looks of her flailing arms, I don’t think she can fly. “

  “Oh, sweet heavens,” she exclaimed, as time stood still. She’d never seen anything like it, Gwen was a blur, and they didn’t have much time to jump into action.

  “You needn’t fear, Molly, I’ll simply catch her. “ Branden quickly moved into position, and easily caught Gwen in his arms. He wrapped his emerald-colored Elvin cloak around her shivering form, as she stared up at him in adoration. Molly’s mouth dropped open. She continually forgot how fast elves could move. Fleet of foot was an understatement, when applied to Branden.

  “Who are you, kind sir?” Gwen asked. Molly slipped off of Arlen and moved toward them. She couldn’t believe the transformation that had been brought upon Gwen. She looked the same, but she was entirely different. She wasn’t frowning, and her mouth had lost its severe line. What sort of sorcery was this? Her blood ran cold.

  “Lady Gwen, don’t worry, I’m here, and I’ll take care of you now. “ Molly watched as Gwen dragged her eyes off of Branden’s face to stare at her.

  “Do I know you?” Gwen asked innocently. Molly couldn’t believe her ears. Know her?

  Oh, good lord. What had Gwynne done to her sister? Molly shook her head. This would be tricky if Gwynne had erased Gwen’s memories.

  “Aye, of course you do. I’ve known you for many years. You are married to my father.

  “ At that exact moment a bird broke into song not far from them.

  “Then, you are my daughter?” Gwen’s brow furrowed. She looked as scared as a cat standing in front of water.

  LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 89

  “Nay, I’m your step-daughter. “ She enunciated her words and hoped that somehow some of them would sink into Gwen’s thick skull.

  “Oh,” Gwen looked thoughtful, and then her face brightened visibly. “Then you’ll be able to tell me what my name is. Oh, pray tell me who I am,” she begged plaintively. Gwen’s eyes widened and filled with water. Molly groaned and then licked her lips. Someone had to cut her a break soon. This simply was too much!

  LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 90

  Chapter Eleven

  Molly didn’t know what to make of it. How could Gwynne effectively erase Gwen’s memories? Being her blood kin she should not have been able to bewitch her in such a way but then, with dark magic all bets were off.

  Leaning toward Gwen she locked gazes with her and probed her mind. Sweat beaded across Molly’s brow. No matter how hard she strained, she found that she could not retract her memories. Usually, when someone had their memory wiped, their long-term memories were still hidden within. But for some reason, Gwen was suffering from a serious case of amnesia. She looked so helpless and vulnerable in Branden’s arms that Molly actually felt sorry for her.

  “Oh, Gwen, what has your sister done to you?” Molly’s voice was sad, and she rubbed Gwen’s arm tenderly.

  “I have a sister?” Gwen asked eagerly, looking around the courtyard. “Where is she? If I saw her, I’d probably remember who I was, wouldn’t I?” Branden looked at Molly. Obviously, he was as spooked about Gwen’s missing memory as she was.

  Molly shook her head, and sighed. Things just seemed to be getting worse rather than improving. She turned her head and watched as Lady Elyzabel and her Aunt Morgause came rushing toward them. Both were gasping for breath by the time they arrived. Bringing up the rear was the prim Father Cadfael, who happened to be Gwen’s personal priest.

  “Oh, shit,” she muttered beneath her breath. This was all she needed. Why did she keep getting the screws put to her? Wasn’t anything going to start going her way for once in her life?

  Lady Elyzabel, still gasping for breath, bent over in agony as she tried to recover. Her breath came in short rapid puffs.

  “Are you unharmed?” Morgause asked, extending her hand toward Molly. Molly jerked away from Morgause’s touch and gave her a glare that would most certainly scare the hair off of a dog. Avalbane rubbed up against Molly’s legs. She glanced down at her familiar, and gave her a faint smile. Her familiar had probably guessed her thoughts. ‘Sorry. ’

  “Why would you care?” Molly rounded on her aunt. The woman was full of shit. Molly bit down hard on her lip to keep from telling her aunt to go and take a hike, though those wouldn’t be her exact words of choice. Narrowing her gaze, she watched for Morgause’s reaction.

  “I care because you are my brother’s daughter. I wish you no ill will, Molly. I feel responsible for Gwynne being able to take you. I promised Arthur I would look out for you. “

  Her mouth quivered. Molly snorted, even though the look in Morgause’s eyes gave her no cause for immediate alarm, she still didn’t trust Morgause. Most people would say they didn’t trust Morgause as far as they could throw them…but Molly could probably pitch her aunt fairly far if she c
hose to…given that her magical strength was up to normal standards.

  “Yes, well you did a bang up job, didn’t you?” she demanded. Morgause wrinkled her brow. She doubted that her aunt had understood her, but she bet that she’d gotten the gist of what she had been trying to express.

  LADY PENDRAGON MARLEY MATHEWS 91

  “I have pledged my loyalty to Arthur. I broke away from my husband and my son, Mordred. They are riding back to our kingdom in Lothian as I speak. You cannot turn me away, not when I have given up all that was near and dear to me. “

  “I simply do not understand why you would take such drastic measures. “ Morgause never thought of anyone but herself. Why put herself at risk by remaining behind in Camelot? It made no bloody sense.

  “My daughter, Thaney, remains with me, but I could not persuade my husband or son to break ties with Lord Cardan. They believe that he will bring prosperity to our kingdoms. The fools. I have no tolerance for their stupidity,” Morgause spat out, as her eyes filled with malice.

  “When Lord Cardan and I next meet I shall have my revenge. “ Revenge? What was Morgause playing at?

  Molly watched her aunt warily while she tried to discern her body language. Morgause was too skilled of a witch to try and probe her thoughts. Even Molly couldn’t enter Morgause’s mind without being forever burned. Long ago, she had been Merlin’s pupil, and lover.