Demon Within (9 page)

‘Well that does make more sense, yes.’

Garlan hadn’t expected it. But anything to save another two days of traveling back to Brightstone and back was a good idea. It also gave him the opportunity to see the infamous gold mines at Darkmide. He’d heard Kai closed them after his bloody rampage and Roulan was insistent on having a tour.

‘I wonder if I might ask something.’ Garlan felt he and Kai had established a good basis after such a short meeting, and didn’t see any reason to not ask a favor.

Raising a brow Kai waited to hear the request.

‘Would you take myself and Roulan to the Goldmines to have a-’

‘NO!’ Kai barked.

Garlan jumped when Kai leaned towards him with wild eyes.

‘The gold mines in Darkmide are closed, and they stay that way.’

‘I just thought maybe we could have a look.’

Frosty eyes glared at Garlan.

‘I said no, and if you break my order, we’ll call everything off. The mines stay closed.’

‘Forgive me, I meant no offense. I give you my word we’ll honor your wishes.’

Garlan wished he’d never asked and it was Roulan that wanted to see them more than he, annoyed with himself for asking he swallowed nervously. Kai wasn’t happy.

Hating traveling and missing home already, Kai took a deep breath after his final words with Garlan. It was a sore subject; he’d closed the mines and never wanted them reopening, not even for someone to look around. He chuckled to himself over Garlan’s terrified reaction; one thing about Garlan was right, he was a sniveling coward.

Continuing towards Kai, Sabe noticed his wide grin.

‘Are we making wedding arrangements?’

For his cheek, he earned a bear hug with a growl. When Kai released him, he threw his arm over his shoulder and marched him towards the horses, where Kiera waited.

‘Tell Maika and Saul they’ll be giving up their horses, and traveling back in the carriages with half of the soldiers and the cook. That shouldn’t be a problem, because she’s got all the food and wine.’

He chuckled and released Sabe from his arm hold. Sabe stopped suddenly and stared.

‘They’re coming back with us?’

‘Yes, I think we should get this over with, don’t you?’ He placed his hand on Sabe’s chest, while the other rested on his shoulder. He winked and smirked.

‘I’ve got something that’ll make you happy.’

‘You have?’

‘Oh yes.’

Kai turned Sabe round and pointed him towards Nissa.

‘She’s coming to stay, with Eloise.’

He’d leaned close to Sabe’s ear as his hands landed on his shoulders and squeezed tight. Sabe let out a cry before ducking from grip so he could turn back to face him.

‘You’re serious? How did you pull that off?’

‘I can’t claim the credit for that; she wanted to stay with her mistress. But that’s not all of it. I’ve warned him we’re only aiding if he’s attacked, so if he tries to invade the Highlands, he’s on his own.’ Kai stood up straight, beamed a wide grin and folded his arms over his chest.

‘You did well my friend.’ Sabe slapped his arm. Suddenly remembering about Kiera, he winced and glanced to the horses, were she waited.

‘I need to talk to you about something, when we get home.’

He leaned close and spoke softly. ‘I know what’s wrong with my sister.’

Kai’s brows rose. ‘Is it something I did or you did?’

‘I think we’re both guilty.’ He stepped back. ‘We’ll talk about it when we’re home.’

Turning, he started running towards where Saul and Maika were stationed to give them the good news.

‘Bring the horses Kiera, we’re moving out.’ Kai glanced over to her and smiled before turning his attention towards Eloise. He couldn’t wait to get home.

It was late afternoon at Stonegarth and Ellanor had spent the last hour choosing her clothing for the journey to Blackhill. Rummaging through the large cedar chest, she’d found the items she thought would be suitable for riding, but she still needed a dress, for when they arrived at Blackhill, and she had to choose carefully. It would be rolled up and shoved in a bag, fastened to the saddle for two days, so the fabric needed to travel well. Linen was out of the question; it creased easily and looked like sack-cloth when wrinkled. But she was sure she’d find something suitable, eventually.

Wanting to make use of the limited space on the horses, Ellanor had chosen a pair of riding breeches, two long sleeved, cotton shirts and a knitted waistcoat. Obviously she’d need her cloak, and chose the warmest one she had. Still in late summer; although the afternoons were warm, a chill would set in later. She knew Caster would curse if she complained she was cold.

She found the riding boots at the bottom of the chest, and after checking for holes, threw them on the bed. Almost ready, only needing underwear and toiletries which, she’d sort in the morning, she was ready to go.

Caster’s bags were packed; he didn’t take any sorting at all. Jace didn’t need any help either; he’d packed his bags soon after his father told him they were going.

Jace would decide which horses they would take, because he rode them all regularly, she wanted to know which was hers. Being an accomplished rider in her younger years, she would find it strenuous to begin with but would be fine after a while.

Her thoughts turned to Caster and the meeting they’d have with Kai of Darkmide; the outcome would be worthwhile. For as long as they’d been together, she’d supported him, in all his activities. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for him, or anywhere she wouldn’t go to be by his side. If everything turned out how she’d hoped, he could finally put the past to rest.

Leaving the bedroom, Ellanor made her way to the kitchen. She greeted Maisey, their cook, with a smile.

‘Is everything ready?’ Ellanor looked over the food and beamed.

‘I’m just waiting for the pies Mistress.’ She pointed towards the large oven. Ellanor moved closer and took in a deep breath. The smell was wonderful.

Maisey grinned and raised her brows.

‘I know how much you all love game pie. It will last a few days. I’ve got some fruit loaf, and the cheese and cured ham is all ready to be packed.’ She swiped her hands down her apron and beamed a wide grin. Pleased with herself she’d made everything as asked, and on time, she waited to hear if there was anything else Ellanor needed.

‘You’re the best.’ Ellanor moved towards her and gave her a hug.

‘It’s my pleasure Mistress.’ She sighed heavily. ‘I’m going to miss you all!’

‘We’ll only be gone a few days.’

‘I know, but it’s going to be so quiet here.’ She pulled away from Ellanor and scratched her head under the white scarf that covered her hair.

Maisey had a big heart and sometimes worried far too much, but Ellanor adored her, as did Jace and Caster. She’d been with them since Jace was born. Never married or had children, she looked at him as her own son.

‘I’ll leave you to it since you’ve got everything under control.’

Ellanor could hear Jace and Caster in the hall and joined them after leaving the kitchen.

Discussing the horses and deciding how many they would need, Jace listened to his father.

‘If we take an extra horse, maybe Sal, we’ll manage more supplies.’ Caster stood with his arms folded. Hearing Ellanor approach, he turned to smile.

‘We’re almost ready, just deciding on which horses to take.’

‘Good. I’m almost done myself. Maisey’s got everything ready, and there’s just a few tasks remaining, but I’ll do them in the morning.’

Ellanor threaded her arm in Casters. ‘Which horse have you chosen for me?’

Both Jace and Caster turned to look at her and gawked.

‘What?’

Caster raised his brows. ‘Ellanor, why would you need a horse? You’re not coming with us.’

Jace took a deep breath.

Ellanor glared at them both. ‘I’m not letting you two go without me! This is important to all our lives!’

Caster thought for a moment; he was unsure what would happen when they reached Blackhill and felt she’d be safer at home. This was going to be a problem.

Unfolding his arms, he tried to hold her hands, but Ellanor quickly pulled them out of reach and placed them on her hips, scowling. Jace held back a grin and lowered his head; enjoying watching his father squirm.

‘My love, don’t you think you’re a little… old to be riding.’

Raising his head quickly, Jace hissed and screwed up his face.

Ellanor gasped then shoved Caster with all her weight against the wall. Surprised at her outburst, his arms raised to shield his body, thinking she would lash out with her fist next. She pinned him to the wall with all her weight, and stood on tiptoes to look at him. With blazing red cheeks, her temper was high.

Jace had always seen his mother as a gentle, caring woman. He hoped one day, when he found someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, she’d be demure, just as his mother was. But today, he was looking at her with different eyes. It was amusing, in a strange kind of way. For his safety he remained quiet and watched his mother lay into his father.

‘So, I’m too old am I?’ She prodded her index finger at his chest. ‘I wasn’t ‘too old’ this morning in bed, was I?’

Caster’s mouth gaped. Ellanor continued her lashing before he could muster up a thought.

‘It wasn’t me that kept stopping to catch their breath now, was it?’

‘Jace, go and see if Maisey needs any help in the kitchen.’ Caster didn’t want Jace to hear about their bedroom antics.

Jace was about to move but his mother pointed her finger at him before he took a step.

‘Stay right where you are!’ Her eyes never left Casters. She wasn’t letting either of these two out of her sight until this was sorted.

‘Now listen here, you old goat.’ She brought her finger back to Caster’s chest, and poked him hard with each of her last three words.

Jace couldn’t hold in a giggle, and covered his mouth when his father glared at him.

‘We’re ALL going to Blackhill. This is a family matter, and I’ve got just as much right to be there as either of you two!’

Caster daren’t open his mouth. Never in all their years of marriage had he ever seen her so angry.

Ellanor took a deep breath; she’d made herself heard and wasn’t about to back down now. Without looking at Jace, she gave Caster his orders.

‘I don’t care which horse I ride. You can choose whichever you think will be best for me.’

Jace didn’t reply and looked to his father. Shrugging his shoulders, he questioned what he should do. Caster gave a slight nod. Ellanor saw him and stepped back. Folding her arms, she narrowed her eyes at Caster.

‘Glad we have that sorted. I’ll be upstairs, finishing my packing, if you need me!’ Glaring at Jace as she turned to leave, she marched across the hallway and was out of sight up the stairs before he could speak.

‘Hell fire! I’ve never seen mother so angry.’

Caster puffed out a long breath and wiped his forehead then raised his brow and grinned. ‘Me neither.’ He started chuckling. ‘I thought she was going to hit me!’ Slapping Jace’s arm, he encouraged him to sort out the horses.

‘Best let her ride Betsy, she’s a plodder, and isn’t likely to get startled by anything.’

Jace nodded. ‘You’re right. I’ll check all the horses and be back later for supper.’

Caster stood alone in the hall. Brushing his hands over his head, he drew out a long breath then laughed. What the hell had just happened? Now he just had to make everything right between Ellanor. Where to start? He did know one-thing; he had some serious groveling to do.

Ellanor huffed and sorted her clothing. Stuffing it into the hold-all, her body trembled. Still trying to calm herself, she couldn’t believe what just happened. How could Caster not want her to go? Shaking her head, she took a few deep breaths. She walked over to the window, and gazed out into the mist covered hills. She loved her home, her life; pleased with the way everything had turned out, after the early years of being so unhappy, she sighed.

A knock on the bedroom door, interrupted her thoughts. Turning around, she watched Caster poke his head around the door. She quickly returned to look out of the window. She didn’t want to talk to him at this moment, she was still furious.

‘Ellanor, may I come in?’

Caster watched her, he knew she wasn’t happy and it bothered him that he’d hurt her. Closing the door after edging his way into the room, he shoved his hands deep into his trouser pockets and took a few, slow steps towards Ellanor.

‘I’m sorry my love. I didn’t mean to upset you. You were right to insist on coming with us. I realize that now.’

Reaching his hand to her arm, he gently brushed a finger across her shoulder. ‘Can you forgive me?’

Caster waited patiently. He traced his finger along her shoulder then sliding his hand beneath her hair; he twisted a long tress around his fingers and edged a little closer. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but feared he’d get a slap; and he would deserve it.

Ellanor felt his gentle touch against her shoulder and closed her eyes. She was upset now, rather than angry. He’d wounded her, and she appreciated he may not have intended too, but she was still hurting. Reaching over her shoulder, she touched his hand with her fingertips. That’s all she could manage. Knowing if she tried to speak, she’d cry, and she didn’t want that.

Understanding he’d made a mess, and accepting her touch as a peace offering, he gathered her close. Brushing his mouth against the side of her head, he closed his eyes. The sweet scent of Jasmine filled his nostrils; she made perfume from the flowers in summer. He loved it and each time he smelled Jasmine, it reminded him of Ellanor.

Caster stood at the window, his arms wrapped around his wife and friend, he appreciated how lucky he was to have her. Squeezing and kissing her, he wanted to make everything right. It took a few moments for Ellanor to come around, but eventually she leaned her head to his. Nestling against his neck, she kissed him gently before turning. She slid her arms around his sides, and smoothed them up his back while looking up to see sad eyes staring. She managed a smile.

‘I love you wife.’ Caster leaned close, kissed the tip of her nose and cuddled her.

‘I love you… you old goat.’ She chuckled.

Caster laughed and groaned against her ear for her jest, but pleased she was talking to him, accepted her jibe. Admitting he deserved the name calling, he gave her another tender kiss.

‘Let’s go have a glass of port, before supper shall we?’

‘Yes, I think I’d like that.’

Turning and leading Ellanor by the hand, he was happy everything was back to normal. Jace should have finished checking the horses and while he washed up, they could have a quiet drink.

They had a long journey ahead of them; the two day ride to Blackhill would be tiring. Caster wanted to get an early night; a few glasses of port would help get him off to sleep, ready for the early start the next morning.