Druid's Bane (Book 1, The Arkaelyon Chronicles) by Henderson Phillip

Author:Henderson, Phillip [Henderson, Phillip]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Acclaimed Books
Published: 2011-04-12T18:30:00+00:00

***

Her horse was blowing hard by the time Danielle dismounted outside the stables on the north side of the Fairfax villa. On the gallop back from the stream she had been lost in her own thoughts, and it was only now that she realised James had fallen behind. She left her horse with a groom and hurried off down the gravel path to a gate in the ivy-covered wall that surrounded the manor house’s lawns and gardens. It was by far the quickest way to the library. What Joseph had to tell her there, she couldn’t imagine. But she feared more duplicity.

She heard hoof beats on gravel, and James calling to her, bidding her wait. Danielle drew up before the small iron gate. James dismounted and reached her at a run. “Danielle,” he paused, trying to catch his breath, “before you talk to Joseph…there are things you need to know. It is not my place to say, but what Joseph is about to reveal to you…it was not a course of action agreed by all. In fact, Joseph and Glomar have always staunchly opposed the decision that was made. So please don’t blame either of them. And please don’t tell Joseph I told you this.”

Danielle nodded, not at all sure what he meant, and after James opened the gate, she went through into the garden, more confused and apprehensive than ever. Joseph and Glomar have always staunchly opposed the decision that was made? He spoke as if Glomar were still alive. An error of the moment, she supposed as they strode along, their boots crunching on the gravel.

The path ran under a stand of beech trees to the lawn, and as they walked, Danielle could hear the genial chatter of a sizable crowd. Between the thick tree trunks she caught sight of a white canvas pavilion, erected on the lawn in front of the villa. An army of servants carried platters of food from the house, hurrying between clusters of local gentry and their wives and children.

Danielle frowned, guessing it was a farewell celebration, given in her honour. “Did you know about this?”

“I must confess, I did.”

She flashed him a reprimanding look. He knew bloody well she didn’t enjoy these gatherings.

She saw Owen, the household butler, talking and laughing with Bastion, and made a beeline for them. She wasn’t aware Bastion had returned from Amthenium.

Justin had been playing with Black in the shade of an oak tree nearby, and on spotting Danielle’s approach, he and the wolf came running over to meet her. She swept the boy up in one arm and petted the wolf’s head, before continuing, James on her left and Black trotting along on her right. She was sorely conscious of her grimy state and wanted to get to the library as soon as possible.

Bastion laid a hand on her shoulder and kissed her cheek before taking James’ hand firmly. It was obvious that he already held her protector in the highest regard. Black seemed to approve too, for he had sat down quietly on James’s boots and was enjoying a head rub.

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