Bachelor and the Beast (Once Upon a Man) by Jade Astor

Author:Jade Astor [Astor, Jade]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B00BL8IN7C
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Published: 2013-02-15T11:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

Donlin swallowed, knowing he had no choice but to press forward. Baldemar stood at the wall, arms folded, waiting.

"'Tis true." Donlin plunged ahead. "You are not the only man in this keep who holds a secret. Mine is that I know not who I am—save for what clues I have pieced together. I cannot even be certain that the name I use is truly my own. That is why I went to the apothecary and asked for a potion."

"Headaches." Baldemar nodded. "I recall you mentioning the matter. You said they were caused by battle wounds."

"That seemed a reasonable guess. However, I know not what causes my affliction. I realize that I should have revealed everything at once, but I confess I was ashamed of my weakness. I can only hope the potion he supplied me with may help."

"As do I."

"You said the apothecary is a man of great skill." Donlin considered their dual predicament. "If his potion proves beneficial to me, do you think he could also cure… you?"

Baldemar's jaw tensed and he shook his head. "There is no cure for one such as me. 'Twould be futile to ask. Yet I am grateful for your concern on my behalf."

"I told you… I am not one to judge. How could I?" Donlin laughed bitterly. "Are we not a well-matched pair? I wish only to recapture my past… and you wish only to undo yours."

Baldemar looked at him, and a slow smile crept across his stern mouth. "Perhaps, in the end, your quest will prove as elusive as mine."

"Yes," said Donlin.

Baldemar uncrossed his arms and the two fell together, taking comfort in one another's embrace. Donlin wished they could return to his bed and await the morning there, but soon Baldemar drew away.

"Dawn will arrive soon, and I must hide myself. Will you still be here when I rise at sundown?"

"You know I will."

Baldemar nodded, stepping away. "Go, then. We shall discuss this at more length tomorrow night."

"As you wish." With a nod, Donlin returned to his chamber and climbed onto the bed. For a long while after the sun rose he lay atop the covers, his hands beneath his head and his mind racing like a blustery autumn wind.

Soon he reached under the bedclothes and took out the small pouch he had concealed there earlier. Ale or wine, the apothecary had said. Donlin rose.

A brief search of the silent keep turned up a jug of ale Carew had left on the dining hall's sideboard. Pouring himself a goblet full, Donlin seated himself at the table and poured in the powder. He watched it sparkle and flash as it dissolved.

Closing his eyes, he drank deeply. Ignoring the burn in his throat and stomach, he returned to bed and slept at last.

Over the past two nights, his slumber had been peaceful. This time, far different thoughts crowded his mind. Spinning through his head were images of beastly fangs and flashing, blooddrenched swords. Screams rang in his ears as he saw men in armor fall and die.

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