Shard Knight (Echoes Across Time Book 1) (39 page)

Rika and Danielle stood wet and dripping next to Ronan.

Ronan gestured toward Rika. “Sir Alcott I’d like to introduce you to -”

“The lovely Rika Finn.” Sir Alcott took Rika’s hand and bent to kiss it. “This boy’s been crazed with worry over you young lady, and I can see why. I’m glad to see you safe and whole.”

Rika blushed. “Thank you Sir Alcott.”

“You treat her like a proper lady Ronan. Do you understand me?” Sir Alcott said.

“Yes sir,” Ronan said.

“And this stunning fair-haired lass would be the queen’s own daughter. It’s wonderful to see you again Danielle. The last time you were but a babe in swaddling.” He put a hand on each of her shoulders and bent to kiss her cheek. “You’ve turned into a beautiful young woman, and you bear a striking resemblance to your mother. But…,” he tilted his head. “There’s something about you I can’t quite place.”

“It’s my father. I inherited his stubborn streak,” she said.

Sir Alcott shook with laughter. “Yes, I suppose that’s it.”

“It’s an honor to meet you ladies,” Devery bowed. “I apologize for the bumpy ride.”

“Rika and Danielle, I’d like to introduce Lord Devery Tyrell, High Lord of Redkeep,” Ronan said.

“It’s an honor to meet you Lord Tyrell,” Rika said.

“I’m not sure I deserve such a puffed up introduction, but thank you Ronan. And, it’s a pleasure to meet you Lady Finn,” Devery said.

“I’m sorry for your loss Lord Tyrell,” Danielle said.

“Thank you Lady Deveaux. It warms my heart knowing my brother’s sacrifice allowed such a wonderful young woman to live,” Devery said.

“Sir Alcott, did you travel to the Heartwood with my mother before Ronan and I were born?” Danielle said.

“I did indeed,” Sir Alcott said. “I’m glad you finally got a chance to meet your brother.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell us?” Ronan said.

“That was your parent’s place. No, I don’t meddle in family business unless I’m asked. And, I haven’t seen much of you these past five years,” Sir Alcott said.

“That’s what Master Tyrell said,” Ronan said.

“The important thing is that you’ve found each other, but how did it happen?”

“A company of shard knights captured us on our way into Meranthia,” Danielle said. They took me and another member of my crew captive before sending us to North Camp. That’s where I met Rika.”

“Rika’s brother Kelwin is outside with Keely. She’s the guardian that traveled with Danielle. They’re probably worried about us,” Ronan said.

“I’ll take some men outside and find them,” Devery said.

“Devery, how many of the Order’s former shard knights are with the resistance? The men Pride forced to give up their shards,” Ronan said.

“Maybe a half-dozen,” Devery said.

“Kelwin has a cache of shards. We took them from the fallen knights during our raid on North Camp.”

A smile lit Devery’s face. “That’s wonderful news. We can certainly use them.”

“Devery, if you use a mirror to reflect the sun, Keely can find you. She’ll be watching for that signal,” Danielle said.

“Thank you Miss Deveaux. We’ll return shortly with your friends.” Devery turned and left the sandy beach disappearing into a well-lit tunnel inside a glittering cavern.

“Sir Alcott, would it be possible to find a change of clothing? I’m soaked to the bone.” Danielle shivered and wrapped her arms around her chest.

“Where are my manners? Yes, of course. Follow me.” Sir Alcott crossed the beach and continued into a large cavern.

Ronan, Rika, and Danielle followed the scholar as he worked his way across the cavern floor. Soft yellow light spilled from oil lamps attached to the rocky walls giving the high-hanging stalactites a glistening magical effect. The lamplight revealed several tunnels that veered off in different directions.

“What is this place Sir Alcott?” Ronan said.

“It’s a base of sorts. Athena’s parents own the Golden Tap and suggested this location as a defensive outpost. It’s big enough to house several hundred troops throughout the various caves. Your mother approved construction seven years ago. We have barracks, guest accommodations, training facilities, working offices, and a mess hall in these caves. We’d just finished construction when…” His cheeks turned red above his thick gray bear. “I’m sorry lad, I didn’t meant to open old wounds.”

Ronan waved off Sir Alcott’s inadvertent slip of the tongue. “It’s okay Sir Alcott. Why doesn’t Merric Pride know about this cave?” Ronan said.

Sir Alcott dipped his head as he entered an airy passage leading from the beach. “Tyrell and I oversaw the facilities construction, and your mother knew how to keep secrets.”

“I can attest to that,” Ronan said smiling.

Sir Alcott chuckled. “I suppose you can. The men that built this outpost were loyal to your mother. We handpicked the crew for their discretion. Many of the men took up arms and are still an active part of the small force we’ve cobbled together. Honestly, we’ve never used the caves until now. We don’t have much of an army, but it came in handy today didn’t it?”

Ronan smiled. “Yes, I’m grateful for the rescue. Had you anticipated Pride’s arrival at the Golden tap this evening?”

“Yes, Athena told us. She offered to work the terrace bar in case you arrived. She’s a smart girl.”

“She didn’t look like a girl to me,” Rika said.

“Yes Rika, she must be eighteen by now. It all goes too fast,” Sir Alcott said.

The shifting passage weaved and cut back several times before Sir Alcott stopped. On either side of the tunnel thick wooden doors stood attached to rocky cave walls. “Here we are. Ladies to the right. Ronan to the left. You’ll find everything you need inside. When you’re ready, follow this passage to the next door on the left. I’ll be waiting.”

Rika and Danielle thanked Sir Alcott and disappeared into the room closing the door behind them.

Ronan opened the door and walked inside. As Sir Alcott promised, the modest room had a tall maple wardrobe filled with spare clothing and boots of all sizes. He found a dark blue cotton tunic and matching pants his size and stripped off his wet clothes piling them in a heap in the room’s corner. He slipped on a sturdy pair of leather boots, combed his hair, and left the room closing the door behind him. Ronan made his way along the passage until he found the door Sir Alcott mentioned.

He opened the door and stood before a spacious room bubbling with laughter and conversation.

Everyone had assembled including Devery, Kelwin, and Keely. Ronan’s friends sat in a hodgepodge of different style chairs in an informal semi-circle around a stone hearth warming the room with a blazing fire. Worn tasseled rugs covered the small cavern’s rocky floor, and a long oak table sat just behind Ronan’s friends. An array of plates lined the table with samplings of meats, cheeses, breads, and fruit. Several round candles sat atop the table casting a warm glow over the piles of food.

Flames from the hearth cast flickering shadows that tripped over the hand-woven rugs, and the firelight danced on the faces of Ronan’s treasured friends and family bathing them in warm oranges and yellows. Sir Alcott puffed on his pipe, and the smoke curled upward mixing with thin wisps of wood smoke drifting from the hearth.

Genuine warmth spread through Ronan’s body, and his tension drained away. A smile tugged at his lips as he paused to watch from open door. He soaked in the warmth, laughter, and easy conversations taking place inside the room. In his wildest dreams, he couldn’t imagine a place in the world more special.

Rika sprang from her chair, and her wavy dark hair bounced over her shoulders leaving her face partially shadowed. Her full pink lips curved into a half smile as she drew close to Ronan.

His stomach fluttered, and he stopped breathing as she approached. Her beauty never ceased to leave him anything other than awestruck.

Rika grabbed his shirt collar, stood on her tip-toes, and pulled his face even with hers. Their lips touched for only a moment, but her gaze lingered a second longer. “We were ready to send out a search party.”

Ronan’s heart pounded, and his legs wobbled as she intertwined her fingers with his guiding him across the room.

“I saved you a seat.” She inched his chair toward hers and sat with one leg curled beneath her body.

“Sir Alcott just finished the most fascinating story about you Ronan,” Danielle said. “I’m learning all sorts of interesting information about your childhood.” A mischievous grin spread across her face.

Ronan blushed. “I can only imagine.”

“I do have one story about both of you,” Sir Alcott said.

Ronan’s curiosity stirred, and he furrowed his brow. “What story?”

“You mother told it to me.” He scratched his beard and set his pipe on a silver ashtray. “You and Danielle weren’t more than a few days old. Arianne told me your father built a crib for you and your sister. That first night she swaddled each of you nice and tight and placed you both at opposite ends of the crib. And, mind you, any crib Connal Deveaux built was never going to be tiny. When she came in later that night to check on you, she found you two side by side without an inch between you.” His eyes sparkled as he laughed. “She said you were pressed together like two slices of bread. Neither she nor Connal could figure out how you’d moved. She thought you’d spent so much time together it came natural. Like breathing.” Conversation stopped as Sir Alcott commanded the room’s attention. His dusty blue eyes grew distant and rimmed with moisture as he relived old memories. “Even though twenty years have passed, and many miles separated you from your sister, you’ve found your way to each other just like that first night in the Heartwood.” The moisture in Sir Alcott’s eyes gleamed in the warm firelight, and his gaze drifted toward Ronan and Danielle. “Arianne was right. You two fit together like two slices of bread.”

Danielle wiped tears from her face. “Thank you for that Sir Alcott. I don’t have any memories of my mother, so the ones I hear I’ll cherish forever.”

Keely stood and stretched before walking toward the long table lined with fresh food. She grabbed a fist-sized roll and bit off a chunk with her teeth. “I’m starving. Do you mind if I help myself?” Keely said as she chewed.

“No, please do. That’s why it’s there. Everyone please eat,” Sir Alcott said.

Plates rattled and silverware clanged as those assembled prepared plates from the food piled high across the oak table.

Ronan prepared a plate with roast beef, smoked landfort cheese, and fresh apples. “Judging by the amount of food, I’ll assume Monsieur Marez is here?”

“You’d assume correct,” Devery said. “He’s here and prepared the meal. He asked that I pass on his condolences at Patron’s passing.”

“Thank you Devery,” Ronan said.

“Sir Alcott, Ronan told me you may be able to shed some light on a book we located from Salem’s Peak.”

Sir Alcott raised an eyebrow. “A book from Salem’s Peak?”

Danielle retold the story of her team’s harrowing adventure through the Trinity Range ending with their narrow escape from North Camp.

Ronan finished Danielle’s story detailing Patron Tyrell’s sacrifice that ultimately led to their escape.

“I have the book with me Sir Alcott.” She removed the book from her leather belt pouch and handed it to the scholar.

Sir Alcott’s brows furrowed as he ran his fingers over the front cover. He flipped it over, and his breath caught as his hand froze near book’s bottom left corner. “This can’t be.” He mumbled the words low to himself.

“What’s wrong?” Ronan said.

Sir Alcott’s hand trembled as he used a light touch to flip the book back so the front cover faced him. Through stunned eyes he stared at the book’s white cover. “This book doesn’t exist. It’s a myth. A legend so old as to be a joke among Freehold’s Historical Society. At least, if it’s the book I believe it to be.”

“Care to explain?” Ronan said.

“The cover is carved from the tusks of a great horned ice bear. On the back cover, here,” he raised the book and pointed to the bottom left, “the words have faded, but they’re here carved in the tusk.”

Ronan raised an eyebrow. “Come on Sir Alcott. That bear, if it ever existed, went extinct at least a thousand years ago.”

“They existed, and they still might today. I’ve heard rumors of sightings deep in the Adris Mountains,” Devery said.

“What do the words say?” Rika said.

“The language itself died a thousand years ago,” Sir Alcott said.

Danielle’s shoulders slumped. “So you can’t read it?”

“Oh, I didn’t say that. I can read it.” He ran his fingers over the bone white cover. “It’s called the Book of Order.”

“What does it say?” Danielle said.

“Patience young lady. Let’s savor the moment first. Some historians believe The Book of Order explains how Elan’s magic works and what happened during His life. Heilyn, Elan’s first disciple, wrote it in the years following the Shattering.”

“It could help us restore Elan’s magic?” Ronan said

“Well, yes. It might. It’s the kind of book that begins wars. It’s possible many people won’t like the information contained inside this book. Two-thousand years is a long time, and the words under this old cover may challenge much of what we Meranthians hold sacred.” He rubbed the book’s face with his fingertips.