The Emerald Staff (33 page)

As he deepened their kiss, the fire in the
corner roared to life sending flames high enough to lick at the
ceiling of the cavern. Startled, Faedra and Faen broke from their
embrace to gape at the towering inferno.

The out of control flames were dangerously
close to setting the bedding and furniture alight.

“What the…? How?” Faen said, standing up and
drawing his sword, looking all around the cavern for an
intruder.

Faedra put her hand on his arm. “Don’t worry,
I think I know,” she said, before closing her eyes and
concentrating. A moment later the flames subsided until they were
crackling as before in the fire pit.

“Well, that’s just great,” Faedra said,
despondent. “Looks like I’m not going to be able to enjoy a simple
kiss for a while. Not only do I have to worry about electrocuting
you, now I have to worry about burning you alive and setting our
house on fire.” She huffed out a sigh.

Faen looked down at her and offered his
hand.

Faedra took it and eased herself up off the
stone with his help. He placed both of her arms around his
neck.

“I am willing to take that risk if you are.”
He gave her a boyish grin that would have melted her in a previous
state.

Now she would be the one doing the melting.
She matched his smile with one of her own and her heart soared. Of
course, this incredible man would always be at her side no matter
what; why would she even have doubted it? She hugged him for all
she was worth.

After just a few seconds, Faen pushed her
back a little to which Faedra’s joyous expression changed to one of
hurt, until she noticed the sweat pouring down his face.

“I need to take this coat off or you will
have baked Guardian on your hands.”

Faen removed his thermal clothing discarding
it to the floor and hauled his Custodian into the hug of her life,
then angled his head and gave her another passionate kiss.

“Okay, you two get a room.”

In response to the unannounced visitor, Faen
and Faedra pushed each other apart as if they’d just been
discovered doing something they shouldn’t.

“Dad!” Faedra exclaimed when she recognized
his voice. She moved across the room to where Henry was standing,
holding the emerald staff, with a smile that split his face in
two.

He laid the staff on the floor and held his
arms open for his daughter. She slammed into him, nearly knocking
him backwards.

“You’re okay,” Faedra said when they finished
their hug and she stepped back to look him up and down.

“And so are you. Thank goodness. I’ve been
worried sick about you, young lady. What did you want to go pulling
a stunt like that for?” Henry said. “Next time, you need to listen
to your Guardian.” He looked over at Faen and gave him a wink.

Faedra then realized that her dad knew Faen
as Frederick.

“Um, yeah, about that,” she started.

“Don’t worry. Faen had plenty of time to
bring me up to speed over the past few weeks. But that doesn’t mean
I don’t want to hear your side of the story.” He gave her a cheeky
grin.

Henry threw a fleeting glance around the
cavern “Well, I don’t know about you, but I think it’s about time
we got out of this place. What say we all go home?” He bent down to
pick up the emerald staff and took hold of his daughter’s hand.

Faen grabbed the ruby staff and walked over
to Faedra. He slid his hand around her waist. “Home it is.” Then he
rapped the ruby staff on the floor and the three disappeared,
leaving the cavern empty once again.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It takes a lot of people to bring a book to
life and mine is no different. With that in mind I am going to
mention each and every one of the wonderfully supportive network of
people who helped me. So, if you are sitting comfortably, I shall
begin.

My wonderful beta-readers (in alpha order).
Alyssa, Andi, Artemis, Carina, David, and Jos. Your feedback and
ideas helped me mold and shape the story into what it is today.

Marisa Wagner, my awesome editor. Your
attention to detail is amazing. You took my words and made them
sing.

The talented Lindsay Mercer, who stepped up
to the plate last minute, when I needed a black dragon and did an
amazing job with the cover art. Thanks also to Ginny, who found her
for me.

Some of the names, both character and place,
were the creation of Whitney, Micayla, and Morgan. Who came up with
some totally original words in response to a competition I ran. So
original, in fact, they can’t be found on Google…not yet
anyway.

Jen, who let me use her library of books,
once again, so I could make the magical elements as factual as
possible.

The Interpretation Team at Norwich Castle,
England. Team manager, Ian Flint paired me with the very
knowledgeable Marilyn Taylor, who took me on a private tour of the
dungeons and keep, and answered all of my wacky questions without
batting an eyelid.

And last, but by no means least, my soul
mate. Your never ending love and support knows no bounds. I love
you.

Thank you to you all.